Question 1

Relying solely on calling the emergency services / shore-based fire and rescue as the rescue plan is considered inadequate in which circumstance(s)?

Accepted Answer

If their response time would exceed the suspension trauma window, or the location is remote/offshore - in these cases an on-site rescue capability is required On a vessel at sea, external emergency services cannot reach a casualty within the 15-20 minute suspension trauma window. The rescue plan must therefore rely on onboard capability, not an assumption that outside help will arrive in time.

Question 2

What are the three broad categories a height-work rescue plan should cover, in increasing order of how much external help is needed?

Accepted Answer

Self-rescue, assisted (mechanically aided) rescue, and fully assisted rescue Self-rescue relies on the worker's own capability (e.g. a descent device); assisted/mechanically aided rescue uses a rope/haul system operated by colleagues; fully assisted rescue is needed when the casualty cannot participate at all.

Question 3

Why is using fall-arrest equipment WITHOUT a corresponding rescue capability considered unacceptable, even if the equipment itself functions correctly?

Accepted Answer

Because surviving the initial fall means nothing if the worker then dies of suspension trauma while waiting for help that was never planned A harness that arrests a fall but has no rescue plan behind it converts an immediate fall risk into a slower, equally fatal suspension trauma risk. Rescue planning is what makes fall-arrest equipment a complete safety system.