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Emergency Descent Device Training

Training in the use of Emergency Descent Devices or EDD’s is needed on any equipment where the operator is required to work at height. It’s especially vital where a fall from the elevated platform would result in death or injury. In some industries it is actually a legislative requirement.

The types of equipment where EDD training is necessary include truck-mounted elevated work platforms and knuckle boom EWP’s. Also, order picking forklifts or side loading forklifts like Hubtechs. Basically any type of machinery that transports the operator up to 10m in height or higher.

The training is simple and usually only takes half an hour. However, it is essential that the training be done by an accredited trainer and/or assessor. Failure to do so will mean that the instruction is not recognized for legal purposes and the operator deemed “not safe” to operate that piece of equipment.

EDD Training Steps

Trainer demonstrates the uses of the Emergency Descent Device and explains hazards of working at height. They may also provide supplementary manuals, documents etc to assist with the instruction.

1. Operator is then raised in an EWP for example and must open the EDD box, connect the EDD to their lanyard, climb over the cage and descend safely as if in a real life emergency situation.
2. Upon demonstrating to the trainer’s satisfaction that the operator can use the EDD/CDD competently they have then fulfilled one of the requirements of using that machinery. It doesn’t include training needed to use the machine itself.
3. A certificate would then issued verifying the operator’s ability to use the Emergency Descent Device.

EDD Refresher Training

EDD training is a form of insurance and one hopes never to have to use it. Mostly this will be the case. And like all training, if it is not regularly used it will quickly be forgotten. That’s why yearly refresher training is recommended.

In some industries it may even be a necessity.

In fact, for a knowledgeable operator the only thing required would be a quick assessment. They’d simply have to demonstrate using the EDD as in Step #2 above to pass. Emergency Descent Device Training needn’t be expensive. Assessments can be done on site and there would only be a minimal cost for the assessor’s time.