IPAF Rescue Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A MEWP operator at height has become unconscious. What is the immediate priority?
- Use the ground-level emergency lowering controls to bring the platform down, while calling for emergency services (Correct answer)
- Wait to see if the operator recovers consciousness
- Raise an alarm and wait for the fire service to respond
- Continue the task using another operator in another MEWP
Correct answer: Use the ground-level emergency lowering controls to bring the platform down, while calling for emergency services
The immediate priority is to lower the platform using ground-level emergency controls and call emergency services. The operator must be brought to ground level as rapidly as possible for medical treatment.
Question 2: What should a MEWP rescue plan contain?
- Identification of risks, rescue methods, required equipment, trained personnel, emergency contact numbers, and the trigger for initiating rescue (Correct answer)
- Only the emergency services contact number
- A general statement that rescue will be carried out if needed
- Only the location of the nearest first aid kit
Correct answer: Identification of risks, rescue methods, required equipment, trained personnel, emergency contact numbers, and the trigger for initiating rescue
A rescue plan must be specific and detailed: it must identify the risks, define the rescue methods available, list required equipment, identify trained personnel, include emergency contacts, and specify when rescue is initiated.
Question 3: Why should the ground-level emergency lowering system be operated slowly and carefully?
- Rapid or jerky lowering can cause the operator to fall within the platform or cause machine instability (Correct answer)
- Slow lowering is required by law regardless of urgency
- Speed of lowering only matters if the operator is conscious
- Slow lowering prevents damage to the hydraulic system
Correct answer: Rapid or jerky lowering can cause the operator to fall within the platform or cause machine instability
Rapid or jerky emergency lowering can cause an already incapacitated operator to fall within the platform, potentially worsening their condition. Controlled lowering is essential for a safe rescue.
Question 4: When should a rescue plan be communicated to all relevant persons on site?
- Before MEWP operations begin — all persons involved must know the rescue plan before the machine is elevated (Correct answer)
- Only at the start of the project, once
- Only when an incident occurs
- Rescue plans are for managers only and do not need communicating to operators
Correct answer: Before MEWP operations begin — all persons involved must know the rescue plan before the machine is elevated
The rescue plan must be communicated to all relevant persons before MEWP operations begin. This ensures everyone knows their role if rescue is needed, preventing confusion and delay in an emergency.
Question 5: What equipment should be available on site for MEWP rescue?
- Ground-level emergency lowering capability, charged fire extinguisher, first aid kit, means to contact emergency services, and potentially an aerial rescue platform (Correct answer)
- Only a fire extinguisher and first aid kit
- Only a ladder of sufficient height
- Only a mobile phone to call the emergency services
Correct answer: Ground-level emergency lowering capability, charged fire extinguisher, first aid kit, means to contact emergency services, and potentially an aerial rescue platform
For effective MEWP rescue, sites need ground-level emergency lowering capability, fire protection, first aid, communication means, and — where aerial rescue may be needed — an aerial rescue platform or other elevated means.
Question 6: What is the recommended maximum suspension time in a fall arrest harness before suspension trauma becomes a serious risk?
- As short as possible — serious suspension trauma can develop within minutes and rescue should target under 15 minutes where feasible (Correct answer)
- 30 minutes is acceptable if the person remains conscious
- 1 hour if the person is conscious and moving their legs
- Suspension trauma takes several hours to develop and is not an immediate concern
Correct answer: As short as possible — serious suspension trauma can develop within minutes and rescue should target under 15 minutes where feasible
Suspension trauma can develop within minutes of hanging in a harness. Rescue plans should target bringing the person to the ground as quickly as possible, ideally within 15 minutes to minimise risk.
IPAF Rescue Procedures 2
A MEWP operator at height has become unconscious.
What is the immediate priority?