rope access rescue planning checklist
1. Pre-Rescue Planning
- Analyze job site conditions.
- Consider different heights and environments.
- Evaluate potential fall hazards.
- Discuss scenarios with team members.
- Document all identified scenarios.
- Conduct a thorough site inspection.
- Identify overhead and ground-level hazards.
- Check for weather-related risks.
- Evaluate structural integrity of work surfaces.
- Record all hazards and mitigation measures.
- Verify training certifications of all team members.
- Conduct refresher training sessions if needed.
- Review specific rescue techniques relevant to the site.
- Ensure roles and responsibilities are clear.
- Maintain a training log for accountability.
- Inspect all ropes, harnesses, and hardware.
- Check for wear, damage, or expiration dates.
- Test rescue equipment functionality.
- Replace any defective or outdated gear.
- Store equipment properly after inspection.
- Designate communication methods and devices.
- Identify key personnel for emergency roles.
- Establish protocols for signaling emergencies.
- Conduct communication drills with the team.
- Document and share the communication plan.
2. Rescue Team Preparation
- Select members with rope access and rescue training.
- Verify certifications and experience levels.
- Ensure team diversity in skills and expertise.
- Confirm availability and readiness of all members.
- Define roles such as leader, rescuers, and safety officer.
- Communicate responsibilities clearly to each member.
- Ensure understanding of each role's importance.
- Prepare contingency plans for role reassignment if needed.
- Gather all team members in a designated area.
- Present the rescue plan step-by-step.
- Discuss potential hazards and mitigation strategies.
- Encourage questions and provide clarifications.
- Inspect PPE for damages or defects.
- Confirm that all members are wearing required gear.
- Provide additional PPE if necessary.
- Review proper use and maintenance of PPE.
3. Equipment Inspection
- Check for cuts, frays, or excessive wear on ropes.
- Inspect harnesses for tears, broken stitching, or damaged buckles.
- Verify carabiner locking mechanisms function correctly.
- Ensure all gear is clean and free from contaminants.
- Examine litter for structural integrity and secure latches.
- Test descenders and ascenders for smooth operation.
- Inspect any additional rescue gear for damage or wear.
- Confirm all equipment is stored properly and is easily accessible.
- Check manufacturer's tags for expiration dates.
- Review maintenance records for each item.
- Ensure certifications are up to date and valid.
- Replace or retire any equipment that is out of service life.
- Check that the first aid kit is fully stocked with supplies.
- Inspect expiration dates on all medical supplies.
- Ensure emergency supplies are easy to locate.
- Review the contents regularly and replenish as needed.
4. Site Assessment
- Inspect the area for hazards.
- Identify potential obstacles or risks.
- Evaluate the terrain and surface conditions.
- Check for nearby structures or equipment.
- Assess visibility and accessibility.
- Locate fixed structures suitable for anchoring.
- Evaluate the strength and integrity of anchors.
- Confirm anchors are free from corrosion or damage.
- Test the stability of the anchors before use.
- Document the anchor assessment for reference.
- Monitor current and forecasted weather conditions.
- Assess wind speed and direction.
- Check for potential hazards like rain or lightning.
- Consider temperature impacts on personnel and equipment.
- Review local emergency protocols for environmental risks.
- Identify multiple routes to the site.
- Evaluate the condition of access paths.
- Ensure routes are clear of hazards.
- Plan for potential obstacles or delays.
- Communicate access routes to all team members.
5. Communication and Coordination
- Select reliable communication devices (e.g., radios, phones).
- Test devices before the operation begins.
- Establish clear protocols for communication.
- Designate specific channels for different teams.
- Ensure all personnel are trained on communication procedures.
- Choose a central location easily accessible by all teams.
- Equip the center with necessary communication tools.
- Assign a command leader to oversee operations.
- Create visual aids (maps, plans) for situational awareness.
- Implement a system for logging communications and decisions.
- Identify local emergency services beforehand.
- Establish a direct line of communication with them.
- Provide them with details about the operation.
- Confirm their availability during the rescue.
- Conduct joint drills with emergency services if possible.
6. Rescue Execution
- Review the rescue plan thoroughly before execution.
- Assign roles and responsibilities to team members.
- Initiate the rescue process as outlined in the plan.
- Ensure all safety measures are in place before proceeding.
- Document each step taken during the rescue.
- Use radios or hand signals for clear communication.
- Establish a primary communicator for the team.
- Regularly check in with all team members.
- Report any changes or observations immediately.
- Ensure everyone understands the communication protocol.
- Assess the person's physical and emotional state frequently.
- Provide updates to the team about the individual's condition.
- Check for signs of distress or worsening condition.
- Administer first aid if trained and necessary.
- Keep the person informed about the rescue progress.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the current rescue approach.
- Be prepared to change techniques if conditions change.
- Consult team members for their input on adjustments.
- Prioritize safety for both the rescuer and the person in distress.
- Document any changes made to the plan during execution.
7. Post-Rescue Review
- Gather all team members in a safe location.
- Encourage open communication and honesty.
- Discuss individual roles and actions taken during the rescue.
- Facilitate a constructive dialogue about the experience.
- Record key points and observations for review.
- Analyze the execution against the initial plan.
- Assess the response time and efficiency.
- Determine if all safety protocols were followed.
- Solicit feedback on the plan's practicality.
- Compile findings for future reference.
- Review feedback from team members.
- Highlight any challenges faced during the rescue.
- Discuss potential equipment or training gaps.
- Make suggestions for enhancing future rescues.
- Prioritize areas needing immediate attention.
- Create a detailed report of the incident.
- Include timelines, actions taken, and outcomes.
- Share findings with management and safety officers.
- Ensure that all documentation is accessible.
- Plan a follow-up meeting to discuss changes.
8. Training and Drills
- Set a calendar for monthly drills.
- Include various rescue scenarios in each session.
- Assign roles for participants to ensure engagement.
- Evaluate effectiveness after each drill.
- Adjust frequency based on team proficiency.
- Review incident reports for insights.
- Incorporate feedback from personnel involved.
- Revise training manuals accordingly.
- Distribute updated materials to all team members.
- Schedule a review session to discuss changes.
- Conduct a briefing session for all staff.
- Provide access to the rescue plan documentation.
- Encourage questions and clarifications.
- Test knowledge through quizzes or discussions.
- Reiterate procedures during team meetings regularly.
Use in Manifestly