| Harnesses can become deadly whenever an | | | | Unless the operative is rescued promptly using |
| operative is suspended for durations of over five | | | | established safe procedures, suspension trauma |
| minutes in an upright posture with the legs relaxed | | | | caused by orthostatic intolerance could occur and |
| straight beneath the body. After five minutes | | | | result in serious or fatal injury as the brain, |
| they are highly likely to be unconscious - but | | | | kidneys and other organs are deprived of oxygen. |
| operatives attending the scene often don't realise | | | | Most users of fall protection equipment, as well as |
| the seriousness of the situation and, 15 minutes | | | | rescue personnel and health and safety |
| later a dead body is hauled up. The cause of this | | | | professionals are unaware of the hazard of |
| problem is called 'suspension trauma'. | | | | suspension trauma. |
| Suspension Trauma - Orthostatic Intolerance | | | | |