FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

RESCUE PLAN

IMPORTANT: This document is intended

to provide guidance only for developing
site-specific rescue plans for working
at heights.

GLOBAL LEADER
IN FALL PROTECTION
 FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

RESCUE PLAN
This document is intended to provide guidance only for
developing site-specific rescue plans for working at heights.

1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this rescue template is to establish corporate-wide guidelines for responding
to falls from height. This rescue plan is intended to reduce risks to an employee’s health after
a fall arrest event. The rescue plan should also minimize the amount of at-risk behavior of the
rescuer during the rescue attempt, and help to ensure that the rescue is conducted promptly
in a safe and professional manner.

2.0 APPLICATION
2.1 This rescue plan applies to all locations where personnel are employed to work at height.
2.2 The requirements of this rescue plan must be observed by all personnel involved in
working at heights.
2.3 This rescue plan must be reviewed or included in any job safety analysis or pre-task
planning for activities that require working at heights.

3.0 DEFINITIONS
3.1 RESCUE PLAN: A strategy or procedure, planned in advance, to safely retrieve a person who
has fallen from an elevated work surface and is suspended in a full body harness. This
includes self-rescue or mechanically aided rescue.

3.2 SELF RESCUE: An act or instance of an employee using his fall protection equipment to
rescue him or herself.

3.3 MECHANICALLY AIDED RESCUE: A strategy or procedure, planned in advance, to safely retrieve
a person who has fallen from an elevated work surface using mechanical means.

3.4 SUSPENSION TRAUMA: A serious medical condition that can lead to unconsciousness, injury
or death, which can occur when a worker is suspended in a harness for too long after a fall.

3.5 PROMPT RESCUE: The recommended goal for rescue subject contact is less than six minutes,
per ANSI Z359.2-6.1.

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 FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 EMPLOYEES:
• Must be trained in and familiar with the Fall Protection Program.
• Must understand and be able to evaluate the risks associated with working at heights.
• Must be trained and competent in the use of fall protection equipment prior to
conducting work at heights.
• Must report unsafe conditions or behaviors to the Person-In-Charge.
• Must be familiar with and understand the company’s rescue plan to provide prompt
rescue in the event of an arrested fall event.

4.2 AUTHORIZED RESCUER:

• Must be trained by a competent rescuer trainer before being exposed to a fall hazard or
potential rescue application.
• Must be re-trained when the nature of the work, workplace, or methods of control or
rescue change to an extent that prior training is no longer adequate.
• Must be trained on how to inspect, anchor, assemble and use the fall protection and
rescue equipment used in locations where employees work. Training must include
physical demonstrations by trainees.
• Training must include at least the following:
o Fall hazard recognition;
o Fall hazard elimination and control methods;
o Applicable fall protection and rescue regulations;
o How to use written fall protection and rescue procedures;
o Inspection of equipment components and systems before use.
• Refresher training must occur at least every two years for the authorized rescuer to stay
current with fall protection and rescue educational requirements per ANSI.
• Must be evaluated by a competent rescuer or competent rescuer trainer at least
annually to ensure competency of the duties assigned. This evaluation must include
both a written examination and a physical demonstration of usage of all equipment the
person is authorized to operate.

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 FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.3 COMPETENT RESCUER:
• Must be trained by a competent rescuer trainer.
• Must be trained on how to inspect, anchor, assemble and use the fall protection and
rescue equipment used in locations where employees work. Training must include
physical demonstrations by trainees.
• Training must include use of all types of equipment and systems used in locations
where rescues may be required, including inspection of systems prior to use, installation,
component compatibility, descent control, secondary systems, packaging methods,
dismantling, storage and the common hazards associated with each system and
component.
• Training must include at least the following information:
o Fall hazard elimination and control methods;
o Applicable fall protection and rescue regulations;
o Assessment of fall hazards to determine rescue methods;
o Responsibilities of designated persons under this standard;
o Detailed inspection and recording of rescue equipment components and
systems;
o Rescue systems assessment and determination of when a system is unsafe;
o Development of written fall protection rescue procedures;
o Selection and use of non-certified anchorages.
• Refresher training for Competent Person Rescuers must be conducted at least every
year per ANSI.

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 FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 A
 rescue plan must be a part of the Job Safety Analysis for any job that requires work
at height. The rescue plan must include consideration of the following rescue types and
circumstances:
5.1.1 SELF RESCUE:

If the person working at heights has properly selected and used his or her fall
protection equipment, 90% of workers will be able to perform a Self Rescue, which
should include these steps:
1. Climbing back up to the level from which he fell (from a few inches to 2-3
feet).
2. Returning to the floor or ground to be evaluated for possible medical
attention per OSHA.
3. Removing all components of fall arrest system impacted by the fall event
from service and documenting (bag and tag) the components with name,
date and activity at time of fall and giving the equipment
to management.

5.1.2 ASSISTED SELF RESCUE WITH MECHANICALLY AIDED HAULING/ROPE SYSTEM:


If self-rescue is not possible, than an Assisted Self Rescue will be needed. The
following guidelines should be used during a mechanically aided rescue:
1. The Capital Safety Rollgliss R550 or other compliant rescue and descent
device will be secured to an anchor that is rated for at least 3,000 lbs.
2. The haul line may be swung over or lowered to the fallen worker, who will
grab the rescue lifeline snap hook and secure it to the appropriate D-ring
on his body support. A positive connection to the D-ring must be verified
by one of the rescue team members.
3. The rescue team will raise or lower the fallen employee to the appropriate
work platform or ground and provide medical aid as required by OSHA.
4. Remove all components of fall arrest system impacted by the fall event
from service and document (bag and tag) the components with name, date
and activity at time of fall and give the equipment
to management.

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 FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM

5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1.3 MECHANICALLY AIDED *(UNCONSCIOUS) WITH HAULING/ROPE SYSTEM:

If the worker’s injuries prevent the worker from attaching to the rescue system, both
self-rescue and assisted self-rescue are not options, and a fully Assisted Rescue is
necessary:
1. The Capital Safety Rollgliss R550 or other compliant rescue and descent
device will be secured to an anchor that is rated for at least 3,000 lbs.

2. A rescue team member must attach the haul line to the worker’s fall arrest
system. This can be performed by accessing the fallen worker and then
attaching the rescue system directly to a D-ring on the worker’s harness,
or by using a rescue pole for the attachment. The rescue team could also
attach a rescue grab to the lanyard or vertical lifeline.

3. The rescue team must raise or lower the fallen worker to the appropriate
work platform or ground and provide medical aid as required by OSHA.

4. Remove all components of fall arrest system impacted by the fall event
from service and document (bag and tag) the components with name, date
and activity at time of fall and give the equipment to management.

5.1.4 ASSISTED RESCUE WITH MECHANICALLY AIDED AERIAL LIFT:


If Another means of performing a fully Assisted Rescue is to use an aerial lift under
the following guidelines:
1. A rescuer will get into the aerial lift and make sure there is a second fall
protection device, such as a shock absorbing lanyard or self-retracting
lifeline available for the fallen worker.

2. The aerial lift must be maneuvered into position (raised up underneath the
fallen worker) so that the rescuer can perform the rescue.

3. Attach the second lanyard or self-retracting lifeline in the aerial lift to the
fallen worker.

4. Disconnect the rescued worker from the impacted fall arrest equipment.

5. Lower the worker to the ground and provide medical aid as required by
OSHA.

6. Remove all components of fall arrest system impacted by the fall event
from service and document (bag and tag) the components with name, date
and activity at time of fall and give the equipment to management.

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 FALL PROTECTION PROGRAM
RESCUE PLAN
This document is intended to provide guidance only for developing site-specific rescue plans for working at heights.

DATE:_ __________________________ JOB DESCRIPTION:__________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LOCATION:_ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTACTS RESCUE EQUIPMENT CRITICAL RESCUE FACTORS

Ladder
Rescuer(s): Anchor Point:
Rescue Pole
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Rescue Rope
____________________________________ Scaffold ____________________________________
Crane
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Aerial Lift
Competent Person: Alternative Lifting &Lowering Landing Area:

____________________________________ Device ____________________________________

RSQ
Emergency Contact: ____________________________________
First Aid Kit
____________________________________ Life Ring ____________________________________

Method of Contact: RPD Rescue Obstructions or Hazards:

PA Verbal/Face to Face R550
____________________________________
Radio Channel:_ _____________________ Location of Equipment:
____________________________________
Jobsite
Phone Number:______________________ ____________________________________
Gang Box
Other:_ ____________________________ Tool Box Other:
____________________________________ Other:_ ___________________ ____________________________________

CHECK FOR YES COMMENTS

Have alternatives to using fall arrest equipment been considered? ___________________________________________________________

Has rescue equipment been inspected and in good shape? ___________________________________________________________

Is equipment adequate for the rescue plan? ___________________________________________________________

Have communication devices been identified, located and tested? ___________________________________________________________

Are all rescuers familiar with the use of the rescue equipment? ___________________________________________________________

If working over water, is there a boat available? ___________________________________________________________

Describe the tasks that will be done prior to work to prevent a fall and the step-by-step process to be followed in the event of a fall.
PRE-WORK TASKS: RESPONSE PROCEDURE:
1)_ __________________________________________________ 1) Notify Emergency Contact.

2)___________________________________________________ 2) Make medical assessment of person.

3)___________________________________________________ 3) If possible, have employee perform self-rescue.

4)___________________________________________________ 4)___________________________________________________

5)___________________________________________________ 5)___________________________________________________
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6)___________________________________________________ 6)___________________________________________________
INNOVATION THAT BRINGS WORKERS AT HEIGHT HOME SAFELY.
Capital Safety™ is a global company solely dedicated to fall
protection and rescue. Our focus is clear. It continually drives us
to design and manufacture safer gear that workers want to wear.
Innovation means understanding the industries we serve. We
listen to the workers in the field, employ the most engineers,
customize solutions, register more new patents and introduce
more products. To date, Capital Safety has the best quality and
largest breadth of products in the industry. But we’re more than
a product company.
We take an innovative approach in bringing our products to
the field. We have created international partnerships and a vast
network of certified installers and service centers. We offer on-
site and in-house training. And we’re ISO 9001-2008 certified for
customer service, as well as manufacturing and engineering.

Capital Safety is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in fall

protection and rescue equipment, with decades of experience
and a legacy of innovation. Look for complete solutions in our
extensive line of DBI-SALA® and Protecta® products.

800 328 6146

www.capitalsafety.com © 2015 Capital Safety 000012_2015.5
 RESCUE AFTER FALLS

CAN YOU PROVIDE

PROMPT RESCUE?
Capital Safety Offers Innovative Products, Training, and
Sample Rescue Plans to Meet OSHA Requirements for
Prompt Rescue
While it may seem like the exact opposite is true,
rescue after a fall is actually a good problem to have. It
means a worker was wearing his harness properly, was
attached to an anchor and was utilizing his gear correctly.
The worker’s arrested fall also demonstrates that the
employer’s fall protection plan was a success.

Despite the importance of having a rescue plan and

employees trained in rescue, rescue is often overlooked
by many companies. Some avoid the topic because it
seems difficult, confusing or even intimidating. However,
if you are the employer, it’s helpful to remember that
a compliant rescue plan protects both you and your
workers — plus, OSHA and ANSI clearly state that
prompt rescue is your responsibility.
• “ The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of
employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that
employees are able to rescue themselves.”
(OSHA 1926.502 [D] [20] and OSHA 1910.66)
• “ The employer shall provide prompt rescue to all
fallen authorized persons.” (ANSI Z359.2—6.1)

But what is “prompt” rescue? According to ANSI, the

recommended goal for rescue subject contact is less than
six minutes (ANSI Z359.4-6.1). Though these standards
and regulations have been in place for some time, OSHA
and ANSI are bringing this critical subject to the forefront
and employers should take note.
According to ANSI, the recommended
goal for rescue subject contact is less
than six minutes.

WHY PROMPT RESCUE IS CRITICAL

Consider this: A worker falls, and his fall protection saves him. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. However, this
feeling of relief is premature. Without prompt rescue, the worker is at risk of sustaining medical complications
or a worsening of injuries from the fall. Keep in mind that injuries can occur before, during and after a fall. Here
are some examples:
• B
 efore: A worker is struck by a falling object or suffers a medical emergency such as a heart attack.
This contributed to the fall.
• During: A worker collides with part of a structure as he falls.
• After: A worker is injured while suspended in his harness after a fall.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
SUSPENSION TRAUMA
After a fall, a worker is exposed
to the risk of suspension trauma.
Suspension trauma — also known as
harness-induced pathology, harness
hang syndrome (HHS) or orthostatic
intolerance — occurs when a fallen
worker is suspended for too long
in his harness and the harness’ leg
straps constrict his veins, causing
blood to pool in his legs. In turn, this
reduces the flow of oxygenated blood
to his heart, brain and kidneys.
Although every person reacts
differently and not everyone will
experience suspension trauma,
research indicates that suspension
of a worker in a fall arrest device can
result in unconsciousness — followed
by death. Although there is a lot of
misunderstanding relating to the
amount of time a worker can actually
suspend in a harness, recent studies
confirm that there is no correlation
between toxic levels of substances
and severity or length of time that the
patient was suspended.
When considering the amount of
time someone can be suspended in a
harness safely, these primary factors
should be taken into consideration:
• Health of individual and pre-
existing medical conditions —
for example, if the worker has a
pre-existing cardiac condition,
he could be at greater risk of
suspension traumai
• Type and fit of harness — for example, a
construction style harness may put a small amount
of pressure on the ribs, which may help alleviate
pressure on the femoral veins and femoral arteriesii
RESCUE AFTER FALLS
• Immobility and gravity — if the worker
is not able to make any movement
with his legs, he is at greater risk for
suspension traumaiii
• Age — the very old are most at risk
due to less responsive arteries and
veins and a less robust heartiv
• Dehydration and exhaustion — both
of these conditions increase the
chance and speed of suspension
trauma occuringv
Note that suspension trauma is considered
a medical issue by OSHA. Therefore,
an employer rescue plan should ensure
medical aid is readily available to treat it. In
order to avoid after-fall injuries, here’s what
OSHA says employers must do:
“To reduce the risk associated with
prolonged suspension in fall arrest
systems, employers should implement
plans to prevent prolonged suspension
in fall protection devices. The plan
should include procedures for:
preventing prolonged suspension,
identifying orthostatic intolerance
signs and symptoms, and performing
rescue and treatment as quickly as
possible.” (OSHA Safety and Health
Information Bulletin SHIB 03-24-2004,
updated 2011)
Research indicates that suspension
of a worker in a fall arrest device
can result in unconsciousness —
followed by death.
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 RESCUE AFTER FALLS

9-1-1 TO THE RESCUE?

Firefighters, 9-1-1 rescue personnel and other rescue Instead of relying on rescue professionals, employees
professionals are trained in technical rescue and themselves who are properly trained in simple rescue
can provide a high level of safety support. For techniques specific to their job-site are often best
instance, they can perform complex “pick offs” where positioned to quickly respond to and perform a
they rappel from a helicopter to rescue a casualty. successful rescue.
However, these personnel and the technical skills and
equipment they use are in most cases not the best
suited option to meet OSHA requirement for prompt
rescue after a fall arrest.

In situations where a rescue can be planned and

anticipated, such as at an employer site, the best
approach is almost always the simplest. Capital
Safety’s four basic considerations of an employee’s
rescue are:
1. Keep it simple
2. Keep it safe
3. Do not use knots
4. Do not use knives

EMPLOYERS STILL RESPONSIBLE, EVEN IF

AGENCY IS USED
If an employer chooses to hire a professional rescue
agency, the employer should recognize that they still
remain responsible for providing prompt rescue. In
regards to working with outside agencies — which
would include third party private companies and public
safety entities — ANSI has the following guidance:
“If a professional rescue agency is going to be
used, the employer’s competent person or program
administrator shall contact the rescue agency to
review the location of the elevated workplace before
starting workplace activities, and shall review with
that agency the types of fall protection being used
and the environment where the agency may be
called to perform a rescue.
The rescue agency shall advise the employer
in writing of its availability and capability, any
limitations on the types of rescue it can perform,
and detailed instructions regarding how they are
to be called and if they need to be advised when
certain activities are planned or certain conditions
exist so that they may ensure the fastest possible
response.” (ANSI Z359.2—6.3.1.1)
Although safety must always be the first priority
when developing a rescue plan, employers should
also take cost into consideration. Professional
rescue agency fees can be very expensive, whereas
providing basic rescue training to employees is only a
fraction of the cost. In addition, such training provides
employees with both the skills and mindset they need
to perform multiple rescues, should they be needed.
Capital Safety’s two-day Competent Person training
course can help employers save significant costs. In
addition, it not only ensures that employees become
Competent Persons, but also provides required
training to become authorized rescuers and equip
them with necessary skills to perform most rescues
from a fall arrest situation. Additionally, Capital Safety
offers rescue-specific training courses to further
expand knowledge of proper rescue techniques.
These rescue courses are offered for tower rescue,
confined space and general industry.
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 RESCUE AFTER FALLS

TIME TO REVIEW, REVISE OR CREATE YOUR

RESCUE PLAN
Many companies do an excellent job at implementing
managed fall protection programs that address the
risk of falls. However, without a comprehensive and
compliant rescue plan in place, your workers could
suffer severe injuries or even death. Not only is this
a tragedy, it puts you and your organization at risk.
If you haven’t reviewed or revised your rescue plan
recently — or if you don’t have one — now is the
time to take action.
Free, downloadable rescue plan
template that meets both OSHA and ANSI
requirements.
The good news is that rescue doesn’t have to be
complicated. Consider these facts:
• Rescue is an expected event you can plan for.
• Capital Safety has developed ANSI-compliant
rescue and descent systems that make rescues
quicker and easier than ever, such as the
Rollgliss™ R550.
• There’s no need to spend time and resources
developing your own plan. Capital Safety
has done the work for you. They offer a free,
downloadable rescue plan template on their
website that you can use. This plan meets both
OSHA and ANSI requirements.

CAPITAL SAFETY’S ROLLGLISS R550

SUPPORTS YOUR PLAN, OFFERS PROMPT
RESCUE CAPABILITIES
Capital Safety’s Rollgliss R550 is an easy-to-use
rescue tool that not only meets and exceeds all
applicable standards, but makes rescues easier than
ever. Used all over the world, the R550 is a secure
rescue and descent device that can be used in
virtually any industry and on any structure — from
cell phone towers, aerial lifts and cranes to wind
towers, buildings and more.

Additionally, it features the lightest, most compact,

easy-to-use design on the market today to help
ensure prompt rescues are readily available to anyone.
It offers the choice of rescue, evacuation, or the
versatility of assisted-rescues with lifting capabilities.

This fully automatic controlled descent device can

be used in applications from heights up to 1,640 ft.
(500m) for one user 310 lbs. (141kg) or 575 ft. (175m)
for two users totaling 620 lbs. (282kg). It features
3/8 in. (9.5mm) super static kernmantle rope, and
is configured with connecting hardware at each
end of the lifeline so that it can be operated in both
directions. During assisted-rescue scenarios, a fallen
worker can be attached to the R550 device, raised
to a point that allows their fall arrest device to be
removed, and then lowered to the ground safely. With
a drill attached, the R550 can also provide lifting
capabilities which is essential in confined
space rescues.

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 RESCUE AFTER FALLS

CAPITAL SAFETY TRAINING COURSES PREPARE

EMPLOYEES FOR RESCUE
In order to perform complex rescues such as pick-offs, rescue professionals should complete more than 120
hours of training. In comparison, with several of the Capital Safety courses listed below, an employee can
master the skills necessary to perform simple and safe rescues in as little as two days.

Global fall protection leader Capital Safety is one of the few providers to offer comprehensive rescue training
for employees. Several training courses are currently offered where employees can gain these practical but
crucial rescue skills. Students have the option to attend either an open enrollment course at several locations
within the United States or may have a Capital Safety instructor conduct training at their location.

• Competent Person: A recommended course is the

two-day Competent Person course, which includes
approximately four hours of Authorized Rescue
training.
• Competent Industrial Rescuer: Another option
geared specifically to those designated as the
Competent Rescuer is the two-day Competent
Industrial Rescuer course. This course is designed
to incorporate more medical aid aspects required
by OSHA, including simple patient packaging
techniques to allow employees in medical stress to
be evacuated to a lower level. Participants will also
be trained in more complicated safety-at-height
rescues when such skills are deemed necessary by
the employer.
• Authorized Rescuer: An Authorized Rescuer course
can be provided to employees that are already well
versed in fall protection to fulfill their rescue plan.

Contact Capital Safety Today References

• For more information about rescue training
i
OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin, SHIB 03-24-2004,
updated 2011.
or to schedule a course for your employees, ii
Hsiao, H; Turner, N; Whisler, R; Zwiener, J. “Impact of Harness Fit on
contact Capital Safety’s North American Suspension Tolerance,” Human Factors, June 2012.
Training Coordinator at 800 328 6146 ext. 8 iii
OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin, SHIB 03-24-2004,
or visit capitalsafety.com. updated 2011.
iv 
Raynovich, W. “Dangerous Suspension: Understanding suspension
• Download your free copy of Capital Safety’s syndrome & prehospital treatment for those at risk,” Journal of
rescue plan template now. Emergency Medical Services, Volume 32, Issue 8.
v
 SHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin, SHIB 03-24-2004,
O
• Learn more about how the Rollgliss 550 can updated 2011.
support your organization and rescue plan.

JIM HUTTER — Senior Training Specialist

Red Wing, Minnesota, USA

Jim delivers training for Capital Safety/

DBI-SALA worldwide for the Oil & Gas, Wind
Energy, Transportation, Construction, Utilities
and Mining industries.
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800 328 6146 © 2015 Capital Safety 000013_2015.5
www.capitalsafety.com