Rescue team The hazards of working at height

Working at heights or in confined spaces involves risks. These locations can often be reached with the resources available, but what if a person falls or becomes unwell and is unable to get themself to safety? In such cases, time is of the essence and action must be taken quickly. With rope access our rope rescue team can act in an efficient and adequate manner. In the event of an emergency, we bring victims to safety or move them to a location where medical assistance can be provided.

STAND-BY RESCUE TEAM

Stand-by rope rescue teams are deployed during high-risk activities such as confined spaces or working at height. Rope rescue teams are possible for a single entry, and with the right preparation they are also excellent for use on turnarounds where permanent staffing can be present on site.

The advantage is that the rescue team is on-site, allowing us to use rope access to quickly and adequately bring victims to safety or move them to a location where medical assistance can be provided.

RESCUE TEAM PREPARATION

Prior to the work, we examine the location and the work. Based on this, we create a risk assessment. It involves questions such as: What is the hazard of the site? What is the danger of the work? And what PPE is required? Based on this, we draw up a risk inventory and a specific rescue plan with, if necessary, different rescue options. Finally, we put together a team of experienced technicians with the right skills and certifications.

CERTIFICATION

Of course all our rope access technicians are IRATA, VCA and first aid certified and medically examined. However, at many locations certifications are required to safely enter a site. Therefore, the rope rescue team also has the certifications confined space, independent breathing protection and manhole guard.

ROPES RESCUE MATERIALS

In addition to these certifications, the rescue team has experience with rescue materials. On quiet days they often practice rescue exercises at our training center in Bergschenhoek. prior to working, the rescue team ensures that all materials are prepared and ready (standby) to perform any rescue.

TRIPOD

When there are no (safe) anchor points to attach our ropes to, we make our own anchor point. The rope rescue team uses the tripod to create an anchor point above a manhole or to gain extra height to hoist a person over a railing.

The tripod is suitable to be used by two people, making it ideal for during rescues.

Tripod in combination with Harken winch

HARKEN WINCH

The Harken winch is used for hoisting materials and persons. The safe working load is 500kg for material and 240kg for persons. This allows us to use the winch for rescue operations as well. It is operated by means of a manual winch, making it suitable in EX zones. Additionally, the Harken Winch can be used in combination with the tripod.

Power ascender

The power ascender is an electric winch and is certified for passenger transport. This winch can hoist and descend. With the power ascender we are quickly on site, even at great heights or in confined spaces.

STRETCHER OR SKED

There are various types and sizes of stretcher on the market. With rope rescue we use the SKED. This is made of soft plastic and makes it possible to move a victim through a manhole. Also, the SKED is collapsible and lightweight, which is convenient for transport.

Rope rescue SKED

RESCUE SLIDE

We attach the rescue slide to the manhole flange. Not only does it make it easy to enter a confined space, but it can also be used during a rescue. The rescue slide contains a steel cable that is attached to the person entering the confined space. The steel cable is operated by a winch. In case of emergency, a rescue can be performed quickly and efficiently by hoisting the person.

Because of the ‘tongue’ hanging in the manhole, it is possible to hoist the person up and then remove him horizontally from a manhole.

Rope rescue slide

RESCUE TRAINING AT HEIGHT

A rope rescue team is not required in every situation. In many cases, a rescue can be performed differently. That’s why our training center in Bergschenhoek organizes monthly rescue at height training courses. Good preparation for working at height is essential. Topics include preparing an RI&E, applying a rescue plan and what to do after a rescue. During the practical part of the course you will learn various techniques and how to apply the Jag System. Sign up for the training rescue at height!