Why Basic Rope Access Training is an Urgent Need to Tower Workers

A main cause of injuries in the workplace is falls. While falling from a short distance can result in minor injuries, falling from a height greater than 6 to 10 feet can result in broken bones, internal injuries and, in some cases, death. It's important to know first, how to prevent falls from occurring, and secondly, how to perform basic rescue maneuvers if the victim is at an unsafe height.

Identifying Fall Risks

Any job that requires an employee to work at a height greater than 6 to 10 feet, needs to provide rescue harnesses for their safety. Construction workers, utility workers, and emergency services personnel are all required to have training in the use of rescue equipment that is used if a fall occurs. Before a worker begins any job, they must first identify any potential hazards, including fall risks. 

 A few of the most common include:

• Working along narrow ledges
• Using a boom/bucket system
• Climbing ladders or fire escapes
• Steep inclines
• Loose rock or slippery surface material
• Heights above 6 to 10 feet that have no visible means for securing equipment

Before beginning any type of project, each worker must ensure they have the proper technical rescue equipment to reduce their risk of fall and minimize the opportunity for an injury to occur.

Proper Training

In addition, to being able to identify potential fall risks, each employee must be properly trained in the use of fall arrest systems and high angle rescue involving the use of rope access equipment. Rope access training teaches the user how to access specific points using fall arrest or rope rescue rigging. A few of the lessons included in the training include:

• Identifying fall risks and other potential hazards
•  Assembling the rope access equipment
•  Which system is best for a particular type of rescue (seated harness or full harness)
•  Proper use during the rescue
•  Proper storage and maintenance of the equipment

Some companies may choose to require rope access training and other types of evaluations every two to three years to make sure employees are current on regulations and that their skills remain intact.

The Right Equipment

Rope access training teaches employees about the different types of equipment available for use in specific situations. Each piece of the equipment is identified and its use explained. From the D-rings and carabiners on the harnesses to the ropes, pulleys, and rack of the rigging, each piece must be fully understood to ensure there are no accidents or mistakes during a high angle rescue.

Any rescue that is attempted over the height of 6 to 10 in which there are no guard rails or means of ensuring stability, requires the use of approved rope access equipment or a fall arrest assembly. It's essential that any employee or individual who is going to attempt a rescue at any height is properly trained and can effectively use the equipment needed to reach and stabilize the victim so they can be brought to safety.

The Right Training

AHSRescue.com and Ropes That Rescue work hand in hand to make sure that each person using fall arrest harnesses have the proper rope access training to keep everyone safe during a rescue. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone who works above ground in any capacity can perform their duties safely and without fear of incurring an injury while on the job. Future classes are filling up fast! Contact either AHS or Ropes That Rescue for further details.

NEW RTR Video by Tom Pendley!

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