MEWP Rescue Plan Template and

Guidance Form
Project Information
Company Name: Worksite Location:
MEWP Type: Date of Rescue Plan Implementation:
Ground personnel who have received familiarization and are authorized to operate the ground controls:
Name: Location: Phone/Radio/Page:
Name: Location: Phone/Radio/Page:
Pre-Operation
 Verify that the ground key is available
 Designate ground rescue personnel (received familiarization training on MEWP)
 Verify the method or raising alarm / notification communication needs
 Confirm the rescue sequence
- Operator
- Ground staff
- Another MEWP
Emergency Scenarios
Emergency Situations Proposed Response
Primary platform controls are not Operator should activate platform auxiliary controls to lower the
1
responding machine to the ground.
Auxiliary platform controls are not
Person on the ground who is familiar with the machine ground
2 responding, or the operator is
controls should use the primary ground controls to lower the machine.
incapacitated or unable to function
Primary ground controls are not
An appointed person familiarized in the use of the ‘ground’ controls
3 responding and operator cannot operate
will use the ground auxiliary controls to safely lower the platform.
controls
Immediately contact a competent and authorized service engineer to
4 All ground controls are not responding
assess the situation and provide further guidance.
1. Self-rescue: provide details
Operator suspended from fall arrest
5 2. Assisted rescue from those in the work area: provide details
harness
3. Technical rescue: by emergency responders
Person on the ground who is familiar with the machine ground
6 Operator incapacitated
controls should use the primary ground controls to lower the machine.
Onsite Qualified Personnel
Name: Location: Phone/Radio/Page:
Name: Location: Phone/Radio/Page:
Guidance on Rescue Plans for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
1 Self-Rescue (by the person involved):
Platform Auxiliary Controls: If the primary platform controls stop responding, the operator should try to activate the
platform auxiliary controls to lower the machine to the ground.
Platform-Installed Self-Rescue System: If the platform controls are not responding and there are no other workers
in the area who can provide assistance, a platform-installed self-rescue system should be used. These after-market
devices can be mounted in the platform. This allows the operator to self-rescue by attaching the system to the front
D-ring on their harness, exiting the platform, and using the device to lower themselves to the ground.
Operators must receive extensive training on the use of the system and machine manufacturer approval before
installing the system on the machine. Whenever an individual is suspended in air, it is critical that they continuously
pump their legs (as if riding a bicycle) to minimize the likelihood of suspension trauma injury. Suspension trauma
could be fatal within 30 minutes of the initial fall. This 30-minute window refers to when the fall protection plan must
contain plans for a "prompt" rescue.
Continue to Back Side
Personal Self-Rescue System: These systems can be used to lower the individual from the platform, or to self-
rescue after experiencing a fall or ejection from the platform. These after-market devices can be mounted directly
onto the operator’s full-body harness. The PFPE lanyard is then attached to the device before starting work. The
system allows the operator to self-rescue by exiting the platform and activating the device to lower themselves to the
ground or to within rescue range from another MEWP. Operators must receive extensive training on the use of the
system and approval from their employer before installing the system on their harness.
Suspension Trauma Safety Straps: These lightweight systems mount onto the side straps of the operator’s
harness. In the case of fall or ejection from the platform, the operator opens the case to release the straps, connects
them at the proper length, and steps into the loop created by the straps. This allows the operator to stand up in their
harness and relieve the pressure being applied to the arteries and veins around the top of the legs until they can be
rescued.
2 Assisted Rescue (by others in the work area) Please note: Rescue should only be carried out
by appropriately trained personnel.
Primary Ground Controls: If the operator cannot lower the platform to the ground by the primary or auxiliary
platform controls, or if the operator has been incapacitated, a person on the ground who has been familiarized on
proper use of the controls may use the primary ground controls to lower the machine.
Auxiliary Ground Controls: If the primary ground controls are not responding, the person on the ground should try
to activate the auxiliary ground controls. If all ground controls are not responding, the ground personnel should
immediately contact onsite qualified personnel to assess the situation and provide further guidance.
Use of a Secondary MEWP
Sometimes a MEWP is unable to be lowered, for example during a complete machine malfunction or work platform
entanglement. During platform entanglement, the operator and occupants must be removed from the platform before
trying to free the platform.
MEWPs that have tipped beyond their center of gravity must be stabilized and secured before rescue attempts.
Rescue using another MEWP should be carried out only after a thorough site review by a qualified person has been
performed and a plan has been created. The plan should consider the following:
 Position the rescue machine to allow the rescue without compromising the safety of personnel involved in the
rescue.
 Place the platforms of both machines adjacent to each other with a minimal gap between them. The power on
both machines should be shut off during the transfer.
 Implement safeguards to prevent unintended movement of either platform during the transfer.
 Verify all personnel in the platform, including the person being rescued, are wearing the proper fall protection
equipment. The lanyard(s) must be attached to the anchor points on the rescue machine before the transfer
takes place.
 Verify the rescue machine is not overloaded during the rescue. Make more than one trip to complete the rescue if
necessary.
 Comply with the manufacturer’s requirements stated in the operator’s manual. Immediately contact emergency
personnel if there is injury, illness or risk of exposure.

3 Technical Rescue (by emergency personnel):

Technical rescue might also be necessary in the event of illness, injury, or risk of exposure.
 Consider the reasons why the platform may be stranded at height and any need for prompt action.
 Contact firefighters and other rescue professionals as a last resort. Their response time and the equipment may
not be the best option to meet the OSHA requirement for prompt rescue after a fall arrest.
The rescue agency must advise the employer in writing of its availability and capability, any limitations on the types
of rescue it can perform, and detailed instructions regarding how they are to be called and if they need to be advised
when certain activities are planned or certain conditions exist so that they are able to respond appropriately.