Rescue: Who is responsible?
August 1st 2008 Many building owners or managing agents assume that because someone is accessing a roof or carrying out work at height on their premises, then either they or their company, are responsible for providing a means of rescue. This is not necessarily the case explains Graham Willmott in advance of impending revisions to the HSG33 Health and Safety in Roofwork
We are all only too aware that falls from height continue to be one of the main causes of death and injury. The introduction of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and high profile campaigns such as the HSE's Shattered Lives, have been instrumental in getting people to ensure that work is planned and organised properly, however sometimes the assumption is that because the risks have been identified, those working at height are now safe. As a result, a key element is often forgotten - planning for rescue The end of this year will see the publication of the Revised HSG33 Health and Safety in Roofwork which is expected to emphasise the need for rescue planning when it comes to work at height. This is by no means a new concept, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that emergency procedures must be considered and a plan put in place as to how a person would be rescued should they fall. Who is responsible? It is important to remember that not everyone who is accessing a roof is experienced at work at height. Work at height is an essential part of many jobs including window cleaning, maintenance of air conditioning units, CCTV and electrical equipment and is not just limited to construction or roofing work. Many people assume that because someone is accessing a roof or carrying out work at height, then either they or their company are responsible for providing a means of rescue, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, if a company is contracted to carry out maintenance of plant and equipment such as lightning conductors, then it is the building owner or their managing agent who are responsible for the safety of those accessing the roof. This means that they must provide equipment to ensure the area can be accessed safely, if this involves an anchorage point then they must ensure there is a rescue plan and policy in place. If, however, a company is contracted to carry out roof, refurbishment or demolition work, then that company under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 would be responsible for the rescue plan, policy and equipment.
Planning an accident No matter how carefully something is planned, accidents do happen so a key element of the rescue plan must be what to do if someone does fall and they are hanging in their harness. Many people assume that they can simply call 999 and the local fire brigade will come to the rescue. In reality, these services are already stretched and may not be able to respond in time or even have the right equipment to complete the rescue. In fact, HSG33 is expected to recommend that the emergency services should not be relied upon in the event of an emergency. The other alternatives are to rely on self rescue (obviously impossible if the victim is seriously injured/unconscious) or for employees to carry out the rescue. However, if the rescuer is not trained properly this puts both the victim and themselves in further danger. Whatever rescue method is chosen, it should be proportionate to the risk. This could simply be a case of using a ladder or equipment such as MEWPs to reach the fallen person or lowering them onto a safe surface below. Lowering the person to safety tends to be the preferred option as it is easier and overcomes manual handling issues, but whatever method is chosen, it is essential that all those involved are fully trained in carrying out a rescue. It has for many years been recommended that a person should be rescued quickly so as to prevent suspension trauma and then placed in the "W" recovery position. However, due to lack of supporting evidence there is currently a debate within the industry as to whether "suspension trauma" actually exists. It is however agreed that once rescued, standard UK first aid guidance must be followed for the recovery of a semiconscious or conscious person by a competent first aider.
Following Best Practice The main objective for anyone responsible for work at height must be to provide a safe working environment through proper training, instruction and supervision. Following guidance such as that outlined in HSG33 and ensuring that rescue plans are in place and that everyone concerned is aware of and fully trained in the rescue procedures, will help companies to comply with current legislation and, more importantly, potentially save a life. More articles from Safesite Limited: | 
