Emergency Action Planning And Rescue

From Height on Tower Cranes

Emergency Action Planning & Rescue From Height on
Tower Cranes

CPA Good Practice Guide

1 of 36 Issue Date:01.11.2021 Issue 1

 Contents
Page

Foreword 3

1. Introduction 4

2. Legislation 5

3. Responsibility for Emergency Action Planning and Rescue 6

4. Circumstances Requiring Emergency Action and or Rescue from Height 7

5. Preventative Measures 8

6. Consultation with the Local Fire and Rescue Service 9

7. Casualty Assessment and Stabilisation 10

8. Rescue Plan 11

9. Rescue Arrangements 12

10. Rescue Options and Methods 14

11. Rope Rescue Equipment Selection and Provision 21

12. Rescue Considerations 27

13. Site Rescue Teams 30

14. Inspection and Maintenance of Rescue Equipment 33

15. Bibliography 34

16. Acknowledgements 36

NOTE: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the material contained within
this publication, no liability is accepted by either the Construction Plant-hire Association in respect
of the information given.
No material from this booklet may be reproduced in any shape or form without the permission of
the Construction Plant-hire Association.

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1. Introduction
This document’s primary purpose is to provide guidance on emergency action planning and rescue of
persons from height on tower cranes. Wherever tower cranes are erected, the emergency response and
rescue of persons from height - although required infrequently - should be planned for.
A tower crane emergency action and rescue plan must be viable. This means safe and effective
arrangements must be made onsite to deal with foreseeable situations where it would be necessary to
rescue a person requiring assistance from the tower crane structure to safety. To be effective, the on-site
response needs to be swift and not cause further injury or a worsening of the casualty’s condition/situation.
The people requiring rescue fall into four broad categories:
 Those erecting, altering or dismantling tower cranes, i.e. the erection crew;
 Those operating tower cranes on a daily basis, i.e. the operator;
 Other people with authorisation to climb the crane; such as site managers, supervisors,
photographers as well as the crane owner’s managerial and supervisory staff;
 Those carrying out maintenance, inspection or thorough examination, i.e. maintenance
personnel and engineer surveyors.
NOTE: This document does not cover the rescue of non-authorised persons such as trespassers
Whilst historically the number of incidents where rescue has been required from tower cranes has been
very few, the consequences of failing to ensure that suitable rescue arrangements are in place are extremely
high. Suitable and sufficient rescue arrangements should be established and maintained whilst a tower
crane is being erected, dismantled and in use.
The primary duty for emergency planning, and ensuring that there are adequate resources for carrying out
rescue from a height of persons on a tower crane, rests with the organisation in control of the premises on
which any tower crane is sited. In the case of a construction site, this is the Principal Contractor.
The emergency action and rescue plan prepared by the principal contractor should:
 consider all persons who may require rescue whilst the crane is at the site whilst the crane is
being erected, dismantled, in-service, maintained or thoroughly examined;
 be specific to the crane and site;
 provide clear procedures that are understandable and be capable of being followed by the rescue
team;
 include measures and arrangements to minimise the rescue being required in the first place;
 include arrangements for casualty assessment prior to rescue;
 be capable of being enacted in good time without unnecessary delays;
 take account of the safety of those undertaking the rescue;
 include the selection, training and competency assessment of team members;
 include arrangements for selection and routine inspection of rescue equipment;
 take account of variable weather conditions and lighting levels;
 include arrangements for communication between rescue team members;
 be regularly reviewed whilst the crane is on the site and amended where necessary to ensure
that rescue arrangements remain valid and viable.

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1. Legislation
Health and safety legislation requires that safe systems of work be in place for all work activities, along
with the duty to provide a means of safe rescue, arise from:
 The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), Sections 2 and 3;
 The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR), Regulation 4(2);
 The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), Regulation 5(1)
(d);
 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW), Regulation 3;
 The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), Regulation 30 –
Emergency Procedures; and
 The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.
The primary duty for ensuring that there are viable emergency action plans, and adequate resources for
carrying out rescue from a height of persons on a tower crane, rests with the organisation in control of
the site on which a tower crane is sited. In the case of a construction site, this is the principal
contractor as defined by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM),
Regulation 13.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and
appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if
they are injured or taken ill at work.

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3.0 Responsibility for Emergency Action Planning and Rescue
The organisation in charge of the site - the principal contractor on a construction site, should ensure that
adequate arrangements and resources are in place for rescue of persons from tower cranes. These should
be in place during erection, operation of the crane, maintenance, thorough examination, and dismantling.
The principal contractor should consult and liaise with the tower crane supplier and the employer of the
competent person undertaking thorough examination to ensure that rescue arrangements they are
providing are adequate and viable. In most instances, whilst arrangements for rescue during the erection,
alteration and dismantling phases may be planned and implemented by the tower crane supplier, the
principal contractor retains the duty to ensure they are in place.
Consultation and discussions on rescue arrangements with the tower crane supplier and the organisation
providing thorough examination should take place before the crane is erected. The arrangements should
be agreed between the parties for the time the tower crane(s) is to be on site, together with any variation
in arrangements at different stages of the project. All agreed arrangements should be fully documented.
As a construction site constantly changes, all risk assessments and rescue arrangements, including any on-
site resources, should be frequently reviewed by the principal contactor to ensure that they are still valid
and viable. This is particularly important on sites where there may be only one crane erected or where
rescue team members, who were present at the early stages of the project, are no longer on site.

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4.0 Circumstances Requiring Emergency Action and or Rescue from Height
The following table summarises the activities during which persons may require emergency action and
rescue from height, the persons who may assistance and the types of emergencies that may precipitate
the need for rescue:

Person requiring emergency Type of emergency

action and rescue

Partial collapse of tower crane structure

Medical emergency/ injury Major/Minor
Suspension from fall arrest system
Activity
Operator

Visitors
Erector

Maintenance Persons

Equipment failure
Competent Person

Erection     

Use    

Alteration   from Height

Table 1: Circumstances Requiring Rescue   

Maintenance     
Table 1 indicates that the circumstances requiring emergency action and rescue from height fall into two
Thorough     
categories:Examination
a) During erection, alteration
Dismantling  and dismantling of the crane when
 the people
 whomay require

rescue are members of the crane supplier’s erection team;
Other     
b) During use, maintenance and thorough examination of the crane when those that may require
rescue are the operator, visitors to the crane (e.g. safety advisors, managers, etc.), maintenance
persons and ‘competent persons’ carrying out thorough examinations.
NOTE: Any onsite intervention must always be conducted within the safe limitations of the onsite rescue
team and onsite first aider competency. It may be necessary to wait for professional rescue and clinical
assessment/care if it is suspected the casualty is suffering a major illness or injury

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1. Preventative Measures
On the basis that prevention is better than cure, the first consideration when planning for rescue are the
measures that can be taken to minimise the risk of rescue being required in the first place. Such measures
can include:
a) Regular personnel medical fitness assessments (see Medical Fitness to Operate Construction
Plant - Good Practice Guide - Construction Industry Plant Safety Group (free download
from [Link]);
b) Site monitoring of any changes in personnel attitude or health, including mental health;
c) Ensuring that operator breaks, and refreshment are taken at appropriate intervals to combat
fatigue and low blood sugar;
d) Personnel awareness of any potential issues through free confidential helplines etc;
e) Personnel (especially operators) encouraged to report as soon as they start to feel ill, so that they
can climbdown the crane before their condition deteriorates;
f) Competence (experience, knowledge and training) of personnel;
g) Regular radio communication between the operator and crane supervisor and/or
slinger/signaller, even when the crane is idle between lifts (see BS 7121- 1:2016, Annex F);
NOTE: The lifting team should agree a timeframe which constitutes prolonged breakdown in comms
procedure i.e., back up radio, mobile phone
h) Allocation of a ‘buddy’ to monitor personnel’s safe progress during ascending and
descending the crane (see CPA TCIG TIN 034);
i) Personnel working outside collective protection on tower cranes should always wear short
lanyards to limit fall distance and facilitate rescue;
j) Fitment of a passenger hoist to the crane to eliminate the need for the operator to ascend and
descend using the mast ladders.

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6.0 Consultation with the Local Fire and Rescue Service
The principal contractor should consult with the local fire and rescue service to understand their
capabilities and how they can support any onsite rescue. It is recommended that the findings of the
consultation are used in the formulation of the site emergency response and rescue plans.
NOTE: UK Fire and Rescue Services consider rescue from tower crane as a specialist rescue provision.
Capabilities and response times may vary as specialist teams may have extended travel distances.

Figure 1: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service - Specialist rope rescue team conducting onsite tower
crane rescue training

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7.0 Casualty Assessment and Stabilisation
The emergency response plan should include early notification to the emergency services of the
emergency. The plan should consider how emergency service responders/paramedics are to be met on
arrival and escorted to the casualty.
On-site first aiders should be familiar with how to access the tower crane safely and swiftly to carry out
initial assessment, provide immediate casualty care (including the use of a defibrillator) and advise on the
need for further assistance They should continually monitor the patient, keeping them warm and stable
whilst a rescue is undertaken.
If the initial assessment made by the site First Aider finds that casualty has suffered a major illness or
injury, it is recommended that rescue is not attempted until an assessment has been made by an
emergency service responder/paramedic. Where practicable, the casualty should be stabilised before they
are moved.
NOTE: In some situations, an initial rescue may be necessary to recover the casualty to a place of safety to
enable the assessment to be undertaken
Casualty assessment and treatment may simplify the rescue method. After assessment and possible
treatment, the casualty may be able to climb down with assistance from the crane whilst being closely
monitored and supervised.
It is essential that a competent first aider is always available on site whilst the tower crane is being
erected, operated, maintained, thoroughly examined, and dismantled. When available, the site should also
consider including nurses or first aiders with enhanced competencies in the response team.
The First Aid responders should be included in any training sessions for the rescue team. Whilst they may
not be directly participating in the recovery process, it is important that they are familiar with the
arrangements and the potential impact the process may have on the casualty.

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1. Rescue Plan
The principal contractor should prepare a Rescue Plan that records the outcome of the planning process.
The plan should:
 consider all persons who may require rescue and whenever they may require rescue whilst
the crane is at the site;
Note: Details of persons and circumstances in which rescue is required is provided in Table 1
Note: The plan needs should take account of the operational times of the crane and time for the
operator to climb and descend from the crane
 be specific to the crane and site;
 provide clear procedures that are understandable and be capable of being followed by the rescue
team;
 include arrangements for early notification to the emergency services;
 include arrangements as to how emergency service responders/paramedics are to be met on arrival
and escorted to the casualty;
 include details of measures and arrangements to be taken to minimise the rescue being required in
the first place, and prioritise safe and swift access to a person in need of help;
 include sufficient arrangements for casualty assessment by a competent first aider prior to rescue;
 include review measures to confirm the plan devised is capable of being enacted in good time
without unnecessary delays;
 take account of the safety of those undertaking the rescue and the casualty;
 include a list and description of rescue equipment to be provided and instructions of how and
where it can be used;
 include arrangements safe storage, and routine inspection of rescue equipment;
 include a list and description of PPE to be issued to the rescue team and first aiders and where it
is to be stored;
 include the selection, training, and competency assessment of team members;
 take account of variable weather conditions and lighting levels;
 include arrangements for communication between rescue team members;
 be regularly reviewed whilst the crane is on the site and amended where necessary to ensure
that rescue arrangements remain valid and viable;
 include arrangements to ensure that a copy of the plan, or any subsequent revisions, is provided
to members of the rescue team, those who may require rescue, the tower crane supplier and the
employer of the competent person undertaking thorough examination of the crane.

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1. Rescue Arrangements
2. Rescue arrangements for tower crane erectors
The principal contractor should seek confirmation from the tower crane supplier that the tower crane
erection team are competent in the use of their own rescue equipment with which they can raise or lower
a member of their team who may have fallen and is stranded, or is injured or unwell, as needed. All
members of the erection team should have the necessary competence (skills, knowledge, training and
experience) to carry out a rescue of a team member safely. This will include both initial and refresher
training.
Due to the heightened risk that rescue may be required, the rescue equipment should be located close to
the scene of work operations during the crane erection to enable swift deployment. The tower crane
supplier should ensure that the rescue equipment provided to the erection team is inspected and
maintained as recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

[Link] arrangements for crane operators and other people with authorisation to climb
the crane
The rescue arrangements for crane operators and other people with authorisation to climb the crane
should consider:
 the locations where a casualty may require assistance - see Table 1;
 who will undertake the rescue - see Section 9.3;
 and potential methods of rescue - see Section 10.
3. Rescue arrangements for persons undertaking maintenance and thorough
examination
1. General
The rescue plan prepared by the principal contractor should consider persons undertaking maintenance and
thorough examination. Maintenance of tower cranes is generally undertaken by the tower crane supplier.
Thorough examination can be undertaken by persons employed by the tower crane supplier and/or by
persons employed by independent engineering inspection bodies.
Prior to maintenance or thorough examination, the principal contractor should discuss and agree with the
respective employer how rescue will be facilitated. The rescue arrangements should consider the nature of
the maintenance or examinations being undertaken, the equipment supplied and the crane(s) being
maintained or inspected.
2. Jib inspection
Where a jib inspection is to be carried out, the risk assessment undertaken as part of the planning
process should consider:
a) Whether the crane operator is going to be available for the duration of the work to monitor the
maintenance personnel/competent person and raise the alarm in the event of rescue being required
and, if not, the need for a second person to avoid the hazards of lone working;
b) Whether the inspection can be carried out from the trolley basket of a saddle jib tower crane,
in which case rescue provision is unlikely to be required;
c) If the jib is accessed by a walkway, the need to assess the suitability of the walkway using the
following criteria:
 What is the size and nature of the jib to be inspected?
 Is there good access?
 Can the jib be lowered so that it is level for easier access?
 Is a walkway fitted along the whole length of the jib?

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  Are “anti-slip” provisions made on the painted/smooth areas?
 Is there a handrail as well as a safety line?
 Is there an inspection basket for the jib nose?
 Is there an anti-fall provision on ladders (to A-frame, etc.)?
d) The type of personal fall protection being used;
e) Whether deployment of fall arrest protection equipment could leave the operative some
distance below the crane's structure, requiring a rescue;
f) Whether the potential for pre-syncope has been addressed by the supplier (harness type, training,
stirrups);
g) Whether use of a short fall arrest attachment that will only allow a small fall, permitting the
operative to self-rescue in most cases;
h) The competence (experience, knowledge and training) of personnel undertaking the work.
NOTE: The assessment of competence can be assisted by the review of training and experience records
Best practice is to have all maintenance, inspection and thorough examination activities on a jib carried
out by two people who have the competence to rescue each other if needed.

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1. Rescue Options and Methods
There several options for dealing with an emergency which requires a person to be recovered to safety
from height to ground level. These include after medical assessment, escorting a casualty down the
crane’s access ladders, lowering a casualty, raising a casualty or self-rescue with specialist equipment.
The casualty’s recovery may be accomplished in stages with an initial rescue to a place of safety and
then, after medical assessment, a second phase recovery to ground level. In some instances, more than
one recovery method or technique may be necessary.
It is essential that:
 the planning undertaken by the principal contractor considers all potential methods and
techniques;
 sufficient persons are available to undertake the rescue without placing the casualty or rescuers
at risk;
 the chosen method of rescue is communicated to all rescue team members;
 the rescue team consider the condition and the location of the casualty before
commencing a rescue;
2. Rescue by escorting the casualty down the crane’s tower access ladders
After medical assessment, a casualty with minor injury or illness may be able to be climb down the
ladder system whilst being escorted by the rescue team.
The advantages of using the tower crane’s access ladders are:
 The route will be familiar to the rescue team and casualty;
 The route has collective fall protection throughout its length;
 There are safe places for rescuers to stand, above and below the casualty;
 The ladders are inclined with rest platforms provided at intervals not exceeding 10m;
 The rescue personnel have can pause the descent at any time to administer further first aid
or for any other reason.
The disadvantages of using the tower crane’s access ladders are:
 The casualty may deteriorate during the decent;
 Each additional ladder and rest platform on the crane will increase the overall rescue time.
NOTE: The number of ladders that must be navigated can be reduced if a high level bridging walkway is
installed between the building under construction and the crane
NOTE: If the casualty requiring rescue is part way up a crane that is positioned in a lift shaft, the only
method of rescue that is available may be to escort the casualty down or up the ladder system to the
nearest egress point
2. Rescue by use of a special purpose crane passenger lift
Special purpose passenger lifts are available that can be a fitted to the mast structure of some tower
cranes. When fitted, they can be used to take a casualty from the upper termination point just below the
slew ring to ground level.
The advantages of using a passenger lift include:
 Rescue team members and emergency service personnel can ascend the crane very quickly;
 The casualty can be taken to ground level without the use of other specialist equipment and a
full rescue team.

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The disadvantages of using a passenger lift include:
 The size of the lift may restrict the casualty to be transported in a vertical position;
 The size of the lift may not permit a first aider to accompany the casualty in the hoist;
 The casualty will still have to be taken through the slew ring opening if the casualty is on the
upper slewing structure;
 The casualty will still have to be taken up or down the ladder if the casualty is on the ladder
system, as the lift will only have entry and exit points immediately below the slew ring and at
the base of the crane.

Figures 2: Example of a Passenger Lift

3. Rescue by man-riding carrier suspended from a crane

Rescue can be made from most cranes with the use of a specially designed man riding rescue carrier (see
Figure 2) which can be suspended from the crane on which the rescue is being carried out or from a
nearby tower crane or mobile crane. The advantage of this system is that the casualty can be speedily
recovered to the ground without the use of any special rope rescue techniques.
If rescue by a man riding carrier is selected:
 The rescue carrier will have to be stored in a suitable position on the site where it can be
reached, or brought within reach, of all the cranes on the site;
 All crane operators on site will all have to be trained and familiarised to use all the tower cranes
on site as the casualty could be the operator of the crane that is required to facilitate the rescue.
If a mobile crane is to be used to lift the carrier, both that the crane and operator must be always
be available and the planned crane berthing location kept clear of obstructions;

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  The rescue carrier should be large enough to allow the rescue stretcher and casualty to remain
horizontal. If a small carrier is used, the stretcher and casualty will have to be secured in the
vertical position. The stretcher should not be positioned onto the top of the guard rails of a
standard sized man riding carrier;
 The carrier should have sufficient capacity for the rescue stretcher, casualty, first aider and at
least one rescue team member;
 The rescue plan should consider how persons will escape/evacuate in the event of tower crane
power/equipment failures.
Detailed guidance on the use of cranes or the raising or lowering of persons is given in:
 Clause 23.1 of BS 7121-1:2006, Code of practice for the safe use of cranes - Part 1:
General;
 Annex H of the CPA Best Practice Guide on the Safe Use of Top Slew Tower Cranes.

Figure 3: Example of a purpose-designed rescue man-riding carrier

10.4 Rescue by use of davits or derricks

Tower cranes are available that can be supplied with davits or derricks which can assist in lowering a
casualty to the ground (see Figures 4 and 5). In general, the pre-installed lifting equipment (winch,
sheaves and rope) on the davit or derrick are not used during rescue. Instead, the davit or derrick is utilised
as an anchor point in conjunction with rope rescue equipment. The davit or derrick should be assessed to
ensure that it has an adequate rated capacity (safe working load) and should be subject to thorough
examination at a maximum interval of six months.
NOTE: Davits and derricks are typically provided by the crane manufacturer for the lifting of goods and are
not certified (CE or UKCA Marked) for lifting persons
Davits and derricks allow the rescue team to attach the rescue stretcher work whilst they remain within an
area with collective fall protection. The stretcher can then be raised and slewed over the side of the crane
to a position where it can be safely lowered to the ground or an adjacent structure.

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 Figure 4: Lifting davit positioned on rear jib

Figure 5: Lifting jib and rescue stretcher

10.5 Rescue by a high reach MEWP

Rescue can be accomplished by a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP). The MEWP should:
 Have sufficient reach to reach the areas on the crane where rescue will be required;
 Have sufficient lifting capacity to account for the casualty, rescue stretcher and a MEWP
operator;
 Be immediately available if rescue is necessary;
 Be operated by a trained and competent operator, who should be available when required without
any delays.
The MEWP will have to be positioned on firm level ground close to the crane. The area that the MEWP
will be stored when not in use should be kept clear of any obstructions that would prevent the MEWP
being rapidly deployed.

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10.6 Rescue by lowering a stretcher
Rescue can be accomplished by lowering a rescue stretcher suspended from the crane structure with ropes
to the ground or a safe area such as an adjacent building or structure (see Figure 3).

Figure 6: Casualty being prepared for Figure 7: Casualty being lowered in a

lowering in a rescue stretcher rescue stretcher

Transitioning a stretcher over collective protection can be made safer and easier by using a high point
anchor and deviation pulley (see Figures 8 and 9). An anchor point, above the position where the rescue
will be made, will reduce the effort needed to get the stretcher over the edge. A tag line or guide rope
should be used to keep the stretcher and casualty away from the crane and any adjacent structures.

Figure 8: Transitioning a casualty in a rescue stretcher into the lowering position

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 Figure 9: Lowering a
casualty in a rescue
stretcher from the rear
jib

10.7 Rescuing a casualty in a fall arrest harness

Rescuing a casualty suspended in a fall arrest harness may require working outside areas where there is
collective fall protection (see Figure 10).

Figure 10: Rescuing a casualty suspended in a fall arrest harness may require working outside areas where
there is collective fall protection

10.8 Rescue by taking a casualty down the crane’s access ladders in a stretcher
Rescue by taking a casualty down the crane’s access ladder system in a stretcher is not recommended and
should only be undertaken after careful consideration of alternative methods, as rescue by this method
will be impractical or impossible in most instances.
The disadvantages of taking a casualty in a stretcher down the tower crane’s access ladders
include:
 Repeated changes in orientation may cause significant deterioration of the casualty;
 The decent is likely to be bumpy and slow;

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  The stretcher and casualty must be small enough to be manoeuvred through the slew ring section
(see Figure 11), down the ladders and around the rest platforms by the rescue team members;
Note: Semi-rigid stretchers are available that are suitable for vertical use
 Each additional ladder and rest platform on the crane will increase the overall rescue time;
 The physical demands on the rescue team will be extremely high and they will need breaks
or will regular substitution as the stretcher is lowered.
The advantages of using the tower crane’s access ladders are:
 The route will be familiar to the rescue team;
 The route has collective fall protection throughout its length;
 There are safe places for rescuers to stand, above and below the casualty;
 The rescue personnel have can pause the descent at any time to administer further first aid or
for any other reason.
NOTE: It is recommended that site specific onsite training in the use of a stretcher is as realistic as
possible

Figure 11: Restricted access through the opening at slew ring section

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1. Rope Rescue Equipment Selection and Provision
Rope rescue systems and equipment are available from a range of suppliers. When selecting
equipment consideration should be given to:
 Portability of the equipment by the rescue team to the position where it will be required on the
crane;
 How easy it is to configure and use the equipment;
 The potential for miss-use;
 Durability and vulnerability when in use. (Hazards such as sharp edges);
 How the equipment will be securely stored and protected when not in use so that it does not
deteriorate;
 The availability of manufacturer’s approved training and technical assistance;
 Compatibility and limitations of equipment.
Note: It is essential that the instructions provided by the manufacturer are obtained and the rescue team
members are made aware of any compatibility or limitations in use of the equipment
The rescue equipment should include:
 A suitable number of rescuer harnesses;
 A suitable number of casualty harnesses;
 A suitable number of work at height helmets;
 A suitable casualty harness;
 A suitable casualty stretcher;
 Ropes, anchor strops, karabiners, and deviation pulleys;
 Equipment for recovery of a person held in suspension that includes a reach and recovery
mechanism (pole) that will allow an individual to access and recover a fallen worker;
 A controlled descent device lowering device.
2. Rescuer harnesses
A rescuer harness should:
 Be quick and easy to put on;
 Have attachment points to allow quick connection to a system for lowering, raising and/or
suspension;
 Have accessory loops to allow attachment of ancillary equipment such as a torch, radio, etc.
A selection of rescue harnesses is shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12: Rescuer harnesses

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2. Casualty harnesses
Harnesses that are intended to be used by casualties should be quick and easy to fit without any assistance
of the casualty. Harnesses are available that hold the casualty in different positions. As the casualty could
be in a harness for long periods as they are lowered down the crane, the harness must be comfortable,
provide sufficient support and not cause further injury or undue suffering to the casualty.
3. Rescue stretcher
A rescue stretcher should:
 Meet appropriate standards;
 Be simple to use;
 Be lightweight;
 Be compact and transportable;
 Be suitable for both horizontal and vertical lowering ;
 Provide protection to the casualty;
 Provide security to the casualty;
 Be sufficiently stiff to support the casualty;
 Be compatible with spinal immobilisation equipment;
 Be easy to lift whether manually or by crane;
 Be easy to wash and disinfect;
 Be easily stored and transportable.
Examples of rescue stretchers are shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13: Rescue stretchers

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11.4 Ropes, anchor strops, karabiners and deviation pulleys
The rescue kit should include a range of ropes, anchor strops, karabiners and deviation pulleys. The ropes
should be of sufficient length to reach the ground easilyfrom the highest point on the crane where rescue
may be affected. Anchor strops should be of sufficient length and suiability to be securred to a range of
potential anchor points. Deviation pulleys should be sized for the diameters of rope included in the rescue
kit (see Figures 14 &15).

Figures 14: Anchor compatibility – sling and Karabiner attachments

Figure 15: An anchored

deviation pulley and karabiner

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11.5 Recovery kit for recovery of a person in suspension
A recovery kit should be compact and simple to use, easily carried and should consist of all or some
the following:
 A locking, extendable rescue pole allowing easy connection to a person hanging
suspended after a fall;
 A controlled rate lowering device with lifting capability and maximum speed limiter,
designed to rescue casualties by lifting or lowering;
 An easy to fit casualty harness;
 A pulley, providing mechanical advantage to raise a load or deviate a rope;
 Sufficient slings suitable for the application;
Include sufficient length of rope to raise or lower the casualty to a safe location.
Examples of recovery kits are shown in Figure 16.

Figure 16: Recovery kits for persons in suspension

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11.6 Controlled descent device
The rescue equipment selected should incorporate a descender winch that is:
 Compliant with EN341 (lowering and lifting function);
 Capable of limiting the descent speed to less than 0.8m/s;
 Rated to lower the full height of the tower crane.
NOTE: Descenders are rated with a maximum descent distance for a given payload

Figure 17: Controlled descent device

11.7 Anchor points

Anchor points for ropes used for lowering should be identified in advance of any rescue and their location
be familiar to members of the rescue team. The anchor points should be immediately above the position
where the casualty is to be lowered. It is recommended that the rescue kit provided to the rescue team
incorporates a range of different anchor strops, pulleys and karabiners to allow for the different anchor
points that have been on the crane (see Figure 18).

Figures 18: Anchor Points, deviation

pulley and karabiner

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11.8 Permanent horizontal lines on jibs
Where a permanent horizontal line is fitted and used on a jib, account should be taken of the number of
people who can attach to the system safely at any one time. This information should be provided by the
manufacturer of the tower crane and/or the manufacturer of the line system.
Advice on horizontal lines can be found in EN795, EN365 and BS7883.

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1. Rescue Considerations

2. Rescue from cabs

Different makes and models of tower cranes have different means of access to the cab. Some have rear
doors which will assist in the rescue of the operator, whilst others are accessed through a hatch in the floor
or a hatch in the roof which may cause difficulties (see Figures 19 - 22).
These factors should be considered when selecting a tower crane.

Figure 19: A narrow cab door makes access to Figure 20: Small walkways also restrict
the casualty difficult as they must be lifted over access
the seat

Figure 21: Casualty may

require rope assistance to lift
them out of the cab

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 Figures 22: Restricted access can limit the number of rescuers around the casualty

12.2 Rescue from mast sections

Rescue of a casualty within a mast section can be difficult (see Figure 23). The casualty may have to be
raised, lowered and reorientated to avoid entanglement with ladders and hoops. It is often easier to raise
the casualty to the next landing and then after medical assessment, complete the recovery by lowering the
casualty in a rescue harness outside of the mast structure.

Figure 23: Rescue from within the mast sections

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 Figure 23 (cont’d):
Rescue from within the
mast sections

3. Rescue from the front jib, rear jib and machine deck
The front jib, rear jib and machine deck have limited and restricted space for rescue team members to
operate (see Figures 24 and 25). To avoid congestion responders should be kept to a minimum.
Deployment of rescue systems on exposed areas such as the jibs will usually require specific training
in the use of the height safety and rescue equipment in that location.
The rescuer must be particularly alert to hazards, including but not limited to:
 Exposed and unprotected fall hazards;
 Gaps in guard rails;
 Thin deck flooring that only offers minimal structural protection;
 Unguarded machinery;
 Electrical hazards;
 Grease.

Figure 24: Rescue from front jib Figure 25: Rescue from front jib

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1. Site Rescue Teams
When selecting and training site rescue team members, it is essential that:
 team members are prepared and willing to undertake rescue training and are confident to
undertake an actual rescue after training has been completed;
 all the members of the team are available when required (sickness, holidays, transfer to another
site day/night /weekends, etc.);
 the person being rescued will have confidence in the rescue team;
 the team members will be available to undertake the site practice rescue scenarios and attend
ongoing training sessions.
The setting up and maintenance of a rescue team on a small construction site can be problematic due to the
small numbers of persons available on site. Not all persons will be confident and willing to work at
height. As the project progresses, persons willing and confident to work at height may move to other
projects. It is essential that the availability of team members is continuously monitored.
In inner city locations, it may be possible for the site to work together with other sites or crane owners
to establish a shared rescue provision. This will require training and confirmation of competence of the
alternative/additional rescue team members to carry out rescue from all the makes and models of tower
cranes involved, as well as coordination to ensure that the rescue provision will be available swiftly,
whenever required.
If the site chooses to provide a site rescue team, then members of the team should have the following
attributes:
1) Fit and able to assist manoeuvring a person;
2) Comfortable working at height;
3) Trained in the use of appropriate personal fall protection equipment;
4) Available whenever the crane(s) is(are) in operation, being maintained or thoroughly examined;
5) Trained and capable of taking rescue equipment, including personal fall protection
equipment, up the crane;
6) Aware of suitable points to which the rescue equipment can be attached;
7) Up to date with the site emergency action and rescue plan.
2. Site rescue team members
The planning for site rescue teams should consider:
 How many site rescue team members will be required to affect a safe rescue allowing for
holidays and absence of team members;
 How the team is to be supervised and managed;
 The number of First Aiders will be required if they are not members of the rescue team.
2. Mobilising the rescue team and summoning emergency services
The rescue plan should:
 consider how the recue team are to be summonsed and mobilised to undertake a rescue;
 how the emergency services (ambulance and paramedics) are to be summonsed;
 who will coordinate and oversee rescue activities.

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3. PPE for rescue teams
The rescue plan should consider personal protective equipment (PPE) that is to be provided to the
rescue team. The equipment should include:
 Climbing safety helmet and head torch;
 Eye protection;
 Waterproof breathable clothing;
 Safety harness;
 Twin fall arrest lanyards and integral energy absorber;
 Work restraint lanyard;
 Safety boots;
 Gloves.
The equipment should be stored when not in use and in a clean, dry, secure area away from potential
contaminates in an easy-to-access location, close to the crane.
4. Communication between rescue team members
The rescue plan should consider how rescue team members will communicate during a rescue. Any
communications equipment that is provided must be of light weight and easily carried or worn.
Handheld radios should be secured with a lanyard. Arrangements should be in place to ensure that any
communications equipment is charged and immediately available if a rescue is required.
5. Training of rescue personnel
It is essential that all rescue from height on tower cranes is carried out by trained (competent) persons
who should be always available on site and in sufficient numbers when rescue may be required.
Initial training, which should include checks of equipment, should be carried out by a professional training
provider or by in-house trainers, who have been trained and assessed by the system supplier. Trainees
should be assessed using practical exercise(s) as well as theory session(s).
Whilst the training may initially be undertaken off site, it is essential that the training includes
simulated rescues from different positions on the actual crane to confirm that the training has
been assimilated.
Refresher training should be carried out at an interval not exceeding six months, followed by an
assessment of competence by carrying out a simulated rescue. This should include a review of the rescue
plan, as well as the equipment being used and its location.
Equipment should be inspected at the end of any exercise and the findings recorded.
It is recommended that time is allocated after each simulated rescue exercise for group discussion
and reflection. This may identify the need for additional training, familiarisation or changes to the
methods or techniques used.
It is important that trainees are not exposed to additional risk during any simulated rescue carried out
during training. Where necessary, a mannequin of representative height and weight should be used during a
rescue exercise, although it can sometimes be beneficial to use a ‘live’ casualty (person) for maximum
authenticity. If a ‘live’ casualty is being used, competent supervision and a lifeline must be used to provide
back-up fall protection.
Additional guidance is given in: BS 8454: 2006 Code of practice for delivery of training and
education for work at height and rescue and OC 282/31.
It is also important that persons operating or carrying out work on erected tower cranes have an
appreciation of the rescue process. This will ensure that if they are rescued, they will know what to
expect and, if conscious, may be able to cooperate with the rescue team.

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Whichever method of rescue is chosen, the personnel involved will require adequate initial and
refresher training to ensure that they are competent to carry out the rescue procedure safely, minimising
the risk to the casualty and themselves. Before carrying out training, a robust risk assessment should be
undertaken to identify the risks involved and the control measures required to reduce those risks to a
minimum.
Rescue methods, such as rope access rescue kits, will have a much higher risk profile than others,
such as the use of a MEWP or a rescue man-riding cage.

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1. Inspection and Maintenance of Rescue Equipment
All equipment used for the rescue of persons from height on tower cranes must have a pre-use check
before each use. Damaged equipment should be taken out of service immediately.
It is recommended that the equipment is kept in secure tamperproof storage in-between checks, so it is
ready for immediate deployment.
In addition to pre-use checks, equipment should be subjected to periodic detailed inspection (and/or
thorough examination) by a competent person in accordance with a pre-determined regime specified
by the equipment manufacturer (or LOLER).
NOTE: The inspection regime may specify the need for ‘interim inspection’. LOLER requires lifting
equipment to undergo a six-monthly thorough examination. It may be desirable to extend the six-monthly
period, e.g. where rescue kit has been hermetically sealed (which will also prevent mis-use)
Furthermore, equipment should be inspected after use and, if damaged, taken out of service
immediately.
Equipment should be kept clean and dry and should be safely stored in a secure place, close to the base of
the crane. The location should be well sign posted and kept clear of obstructions. On multiple crane sites,
consideration should be given to locating rescue equipment at the base of each crane. Wet equipment
should be thoroughly dried before storage. Equipment should not be altered or repaired unless this has
been authorised by the manufacturer.
The frequency of detailed inspection should be reviewed by a competent person, to take account of
storage conditions and any damage found at pre-use and detailed inspections. All of the PPE and lifting
equipment must be uniquely traceable to the inspection reports and suppliers’ certificate of conformance.
It should also be noted that some of the rescue equipment will be subject an obsolescence date.
Where a permanent horizontal line is fitted, it should be inspected regularly (and tested, if
required by the manufacturer).
Additional guidance is given in:
 BS 8437:2005 + A2:2012 - Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of
personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace;
 INDG 367 – Inspecting fall arrest equipment made from webbing or rope.

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1. Bibliography

2. Legislation
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA);
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR);
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), Safe use of lifting
equipment, Approved code of practice and Guidance (HSE, L113);
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 as amended (MHSW); The
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM);
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), Personal protective
equipment at work, Guidance (HSE, L25);
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
2. Standards
BS 7121-1:2016, Code of practice for the safe use of cranes - Part 1: General;
BS 7883:2019, Personal fall protection equipment. Anchor systems. System design, installation and
inspection. Code of practice;
BS 8437:2005+A1:2012, Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall
protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace;
BS 8454:2006, Code of practice for delivery of training and education for work at height and rescue;
BS EN 361:2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Full body harnesses; BS EN
362:2004, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Connectors;
BS EN 363:2018, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Personal fall
protection systems;
BS EN 365:2004, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. General requirements for
instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging;
BS EN 795:2012, Protection against falls from a height — Anchor devices — Requirements and testing;
BS EN 1496:2017, Personal fall protection equipment. Rescue lifting devices; BS
EN 1497:2007, Personal fall protection equipment. Rescue harnesses;
BS EN 1498:2006, Personal fall protection equipment. Rescue loops.
3. Other Publications
INDG 367, Inspecting fall arrest equipment made from webbing or rope (HSE,
[Link]/pubns/[Link])
OC 282/31, Rope evacuation from mechanical handling equipment (HSE, HSE Operational
Circular, [Link]
Topic Inspection Pack – Falls from Height (HSE,
[Link]/foi/internalops/fod/inspect/[Link])
Guidance on rescue during work at height (Work at Height Safety Association, Technical
Guidance PGN03 [Link] ON-
[Link]
CPA Best Practice Guide on the Safe Use of Top Slew Tower Cranes (CPA)

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Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group (SFPSG) Best Practice Guide on Medical Fitness to Operate
Construction Plant (CPA)
CPA TCIG TIN 034 - Ensuring the Safe Access of Tower Crane Operators on Site.
All CPA and SFPSG publications are free downloads at [Link]
15.4 Useful Websites
Chief Fire Officer's Association [Link]
Construction Plant-hire Association [Link]
CITB [Link]
Health and Safety Executive [Link]
Industrial Rope Access Trade Association [Link]/
Safety Assessment Federation [Link]
Work at Height Safety Association [Link]
NOTE: The Work at Height Safety Association can provide a list of manufacturers and providers of rescue
equipment

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1. Acknowledgements
2. Working Team Members

Brent Bolton HSE

Clive Johnson Derwent London
Craig Hook Sir Robert McAlpine
Dave Borley Skanska
Max Lepoutre Select Plant Hire
Mike Benton Heightworks
Nick Croudace Intervention Rescue
Peter Knights Select Plant Hire
Seamus Murphy Falcon Tower Cranes
Stephen Miller BAM Construction
Steve Bradby Select Plant Hire
Teddy Holt Radius Group
Ian Simpson (Author) Construction Plant-hire Association
Rob Squires (TCIG Construction Plant-hire Association
Co-ordinator)

16.2 Photographs

© Intervention Rescue Figures 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15,

17, 18, 23, 24, 25
© Select Plant Hire Figures 2, 3, 21,
© Liebherr – Great Britain Figure 4
© City Lifting Figures 5, 19, 20
© Hampshire Fire and Figure 22
Rescue

Reference No. TCIG 2101 (formerly TIN 013)

First Published: November 2021
Published by:
Tower Crane Interest Group (TCIG)
Construction Plant-hire Association
27/28 Newbury St
London
EC1A 7HU
Telephone:
020 7796
3366
Email:
© CPAenquiries@
TCIG 2101 36 of 36 Issue Date: 01.11.2021 Issue 1
[Link]