Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425:body:0:p30
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 75175–78593

that workers have access to persons who are trained in first aid.
Further guidance is available in the First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice [under development].
The emergency procedures for falls may be incorporated into the emergency plan required for the workplace under the WHS Regulations.
When establishing emergency procedures, you should take into account the following:
Relevant considerations                                          Questions

Location of the work area                                        Is the work at height being undertaken in a remote or isolated place? How accessible is it in an emergency and how far away is it from appropriate medical facilities?

                                                                 Can the rescue of a person after an arrested fall be provided immediately, without the need to rely on emergency services?

Communications                                                   How can workers working at height communicate in an emergency?

Rescue equipment                                                 What kinds of emergencies may arise? The provision of suitable rescue equipment will depend on the nature of the work and the control measures used, for example, an emergency rapid response kit with man-made fibre rope, according to AS/NZS 4142.3 Fibre ropes—Man-made fibre rope for static life rescue lines .

                                                                 Selected rescue equipment should be kept in close proximity to the work area so that it can be used immediately.

Capabilities of rescuers                                         Are rescuers properly trained, sufficiently fit to carry out their task and capable of using any equipment provided for rescue (e.g. breathing apparatus, lifelines and fire-fighting equipment)?

                                                                 Have emergency procedures been tested to demonstrate that they are effective?

First aid                                                        Is appropriate first aid available for injuries associated with falls?

                                                                 Are trained first aiders available to make proper use of any necessary first aid equipment?

Local emergency services—if they are to be relied on for rescue  How will the local emergency services (e.g. ambulance) be notified
                                                                 of an incident?  What is the likely response time?

9.2  Suspension intolerance
Suspension intolerance can occur with a fall-arrest system when a person has an arrested fall and is suspended in an upright, vertical position with the harness straps causing pressure on the leg veins. The lower legs' capacity to store large amounts of blood reduces the return of blood to the heart, slowing the heart rate, which can cause the person to faint. This may lead to renal failure and eventually death, depending on a person's susceptibility. This condition may be worsened by heat and dehydration.
The quick rescue of a person suspended in a full body harness, as soon as is possible, is vital.
For this reason, workers should be capable of conducting a rescue of a fallen worker and be familiar with onsite rescue equipment and procedures.

Workers and emergency response workers must be trained in the rescue procedures and be able to recognise the risks of