Safety Information
SI 36 / 21 - Working at Height – the Hazard of Suspension Trauma when using Fall Arrest Systems
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Working at height is a common type of activity in the gas industry and many different hazards have been identified for working at height. EIGA wants to raise awareness of the specific risk of suspension trauma which may be less understood and consequently underestimated. In the gas industry, suspension trauma is most likely to occur when a person working at height and using a harness accidentally falls and is left motionless, suspended by the harness for a period of time. This Safety Information is intended to raise awareness, to all those involved in the planning and execution of working at heights when using fall arrest systems, of how suspension trauma can occur while people are suspended following a fall and provides guidance on signs and symptoms. The document also outlines recommendations for preventing suspension trauma, as well as recommendations for worker training and rescue.