Emergency Rescue Procedure for EWP
Prior to any person working on an elevated work platform (EWP), workers must be familiar with the emergency descent controls and procedures at ground level.
Workers should be aware that EWP’s may have more than 1(one) emergency descent device. Should a worker require rescuing from an EWP because of any reason (e.g., equipment failure, injury/illness of the operator)
The following procedures may need to be implemented.
Dial emergency services on 000.
A person who is familiar with the emergency ground controls & working within
close proximity, should use the emergency descent device controls to carefully lower the platform (be aware that the ground controls will override the platform controls for emergency purposes). Make sure that no persons or equipment is underneath the platform when using the emergency descent device.
Where it is not possible to use the emergency descent device a second boom or scissor shall be used to retrieve the injured worker.
NOTE: At no time shall a worker place his own safety at risk to perform these procedures.
Be aware that if a person is suspended by a harness, there is limited time to retrieve the worker before further injury or death results. It is therefore essential that all workers have a thorough knowledge of this procedure prior to starting work on an EWP.