5.3 What does a rescue plan need to contain?

The rescue plan needs to be specific and adapted to the work being performed.

It needs to answer:

• What may happen?
• Where may the person end up?
• What is the safe place?
• Who does what?
• Which anchorage and rescue equipment are required?
• How will the person be reached and moved to a safe place?
• How will assistance be called and how will external responders find the location?

The plan must also consider the safety of the rescuers.

Hewall Safety Hub explains what needs to be planned. Practical rescue requires competence and training.

Specific emergency call procedures

Before work begins, determine who will make the emergency call and who will meet the emergency responders.

In an acute emergency requiring immediate assistance:

1. Call 112.
2. Explain what has happened.
3. Give the exact location – address, work area and, where necessary, the building, roof, mast or other position.
4. State how many people are affected and their condition, as far as this is known.
5. Describe any particular hazards or access difficulties, such as work at height, restricted access or the need for specialist rescue.
6. Give your name and telephone number and follow the instructions from the 112 operator.
7. Assign someone to meet and guide the ambulance or rescue service to the correct location.

The workplace address, coordinates or another clear location reference should be known before work begins. SOS Alarm states that the 112 operator will need information including what has happened, where the incident has occurred, who is calling and the caller's telephone number.

Remember

The rescue plan must be usable – not merely exist.

Sources

• AFS 2023:1 – risk assessment and measures
• AFS 2023:2, Chapter 4, Sections 4–5 – preparedness, procedures and knowledge
• AFS 2023:11, Chapter 15, Section 12 – use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
• Manufacturer's instructions for the rescue equipment used