Question 1

Who should be designated to identify rescue resources, verify a rescue procedure exists, inspect rescue equipment, and recognise hazards that could endanger the rescuer themselves?

Accepted Answer

A designated, trained competent person/rescue coordinator identified in advance as part of the rescue plan Improvising rescue leadership during an actual emergency wastes critical time. A pre-identified, trained coordinator ensures someone already knows the equipment, the hazards, and the procedure before anything goes wrong.

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.