Suspended loads not entangled with casualty
Where the suspended load is away from the casualty , the remaining consideration becomes the potential hazard to the rescue crew .
The preferred approach is to select a rescue plan that avoids any exposure to the potential impact of the suspended load should it become dislodged . This avoids the time and risk associated with either removing or securing the suspended load .
If it is impossible for the rescue team to access the casualty without being at risk from the suspended loads , the following options to ‘ make safe ’ may be considered :
Suspended load Options to consider if suspended load poses risk to rescue :
A hung-up tree or limb that is on the ground but partially suspended .
Fully suspended limb or stem ( hanger ).
Suspended load on rigging line .
May be fully on line ( unlikely ) or partially on line and in tree .
1 . Consider felling or winching over the hung-up stem . Almost all rescue teams will include chainsaw operators and will have access to chainsaws and felling equipment as part of their rescue equipment .
2 . Consider tying-off the hung-up stem . By tying the stem to the tree , or by throwing a rope over a branch above and securing the hung-up stem , it can be ‘ made safe ’ to ascend .
1 . Consider pulling out the hanger with a rope . A pulling rope can be set over the hanger with a throwline . When the rope is pulled hard ( consider the use of a winch , mechanical advantage set or vehicle ) the hanger may be dislodged and fall . If it does not do fall , it may be considered sufficiently secure for the rescue to proceed .
2 . Consider tying-off the hanger . A rope can be set over the hanger with a throwline and tied off with a running bowline . By passing the rope over a branch above and securing the tail , the hanger can be ‘ made safe ’ to ascend .
3 . Consider cutting the hanger free . If necessary , a climber or aerial appliance user can approach the hanger from a safe direction and cut it free of the suspension point .
1 . Consider lowering the load to the ground using the rigging line . This is unlikely to be possible – if it was possible the arborist ground crew on site would probably have done this already .
2 . Consider freeing the load with a rope . A pulling rope can be set over the hanger with a throwline . When the rope is pulled hard ( consider the use of a winch , mechanical advantage set or vehicle ) the hanger may be dislodged and can then be lowered to the ground with the rigging line . If it does not fall , it may be considered sufficiently secure for the rescue to proceed .
3 . Consider tying-off the rigging line . A rigging line attached to a hanger can be tied off to prevent further movement . For further information see the following page .
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