Safety Work Place II

Article #2

Simplifying fall protection rescue

November 7, 2012 by Jim Hutter Leave a Comment

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While working as a senior training specialist with Capital Safety, I’ve observed a wide range of capability and proficiency at many worksites. While some companies have respectable fall protection programs, others need more guidance. I often find a better understanding is necessary in two critical areas: 1) emerging equipment technologies; and 2) elevated rescue. New regulations and increased regulatory focus make residential construction, in particular, one of the more challenged industries when it comes to these critical areas. In a Nov. 13 webinar with UL, I will discuss fall protection and rescue challenges related to the:  impact of recent updates to ANSI/ASSE Z359 fall protection codes  importance of ANSI/ASSE conformant rescue systems  pros and cons of reliance on offsite rescue services  training and equipment needed to facilitate rescue using onsite personnel  safe use of site equipment (e.g., aerial lifts) to support rescue activities  emerging equipment technologies with emphasis on residential construction challenges  role of the fall protection “competent person”  typical components of a fall protection rescue plan:  assisted self-rescue, including suspension trauma safety straps and ladders  self-rescue in which workers can climb or pull themselves to safety  mechanical lifts  rescue pick-off equipment (which is almost never used) Rescue and fall protection, in general, don’t have to be as difficult as they sound. Training and access to the right equipment go a long way toward making things easier. Tune into the upcoming webinar to learn more about these important issues. Written by Jim Hutter Jim has been a training specialist for over ten years. He has authored nearly 100 articles on fall protection and confined space, ranging from establishing a complete safety culture to starting a simple program. Jim has issued over 7,000 training certificates through the Capital Safety Training Institute, assisting safety professionals in meeting the requirements set forth by ANSI and OSHA. You may also like -
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