Oftentimes workers performing dangerous jobs at heights or inside of confined spaces are located in remote areas where first responders are not able to respond in case of accidents or emergencies. Additionally, many first responders don’t possess the skills necessary to perform complex rescues. That is why it is often necessary to train and equip workers to be able to perform such rescues in a timely manner and with minimal exposure.
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Under Canadian provincial and federal regulations, if there is a risk of injury due to falling (where fall protection equipment is necessary), the employer must, prior to any activities beginning: (a) Develop a fall protection plan, and (b) ensure that a copy is made available to all workers (COHSR – Section 12.06). In reference to the fall protection plan, among other things, the fall protection plan must specify the rescue procedures to be followed if a person falls.
A key component of the fall protection plan is the work procedures, which contains the steps for carrying out every task performed at heights, along with specific equipment required. If the course you need isn’t found below, we do offer custom courses that are tailored to your specific needs as well.
A key part of the process in developing rescue procedures that are required under Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations for those who perform work at heights or inside of confined spaces is to have a qualified person perform a hazards assessment taking into account the elements that shape the hazards in a particular location, or for a type of work being performed.
If the hazards assessment finds that workers are exposed to a potential fall from a tall structure, or being trapped in a hazardous confined space, then rescue procedures become necessary to take into consideration. A cost benefit analysis can help determine whether it makes more sense to hire a rescue team, rely on first responders, or train your work teams to perform the rescue. Ultimately, it is the employer’s responsibility to select the method(s) that is most reasonable when all of the circumstances are taken into consideration.
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