DGUV - German statutory accident insurance
DGUV Rule 112-199 - "Rescue from heights and depths using personal fall protection equipment" - is applied when selecting and using PPE equipment for rescue purposes. This rule provides a clearly-structured list of which types of personal fall protection equipment (PPE) can be used for rescue purposes and how to use this equipment correctly.
DGUV Rule 112-199 specifies three criteria to be taken into account when selecting PPE equipment for rescue purposes:
The entrepreneur is required to select safety harnesses or rescue slings, rescue lifting equipment, abseiling devices and connector elements according to these criteria and in consultation with the users.
In addition to a list of PPE equipment that can be used for rescue purposes, DGUV Rule 112-199 also provides an overview of different rescue procedures. This includes rescuing someone from a manhole or from a vertical lifeline - or someone swinging freely and suspended high up. In order to describe the exact rescue procedure, the entrepreneur has to compile a rescue concept which takes into account the corresponding local conditions. This rescue concept provides the basis for appropriate instruction in accordance with DGUV Rule 112-199.
Furthermore, it describes what has to be observed when using the individual items of equipment.
PPE equipment has a limited life cycle, resp. durability. To determine whether such equipment can continue to be used safely, regular inspections need to be carried out by a specialist. The entrepreneur is responsible for carrying out these inspections. The inspection interval depends on how the equipment is used as well as the respective operating conditions. However, these inspections must be carried out at least once a year.
