Poletop Rescue Training
Working on wood poles at height carries significant risk and when a climber becomes suspended or incapacitated, a safe and competent rescue response is essential. This course provides the practical skills and underpinning knowledge to climb wood poles safely and carry out a rescue of a suspended colleague, both by climbing the pole directly and using a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Completed at one of Arco's specialist training facilities, it is suitable for anyone working on telecommunication poles at height.
• Working at height legislation
The requirements of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 as they apply to rescue planning and pole top operations, and the duties they place on employers and workers carrying out rescues.
• Hazard and risk identification
How to identify the hazards specific to pole top rescue scenarios, assess the risks before committing to a rescue approach and select appropriate control measures.
• Rescue equipment selection and assembly
How to select the correct pole rescue equipment for the situation, assemble it correctly and carry out pre-use checks before the rescue begins.
• Casualty handling and safe descent
How to approach, manage and lower a suspended casualty safely from a pole top, including the techniques required for controlled descent.
• Suspension trauma management and casualty recovery
How to recognise the signs of suspension trauma, the immediate actions required to reduce the risk of serious harm to a suspended casualty, and how to manage the casualty following recovery.
• Assessment
Observed practical exercises covering rescue scenarios evaluated by the course instructor.
Practical course.
Telecoms engineers and utility workers who climb or work on wood poles, including those required to carry out pole top rescues as part of their role.
No prerequisites required.