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douglas.dick  
#1 Posted : 01 December 2016 09:35:27(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
douglas.dick

We have now installed a new tank farm, comprising of eight tanks, in two rows of four. We have an access platform suspended between them, with a ladder (with the hoops all the way up) at each end and 1.2mtr railing around the platform. The platform is approx. 15 m from the ground and I have tried to get a man basket and FLT to it, however the bund means we can’t get close enough.

I am of the opinion that we need to provide equipment and training for the emergency evacuation of a casualty from the access platform. My Senior management say this is up to emergency services. I cannot find this anywhere in the work at height legislation, without this then I am probably not going to convince management. They aren’t too keen on spending money on Moral duties!

This platform is likely to be used 12 times a year at most, so it is only occasional use. My question therefore is; do we have a legal duty to provide facilities for a medical evacuation? If so Where?

RayRapp  
#2 Posted : 01 December 2016 10:51:37(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

Douglas, part of the planning for W@H should include emergency rescue. Your emergency rescue plan should not rely soley on the emergency services. I have copied and pasted HSE guidance from Indg 401 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf 'plan for emergencies and rescue, eg agree a set procedure for evacuation. Think about foreseeable situations and make sure employees know the emergency procedures. Don’t just rely entirely on the emergency services for rescue in your plan'
HSSnail  
#3 Posted : 01 December 2016 11:12:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
HSSnail

Ray is spot on - I hate quoting regulations but you ask where the duty is. Its clear from Regulation 4 of the Work ay Height Regulations that you have to have a plan - the frequency of the work has little bearing you still have to have a plan of your own and not rely on others.
Evans37942  
#4 Posted : 01 December 2016 11:19:13(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Evans37942

Your organisation has a legal duty to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.

douglas.dick  
#5 Posted : 01 December 2016 12:29:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
douglas.dick

Thank you all for the replies, I now have what I require.

djupnorth  
#6 Posted : 01 December 2016 13:13:37(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
djupnorth

Douglas, 

I too agree with Ray.  I have just come off the phone to a client who is about to be visited by the HSE.  One of the documents that the HSE has requested in advance of the visit are examples of the client's rescue plans in relation to work at height.

DJ 

Brian Campbell  
#7 Posted : 01 December 2016 14:28:22(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Brian Campbell

These guys are great to use if you ever need them.

http://www.eurosafesolutions.com/en/product/prd-r2

Spencer Owen  
#8 Posted : 02 December 2016 09:57:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Spencer Owen

Originally Posted by: douglas.dick Go to Quoted Post

We have now installed a new tank farm, comprising of eight tanks, in two rows of four. We have an access platform suspended between them, with a ladder (with the hoops all the way up) at each end and 1.2mtr railing around the platform. The platform is approx. 15 m from the ground and I have tried to get a man basket and FLT to it, however the bund means we can’t get close enough.

I am of the opinion that we need to provide equipment and training for the emergency evacuation of a casualty from the access platform. My Senior management say this is up to emergency services. I cannot find this anywhere in the work at height legislation, without this then I am probably not going to convince management. They aren’t too keen on spending money on Moral duties!

This platform is likely to be used 12 times a year at most, so it is only occasional use. My question therefore is; do we have a legal duty to provide facilities for a medical evacuation? If so Where?

Douglas, I work for a rope access company. If you need help with rescue plans or anything, feel free to PM me.

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