Partner Rescue From A Deployed Energy Absorber

If your team is using a personal fall arrest system like the ABSORBICA compact energy absorber, do you know how to perform a prompt rescue?

The OSHA 29 CFR 1910, General Industry Occupational Safety and Health Standards, requires anyone working 4 feet or higher above ground or a lower level/platform to have one or more of the following fall protection systems: 

- Guardrail system 
- Safety net system
- Personal fall protection systems such as personal fall arrest, travel restraint or positioning systems

If your team is using personal fall arrest systems like the ABSORBICA^Ⓡ energy absorbing lanyard, does everyone know how to perform a prompt rescue on a deployed energy absorber using a load transfer and evacuation system? This is especially important if the fallen worker has been exposed to electrical shock, in which case they need to be reached within four minutes (1910.269(b)(1)(ii)).

The JAG RESCUE KIT^Ⓡ simplifies rescue operations by providing all the necessary equipment needed for an efficient 4:1 mechanical advantage and load transfer.

Steps to rescue a worker from a deployed energy absorber 

1. Connect the rope, that is threaded through the I’D EVAC^Ⓡ, to the fallen workers harness.
2. Remove any slack in the AXIS^Ⓡ 11mm rope. Then use the JAG SYSTEM to raise the worker. 
3. Once the worker’s deployed absorber can be reached, remove it from their harness. 
4. Gently lower the worker to the ground or platform that is free from hazards.

If the worker’s harness isn’t easily accessible there are alternate locations to connect the JAG RESCUE KIT

1. The eye of the MGO^Ⓡ hooks on the workers lanyard.
2. An intermediate tie-back loop on the ABSORBICA TIE-BACK^Ⓡ lanyard.
3. A rope clamp suitable for a rope lanyard or a webbing lanyard, like the BASIC^Ⓡ or RESCUCENDER^Ⓡ, that attaches directly to the fall arrest lanyard.

ABSORBICA Technical Information 
Tech Notice 
PPE Inspection Procedure
PPE Checklist
Tips for maintaining your equipment

To learn more about the JAG RESCUE KIT, lanyards and energy absorbers, visit Petzl.com.