7.2: Rescue Plan
In the event of a fall, OSHA requires that a prompt rescue be provided. In order to
facilitate a prompt and effective rescue, it is important to have a Rescue Plan as part of
your overall Fall Protection Plan.
The rescue plan should include detailed procedures for summoning a professional
rescue agency (such as the local fire department) and/or for performing self‐rescue or
in‐house rescue.
For detailed assistance in formulating and maintaining an effective rescue plan, see
ANSI Z359.2‐2007.
7.3: Suspension Trauma
Suspension Trauma (also referred to as orthostatic intolerance) is a condition that
can arise from being suspended in a full‐body harness for a prolonged period of time
while awaiting rescue after a fall. Under these circumstances, blood circulation can be
restricted allowing a large volume of blood to accumulate or pool in the veins of the
workers legs. This condition can result in a variety of symptoms, some of which include
light‐headedness, loss of consciousness, difficulty concentrating and palpitations.
Following a rescue, Suspension Trauma can be so acute as to cause cardiac arrest
when the large volume of un‐oxygenated blood overwhelms the heart. This severity of
this condition can be greatly reduced by using any one of a variety of devices offered to
alleviate Suspension Trauma, such as FallTech's ReliefPak and by providing a prompt
rescue in the event of a fall.
For additional details on Suspension Trauma, refer to OSHA's Safety and Health
Information Bulletin SHIB 03‐24‐2004 at www.osha.gov.
Section 8: Product Inspection
Inspection is a critical element in the employment of any fall protection equipment.
In order to protect Authorized Persons who are using this SRL, it is important that the
employer establishes procedures that has layers of inspection to ensure that any
mechanical or functional deficiencies are recognized before the product is put into use.
8.1: Issuing
If the SRL is to be kept in a locker or tool crib between periods of use, the person
responsible should inspect the product upon issuing and receipt to ensure that it is in
proper working order. If any deficiency is noted, this should be logged on the inspection
record and the product should be removed from service and handled in accordance with
the employer's lock‐out/tag‐out policy. If this SRL exhibits a deficiency, it should be
immediately removed from service and replaced.
8.2: Daily/Incidental Use
OSHA 1910.66 and OSHA 1926.502 (as well as ANSI Z359.1‐2007 and ANSI A10.32‐
2004) specifically require that the user inspect all fall protection equipment prior to
each use to ensure proper function and to ensure that the equipment is in serviceable
condition. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death.
FallTech requires that the following steps be taken during each inspection prior to
use of this Contractor Series Cable SRL:
Check the load‐indicating swivel carabiner at the attachment end of the SRL. If
the red indicator is visible between the swivel mechanism and the carabiner body,
then the SRL has been subjected to fall arrest forces and must immediately be
removed from service.
Pull approximately 4 feet of cable out of the unit and hand‐lock the unit by pulling
sharply on the line. Repeat this procedure three times – if the unit does not lock
up each time, or if it "slips" after locking up, immediately remove the unit from
service and have it replaced.
Ensure that the SRL cable extends and retracts freely.
Using gloved hands to avoid injury, pull the complete length of webbing out of the
unit and look for kinks, knots, fraying, corrosion, surface contamination or
evidence of damage from an electrical arc or welding splatter. Surface
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