When this template fits
This RAMS is for UK contractors and rescue plans teams carrying out work at height rescue plan — typically because a principal contractor or client has asked for a risk assessment and method statement before work can start. It covers the recognised work at height hazards for this task, with the controls a reviewer expects to see.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 8 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 10-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
Plan rescue of a person on fall-arrest after a fall — suspension trauma and recovery.
Sequence of works
- 1BEFORE WORK STARTS: Produce a written, site-specific rescue plan identifying the rescue method, equipment, named rescuers, anchor points, access routes for emergency services, and maximum target rescue time. Brief the whole team including the person working at height.
- 2BEFORE WORK STARTS: Pre-position all rescue equipment (lowering device, backup line, suspension trauma straps, first aid kit, communication devices) at the work location. Confirm MEWP availability or alternative access method. Confirm emergency services access route is unobstructed.
- 3FALL EVENT — IMMEDIATE ACTIONS (within 30 seconds): Upon a fall arrest, the ground supervisor immediately calls 999 and activates the rescue plan. The rescue coordinator takes command. A banksman establishes an exclusion zone beneath the suspended worker.
- 4CASUALTY ASSESSMENT FROM GROUND: Establish two-way communication with the suspended worker. Confirm they are conscious, assess visible injuries, and instruct them to activate suspension relief straps or foot loops if available to reduce suspension trauma risk while rescue is prepared.
- 5RESCUER DEPLOYMENT: The trained rescuer(s), wearing their own fall protection, ascend or access the casualty via the pre-planned route (MEWP preferred). The rescue coordinator monitors time elapsed and communicates with both rescuer and casualty throughout.
- 6CASUALTY CONNECTION: The rescuer attaches the rescue lowering system to the casualty's harness dorsal or sternal attachment point (confirming harness integrity where visible). Attach backup belay line independently. Do not disconnect the original lanyard until the rescue system is confirmed loaded.
- 7CONTROLLED LOWER: On the coordinator's command, lower the casualty in a controlled manner using the descender device while the backup belayer maintains tension on the secondary line. Communicate continuously with the casualty throughout the lower.
- 8CASUALTY RECOVERY ON LANDING: Receive the casualty in a semi-recumbent seated position — do not stand them upright or lay them fully flat immediately. Monitor breathing and consciousness. Apply first aid for suspension trauma per trained protocol. Do not remove harness until paramedics advise.
- 9EMERGENCY SERVICES HANDOVER: Meet paramedics at the confirmed access point and provide a full handover including duration of suspension, fall distance, visible injuries, and first aid given. Confirm suspension trauma is suspected.
- 10POST-INCIDENT: Preserve the scene for investigation. Complete an accident report. Conduct a welfare debrief for all involved personnel. Review and update the rescue plan based on lessons identified. Notify HSE under RIDDOR if required.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Suspension trauma (orthostatic shock)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › A documented rescue plan must be in place before any work at height begins, specifying roles, equipment, and target rescue time. Rescue must be achievable within a timeframe that prevents suspension trauma becoming fatal — typically under 10 minutes from suspension.
- › Provide the suspended worker with trauma straps or foot loops attached to their harness or lanyard so they can periodically stand up, relieving pressure on the femoral arteries while awaiting rescue.
- › All designated rescuers must be trained to recognise suspension trauma symptoms and follow the correct recovery protocol (horizontal positioning then gradual raising to seated). Do not move a suspended worker immediately to vertical standing.
- › Maintain two-way communication with the suspended worker from the moment of fall to monitor consciousness level and guide them to activate trauma straps. Call emergency services immediately.
Delayed rescue
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Produce a site-specific written rescue plan that identifies the rescue method, equipment location, named rescuers, emergency services access route, and target rescue time before work begins.
- › All rescue equipment (lowering device, ladder, MEWP key, rope rescue kit) must be on site and accessible before work at height starts, not fetched after a fall occurs.
- › Conduct and document a practical rescue rehearsal at the work location before the task, confirming the plan is achievable within the target timeframe.
Rescuer fall from height
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Where practicable, use a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) or scaffold to reach the casualty, providing a stable working platform for the rescuer rather than working on a ladder.
- › Rescuers working at height must themselves be attached to a suitable anchor point via a work-positioning or fall-arrest system appropriate to the rescue method being used.
- › Only personnel with documented rescue at height training should perform the rescue. Untrained colleagues must not improvise. A competent person must confirm the plan is suitable before work begins.
Secondary fall of casualty during recovery
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Use a purpose-designed rescue lowering device (e.g. descender with anti-panic function) rated for the load. A separate backup belay line must be maintained throughout the lower.
- › Before committing a casualty's weight to any rescue anchor, the rescuer must visually inspect or confirm the rated capacity and condition of the anchor point.
- › Where safe to do so, visually confirm the casualty's harness has not been damaged by the fall arrest load and that all connection points remain secure before initiating lowering.
Incorrect post-rescue casualty handling
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Following rescue, place casualty in a semi-recumbent (seated) position, never lay fully flat immediately, and do not stand them upright. Monitor closely and follow ambulance service instructions until emergency services arrive.
- › 999 call must be made at the earliest opportunity — not after the rescue is complete. Inform paramedics that suspension trauma is suspected so appropriate clinical response is prepared.
- › At least one rescuer must hold a current first aid qualification that includes management of suspension trauma and suspected spinal injury from falls.
Inadequate communication during rescue
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › Appoint a single named coordinator on the ground who directs all rescue activity, liaises with emergency services, and prevents multiple people giving conflicting instructions.
- › Two-way radios or mobile phones must be available and tested before work at height begins. Confirm coverage at the work location. Do not rely on shouting over height or noise.
Crowd or site traffic endangering rescue zone
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › As soon as a fall event is reported, establish and maintain a physical exclusion zone beneath the casualty and the full lowering path. Use barriers, banksmen, or cones. No personnel to enter unless directly involved in rescue.
- › Designate a competent person solely to control the exclusion zone boundary, preventing entry by other workers, public, or plant until the casualty is safely retrieved.
Psychological shock in rescuers and bystanders
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site, Members of the public
- › During rescue plan briefing, prepare team members for the possibility of a real event, confirming roles so trained responses replace panic-driven reactions.
- › Following any real or rehearsed rescue event, conduct a structured debrief and ensure access to occupational health or employee assistance programme for all directly involved personnel.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ Safety harness and lanyard where fall arrest is the selected control
Competence
- ✓ Site induction completed; CSCS or equivalent where the site requires it
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
Plant & equipment
- › Scaffold / mobile tower / MEWP as selected
- › Podium steps or ladders for short-duration tasks
- › Tool lanyards and tethers
- › Edge protection components
- › Inspection tags
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ A named access method (scaffold / tower / MEWP) with inspection regime
- ✓ A rescue plan that doesn't rely on calling 999
- ✓ Collective protection considered before harnesses
- ✓ The document is site-specific — real address, access arrangements and dates, not a generic template
- ✓ Hazards match the actual task and the controls are specific (not “take care” and “use PPE”)
- ✓ Named supervisor and competent person, with operative sign-off space
- ✓ Emergency and rescue arrangements that work for this site
The report builder runs these as pre-submission checks before you download — or run an existing document through the free RAMS pre-submission checker.
Frequently asked questions
Who should write a work at height rescue plan RAMS?
Someone competent to plan the work — usually the contractor doing the job or their supervisor. A template like this gives you the recognised hazards and controls for work at height rescue plan, but the person signing it off must review it as the competent person and confirm it matches the actual site and method.
How long is the RAMS valid for?
Until something changes — there's no fixed expiry in law. Review it if the method, site conditions, equipment or people change, after any incident or near miss, and at sensible intervals on longer jobs. Date the review and re-brief the team.
What regulations apply to work at height rescue plan?
Work at Height Regulations 2005, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 3 are the main ones. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM 2015 apply to all construction work.
Does a RAMS need to be site-specific?
Yes — this is the most common reason documents get sent back. Principal contractors reject generic copy-paste RAMS. Your document should name the site, access arrangements, dates, supervisor and any site-specific hazards. The RamsDocs builder fills these in for you and flags what's missing before you download.
Is this template free?
Yes — everything on RamsDocs is free during early access, including building a site-specific version of this RAMS and downloading the PDF. No card required.