Why Rope Rescue Training Saves Lives
When IRATA, the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association
, was set up in 1987 the industry operated under the standard health& safety guidelines only. Since then, IRATA have worked closely with the HSE to formulate rules and guidelines which are specific to those working on tall structures. The prime regulation for those working at height is the Work at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations apply to everyone who works at any height where a fall is likely to cause injury. Whilst in this article we are concentrating on those working on tall structures, the regulations do apply to any worker who may fall and injure themselves and this includes falling from a step ladder in a basement.
The regulations are summarised in a free booklet, INDG401 which is available on the web or from your local HSE contact. The full text of the regulations can be found on http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm. The core of the regulations revolve around the responsibility placed on the duty holder to ensure that: - all work at height is properly planned and organised; - all work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety; - those involved in work at height are trained and competent; - the place where work at height is done is safe; - equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected; - the risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled; and - the risks from falling objects are properly controlled
This duty of care encompasses all personnel who are likely to be working at height. With safety as its central ethos, IRATA technicians are trained to work within these guidelines. Because of this companies worldwide appoint IRATA member firms for their working at height projects.
The Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007 came into force on 6 April 2007. This regulation applies to those who provide instruction or leadership people engaged in caving or climbing by way of sport, recreation, team building or similar activities.
Whilst the ideal when working at height is not to fall, inevitably accidents happen or equipment fails. Even IRATA technicians, who have a better safety record than in comparable industries, will have to rely on fall arrest from time to time. When falls happen, having a safe fall arrest system in place is vital. Whilst some constructions may incorporate fall arrest measures such as safety nets, personal fall protection is based on four key principals. These can be called the ABCD's of fall arrest.
A stands for anchorage and is the point on the structure that the worker is anchored to as well as the device that is used for the connection. The fact that there have been no on-rope fatalities for IRATA technicians in the past twenty years is partly down to the fact that IRATA rope access work involves using two anchorage points with separate ropes .
B stands for body wear. This is the harness that is worn by the technician. There are many different types of harness on the market and it is important that the most appropriate one is chosen bearing in mind the build of the technician as well as the nature of the project.
C stands for connecting device. This is the rope or similar which connects the harness to the anchor.
D stands for deceleration device. Sometimes this is incorporated within C. It is used to absorb or dissipate the force generated through a worker falling. As with A, B and C, all elements of this device should be inspected regularly. IRATA publishes safety notices on its website and these should be reviewed daily.
Following on from fall arrest comes rope rescue. Techniques used in rope rescue can apply equally to the rescue of an injured climber or a rescue from a cooling tower. Training in rope rescue is therefore not just appropriate for IRATA rope access technicians, but can also apply to firemen, cave rescue teams or the coastguard. Training usually covers evaluation of the situation, the management of the rescue, the correct equipment to be used and the appropriate treatment of the casualty.
The HSE has ruled that no change should be made to the standard first aid guidance for the post recovery of a semi conscious or unconscious person in a horizontal position, even if the subject of prior harness suspension. However, rope rescue presents its own challenges and potential risks to the casualty and some knowledge of basic first aid principles is recommended. For this reason IRATA level 3 technicians have to have appropriate first aid qualifications as part of their training.
Copyright (c) 2010 Filton Kingswood
by: Filton Kingswood
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