How And When To Use The Emergency Descent Symbol On An Elevated Platform

When working in a potentially dangerous situation like an elevated platform

, you need to be completely aware of what your equipment is and how it works. And yet, during the London 2012 Games construction project, it became clear that numerous people didn't know how to find or use their emergency descent devices, or EDDs. After this, companies such as Tracked Access began a concentrated effort to educate their workers and begin using emergency descent symbols more. But just how and when should an emergency descent symbol or device be used on an elevated platform?

An emergency descent symbol is designed to mark any EDD so that they are easy to locate. The design settled on by most companies is a picture of an elevated platform, a down arrow and a person bent over the bars. As for when it's used, it should be used on every single piece of EDD, which in turn means that it should be used on every single elevated platform at least twice. If it isn't, someone has either neglected to attach the symbol to the equipment, or the elevated platform is under-equipped in the case of an emergency. Note that the symbol will usually be tucked out of the way on the floor, as EDD is not a part of the main controls but a separate object, rather like a life jacket or fire extinguisher.

Speaking of the EDD, how to use it is rather simple. Most devices take the form of a spool of wire which is hooked up to the elevated platform. By hooking yourself up to the wire, you can use it to slowly descend safely to the ground. The real question however is when it is appropriate to use it. For many emergencies staying in the platform is a better idea. For instance, if the platform hits an electrical wire, if can be dangerous to move about let alone descend! Other times, such as when the platform is stuck with no such risk associated with leaving, it is the right call. In the end, when to use the EDD is half dependent on your company policy and half dependent on your own judgement. Never use the EDD when there is no emergency. An EDD is not an appropriate way to get down to the ground on a day to day basis; it is an emergency safety device not a toy. Although, as part of safety training, it may be appropriate to go through when, where and how it is to be used within your own companys regulations and policies, as well as those outlined by the health and safety Executive.

Keep in mind any emergency procedures your workplace has in place. If they are lacking or you feel there is not enough emergency equipment, speak to your supervisor. Every single elevated platform should have an emergency descent symbol on each of the Emergency Descent Devices.

by: Kevin Grant

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