Tower Rescue: Bringing Injured Workers Down Safely

A Note on the Hazards Unique to Tower Rescue

While tower rescues seem fairly straightforward when compared to confined space, trench, or structural collapse rescues, there are unique risks that rescue workers must be prepared for. Towers are associated with extreme height—often higher than an aerial ladder can reach. Likewise, towers present the risk of high voltage, radio frequency exposure and obstructions. Extreme height also means both victims and rescuers can experience environmental elements more intensely, namely hot or cold temperatures, wind gusts, and sun exposure.

Controlled descent Devices—Essential Tower Search and Rescue Gear

Controlled descent devices are key for bringing injured workers down safely from tower heights. These devices enable the evacuation, or rescue of one or two persons from elevated positions at a safe and controlled speed—which is particularly helpful if an injured victim needs assistance on the way down. Victims can be lowered alone or accompanied by the rescuer following the standard procedures if needed. When selecting a controlled descent device make sure you consider the height of the tower and the type of rescue that may have to be performed. 

Lift Before You Can Lower

Some tower rescues involve tangles and entrapments. If a worker is injured or incapacitated in any way, they may be unable to free themselves, either from environmental debris, or their own personal fall arrest system that they are now suspended on. In this event a rescuer may need to hoist them up in order to free them from the entanglement or system. A controlled descent device with the wheel allows the rescuer to lift a victim before releasing them from their entrapment or system so they may begin their descent safely. 

Cool, Controlled Descent

When updating your safety equipment arsenal, it’s important to look for a controlled descent device that limits its descent speed as well as gives the user control during a rescue. Likewise, a descent device with external cooling which will help ensure that your unit is ready for consecutive descents. 

Additional Tower Rescue Safety Equipment

While control descent devices will help you get your rescue victim down, there’s other search and rescue gear you’ll need to have to ensure safe tower rescue:

• Body Harnesses: Both the victim and the rescuer will need a harness during a tower rescue. While the victim should already have one on, rescuers need to be prepared for either scenario. When it comes to your safety equipment kit, you may want to consider including a harness created specifically for tower climbs. These have additional design features specific to tower, mast, and aerial climbing industries. (https://www.tractel.com/ca/product/tower-tracx-harness---ftd13-series/7565)

• Fall Arrest Lanyards: Again, both the victim and rescuer should have a shock-absorbing fall-arrest lanyard in conjunction with their harness. It’s important to consider both the ability to move around structural steel and the certified fall distance when choosing a lanyard specific for tower rescues. 

• Work Positioning Lanyards: These lanyards are shorter and allow for the user to easily regulate the length when in a work positioning practice, which may be necessary in complicated rescues. 

• Helmets: While tower-specific safety equipment should be designed to keep your head away from the structure, it’s nonetheless necessary for the rescuer to wear well-fitting head protection. 

Specialized Training for Tower Rescues

Even in the best circumstances, tower rescues can be a daunting task. Hands-on practical training and testing is essential to understand the unique risks associated with these rescues, as well as how to use the appropriate search and rescue gear. It’s a smart idea to take advantage of in-person tower training courses to keep your team ready for any circumstance. 

Partner With a Proven Leader

Tractel® has been providing industry-leading safety and rescue solutions for over 70 years. With manufacturing facilities throughout Europe, the USA, Canada, China, and Singapore, we are equipped to provide you with the products, engineering, expertise, and industry-leading global support to make sure your team is prepared.

Contact us today. Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to help outfit your rescue team with the right safety equipment for tower rescue and any other job at hand.