3.8 Rescue systems

A rescue system is used to secure and move a person to a safe place when the person cannot reach that place without assistance.

This may, for example, involve:

• lifting,
• lowering,
• moving the person away from a hazardous area.

Rescue systems form part of rescue preparedness for work where a person may become suspended, injured or otherwise unable to reach a safe place without assistance.

Products and standards

Depending on the rescue situation, a rescue system may include, for example:

Rescue harness

• rescue harness – EN 1497.

Rescue loop

• rescue loop – EN 1498.

Descender device

• descender device for rescue – EN 341.

Rescue lifting device

• rescue lifting device – EN 1496.

Connectors

• EN 362.

The equipment required depends on where the person may end up, accessibility, anchorage options, the rescue route and how the person is to be moved to a safe place.

Rescue equipment is not the same as rescue preparedness

Having a rescue device at the workplace does not automatically mean that a rescue can be carried out.

There must also be:

• a workable plan,
• suitable anchorage,
• the correct equipment,
• people with the required competence,
• a way to reach and manage the casualty,
• a defined safe place.

Rescue planning is covered in detail in Chapter 5.

Remember

Rescue equipment is not the same as rescue preparedness.