Health Safety & Environment Management

Emergency Preparedness Action Plan

Project:

(Cross Reference – ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018)

Rev. Date of Issue Prepared By Approved By

15.0. Emergency Preparedness Action Plan

INTRODUCTION

In view of the potential hazards involved in Construction, it is essential to evolve a emergency

plan so that if situation demands, personnel at 100MLD KSWDPL,Mandvi,Kuntch, Gujarat.
construction site can effectively make use of the available resources to minimize the human
suffering and property damage when unforeseen circumstances may lead to a major
emergency at construction site, plant, workshops and other offices

The plan out lines the course of action to be taken by various persons (employees) during
emergency.

DEFINITION OF EMERGENCY

Any emergency is a situation created by an occurrence that may cause serious injuries, loss of
life or extensive damage to plant and property. To tackle such major situations effectively, out
side agencies may be required to be called. Emergencies may result due to natural or un-
natural causes.

OBJECTIVE OF EMERGENCY PLAN

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In dealing with an emergency situation, the broad objective of the plan is to provide a system
capable of taking fast and effective action in an emergency situation and to maximize effective
utilization of resources available to:

 Safeguard lives both at the site and in the neighborhood,

 Contain the incident and bring it under control,
 Action plan for all coordinating departments and agencies,
 Minimize damage to property and neighboring environment,
 Rescue and treat casualties,
 Provide welfare assistance to casualties,
 Identify persons affected, notify relatives, extend necessary assistance, etc.,
 Evacuate persons to safe areas,
 Restoration of normal operations in least possible time,
 Minimize panic amongst employees and public out side our site premises,
 Collect and log information, regarding latest status, action etc., and
 Disseminate the information to all concerned to prevent panic.

Measures:

Measures, which need to be taken during emergencies, may/shall require the co-ordination of
activities of many departments/services and may also require out side resources. These
emergency measures include:

 Passing of information to all concerned,

 Warning and advising the persons, who are likely to be affected,
 Mobilizing and gearing up of site resources,
 Calling up of outside agencies,
 Initiating and organizing evacuation of such persons,
 Collecting latest status, other information and requirements, and
 Co-ordination between various agencies.

Possible emergencies ………………………………………plant/workshops/office

Project to identify the specific emergencies based on Geographical lcoation, Seismic

zone date and Meterological data of the project plant/workshops and other offices for the
past few years.
Some of the examples of the emergencies are as under:
 Fire
 Collapse of Structures / Lifting Appliances
 Spillage, leakage and accidental emissions
 Fall From Height / Serious Injury
 Electric Shock
 Food Poisoning
 Lightening
 Earthquake, storms and other natural calamities
 Bomb Threats, Criminal Or Terrorist Attack

Location of construction site/plant/workshops and other offices:

KSWDPL, Survey No 833 Paiki A Mandvi, Taluka, Gundyali Village, Mandvi, Kuhchh, Gujarat 370465

Construction site plant/workshops and other offices layout plan:

Construction site layout plan is given below indicating:

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 Site office,
 Stores,
 Steel Yard and Scrap Yard,
 Plant/Maintenance Dept.,
 Q.C. Lab,
 Shuttering material Storage Area,
 Location of equipment to be installed i.e. bending & cutting machine, tower crane, hoist,
air compressor, D.G., etc.
 Civil material supply storage i.e. cement, brick, stone, etc.,
 Electrical meter room,
 Fire extinguishers,
 First Aid Center / Boxes,
 Main entrances / exit,
 Welfare facilities like toilets, urinals, etc.,
 Emergency control center,
 Emergency assembly point,
 Any others.

Emergency Control Center:

Project Manager cabin shall be the Emergency Control centre.

The Emergency Control Center is located at 100MLD KSWDPL,Mandvi,Kuntch, Gujarat.

Following items shall be readily available during an Emergency

 Site layout plan,
 Copy of emergency plan, Logistics Plan of site
 List of telephone No. of key personnel & other external agencies
 Copy of time office report of total employees at site
 List of firefighting equipments (location wise)
 First Aid Box

Communication System:

In case of failure of telephone/mobile line, Messenger -watchman / office boy and other
personnel will be put in to action.

Key Personnel

Emergency Vehicle:
At all times one vehicle will be available at site plant/workshops and other offices : for any
emergency situation.
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Vehicle registration No.

Emergency Safety Equipment –

List of Emergency Safety Equipment shall be readily available at site plant/workshops and
office The list of emergency equipment may include-
 Axe
 Fire Axe
 Shovel
 PPES (Safety Harness, Safety Helment, Safety Shoes/gum boots, Hi Wiz vest etc.)
 Emergency light/Torch
 Hand operated alarm / siren (If any)
 Public announcement system/Communication equipment like megaphone,
 Fire Extinguishers
 Stretcher ( At First Aid room)
 Any other equipments depending upon the identified Emergencies at site

Emergency Organisation:

The Emergency Organisational structure and the responsibilities of various Key Personnel are
given here under:

Site plant/workshops/offices Controller:

The Project-in-charge In case of Plant/Worsk shop the Plant Manager Shall be Site Controller.
In case of an Office, Office In charge shall be the Site Controller.
In the absence of the nominated Site Controller, his deputy shall act as Site Controller
His duties shall be:-

 To asses the magnitude of the emergency and decide if employees need to be

evacuated from their work places.
 To maintain a continuous review of possible development and assess in consultation
with Incident controller and Key Personnel, as to whether shutting of all the operations
or evacuation of persons is required.
 To liaise with required emergency services ie. fire brigade, hospitals, police and
govt./state/local authorities.
 To ensure that casualties if any are receiving adequate attention and care.
 To control rehabilitation of affected areas after the emergency is over.

Incident Controller:

The Construction Manager shall be the Incident Conroller for the site. In case of Plant/Worsk
shop the Dy. Plant/Worksop Manager Shall be Incident Controller. In case of an Office,
Administration In charge shall be the Incident Controller.
In the absence of the nominated Site Controller, his deputy shall act as Incident Controller

On hearing of an emergency he will rush to the scene of occurance and take overall charge and
report to Site Controller. On arrival he will assess the scale of emergency and decide if major
emergency exist or is likely and inform communication officer accordingly.

He will :-

 Direct the shutting down operations and evacuation of the affected areas and areas
likely to be adversely effected by the emergency with the priorities for safety of
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personnel, minimize damage to plant, property & environment and minimize loss of
materials.
 Ensure that all Key Personnel and outside help is called in.
 Provide advise & information to emergency team when they arrive.
 Ensure all non-essential workers/staff of the areas affected are evacuated to the
appropriate assembly point and the areas are searched for casualties.
 Ensure continuous contact is established with emergency control center.
 Report on all significant developments to the communication officer.
 have regard to the need for preservation of evidence so as to facilitate any enquiry into
the causes and circumstances which caused or escalated the emergency.

Liaison Officer:

Administration Incharge will work as liaison officer and will be stationed at the main gate
entrance during the emergency. He will under the direction of the site controller handle police
and other enquiries. In the absebce of nominated Liaison Officer his deputy shall act as Liaison
Officer. His responsibility shall include:

 To ensure that casualties receive adequate attention, to arrange additional help if

required and inform casualties relatives.
 To control traffic movements into the project site and ensuring that alternative
transport is available when need arises.
 When emergency is prolonged, arrange for the relief of personnel and organize
refreshments / catering facility.

Communication Officer:

 HSE In charge will act as communication Officer. He will, on hearing the alarm,
proceed to Control Center and maintain communication with the Incident controller.
In the absebce of nominated Communication Officer his deputy shall act as Liaison
Officer. He will:

o From the information received, advise the Site Controller of the situation,
recommending (if necessary) evacuation of staff from assembly points.
o Maintain a log of the incident.
o Provide advice to Site Controller & Incident Controller from the information
received.

Fire Fighting Team / Emergency Response Team (ERT):

Security personnel at site (except on the main gate) and all sub-contractors safety committee
members will be responsible for fire fighting. On hearing the fire alarm the team members shall
reach the site of fire immediately. The leader of the team will advice on fire fighting operations.
He will also inform the Communication Officer, Incident Controller and Site Controller that
incident has occurred in such and such area (exact location). He will arrange to evacuate the
incident area and further cordon the area and stand by to direct the emergency services. If told
of a major fire the team leader shall inform the Incident Controller and stand-by to receive
further messages.

Outside Normal Working Hours of the Project the trained fire fighting crew members and their
leader are responsible for fire fighting and rescue. On hearing the alarm they shall proceed to
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the place of incident. At the site, all the members will respond to the advice and information
given by the Shift-in-Charge.

List of Trained Fire Fighter at the Site/Camp:

SPCPL Emergency Response Team (ERT) Members:

The area in-charge under which the incident has taken place will report to Incident Controller
and provide assistance as required. they will decide which members of their staff they will
require at the scene.

Site Plant-in-charge (Mechanical/Electrical):

He will report to the scene of the incident and close down the services as requested by the
Incident Controller.
First-Aid Team:

The administration officer shall keep the list of the First-Aid Team on duty. All team members
shall report to the Incident Controller / Shift-in-Charge on hearing of the alarm. The emergency
vehaical / ambulance driver, if safe to do so, shall collect the vehaical / ambulance and park
nearest to the scene of incident. should it become necessary for the vehaical / ambulance to
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leave the site, the first aider shall inform the Incident Controller / Shift-in-Charge that the
vehaical / ambulance is leaving the site, giving the name of the patient and destination i.e.
Hospital or Doctor's Clinic and request the Incident Controller / shift-in-Charge to inform
Hospital or Doctor's Clinic advising them about the casualties reaching there.

List of Trained First Aiders at the Site / Camp

GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

1. Warning Procedure:
In case the siren is available at site, during an Emergency, the site Siren / emergency vehical
horn will be blown thrice in a consecutive cycle by the Security Officer at the Main Entrance of
the Project Site.
After controlling emergency the site Siren / Emergency Vehicle Horn will be blown
continuously for one minute to indicate that the Emergency is Over.

At site/camp blowing of whistles may be used for warning if siren is not available.

2. Evacuation Procedure:
On hearing the alarm:
 Stop the work.
 Disconnect all electrical equipment if any.
 Leave the area quickly but calmly, without running, moving in opposite direction to that
from the incident unless you have specific emergency responsibility designated.
 Re-assemble at the Assembly Point so that checks are carried out to ensure that
everybody has evacuated.
 If you are trapped or can not leave the area, inform the neraset personnel in you vicinity
of your presence by shouting or visual signals.

NOTE: During an Emergency Visitors who may not be familiar with the Emergency
exited at site must be informed of the requirement, Guide them to evacuate to
the Assembly Point.

POSSIBLE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES at Construction site

1. Fire Fighting Procedure:

On hearing the alarm:
 Alert people in the area of immediate need of evacuate.
 If you are a trained fire fighter and the fire you may attempt to extinguish fire with the
use of correct type of fire extinguisher or with sand bucket if it is controllable.
 Do not place yourself or others in danger by attempting to fight fire if you are not
qualified to do so.
 Remove Gas Cylinder's / Inflammable material if any from fire area, if without risk.
 If extinguishing is not possible, withdraw from the area and communicate to Site
Controller for fire brigade help.
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 Stay away and keep examine the situation till fire brigade arrives at the scene.

2. Collapse of Structures / Lifting Appliances Procedure:

 Alert people in the area of immediate need of evacuate.
 Disconnect the Power Supply.
 Cordon off the area.
 Before approach to casualty for rescue, ensure unstable / hanging componets above
your pathway are in stable condition from further collapse and it is safe to procede for
rescue.
 Search for trapped or injured people.
 Seek for emergency firstaid, arrange for strecher.
 Stabilize the incident and provide life safety
 After preliminery required firstaid, rush the casualty to an identified hospital near by
 In case of fatal or likely to be fatal, inform local police, H. O.(President, Corporate HSE
Head, Regional Head & Regional HSE Coordinator)
 Conserve property.
3. Oil Spillage / Leakage & Accidental Emissions Procedure
 SAFETY FIRST ! Do not attempt to perform any life or health threaterning acts
 Try to STOP or CONTROL the relese at the source immediately.
 If leakage, provide collecting trey / container below the leakage or block flow that could
potentially spill in to the environment
 Prevent entry into drains and waterways.
 Notify to Supervisor & HSE Officer immediately.
 Use inert fuel/oil absorbent (such as buckets of sand, sawdust) to cover and remove
spilled material or contaminated soil collected for storage in a special drum for later
disposal of the waste dumpsite
 Store the recovered product in the sealed air-tight containers/drums
 In case of eye contact: immediately flush with plenty of water repeatedly for at least 15
minutes;
 In case of skin contact: immediately wash thoroughly with plenty of soap and water. In
case of skin exposed to high-pressure spray, the affected person must be taken to
hospital.
 In case of contact with clothes: Immediately take off all contaminated cloth ing and wash
before reuse
 If ground contamineted,, collect the contamineted mud & store it separetly.
 In case of exposure to heavy concentrations of vapor, fumes or spray, move the person
to fresh air, keep warm and allow to rest; serious incidents get immediate medical
attention.
 Eliminate all possible causes of ignition to avoid fires and explosions – empty containers
contain residues and should not solder, drill grind or exposed to heat or flame
 If the spilled chemical is of toxic nature do not stand in down wind direction. Evacuate
the people in down wind direction to crosswind and upwind direction.
 If possible; without endangering life, try to put sand on spillage. This will help to disperse
spillage in controlled way.

4. Fall From Height / Serious Injury Procedure

 Concerned person shall not be moved in case he has had a fall from height and is
suspected to have injured his back.
 First aid for any other injury sustained shall be provided at site.
 The casualtiy shall be gently lifted and placed on a stretcher so as not to disturb his back.
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 He shall be made comfortable by removing his shoes, loosening his clothes and given some
water to drink.
 Immediately a vehicle will be summoned and the stretcher gently lifted and placed inside
the vehicle.
 Simultaneously the Dr with whom the site has made standing arrangements shall be
contacted on telephone and informed about the condition of the patient and told to be ready
to receive the patient.
 Some responsible person shall accompany the patient to the Dr. Remember too many
people do not help and are rather a nuisance.
 All others concerned shall then be informed by the fastest means.
 Work shall be stopped; all personnel shall be collected and delivered a tool box talk
highlighting the reasons for the accident, lapses that took place and corrective actions that
need be taken. We have to learn from our mistakes and ensure that they are not repeated.

5. Electric Shock Procedure

 A person being shocked needs to be disconnected from the source of electrical power.
o Immediately call for emergency assistance Health Center and Security
o Do not endanger yourself. If the victim is still in contract with the electricalcurrent,
you must be careful to avoid being shocked yourself. You cannot help ifyou become
a victim, too.
o Do not touch the victim. The current can pass through you also.
o Do not touch the source of electricity.
o Break the current. Before you can do anything else, you must get the victim freefrom
the current.
 Locate the disconnecting switch/breaker and turn it off. Alternatively, if the disconnecting
device cannot be located, the victim can be pried or pulled from the circuit by an insulated
object such as a dry wood board, piece of nonmetallic conduit, or rubber electrical cord.
 Victims need immediate medical response: check for breathing and pulse, then apply CPR
as necessary to maintain oxygenation.
 If a victim is still conscious after having been shocked, they need to be closely monitored
and cared for until trained emergency response personnel arrive. There is danger of
physiological shock, so keep the victim warm and comfortable.
 Shock victims may suffer heart trouble up to several hours after being shocked. The danger
of electric shock does not end after the immediate medical attention

o If the victim is not breathing, begin rescue breathing

o If it is needed, begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
o Do not attempt to move the victim unless he/she is in further danger. Other
injuries mayhave occurred that you are unaware of.
o Cover the victim in a blanket and stay with him/her until help arrives. Do not
leavehim/her alone. Take steps to prevent or lessen the severity of shock

6. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can be caused by several different bacteria, such as salmonella or botulism.
Although certain types of food poisoning can be fatal, most cases run their course in a couple of
days.

Symptoms of food poisoning are similar to those of the flu, except for fever, which is more likely
to occur with the flu, and should be treated the same. They usually begin from two hours to two
days after eating the tainted food and include:
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 Headache
 Nausea
 Diarrhea and/or vomiting
 Stomach cramps or pain
 More serious symptoms can include blurred vision, fatigue and a dry mouth.

Procedure to be followed in case of a Food Poisoning

 Sip water or diluted juice as soon as vomiting has decreased.

 If symptoms continue for more than 24 hours, or if you are unable to tolerate any
fluids, contact your primary care doctor or visit the emergency department.
 Seek emergency care if you become dehydrated.
 Most adults can handle one day without nutrition, but continued vomiting to the
point of dehydration requires medical attention.
 Finally, be aware that adults can handle dehydration better than small children
and that high fever also can indicate a more serious illness.

7. Lightning
Lightning is nature's worst destroyer. A typical lightning bolt contains several hundred million
volts at 30,000 or more amperes
 Lightning need not strike a person directly to be dangerous.
 Lightning can crash down from virtually clear sky.
 Stay away from open doors or windows during an electrical storm.
 Avoid using the telephone/television and keep clear of all metal objects such as
pipes and electrical appliances during a storm.
 Do not go outside
 If you find your any site office/ stores etc. caught in a storm move away to a
protected building:
 Avoid going/resting under trees.
 Stay away from unprotected shelters
 Stay away from flag poles, towers, and metal fences etc…
 Do not walk, swim, or go boating in a thunderstorm.
 If caught in the open area, stay low.

8. Earthquake, Flood, Storms And Other Natural Calamities

 If indoor, evacuate the building calmly with patience. Do not panic.
 Take shelter under solid furniture, i.e. tables or desks.
 Keep away from overhead fixtures, windows, cabinets and book cases.
 If driving –STOP, but stay in the vehicle.
 Do not stop under tress, lamp posts, electrical power lines or signals.
 If outside, stay outside. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines
and roadways.

9. Bomb Threats, Criminal Or Terrorist Attack

Bomb threats may be received in person or by phone. All bomb threats are to be taken
seriously and followed up. Bombs could be disguised in packages delivered or found, or
through explosions in or around the work area. Counter and mailroom employees need to be
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cognizant of the potential for mail bombs and should follow procedures when receiving unusual
packages.

Bomb Threat Response

Bomb threats are most likely to be received by telephone therefore all personnel should be
prepared to follow this procedure if they answer a bomb threat phone call. The Bomb Threat
Telephone Checklist should be followed. It can also be found on the back page of the
government telephone book. While still on the phone, signal co-workers if possible.

Bomb Threat Evacuation

Project In charge must be immediately notified of any bomb threats. They will work with local
Emergency Services to determine if workers / contract workers should be evacuated. Upon
notification to evacuate the site/office, site emergency controller will instruct all workers,
contract workers and visitors to evacuate the site/office by the designated evacuation route,
and assist others if needed. Workers/ contract workers must not re-enter the building until
directed to do so by the site emergency controller.

Other social hindrances are managed through critical planning involving senior management
and decisions & actions are directed through Project In charge

MOCK DRILL
In order to test the efficiency / effectiveness of the Emergency Preparedness and Response
Plan, it will be helpful if the plan is tested by a pre-planned mock drill exercise. Such an
exercise will help in reinforcing confidence on the level of preparedness to meet any
contingency, identify weaknesses during the implementation so that the Plan could be revised
/ updated. Such a mock exercise could be conducted once in a quarter.
Please refer Record of Mockdrill Fromat No
15.1 Business Continuty Plan
Purpose of this plan:
In the event of an emergency / crisis situations mentioned in Emergency Preparedness and
Action Plan which interferes with Projct’s/Office’s ability to conduct business, this plan is to be
used by the HODs to coordinate the business recovery of their respective departments. The
plan is designed to contain or provide reference to all of the information that might be needed
at the time of a business recovery.
The priorities in an emergency situation are to:
 Ensure the safety of employees and visitors in the office / worksites of this
project/office
 Mitigate threats or limit the damage that threats can cause.
 Have preparations to ensure that critical business functions can continue.
Business Continuity Team
Business continuity team comprises Regional Head, Head Planning and Project Control,
Regional HSE Head, HODs, Project In charge, Project HSE in charge
Roles and Responsibilities
 Committed to provide all the resources (time, man, material, machines, money and
services).
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 Periodically assess the impact on the project worksite/office so as to review and

update Business Continuity Plan for additions or changes to existing business
functions, procedures, equipment and facilities requirements.
 Monitoring store functioning at project worksite, to mitigate the crisis in order to
perform critical functions and to meet the recovery time frames.
 Monitoring the functioning of Information Technology Department (IT) and Document
Control Department to mitigate the crisis in order to perform critical functions and to
meet the recovery time frames.
 Communicating all plan changes to respective HODs.
Recovery Plan Phases:
The activities necessary to recover from a crisis or disruption will be divided into four phases.
These phases will follow each other sequentially in time.
 Crisis Occurrence:
This phase begins with the occurrence of the crisis and continues until a decision is made to
activate the business continuity plan. The major activities that take place in this phase includes:
declaration of the emergency, notification of management, emergency response measures and
loss damage analysis.

 Business Continuity Plan Activation:

In this phase, the Business Continuity Plan is put into effect. This phase continues until the
alternate solution is found, critical business functions reestablished, and other services
restored. The major activities in this phase include: notification and assembly of the business
continuity team, implementation of interim procedures and re- establishment of data
communications.
 Alternate Site Operations:
This phase begins after alternate work procedures for site functioning are established and
continues until the primary work procedure is restored.
 Transition to Primary Site:
This phase consists of any and all activities necessary to make the transition back to a
primary work procedure.
Vital Records Backup
 In the event of a crisis, critical records located in the Document Control Department
may be destroyed or inaccessible. In this case, the last backup of critical records
saved in server are used.
 The amount of critical records, which would have to be reconstructed, will depend on
the senior management decision.
 As a control measure a copy of data in server room is periodically backed up and
stored in Tape Drive at an offsite location as part of normal operations.

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL'S RESPONSIBILITIES OUTSIDE NORMAL WORKING

HOURS OF THE PROJECT SITE:

SHIFT-IN-CHARGE:
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Immediately he becomes aware of the emergency and its location, and he will proceed to the
scene. On arrival he shall assess the scale of the incident and direct all operations within the
affected area with the following priorities:

 On arrival, he assesses the scale of emergency and if feels necessary, he will advice
his assistant to call the Key Personnel to the site.
 Secure the safety of persons, which may require evacuation to the assembly points in
the event.
 Minimize damage to Plant, Property and the Environment.
 Minimize loss of material.
 Have regard to the need for preserving evidence that would facilitate subsequent
enquire.
 Hand over charge of operations to the Incident Controller when he arrives on scene.

ASSEMBLY POINT:

In case of any emergency and upon receiving instructions for evacuation from the Incident
Controller or any Key Personnel of emergency team., the employees have to assemble at the
following Assembly Point.

Assembly Points:-
i.

Employees should remain at the Assembly Point till further instructions are received from the
Incident Controlle
15.2 Height Rescue
Rescue Of Casualty Suspended After A Fall From Height

1. PURPOSE
To ensure that a person is quickly rescued after a fall from height and prevent the
potentially fatal effect of suspension trauma, reflow syndrome and compartment
syndrome. In cases where evacuation is required, it is also essential that the
operation is completed rapidly for reasons of objective danger e.g. fire.

2. SCOPE
This procedure relates to the emergency planning and rescue resources within the
project site.

3. DEFINITIONS
Suspension Trauma : An effect which occurs when the human body is held in
an upright position and motionless for a period of time. Blood accumulates in the
veins (typically in the legs) due to gravity. This reduces the circulating blood
volume available to the heart. Cardiac output and arterial pressure falls, which
may critically reduce the quantity and or the quality of (oxygenated) blood flowing
to the brain and kidneys. Fainting occurs and unless the casualty is rescued very
quickly and unless the rescuers follow a particular procedure, the above effects
are likely to lead to death within 10 minutes or less.
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Reflow Syndrome: Anyone who has developed Suspension Trauma is at risk.

Caused when the accumulated deoxygenated (and possibly toxic) blood in their legs
is allowed to flow back into their body. The heart stops, the liver, kidneys and brain
can be damaged, and in many cases they will die. This will happen if the casualty is
allowed to lie flat on the floor or moved quickly into a horizontal position after being
rescued.

Compartment Syndrome : A painful condition that results when pressure within

the muscles builds to dangerous levels. This prevents nourishment from reaching
nerve and muscle cells. Muscle groups in the arms, hands, legs, feet and buttocks
can be affected. Within these muscle groups are nerves and blood vessels. They
are covered by touch membrane (fascia), which does not readily expand. The whole
unit is called a compartment. If pressure within the compartment gets too high (for
example, from too much swelling or bleeding after surgery or injury), it can damage
blood vessels and nerve and muscle cells. Acute compartment syndrome is a
medical emergency. Without treatment, it can lead to paralysis, loss of limb or
death. Chronic compartment syndrome is not a medical emergency. Non-surgical
treatment is usually effective for this condition.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) : An emergency first aid procedure for a

victim of cardiac arrest. A combination of rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation) and chest compressions. CPR can restore circulation of oxygen-rich
blood to the brain. Without oxygen, permanent brain damage or death can occur in
less than 8 minutes. Almost never effective if started more than 15 minutes after
collapse because permanent brain damage has

Cardiac Arrest : The medical term in which a person’s heart has stopped.

NPA (Nasopharyngeal Airway)…Also known as a nasal trumpet because of its

flared end, is a tube that is designed to be inserted into the nasal passageway to
secure an open airway.

Karabiner : A metal loop with sprung or screwed gate, which can quickly and
reversibly connect components in safety critical systems.

4. PROCEDURE

Please note that the Rescue is always to be always caried out by professional local
rescue services like Fire Brigade/Civil Defence or other competenct state/central
authorities. Following procedure shall serve only as a guide to rescue in case the Local
Fire bridgade/Rescue services do not approach site in time. Also note that the
following guidelines may be used only by trained experienced and competent
personnel.

5. CASUALTY RECOVERY
5.1.1 Upon seeing a person fall from height and hanging from a fall arrest on a staging,
mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) like cherry pickers, scissor lifts, and dock
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arms or from any elevated structure, immediately call the nearest Local Fire Brigade
(Tel No:101)
5.1.2 Upon arrival to the site, the Rescue Team (from the Fire Section) must assess the
situation fully before commencing the rescue operation.
5.1.3 Keep the Crane Operators ready for assistance.
5.1.4 Till the Fire Brigade reaches the site ensure following:
5.1.5 Ensure the safety of persons carrying out or assisting with the rescue.
5.1.6 Adequate barricades will be placed around the affected area to protect other
employees.
5.1.7 If the person falls from a MEWP, check first if it is stable, it might be dangerously
leaning and has the potential to topple.
5.1.8 Secure the MEWP if it is found unstable.
5.1.9 Slowly lower the basket (platform) using the emergency system (lower controls)
located in a panel mounted on the lower superstructure of the lift, which is mounted
on the chassis of the lift. The lower controls should be able to override the upper
(basket) controls.
5.1.10If it cannot be overridden, another MEWP (cherry picker) will be used for rescue.
5.1.11The Site ERT Team including the Medical Nurses will be on standby, ready to
administer first aid.
5.1.12If the person is suspended from a staging, first identify the proper position from which
to carry out the rescue.
5.1.13Identify the proper anchorage points for the rescue equipment.
5.1.14If the casualty is stranded in a harness, conscious and not injured, and has something
to kick against or stand on, instruct them to use their leg muscles by pushing
against it very so often to keep the blood pumping back to the torso.
5.1.15If the casualty is stranded in midair, then he must be encouraged to lift their knees into
a sitting position and to use their legs as little as possible because more blood will
be sent down to the muscles. Keep the casualty calm and relaxed to reduce the
effects of stress on the heart rate.
5.1.16If the rescue cannot take place in 10 minutes, then you must instruct the casualty to
relieve the harness leg strap as quickly as possible by taking the body weight off the
leg straps transferring it to the shoulder wraps. But NEVER fully disconnect the leg
straps to prevent falling out of the harness.
5.1.17Tie a nylon rope to a karabiner, then attach the karabiner into an anchorage point and
quickly lower the other end with a loop to the casualty.
5.1.18Instruct the casualty to step up into the loop (double loop knots ex. Triple Crown Knot)
(See Fig. 1) of the rescue rope to shift his weight and relieve the pressure. (See Fig.
2)
Health Safety & Environment Management

Fig.1

Fig. 2
5.1.19Instruct the crane operator to lower its sling until the shackles can be reached.
5.1.20Attach one end of the rescue rope (polyamide) to a karabiner and attach the karabiner
to an anchor sling. Then attach the anchor sling to one of the shackles of the crane.
5.1.21Attach the other end of the rescue rope (polyamide) to a karabiner and attach the
karabiner to the rescue pole.
5.1.22The rescuer must then extend the rescue pole and clip the karabiner to the ‘D’ ring of
the casualty’s harness. (See Fig. 3)

CASUALTY’S
LANYARD

RESCUE ROPE

RESCUE
POLE

KARABINER

‘D’ RING

Fig. 3
5.1.23With a sharp pull (or twist of the rescue pole), the karabiner locks, leaving the casualty
attached to the rescue rope.
5.1.24Another rescue rope must also be attached to the ‘D’ ring. One of the rescuers must
hold the other end of this line. This will serve as a tag line.
5.1.25Instruct the high portal crane operator to slowly raise the sling until it tightens.
5.1.26If he is already secured, cut the casualty’s lanyard.
5.1.27Identify a point of safety to move the casualty to.
5.1.28Steadily raise, lower or move laterally the casualty. Advise the casualty to keep a
sitting position.
5.1.29Lowering must be controlled to prevent the casualty’s body being laid flat as it reaches
the ground.
Health Safety & Environment Management

5.1.30Make sure radio communication is maintained at all times.

5.1.31The casualty must be kept in a sitting position for 30 minutes. To prevent Reflow
Syndrome.
5.1.32The casualty may feel faint so rescuers should stay with him and prevent him from
collapsing onto the floor. If oxygen is available, the Medical Nurses should
administer it at 100%. No other medication or fluids should be given to the casualty.
5.1.33Monitor the casualty’s condition at all times and where possible provide the necessary
first aid for injury.
5.1.34Transport the casualty, in the sitting position, into an ambulance and to the nearest
hospital.
5.1.35Check all the rescue equipments that were used for signs of damages or defects.
5.1.36Conduct a review of the whole situation identifying areas of improvement for the future.
5.1.37Normally, suspension trauma makes the legs feel numb. If the casualty has no other
injuries and yet complains of severe pain in their legs, especially when rescuers try
to move him, then the casualty may have developed a severe condition of
Compartment Syndrome. Rescuers must place the casualty in the sitting position
and summon an ambulance with great urgency. The casualty may deteriorate
rapidly. There’s nothing you can do for compartment syndrome as a first responder.
5.1.38 If the casualty had been rescued but unconscious due to Suspension Trauma,
then the Medical Nurses must manage the airway while keeping the patient in a
sitting position. Suspension Trauma rarely leads to cardiac arrest in the short term,
but if the patient requires CPR, then this overrules the posture policy and Medical
Nurses must lay the casualty flat.
5.1.39A casualty who has been rendered unconscious by another event (such as impact in a
fall or electrocution) and who is reached within the first 10 to 20 minutes of
suspension may be allowed to lay flat. Medical Nurses trained in the use of artificial
airways (such as NPA) then these may assist in supporting the airway of the
casualty even in a sitting position.
5.1.40If rescuers cannot reposition the casualty or remove them from suspension, then
fainting can be expected at some point. Medical Nurses must provide oxygen to the
casualty and maintain their airway while rescuers continue on releasing the
casualty.
5.1.41If the casualty is situated in an area where the high portal crane CANNOT reach, then
the casualty will be rescued manually.