Product Overview

Summary: This Aerial Rescue Techniques Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for rescuing workers from height safely, rapidly and in full alignment with Australian WHS requirements. It helps your organisation prepare for the worst‑case scenario before it happens, ensuring workers at height, rescuers and supervisors all know exactly what to do when every second counts.

Working at height is one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatality in Australian workplaces, and when a fall or medical emergency occurs in an elevated position, an effective aerial rescue plan is critical. This Aerial Rescue Techniques SOP sets out a structured, repeatable process for planning, rehearsing and performing rescues from elevated work platforms (EWPs), towers, scaffolds, trees, wind turbines, roofs and rope access systems. It clarifies who does what, which equipment is required, how to communicate, and the safest methods to recover a suspended or injured worker to a place of safety.

Designed specifically for Australian conditions and WHS legislation, this document helps businesses move beyond ad‑hoc emergency responses and towards a documented, defensible system of work. It addresses key risks such as suspension intolerance, secondary falls, equipment failure and inadequate training, while integrating with existing site emergency plans and permit‑to‑work systems. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, support competency‑based training, and significantly reduce the time and confusion associated with aerial rescues—protecting both their people and their legal position.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a fast, coordinated and safe response to incidents involving workers at height.
• Reduce the risk of suspension trauma, secondary falls and further injury during rescue operations.
• Demonstrate due diligence and compliance with Australian WHS legislation and industry standards.
• Standardise aerial rescue planning, training and practice across multiple sites and work groups.
• Integrate aerial rescue procedures seamlessly with existing emergency response and permit systems.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Safety Officers
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Telecommunications Rigging Supervisors
• Arborists and Tree Climbing Crew Leaders
• Wind Farm Technicians and Supervisors
• Emergency Response Team Leaders
• High Risk Work Licence Holders (EWP, dogging, rigging)
• Rope Access Technicians (IRATA/SPRAT level supervisors)

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height during rescue operations
• Suspension intolerance (suspension trauma) in harnessed workers
• Dropped objects from elevated positions during rescue
• Entanglement or snagging of ropes, lanyards and rescue systems
• Crush and shear hazards associated with elevating work platforms and mechanical devices
• Electrical contact risks near overhead powerlines or live installations
• Environmental exposure (heat stress, cold, wind) during prolonged rescues
• Inadequate communication between rescuers, ground crew and emergency services
• Psychological stress and panic affecting decision‑making in emergencies

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Aerial Rescue, Suspension Intolerance, Anchor Points, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Pre‑Work Planning and Rescue Readiness
• 6.0 Equipment Requirements, Inspection and Maintenance
• 7.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Aerial Rescue
• 8.0 Communication Protocols and Emergency Escalation
• 9.0 General Principles of Aerial Rescue (Hierarchy of Control, Self‑Rescue vs Assisted Rescue)
• 10.0 Rescue from Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs)
• 11.0 Rescue from Towers, Poles and Masts
• 12.0 Rope Access and Suspension Rescue Techniques
• 13.0 Arborist and Tree‑Based Aerial Rescue Procedures
• 14.0 Rescue from Roofs, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms
• 15.0 Managing Suspension Intolerance and First Aid Considerations
• 16.0 Interaction with External Emergency Services
• 17.0 Training, Drills, Competency Assessment and Refresher Requirements
• 18.0 Documentation, Reporting and Post‑Incident Review
• 19.0 SOP Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and mirror state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (particularly provisions relating to work at height and emergency plans)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 4488: Industrial rope access systems
• AS 2550.10: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities