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Andy E  
#1 Posted : 06 October 2011 10:25:14(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Andy E

If we have edge protection of 3 sides of a roof (except ridge) and our roofers are using fall arrest blocks and shock absorbing lanyards - do we need a rescue plan?
MB1  
#2 Posted : 06 October 2011 11:01:04(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MB1

What's the risk of a person falling from the open side? Are you saying fall arrest block and shock absorbing lanyard will prevent a fall?? If you decide to impliment a robust fall restraint system within your system of work instead?
Ron Hunter  
#3 Posted : 06 October 2011 12:06:55(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Yes. Suspension trauma is a significant issue. I'm a bit confused as to your reference to a "ridge" though - is this a sloping roof then? This all assumes the roof is sufficiently high to allow the lanyards to deploy - restraint is often a more valid approach, but not without attendant problems.
JohnV  
#4 Posted : 06 October 2011 12:23:12(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JohnV

Andy, you need to consider how to rescue someone left hanging / suspended in the harness as has already been mentioned. You should also consider how to get someone off the roof if they had an accident (or passed out) while working up there. Have you considered other ways of making the work safer rather than relying on fall arrest? The Work @ Height Regs require us to go through a hierarchy of controls with personal fall arrest as the last measure to choose. Regards, John
rmjones  
#5 Posted : 06 October 2011 17:39:51(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rmjones

johnv wrote:
Andy, you need to consider how to rescue someone left hanging / suspended in the harness as has already been mentioned. You should also consider how to get someone off the roof if they had an accident (or passed out) while working up there. Have you considered other ways of making the work safer rather than relying on fall arrest? The Work @ Height Regs require us to go through a hierarchy of controls with personal fall arrest as the last measure to choose. Regards, John
This is true - considering other methods of carrying out the work safely at height first would be a more appropriate option rather than going straight in with fall arrest as your first option If you are going down this route after looking at your other options, then a rescue plan should be in place as a precaution. A multitude of scenarios could arise and if no rescue plan in place, it will create a very dangerous situation where time is of the essense From HSE site - hope its useful; Yes. The law requires that when you work at height, you also plan for emergencies and rescue. These arrangements should not rely on the fire brigade as this may result in a delay which may be critical. Rescue kits are available and suppliers can provide training in their use so that in house equipment and expertise can be provided.
frankc  
#6 Posted : 06 October 2011 18:25:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
frankc

Andy E wrote:
If we have edge protection of 3 sides of a roof (except ridge) and our roofers are using fall arrest blocks and shock absorbing lanyards - do we need a rescue plan?
Definite case of more info please, Andy. What task is it the roofers are actually doing? What type of edge protection is it? Can they use restraint equipment as opposed to fall arrest?
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