“A belay is a standard operating procedure”

The topic of belay in co-worker assisted rescue is one that tends to get people worked up, perhaps because so many of us have roots in professional rescue such as fire departments and rescue teams. A belay is a standard operating procedure in Professional Rescue environments, and a rescuer would scarcely think of performing a rescue without one.

On the surface, then, it would seem that employing a belay would only make sense in a workplace environment as well.

“This topic has been heavily debated in ANSI Z359.4 Subcommittee meetings”

From a practical perspective, however, this doesn’t always bear out. This topic has been heavily debated in ANSI Z359.4 Subcommittee meetings, and OSHA has addressed the matter as well at both state and federal levels. All end up at the same general premise: After a fall, the fallen worker needs to be rescued as safely and expeditiously as possible – but it is highly unlikely that use of a belay would be reasonably achievable in most such cases, and even where it may be feasible it may not be desirable.  The interpretation letter at OSHA website provides a nice overview.

Regulatory authorities and practitioners with the most experience seem to land at the same conclusion: Self-Rescue and Co-Worker Assisted Rescue practices may, but are not required to, include the use of some means of secondary belay. In fact, in some cases a belay could expose rescuers to additional hazard (e.g., where it would be precarious to attach a secondary system, where redundant systems may be likely to become entangled or create a snag, or where a belay could easily be inadvertently activated and leave the rescuer[s] and/or subject[s] in a precarious position).

“A belay should definitely be considered”

Careful consideration should be given to whether a given situation warrants the additional complexity and manpower for a belay. A belay should definitely be considered where:

• There is a high likelihood of failure of the main system.
• The primary raising/lowering system being used for rescue does not automatically stop/lock if the user lets go.
• The protection provided by the belay outweighs the potential hazards that the belay might create.

Belay systems are appropriate only when they protect against a credible threat, when it is safe to operate them, and when they prove to increase survivability for the rescuer and patient.

In short, there are pro’s and con’s to belaying… and while most organizations do favor the use of belays during training evolutions, in a real situation where self-rescue or co-worker assisted rescue is being performed, belay is optional.

Presenter: Loui McCurley | Webinar | Loui McCurley speaks about how to effectively integrate professional rope access into a comprehensive fall protection plan.

Presenter: Loui McCurley | Webinar | 
Although fall prevention and protection has been repeatedly addressed by OSHA, which has suggested methods such as elimination or substitution of work, use of engineering controls, administrative controls, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to control hazards, falls continue to be a leading cause of death and injury in the workplace.

In developing a Managed Fall Protection Program, one thing is clear: Adequate preparation, systems thinking, and adhering to appropriate safety practices are more likely to have a positive influence on safety at height than complex, rigid work systems and adherance to “product standards”.

This presentation, given by Loui McCurley, will explore integration of Rope Access into the employers Managed Fall Protection Program, and the potential benefits of versatility and capability that can be realized by the employer as a result. We will discover how Professional Rope Access fits in as a work method combining trained technicians with a proven system of work and equipment to achieve complete system of work, and how it is recognized by US and International standards, including ANSI, ISO, and others.

Presenter: Loui McCurley | Presentation | 

This presentation was given at the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Safety 2011 conference held June 12-15, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

Presenter: Loui McCurley | Webinar | 
Although fall prevention and protection has been repeatedly addressed by OSHA, which has suggested methods such as elimination or substitution of work, use of engineering controls, administrative controls, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to control hazards, falls continue to be a leading cause of death and injury in the workplace.

In developing a Managed Fall Protection Program, one thing is clear: Adequate preparation, systems thinking, and adhering to appropriate safety practices are more likely to have a positive influence on safety at height than complex, rigid work systems and adherance to “product standards”.

This presentation, given by Loui McCurley, will explore integration of Rope Access into the employers Managed Fall Protection Program, and the potential benefits of versatility and capability that can be realized by the employer as a result. We will discover how Professional Rope Access fits in as a work method combining trained technicians with a proven system of work and equipment to achieve complete system of work, and how it is recognized by US and International standards, including ANSI, ISO, and others.

Presenter: Loui McCurley | Webinar | 
ANSI Z359.2 outlines a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program for industry. One component of this involves preparing for rescue in the event of an accident. This presentation will provide an overview and guidelines for equipment and training to ensure “prompt care” as mandated by OSHA.

Presenter: Tom Wood | Webinar | 
With the push in recent years to expand cell phone coverage and thereby eliminate those dreaded “Dead Spots”, cell towers are popping up in every corner of the country at an amazing rate. But along with this push comes a price: More and more tower workers are exposed to the risks of extreme height, Radio Frequency (RF) radiation exposure, high voltage, and gale force winds. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has deemed Cell Tower Work as the most dangerous job in America, with the highest fatality rate per 100,000 workers of any occupation (beating out loggers, miners, and deep sea fisherman). With the 2007 enactment of the ANSI Z359 standard, employers are charged with keeping their workers safe by providing them with rescue equipment and training. Calling 911 is no longer an acceptable rescue plan. But inevitably, more and more Rescue Professionals are being called to perform tower rescues. This free webinar will discuss both the similarities and differences between Companion Onsite Tower Rescue and Professional EMS Tower Rescues. Different tools and methods to accomplish the same goal-the successful rescue of a tower worker, will be discussed in this hour long presentation.

Presenter: Loui McCurley | Presentation | 

Presenter: Loui McCurley | Presentation | 
This presentation covers rope-based fall protection for industry.