Safesite Rescue Kit

Work at Height Rescue  - It's Your Responsibility

The Work at Height Regulations require an employer or building owner to implement a rescue policy and plan where work at height activity occurs. This relates to their own employees and also persons not directly employed by them, but deemed to be under their control (e.g Contractors).

The rescue policy and plan should cover both fall arrest AND restraint systems. Although the idea of a restraint system is to prevent the user from reaching the leading edge, users can be given a false sense of security when using the system. If they are not trained or supervised properly or if inappropriate PPE is being used, there is a serious fall potential which must be considered.

Many people assume that in the event of a fall, they can simply call 999 and the emergency services will come to the rescue. But in reality, the services are already stretched and may not be able to respond in time or even have the right equipment to complete the rescue. 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.

After extensive research and development, Safesite has however developed a kit that is virtually foolproof and does not require regular and often costly training.

Safesite's Rescue Kit has been designed to work with any anchorage point and involves a dedicated rescue hub and simple rope grab device which attaches to the casualty's existing line. When the rope grab device reaches the casualty, the rescuer gives it a gentle tug and it will lock onto the casualty's line. The geared hub which has been connected to the original, or if possible, another anchorage point is used by the rescuer to lift the casualty up sufficiently for them to be released from their anchorage point. The casualty is now being supported by the rescue winch and rope grab and can be lowered gradually to the ground or place of safety in a controlled way using the winch. During this part of the rescue, a competent first aider should be present to assist with the casualty and to follow the standard UK first aid guidance for the recovery of a person.

The new Rescue Kit allows the rescuer to carry out the rescue from a point of safety and either raise or lower the casualty. In extreme situations, the rescuer can use the kit to abseil to the casualty in order to complete the rescue safely.

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