The Importance of Pole Top Rescue Training

When injured working at heights, people will likely require assistance getting to safe ground. This is a very real risk in the electricity distribution network, with the number of people working on overhead power lines. As such, pole top rescue training is vital to maintaining your ASP accreditation.

What is pole top rescue training?

Pole top rescue assists someone stuck or injured at the top of a pole or other high structure. In the electricity distribution network, workers are often performing duties at heights. For example, people working on overhead power lines may require a pole top rescue for a variety of reasons.

Workers wear appropriate safety equipment like harnesses, but they might face problems if they get electrocuted or suffer other injuries. This leaves them unable to descale the structure safely, and somebody needs to assist.

Pole top rescue training equips you with the correct techniques, procedures, and safety equipment to safely assist an injured person on a high structure.

Who benefits from pole top rescue training?

All workers in the electricity distribution network benefit from this training. Safety is the number one priority in any workplace, so it is crucial to ensure that everybody has the necessary skills to help their co-workers.

If all goes well, you could have an entire career in the electricity distribution network without requiring a pole top rescue or needing to perform one for someone else. But the reality is, working on power lines is a high-risk job. Accidents occur, and everybody should have peace of mind that their colleagues can assist. It really can be a matter of life and death.

How long does the training take?

Pole top rescue training typically takes around 5 hours, or half a day. This training can be undertaken separately if required, however, most accredited service providers (ASPs) complete this unit as part of their annual ASP refresher training.

The training includes both theory and practical training, and it’s all done face-to-face. The practical assessment requires participants to complete a pole top rescue in a controlled environment. This includes applying all Work Health and Safety principles and correctly using a pole top rescue kit.

Can I work in the NSW distribution network without training?

If you want to work in the NSW electricity distribution network as an ASP Level 1 or 2, you need to complete mandatory ASP refresher training each year. Because this training includes pole top rescue training, all ASPs should have these skills.

You must complete ASP refresher training annually to maintain your accreditation, therefore, you cannot work in the network without having completed pole top rescue training.

All your mandatory training needs

IAC Safety Services offers annual ASP Refresher training courses. Completing this training is a yearly requirement for all workers registered under the ASP scheme. The good news is, pole top rescue is a part of this refresher training. By completing mandatory ASP refresher training, you also keep your pole top rescue skills up to date. Not only is this a regulatory requirement, but it could help you save someone’s life. Contact IAC Safety Services today – we even have mobile ASP refresher training across regional NSW.