Rope Access Rescue Response, Systems and Planning

Many Regulations and legislation require the consideration of rescue and the appropriate accommodations to be made.

WSBC Rescue Regulations

Part 32 Rescue Gives General requirements for Training and Systems used for rescue.

32.2 Training

(1) Workers designated to provide rescue or evacuation services must be adequately trained.
(2) The training program must include simulated rescue or evacuation exercises and regular retraining, appropriate to the type of rescue or evacuation being provided, and training records must be kept.
(Link 32.2 Training WSBC Reg.)

32.4 Ropes

(1) Ropes and associated rigging equipment used only for rescue or evacuation or training in such procedures must
(a) be of low stretch (static) kernmantle construction or equivalent,
(b) when new, have a minimum safety factor of 10 to 1, based upon a one-person load of 140 kilograms (300 pounds), and
(c) be replaced at intervals stated by the manufacturer, but not exceeding 5 years.
(2) A worker suspended on a rope for rescue purposes other than from a helicopter must where practicable be secured to an independent lifeline or belay line.
(Link 32.4 Ropes WSBC Reg.)

Rope access sees these minimum requirements and significantly exceeds them.

All rope access technicians are required to train and perform rescue as part of their assessment criteria. Progression through the levels leads to a greater skill and understanding of rescue.

Level 3 technicians can rig any system required with rescue in mind, and subsequently can perform all system operations and manoeuvre to complete a rescue.

Not only does rope access have the ability to perform rescue from their own systems. Our training and the application can be used with other more traditional working height systems. It is common for rope access to provide standby rescue services for any at-height or hazardous environment situations.

The most holistic rescue systems begin at the start and consider the full scope.

This is where rope access may be useful in both setting up working at height systems e.g netting, horizontal and vertical lifeline systems, and subsequently standing by for rescue if needed as the rescue systems used are often integrated into the working systems.

Selection of rescue techniques will take into account all hazards, environment, equipment and time requirements to ensure the best system is created and rescue will be successful if required.

The requirement for rescuing any team member who becomes incapacitated whilst working at height should be identified and a rescue procedure be fully defined and recorded.

The main priority in any rescue is to ensure the condition of the casualty does not worsen. And the speed of response is a key to this

The rescue team’s order of priorities is to:

• Ensure the rescuers do not endanger themselves;
• Provide appropriate First Aid Treatment and prevent further injury;
• Evacuate the casualty to a safe location where suitably qualified persons can administer effective treatment.
• Casualty management must be addressed throughout the rescue, with rescuers taking sufficient steps so as not to worsen any injury already sustained by the casualty.

Intervention/Snatch Rescue

Rigged-for-rescue

Using a pre-rigged system, enables retrieval of a technician at any point within the working system, without the need for a second person to enter into the working system

It’s quick, efficient and prevents the need for a two-person load, and reduces the need for the rescuer to compromise their own safety.

The system should be rigged remotely and operated in a location where the known hazards to the working technician will not affect the operation of the rescue system.

Rigging for rescue may include one or multiple systems listed below and is a catch-all term for being set up and prepared for immediate rescue system activation./

Rigged to Lower

Rigging to lower is as simple as ropes are anchored in releasable devices, enabling a lowering of the technician.

These can be attached directly above the ropes and work area or positioned remotely and redirected.

The most common device used to enable this is Descenders. Manufacture instructions must be followed when used for this purpose.

Hauling Systems

Raising or Hauling people, loads and equipment is quite often required when working at height or as part of a rescue.

Much like lowering systems that can be rigged directly above or remotely and re-directed.

The first point of attachment between the load and the hauling system is generally a device known as a progress capture, that will hold the load when tension is released by the user.

Rescue Kit

It follows many of the same techniques as rigged to rescue but takes more time to set up as all the equipment is bagged and has to be assembled then activated.

A ‘Dedicated Rescue Kit’, pre-rigged with all the appropriate equipment for immediate installation to the rigging system or fall arrest anchor, is a common alternative to conventional ‘Rig for Rescue’ systems when equipment is limited or adaptability is required.

Snatch/Pic Off Rescues

This will involve the rescuer travelling to the location of the immobile worker, creating two connections between the two and releasing the immobile person from their previous system.

The Rescuer is then accompanied by the casualty through any ascent or descent required, passing any obstructions along the way to safety.

Commonly known as Snatch Rescues or Technique, its use is the final means of rescue.

Loads on the system will increase and in turn, the rescuer may create or be exposed to greater hazards.

Litter/Stretcher

More traditional methods and techniques involve a Litter or Stretcher for means of Casualty transport.

This is not uncommon and can be integrated into rope access systems and techniques.

It is most commonly utilized when rope access is a means of rescue for third parties or non rope access technicians specifically when utilized as site standby rescue services.