1. Understanding Fall Arrest Equipment & Terminology

Familiarisation with the essential tools and language of working at heights.

• Terms and Definitions: Clarifying industry terminology related to fall arrest, such as Anchor Point, Lanyard, Lifeline, and Fall Factor.

• Full Body Harness: Understanding the components, proper fitting, adjustment, and critical inspection points of a full body harness.

• Work Positioning Systems: Differentiating between fall arrest (stopping a fall) and work positioning (supporting the worker while working).

• Inspection: Performing mandatory pre-use checks on all equipment (harness, lanyard, rope, connectors) to identify faults and ensure compliance.

 

2. The Fall Protection Plan (FPP)

Grasping the legal and administrative framework for working at heights.

• Legal Requirements: Understanding the legal mandate to have a documented, implemented, and maintained FPP.

• FPP Implementation: Learning how to effectively implement and communicate the FPP to all employees on site.

• Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating the specific hazards and risks associated with the work area (e.g., edges, brittle surfaces, leading edges).

• Rescue Contingencies: Understanding that the FPP must include a definitive, prompt rescue procedure for every task involving fall arrest.

 

3. Principles of Fall Arrest Rescue

The critical knowledge required to save a suspended worker.

• Prompt Rescue Mandate: The legal and ethical requirement for the immediate rescue of a suspended worker to prevent severe injury or death.

• Suspension Trauma (Orthostatic Intolerance): Understanding the deadly risk of blood pooling in the legs when suspended and the physiological effects on the body.

• Symptoms & Monitoring: Identifying the signs and symptoms of Suspension Trauma in a suspended or post-rescue worker.

• Contingency Actions: Training the suspended worker to "pump" their legs and use footholds to activate muscles and delay the onset of trauma.

 

4. Executing the Basic Rescue

Practical steps for safe and effective retrieval of a casualty.

• Scene Assessment: Securing the scene and ensuring the rescuer's safety before approaching the casualty.

• Rescue Techniques: Applying basic, simple rescue techniques suitable for a rapid response (e.g., lowering, raising, or self-rescue assistance).

• Equipment Use: Using basic rescue devices and tools quickly and competently.

• Post-Rescue Handling: Ensuring the rescued worker is handled carefully to avoid post-rescue injuries.

 

5. Post-Rescue Care and Medical Management

Prioritising the casualty’s health immediately after rescue.

• Trauma Resuscitation: Ensuring the worker receives standard trauma resuscitation and immediate first aid.

• Positioning: Understanding that some authorities recommend transporting the patient with the upper body slightly raised.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring of the worker after rescue and ensuring immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional due to possible delayed effects (e.g., kidney failure).

 

By the End of this Programme, Learners Will Be Capable Of:

• Identify and correctly inspect all components of a personal fall arrest system (harness, lanyard, anchor).

• Explain and assist in the implementation of the Fall Protection Plan (FPP), including legal requirements.

• Recognise the severe threat of Suspension Trauma and the contingency steps to delay its onset.

• Perform basic, prompt rescue procedures to retrieve a suspended worker safely.

• Apply correct post-rescue medical handling and ensure the casualty receives professional medical evaluation.