Rank: New forum user
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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?
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Rank: Super forum user
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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?
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Rank: Super forum user
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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.
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Rank: Forum user
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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
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Rank: Forum user
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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.
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Rank: Super forum user
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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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