Suspension Intolerance
Suspension intolerance can occur with a fall-arrest system when a person has an arrested fall and is suspended in an upright, vertical position with the harness straps causing pressure on the leg veins.
The lower legs’ capacity to store large amounts of blood reduces the return of blood to the heart, slowing the heart rate, which can cause the person to faint.
This may lead to renal failure and eventually death, depending on a person’s susceptibility. This condition may be worsened by heat and dehydration.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SUSPENSION INTOLLERANCE INCLUDE:
• Faintness.
• Breathlessness.
• Sweating.
• Paleness.
• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Low blood pressure.
• Unconsciousness
Preventing Suspension Intolerance
The following techniques can be used to help prevent suspension intolerance in a person who is hanging in a fall arrest harness:
• Never work alone when using a harness as fall protection.
• Wherever possible use a fall arrest harness that allows legs to be kept horizontal
• If possible, keep the time a worker spends in suspension after a fall limited to less than five minutes. This can be achieved by providing foothold straps or a way of placing weight on the legs should be provided.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are suspended in a fall arrest harness after a fall attempt the following action:
- Move your legs in the harness and push against any footholds to relieve pressure on your upper legs.
- Move your legs as high as possible and tilt back so that you become as horizontal as possible.
The quick rescue of a person suspended in a full body harness, as soon as is possible, is vital. For this reason, workers should be capable of conducting a rescue of a fallen worker and be familiar with onsite rescue equipment and procedures.
If a worker has fallen and is hanging suspended in a safety harness for a prolonged period of time (5 to 30 minutes) it is absolutely vital that first aid procedures are implemented as quickly as possible.
First Aid for Suspension Intolerance
In accordance with Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guideline 9.1.5, first aid management of suspension intolerance should be carried out as follows:
- Call for an ambulance (dial 000).
- If unconscious, manage the victim according to basic life support principles. If conscious, rest the victim in a comfortable position, ideally lying down, and provide reassurance.
- Loosen or remove the harness.
- Administer oxygen if available.
- Look for and manage associated injuries in the victim, especially if they have fallen or been electrocuted.
- Monitor the signs of life at frequent intervals.
Remember, care of the airway takes precedence over any injury.