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FALL PROTECTION AND RESCUE PLAN FOR THE UTILIZATION OF FALL ARREST AND ROPE
ACCESS METHODS, FOR GENERAL TELECOMS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE WORK
ON ROOFTOPS, MONOPOLES AND LATTICE STRUCTURES

COMPILED BY:

Name : Phillip Fourie

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title
1. Introduction and Scope___________________________________________
1.1. Implementation______________________________________________
1.2. Maintenance ________________________________________________
2. Designation of a competent person__________________________________
3. Medical Evaluations______________________________________________
4. Training _______________________________________________________
4.5.1. Fall Arrest Designations ______________________________________
4.5.2. Rope Access Designations ____________________________________
5. Record Keeping _________________________________________________
6. Equipment Procedures ____________________________________________
6.1. Fall Arrest Equipment __________________________________________
6.2. Rope Access Equipment ________________________________________
6.3. Equipment Inspection Procedures ________________________________
6.4. Equipment Storage and Maintenance _____________________________
7. House Keeping and Ground Rules for Work at Height ____________________
8. Risk Assessment _________________________________________________
8.4. Hierarchy of Controls __________________________________________
9. Rescue Plan _____________________________________________________
9.1. Rescue Equipment ____________________________________________
9.2. Rescue Training ______________________________________________
9.3. Rescue Scenarios _____________________________________________
9.3.1. Fall Arrest Rescue Scenarios _______________________________
9.3.1.1. Assisted rescue on a conscious victim ______________________
9.3.1.2 Assisted rescue on an unconscious victim ___________________
9.4. Rope Access Rescue Scenarios ____________________________________
9.4.1. Accessing the victim from the bottom ________________________
10. Legislative Requirements _________________________________________

Appendix A: Induction to the Fall Protection plan ____________________

Appendix B: Medical Records Register _____________________________
Appendix C: Training and Certification Register ______________________
Appendix D: Daily equipment check _______________________________
Appendix E: Emergency Medical Numbers__________________________
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1. Scope and Introduction

This fall protection plan has been written by a competent person appointed to do so.

The Fall Protection Plan identifies and evaluates relevant risks and control measures for the hazards when
working at heights. Working at heights is considered to be ANY area above or below ground where there
is a risk of a fall where an injury, major or minor, can occur.

This fall protection plan is taking into consideration Fall Arrest and Rope Access Principles from ANY
height. These principles can be applied to, but not limited to:

❖ Building Scaffold;
❖ Using installed Scaffold;
❖ Fixed ladders;
❖ Portable ladders;
❖ MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms);
❖ Man cages;
❖ Suspended Platforms;
❖ Lifting and lower areas or any area where over reaching is a risk;
❖ Lattice or Pylon Structures;
❖ Monopoles;
❖ Roof Tops (Where lifeline, anchor systems exist);
❖ Construction and maintenance industry;
❖ Window Cleaning High Rise Buildings;
❖ Material Hoists;
❖ Cranes;

1.1. Implementation

The Fall Protection Plan is to be implemented by a competent person on any and all sites where
there will be work at height taking place, whether it be through Rope Access Techniques or Fall
Arrest Techniques.

1.2. Maintenance

The Fall Protection Plan is to be kept on file with the Safety Officer as well as on the site where it
can be referred to and used as a reference daily for mitigated risks and rescue procedures. It is
recommended that the Fall Protection Plan be used for Daily Toolbox Talks.

The Fall Protection plan is to be updated annually or as required, when the following activities,
actions or incidents occur:

1.2.1. Equipment Changes on site;

1.2.2. Shift Changes (consider the facts when working at heights);
1.2.3. Legislative Changes;
1.2.4. Scope of work has changed;

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1.2.5. External Conditions have changed (i.e. new contractors, cranes, new type scaffolding,
etc.);
1.2.6. Seasonal Changes (such as extreme heat, extreme cold conditions);
1.2.7. Risk factors have changed due to any of the above;

2. Designation of a Competent Person

2.1. This fall protection plan has been compiled by a competent person as contemplated in section 10
(1) (a) of the Construction Regulations 2014 and has been appointed in writing.
2.2. The Health and Safety Officer CR 8 (5) of 4 Core Tech is directly responsible for the
implementation of the fall protection plan.
2.3. Supervisors, Site Agents, Safety Officers, Managers, Team Leader and staff are to report any
changes in the SOP’s or site as per 1.2 of this plan, to the Fall Protection Planner to ensure risks
have been taken into account.
2.4. Any staff member of 4 Core Tech working in an elevated position where there is a risk of a fall is
directly responsible to use the guidelines in this fall protection plan.

3. Medical Evaluations
Construction Regulations 2014, “10 (2) (b) the process for the evaluation of employees medical fitness
necessary to work at a fall risk position and the records thereof;”

3.1. Medically fit means a certificate of fitness as issued by an Occupational Health Practitioner.
3.2. Before any work commences, each technician needs to have completed and successfully
achieved medical fitness for the job at hand. Certificate of Fitness needs to declare the
technician free from a condition preventing them from working safely at heights which includes
but not limited to:
3.2.1. Heart Disease;
3.2.2. High Blood Pressure (uncontrolled);
3.2.3. Epilepsy;
3.2.4. Fits and Black Outs;
3.2.5. Fear of Heights;
3.2.6. Giddiness (light headedness) or difficulty of balance;
3.2.7. Impaired limb function;
3.2.8. Alcohol or drug dependence;
3.2.9. Psychiatric illness;
3.2.10. Diabetes;
3.2.11. Suicidal tendencies.
3.3. It is recommended that daily medical checks are completed at part of the toolbox talks.
Questions to the technicians working at height can include but not limited to;-
3.3.1. Have you eaten a sufficient meal?
3.3.2. Have you/Are you taking any medication that will affect your ability to work safely at
height?

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3.3.3. Do you have any injuries recently obtained that will prevent you from working safely at
height?

4. Training
No person working at heights in a fall arrest and rope access environment can do so without the correct
training and supervisor.

4.1. Construction Regulations “(10) (2) (c) a programme for the training of employees working from
a fall risk position and the records thereof; ”;
4.2. Construction Regulations 2014 “9 (3) A contractor must ensure that all employees under his or
her control are informed, instructed and trained by a competent person regarding any hazard
and the related work procedures and or control measures before any work commences, and
thereafter at the time determined in the risk assessment monitoring review plan of the
relevant site.”;
4.3. All technicians working where there is a risk of fall need to be competent in the relevant
techniques for the access methods. Competent as defined by the Construction Regulations:-
“competent person” means a person who –
(a) has in respect of the work of task to be performed the required knowledge, training and
experience and, where applicable, qualifications, specific to the work or task: Provided that
where appropriate qualifications training are registered in terms of the provisions of the
National Qualifications Framework Act, 2000 (Act No. 67 of 2000), those qualifications and
that training must be regarded as the require qualifications and training; and
(b) is familiar with the Act and with the applicable regulations made under the Act;”;
4.4. Construction Regulations, “Rope Access Work 18 (1) A contractor must – (c) Ensure that all rope
access operators are competent an licensed to carry out their work”;
4.5. Should any technician be working using fall arrest techniques to access their place of work, they
need to be competent against the relevant SAQA standards and hold a valid licence to operate
through the Institute for Work at Height Professional Body, as listed below:

4.5.1. Fall Arrest Designations:

U/S
No. Designations SAQA US ID
NUMBER
Fall Arrest Explain and perform fall arrest techniques when
a 229998
Operator working at height
Install, use and perform basic rescues from fall arrest
229995
Fall Arrest systems and implement the fall protection plan
b
Technician Explain and perform fall arrest techniques when
229998
working at height

Fall Arrest Rescue Assess a worksite for work at height and prepare a
c 229994
Coordinator fall protection plan

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U/S
No. Designations SAQA US ID
NUMBER

Install, use and perform basic rescues from fall arrest

229995
systems and implement the fall protection plan

229999 Perform a range of advanced fall arrest rescues

Perform a limited range of rope access tasks and
230000
rescues
Explain and perform fall arrest techniques when
229998
Fall Protection working at height
d
Planner Assess a worksite for work at height and prepare a
229994
fall protection plan

4.5.2. Rope Access Designations

U/S
No. Designations SAQA US ID
NUMBER
Explain and perform fall arrest techniques when
a 229998
working at height
Rope Access
Technician
Perform a limited range of rope access tasks and
230000
rescues
Explain and perform fall arrest techniques when
229998
b working at height
Rope Access Perform a limited range of rope access tasks and
230000
Practitioner rescues
Rig working ropes, undertake rescues and perform a
229996
range of rope access tasks
Explain and perform fall arrest techniques when
229998
working at height
Perform a limited range of rope access tasks and
230000
rescues
Rope Access
Rig working ropes, undertake rescues and perform a
c Supervisor 229996
range of rope access tasks
Select equipment and rig ropes for rope access
229997
projects
Supervise rope access teams and perform advanced
230001
manoeuvres and rescues

4.6. All sub-contractors entering the site need to be inducted on the Risk Assessment and Fall
Protection Plan before entering the site and/or performed any work at height;

5. Record Keeping

5.1. Construction Regulations 2014, “9 (6) A contractor must ensure that copies of the risk
assessments of the relevant site are available on site for inspection by an inspector, the client
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the client’s agents, an y contractor, any employee, a representative trade union, a health and
safety representative or any member of the health and safety committee.”;
5.2. All Certificate of Fitness for employees working at height need to be kept on site for review by
an inspector, especially after an incident has occurred;
5.3. Daily medical checks to be documented in the toolbox talks;
5.4. All certificates of competence work relevant designations are to be kept on file for any audits,
inspections, etc.

6. Equipment Procedures
Construction Regulations “(10) (2) (d) The procedure for addressing he inspection, testing and
maintenance of all fall protection equipment;”

6.1. Fall Arrest Equipment

6.1.1. Any person accessing their work area with the use of fall arrest techniques needs to be
connected at all times with a fall arrest systems;
6.1.2. A Fall Arrest system comprises of a Harness, Lanyard with shock absorber and anchor
point;
6.1.3. The following fall arrest equipment is to be used by all technicians using fall arrest
techniques:

Name Description SANS Standard

Full Body SANS 50361
Front and back attachment points
Harness SANS 50358
 Double Legged Lanyard for proper
dispersal of anchoring
Shock Absorbing  Shock Absorber SANS 50355:2003
Lanyard  Total length of the of the lanyard,
including shock absorber not to include
2m
Working SANS 50358:2008
Positioning  Lanyard used for work positioning only SANS 50362:2008
Lanyard SANS 50354:2003
Helmet with
 Must have a chin strap to stay on head SANS 50397
chin strap
 waterproof material;
Equipment carry
 must be sufficient size to carry all N/A
bag
equipment

6.2. Rope Access Equipment

Required
Name Item Description
Standard
Helmet with
Must have a chin strap SANS 50397
chin strap

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Required
Name Item Description
Standard
 Full body sit harness for rope access
work
 Harness front connection point get SANS 50361:2003
Full body
connected by means of a delta quick SANS 50358:2008
harness
link through 2 single loop attachment SANS 50813
points on the front 2 x abdominal
connection points.
 One directional rope ascending device
designed to be fitted to the chest point
Chest Ascender of the harness. SANS 50567
 for ropes between the diameter of
8mm to 11mm; Individually tested
 One directional rope ascending device
Handle designed for use by hand.
SANS 50567
Ascender  for use with single ropes between
8mm-13mm;
Sufficient
connected for Including Delta Mallions, Triangular Mallions
SANS 50362
harness or the correct size.
configuration
 grab loop & cheat strap;
 double step on step 4 for rescue
Tape ladder ascending; N/A
 double leg ascending; reinforced clip (in
points and steps);
 Double action descending device
Descender  Single hook up point. EN 12841-C
 Operating handle for descending.
Low stretch
kern mantle SANS 51891
rope
Mobile Fall
Have a lock action to arrest a fall SANS 50353:2
Arrestor
Sufficient length to be used as an anchorage
Anchor slings SANS 50566
line
Rope protector In order to protect the ropes over an edge
Equipment carry
N/A
bag

6.3. Equipment Inspection Procedures

6.3.1. Technicians being allocated with work at height equipment are to sign for their
equipment and serial numbers allocated to the relevant staff member. This is to ensure
accountability and responsibility.

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6.3.2. All Work at Height Equipment is to be visually inspected prior to each use. These
inspections don’t necessarily need to be documented however it does need to be noted
in the tool box talks that the inspection took place. These visual inspections need to be
supervised by a Competent person;
6.3.3. Ropes are to be inspected individually. Ropes are to be removed from service if the
following defects are present:
6.3.3.1. When the rope appearance makes it look unserviceable. It does not look safe
to use.
6.3.3.2. When the rope has been cut to the core;
6.3.3.3. When there are unusual hard sections in the rope;
6.3.3.4. When there are unusual soft sections in the rope;
6.3.3.5. When the rope has been in contact with paint or other harmful chemicals
such as acid;
6.3.3.6. When the history of the rope is not known;

6.3.4. When inspecting metal components the following is to be checked for: -

6.3.4.1. Check that there is no bending;
6.3.4.2. Check for signs of deformities and indentations;
6.3.4.3. Check for signs of rust marks;
6.3.4.4. Check for signs of abrasion and or cracks.
6.3.5. When inspection webbing look for the following:
6.3.5.1. Signs of wear and tear and frayed sections;
6.3.5.2. Signs of cuts and burn marks;
6.3.5.3. Unusual hard and soft sections;
6.3.5.4. Check if the stitch patterns are still intact by twisting them sideways;
6.3.5.5. Check to see if the stitching is not frayed and coming loose.
6.3.6. When inspection plastic components look for the following:
6.3.6.1. Check for signs of cracks in the plastic;
6.3.6.2. Check for signs of discolouration where the plastic has been in contact
with chemicals or too much sunlight;
6.3.6.3. Check for signs of abrasion;
6.3.6.4. Check for signs of deformities and indentations.
6.3.7. Documented equipment inspections need to take place quarterly (or as company policy
dictates). These inspections need to document the minimum requirements:
6.3.7.1. Serial number of the item
6.3.7.2. Date of Manufacture
6.3.7.3. SANS Certification Number (Standard to which the item has been
manufactured against)
6.3.8. Only the manufacturer of the item can perform any and all repairs. Should unserviceable
equipment be found and need to be removed from service, the correct process is to be
following: -
6.3.8.1. Report all unserviceable equipment to the Supervisor and Remove
immediately from service;
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6.3.8.2. Mark correctly to ensure it does not accidently be put back into service;
6.3.8.3. Equipment need to be disposed of that is environmentally safe.
6.3.8.4. Serial number of the item is to be noted down and a certificate of disposal
for the item kept on file.
6.3.8.5. Item line description is to be removed from the inspection list,
6.3.8.6. Item to be replaced and logged in the inspection logs to ensure
traceability of the item is tracked.
6.3.8.7. Do not use a shock absorber that has already been in a fall and the
serviceability of the item has not yet been determined. Rather get the
item inspected by the manufacturer again and get issued with a certificate
of conformity.

6.4. Storage, care and maintenance of equipment

6.4.1. All work at height equipment is to be stored in its own bag separate from other tools
and items;
6.4.2. Ropes are to be correctly coiled and stored either hanging on its own dedicated station
or in an equipment carry bag,
6.4.3. The requirements for an equipment store are as follows:
6.4.3.1. Cool, well ventilated;
6.4.3.2. Out of Direct Sunlight;
6.4.3.3. Free from other pesticides, chemicals, etc.;
6.4.3.4. Free from other tools.

7. Housekeeping and ground rules for Work at Height

The following ground rules and housekeeping requirements are to be following by all employees,
contractors, sub-contractors and technicians on site that will be working at height or working in the
vicinity where there are technicians working at heights.

These rules are to be supervised and overseen by a competent supervisor and are to be mentioned in the
daily toolbox talks.

7.1. Do not sit on equipment;

7.2. Do not use packed equipment bags for chairs or pillows;
7.3. Transport equipment in separate protective carry bags;
7.4. Do not throw equipment down from a height;
7.5. Use specific equipment for its intended purpose; i.e. Don’t use your helmet for a seat or a bowl;
7.6. Do not tie knots in your lanyard to make it shorter;
7.7. Do not drag your equipment on the ground;
7.8. Keep equipment clean and dust free to ensure each moving part stays rust free and moves with
each. Clean all software items with pine gel or Woolite;
7.9. Do not work alone when working at height;

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7.10. Always have sufficient rescue equipment onsite in the event of an incident where a rescue will
need to be performed;
7.11. All work at height is to be supervised by a competent and trained team leader;
7.12. All equipment used to be tested against the relevant SANS standard and hold the correct
markings;

8. Risk Assessment
Construction Regulations “10 (2) (a) a risk assessment of all work carried out from a fall risk position and
the procedures and methods used to address all the risks identified per location;”;

8.1. The Risk Assessment should be included in the toolbox talks and an induction on the risks and
control measures to be completed to all subcontractors and staff working on the site daily;
8.2. The Risk assessment for any site needs to contain the following information:
8.2.1. The site name, supervisor or health and safety officer;
8.2.2. Risks and Hazards identified;
8.2.3. Control measures (mitigations) for the identified risks and hazards;
8.2.4. Safety Factor rating for the risks and the mitigated controls.
8.3. The following risk assessment has been compiled identifying the risks when working at heights as
contemplated in section 1 of the plan. These are the identified risks currently however can differ
from site to site and depending on varying circumstances such as weather conditions, site
personnel, equipment changes, supervisor changes, etc. Should the site change the risks will need
to be revaluated: -

8.4. Hierarchy of Hazards:

Elimination (100%)

Substituition (50%)

Engineering Controls (30%

Signage/warning signs and or

administrative controls (20%)

PPE (10%)

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Refer to: HSE-RA-0001 Risk Assessment for Fall Protection and Rescue Plan

9. Rescue Plan

9.1. Rescue Equipment Requirements

In order to handle rescue scenarios in a fall arrest and rope access environment, a range of rescue
equipment is needed onsite. The list of equipment provided is for the use by one team. Should
more teams be working on site there needs to be a minimum of 1 rescue kit per team.

ITEM REQUIRED REQUIRED

ITEM NAME ITEM DESCRIPTION
NO QUANTITY STANDARD
Equipment carry Water proof with sufficient space
01 1 N/A
bag to store the relevant equipment
Telescopic extension pole with
insert for holding frog connector. SANS EN
Access pole with
02 Used for rescues in remote areas 1 50362
connection
where the victim cannot be
reached directly
SANS EN
Double Action descending device
03 Descender 1 12841-C
with anti-panic functionality
Small rigging plate with 4 holes.
Main hole for anchoring of the
SANS EN
04 Anchor plate device and three smaller holes of 1
50795
19 mm each for connecting the
rescue system to.
1,5 meter anchor SANS EN
Used for anchoring of a pulley
05 sling or .5m anchor 1 50566
system in a lift and lower rescue
sling
Able to hold a Rope of diameter
06 Small single pulley 1
11mm to 13 mm.
Able to hold a Rope of diameter
07 Large double pulley 2
11mm to 13 mm.

SANS EN
D-shape self-locking karabiner 50362 +
08 Karabiners 3
made from steel. 35KN. SANS
EN12275
One directional rope ascending SANS EN
09 Handle ascender 1
device designed for use by hand. 50567
Low stretch kern mantle rope.
Low stretch kern Outer - Polyester; Inner - Core
SANS EN
10 mantle rope 50 Polyamide; Rope type - A Grade; 1
1891
meters static strength test 22kN;
dynamic test 4,1kN

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9.2. Rescue Training Requirements

9.2.1. Training is required for all personnel who need to perform rescues;
9.2.2. Special training is required for all working who will need to access confined space;
9.2.3. It is recommended that a first aider be on site for additional medical support as well as
the numbers of the local fire department, ambulance service and hospital. The rescue
techniques will assist to get the victim down to the ground where after they will be
handed over to trained and qualified emergency medical personnel.
9.2.4. Suspension trauma
9.2.4.1. Suspension trauma is harness induced death caused by blood circulation
that is cut off and a lack of muscle movement that will cause a lack of
oxygen on cellular level.
9.2.4.2. Suspension trauma is a very serious emergency that will cause death or
organ failure if not treated correctly.
9.2.4.3. Any person that has been suspended in a harness after an emergency for
longer than ten minutes needs to be treated in the following manner once
the rescue has been completed:
9.2.4.3.1. Do not remove the harness;
9.2.4.3.2. Keep the victim suspended off the ground with his / her legs touching the
ground;
9.2.4.3.3. Slowly lower the victim down +/- 30 cm at a time for a one minute session
at a time;
9.2.4.3.4. Once the victim is on the ground and still able to walk ensure that a lot of
water is taken to enhance renal function to prevent kidney failure from
waste products that has built up in the blood due to the pooling of the
blood during the lack of proper circulation;
9.2.4.3.5. A medical examination is compulsory after a near miss like mentioned
above.

RESCUE SCENARIO DESCRIPTION RESCUE METHOD TO BE USED

Victim to use his / her suspension loop to await the rescue.

Victim in reach.

Conscious Victim suspended after a

fall hanging on a fall arrest device
like the lanyard, retractable life line,
and temporary vertical life line.

Possible Suspension Trauma

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9.3. Rescue Scenarios

Training for rescue techniques is very specific to Fall Arrest and Rope Access Falls. The rescue plan needs
to cater for the following rescue scenarios:

❖ Self-Rescue – Where you have fallen and can rescue yourself

❖ Assisted Rescue – Where you need to rescue your teammate and he is still conscious to verbally;
communicate to in a rescue situations;
❖ Unassisted – where you need to rescue a teammate that has fallen and is unconscious either due to
a head injury, dehydration or even suspension trauma;
❖ Remote Rescue – Any victim that needs to be rescues that you cannot directly access whether
conscious or unconscious.

9.3.1 Fall Arrest Rescue Procedures/scenarios:

The following rescues can be utilized in any fall arrest situation including roof tops, lattice masts, fixed
ladders, etc.

9.3.1.1. Assisted rescue on a conscious victim

Manoeuvre Picture

Identify a suitable anchor to set up an escape system

 Send the connection loop running through the

rescue device down to the victim be feeding it
through it through the descender.
 The victim needs to connect the end of the
rope directly to the front fall arrest chest
point of their harness

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Manoeuvre Picture

Send down the handle ascender and etrier to the

victim, by lowering it, using the rope.

 The victim needs to climb up on the free rope

making use of the handle ascender and etrier.
 When standing up, the rope needs to run
through the descender and when sitting down
the rope needs to be locked and held into
place by the descender.

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 The victim needs to stand up in the etrier and

sit down so that his weight is supported by
the rescue system.
 This will enable him to slide up the handle
ascender and etrier to a higher point.

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Manoeuvre Picture

The victim needs to climb up until the shock absorbing

lanyard is slack and can be removed.

Once the victim’s shock absorbing lanyard is slack, the

rescuer can remove the lanyard.

 Feed the rope through the additional friction

karabiner before lowering the victim.
 This will assist with control, when lowering
the victim.

 Remove the handle ascender and etrier from

the free rope.
 If the handle ascender is not removed, it can
jam the entire rescue system during lowering.

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Manoeuvre Picture

 Communicate effectively with the victim,

make sure that the additional karabiner for
friction has been added.

 Lower off the victim under control

9.3.1.2. Assisted rescue on a unconscious victim

Manoeuvre Picture

Select a suitable anchor for the rescue escape system

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 Connect the rescue rope to the victim on the

dorsal D-ring next to the shock absorbing
lanyard.
 Connect the handle ascender and etrier to the
rope that is connected to the victim.
 The handle ascender must face the victim and
the etrier must thread through the karabiner
on the rescue system.

Manoeuvre Picture

 Place your foot into the etrier, hold onto the

handle ascender, push down with your foot
(that is in the etrier) and pull up on the handle
ascender.

The rope must now slide through the rescue device

when the victim is lifted.

 Reposition the handle ascender and repeat

the process in order to transfer the victim’s
weight form the shock absorber to the rope
system.

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Manoeuvre Picture

 Once the victim’s shock absorbing lanyard is

slack, remove it from the anchor point.
 Add the additional friction karabiner next to
the rescue device.

Lower off the victim under control

Call for medical back up (if not done yet)

Hand over to emergency medical personnel

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9.4 Rope Access Rescue Scenarios

There are three scenarios when performing a rescue in a rope access working environment
 Accessing the victim on a separate set of ropes
 Accessing the victim on his own set of ropes from the bottom
 Accessing the victim on his own set of ropes from the top

As all these rescues are using the same techniques and principles, the best method has been listed in
the scenarios below and can be utilized in a rope access rescue situation.

9.4.1. Accessing the victim on his own set of ropes from the bottom

Manoeuvre Picture

Connect your ascenders to the victims back up device

and your back up device to the victims main rope

Climb up to reach the victim

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Manoeuvre Picture

 Life the victim up in order to improve their

breathing. This can be done with a spare
karabiner connected from the chest d-ring to
the main rope above the descender.

 At this point you will be able to assess the

victims medical situation and can signal below
to the medical emergency personnel.

Connect a spare cow tail to the centre point of the

victim’s waist d-ring.

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Remove the victims back up device and connect it

directly to your backup device

Manoeuvre Picture

 Go past and change over to descend.

 Connect another spare cow tail to the victim

 Abseil down until you are the same height as

the victim.
 Connect a rescue link on the front centre
point to his waist d-ring

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Remove the lock off from the descender and under

control lower him until his weight is transferred to you

Manoeuvre Picture

 Remove the victim’s descender completely.

 Add another karabiner to your side d-ring and
feed rope from your descender through this.
 This will create extra friction when you abseil
down the victim connected to you abseil the
victim down to the ground.

Call for emergency medical care (if not done so

already)

Hand over to medical personnel

10. Legislative requirements

This plan has been written in line with the relevant regulations and legislation pertaining to working at
heights, fall arrest and rope access training and equipment. The following legislation is pertaining to
working at heights:

10.1. Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993

10.2. Construction Regulations 2014

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Appendix A – Induction to the Fall Protection Plan

PROOF OF INDUCTION TO THIS FALL PROTECTION PLAN

NO NAME AND SURNAME ID NUMBER DATE SIGNATURE

.
Name of Inductor: ___________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Date: _______________________________________________________________________________________

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Appendix B – Medical Records Register

Occupation Health Practitioner Medical Register

All completed medicals to be kept on site

# Name Occupation Medical Fitness Date of expiry

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Appendix C – Training and Certification Register

Proof of all training for Fall Arrest and Rope Access Licences

Certificates of Competence, Temporary Licences and Copies of Licence to Operate to be kept on site

# Name Designation Training Completed Date of expiry

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Appendix D – Daily Equipment Check

Name of Technician: __________________________________________________________________________

Date of Inspection: ____________________________________________________________________________

Kit number: __________________________________________________________________________________

Taken out of service and reported to

Item Description In working order?
supervisor?
Eg. Full Body Harness Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Yes No Yes No Serial Number

Inspected by: ________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________________________________________________

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Appendix E: Emergency Medical Numbers

Name of Site: Location Address:

Name of First Aider on site

Contact details:

Institution Phone Number Address Distance from site

On-Site Safety Officer

Designated First Aider

Local Fire Department

Local Hospital

Netcare 911

ER24

Local Proto Team

SAPS
Poison Information
Centre (Snake bites, etc.)

Compiled by: ________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________________________________________________

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