SA024 – Pole Top Rescue - Open Course

You will be assessed, via your theory and practical assessments, on the following criteria:

• Identify hazards and assess the risks associated with the site and the proposed rescue
• Interpret risk assessments
• State ways in which to maintain the health and safety of yourself and others, in accordance with relevant legislation and industry good practice
• State how to select and implement the appropriate working methods, in accordance with the assessed risks
• Identify appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the rescue
• Explain how to assess the main hazards on the pole and in the surrounding area and the operational difficulties in carrying out the aerial rescue
• Define your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and safety legislation
• Describe the importance of evaluating the actions taken when carrying out aerial rescue operations
• Define the importance of checking how well you worked with others to carry out, aerial rescue operations
• State access and rescue methods which are safe, appropriate to the situation and in line with relevant industry guidance and codes of practice
• Explain how to prepare and use appropriate rescue tools and equipment, safely and effectively
• Describe the types of tools and equipment required and how to maintain these safely and effectively in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Outline the legal requirements for checking equipment
• Explain how to maintain effective teamwork when working with others to carry out aerial rescue operations
• Explain how to plan the aerial rescue operation and the key elements that need to be included
• Explain the basic principles of first aid and how they may be applied, according to your own level of training
• Describe how to initiate the emergency plan
• Outline the rescue methods required appropriate to a range of possible situations, including having a conscious or unconscious casualty
• Describe the situations when aerial rescue by climbing may not be the most appropriate method
• Explain how the type and condition of poles will affect rescues
• Explain the implications of the safe working load (SWL) limit on the rescue
• Explain how to resolve the operational difficulties in carrying out the aerial rescue
• Describe the requirements of reporting the incident in line with relevant company policies and legal requirements
• Demonstrate how to prepare and use appropriate tools and equipment for aerial rescue, safely and effectively
• Assess the individual and any injuries that may have occurred
• Assess the rescue situation and any hazards entailed in the aerial rescue, according to the available information
• Assess the situation and the needs of the casualty and decide if the emergency services are required
• Administer the appropriate first aid, based on your assessment of their condition and your training
• Carry out an aerial rescue operation using methods involving casualty’s and rescuer’s lines, and rescuer’s line by climbing the pole
• Initiate and maintain effective communication during the aerial
• Carry out an aerial rescue using a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP)
• Bring the casualty to the ground and continue with first aid as necessary until the emergency services can take over
• Record the incident clearly and accurately

The course includes both a practical and a theory assessment.

• Practical Assessment – where you will demonstrate your knowledge of practical tasks
• A 20-minute theory test, which is composed of multiple-choice questions (you will need to achieve a pass mark of 80% to complete this course)

Certification

This Smart Awards certificate is valid for 3 years, you will then need to complete the course again or attend a refresher course if available, to renew your qualification.

Entry requirements can vary based on location.
Tadley & Sevenoaks
No entry requirements are necessary.

Bury, Pulborough, Bedworth & Livingston
You will need to have completed and passed the Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety course to be able to take this course.

This qualification is available to anyone over the age of 18 years old.

Smart Awards will not restrict access on the grounds of prior academic attainment, age, employment, geographic location or any other grounds. There are no barriers that restrict access or progression, thereby promoting equality. It is expected however, that learners will have a level of literacy adequate to cope with both the theory and practical assessments.