UFC 3-560-01
6 December 2006
Including change 1, 7 December 2006
CHAPTER 14
ELECTRICAL WORKER RESCUE
14-1
RESCUE TRAINING. Rescues must be accomplished in a manner that
provides the best first aid treatment for the victim without endangering workers involved
in the rescue operation. Special rescue methods are needed for unconscious or injured
workers on poles or in manholes. All workers engaged in electrical work must receive
training in resuscitation, and in methods of rescue from poles, structures, manholes,
aerial baskets, confined spaces, and other field work areas present on the facility. This
section provides guidance on pole-top rescue and manhole rescue methods. Rescue
operations may vary, depending upon the prevailing situation. Preplanning and training
for a possible emergency is important. Size up the situation. The rescue effort can be
far more effective if a few seconds are devoted to full identification of the situation.
Always try to get the power turned off, deenergize the lines if at all possible, and as
soon as possible.
14-2
POLE-TOP RESCUE. Consult the latest Lineman's and Cableman's
Handbook, Section 49, for additional guidance. Artificial respiration can be applied to
an unconscious victim on a pole and the best position will be slightly above the victim.
CPR may not be effective and must not be tried. If CPR is required, the victim must be
lowered as quickly as possible, and then CPR administered. If no aerial lift devices are
available for rescue, the following procedures must be followed:
14-2.1
Get help. Call or assign someone to call the local emergency medical service
(EMS) or fire department.
14-2.2
Climb to rescue. Climb the pole and free the victim from the energized line if
necessary. Take great care to ensure that the rescuer is not also electrocuted. If CPR
is not required, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation can be attempted before lowering the
injured worker to the ground. If necessary, the best position for the rescuer is slightly
above the victim. When the victim begins breathing naturally, keep the victim in position
and under control until additional help is available for lowering the victim to the ground,
using rope rigging if possible.
14-2.3
Lower the victim from the pole. When CPR is necessary, the rescuer must
lower the victim to the ground to begin CPR. CPR might not be effective on the pole.
14-2.3.1 Take a position below the victim on the pole and place your safety strap
around the pole. Then climb up the pole with the victim's legs straddling your safety
strap, and with the victim's body between you and the pole. When the safety strap is
sufficiently high the victim's weight can then be taken on the your safety strap. Do not
unfasten the victim's safety strap.
14-2.3.2 Use a handline to lower the victim for either one or two rescuers. Table 14-1
summarizes the above steps.
14-1
Previous Page
