Tower Work and Rescue at Roco Training Center

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Roco Chief Instructor, Pat Furr teaches a three-man team from Anchorage, Alaska. This Tower Work & Rescue course was conducted at the Roco Training Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Despite the summer heat of the deep south, team members Tom Savage, Nathan Munford and Jeremy Waltz learned some great skills and had a memorable time. Thanks for choosing Roco for RESCUE!

Delayed Rescue Response Cited in Fatal Tunnel Fire

Here’s another deadly reminder of the importance of a capable and timely response to confined space emergencies. Five people were killed in this fatal tunnel fire. According to OSHA, the case involving Xcel Energy and RPI Coating is not being tried until next year. After reading the official Chemical Safety Board report, here are some key findings…

1. Did not have adequate technical rescue services standing by at the Permit Required Confined Space. “911″ was listed on paperwork. Took the rescue team 1 hr and 15 mins to arrive at the site.
2. Confined space was assessed as Non-PRCS even though the inability to self rescue and the introduction of MEK.
3. RPI did not have an adequate confined space program.
4. No hazard analysis was conducted.
5. Not recognizing that 10% LEL or higher is an IDLH condition.
6. Workers were located over 1400 ft away from where atmospheric monitoring was being performed.

How much training is needed for attendants on air monitoring equipment?

Reader Jeff Machen had a question concerning how much training to give attendants on air monitoring equipment; especially when they may only be working a week long shut down? Here’s our reply from CSRT Manager Bryan Rogers.

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Have a question? Ask it here by clicking on “Leave a Comment” below. Then, just type your request in the “Leave a Reply” section and we’ll reply ASAP!

Why does my Petzl ID snag and prevent me from taking up slack to the load prior to a lower?

Most likely the loaded section of the line is catching on the anti-error catch where the load line enters the body of the ID. This is a safety feature of the ID to prevent free-falling loads if the ID is loaded backwards. To prevent the rope from jamming, consider positioning yourself between the ID and the load facing the anchor. Hold both sections of rope oriented towards the load. Pull on the left section of rope while allowing the right section to drag through your hand. This will keep the rope clear of the anti-error catch.

Answer from Chief Instructor Pat Furr.

Why does my trusty old Petzl ID allow rope to continue feeding during a lower or rappel even after I have locked it off in work positioning mode?

The answer may be in the description “trusty old”. The ID has a wear indicator cast into the friction bobbin. It is located at the top of the bobbin on the side of the bobbin that the swinging side plate is on. When in usable condition the wear indicator is visible as a slightly raised ridge about a half-inch long. If the wear indicator is not visible the bobbin is worn out and the ID needs to be taken out of service.

Smart answer courtesy of Pat Furr

Why does the carbon monoxide sensor indicate the presence of CO when there is no potential for CO in the atmosphere?

Several of the current electro/mechanical CO sensors will give a false indication of CO when exposed to solvents and especially when exposed to isopropyl alcohol. If the potential for CO presence can be definitively ruled out, consider using an atmospheric monitor with no CO sensor.

Tim Robson, Chief Instructor/NM Site Manager

Tim Robson, Chief Instructor & New Mexico Site Manager takes charge!

Tim Robson joined Roco full-time in 1996 after working as a professional firefighter and a member of the Heavy Rescue Team for the Albuquerque Fire Department. As a Chief Instructor for Roco, Tim teaches a variety of emergency response courses and has been instrumental in the development of our Trench & Structural Collapse Rescue programs. In addition to teaching, Tim leads our on-site rescue and safety services at Intel where he specializes in multi-tasking… from rescue stand-bys to confined space program management to leading safety meetings and the list goes on. Tim is also responsible for coordinating other Roco Stand-by jobs in this region.

OSHA Sites Company Following Trench Death

Driving around your town, how many times have you seen workers in a trench working totally unprotected?  As an emergency responder, are you aware of the imminent dangers around these trenches and do you know how to protect yourself should you respond to one of these incidents?

Braving the Heat with Help from the Feds

Sherman firefighters take on the heat of the Texas summer.

Roco Instructors Brad Warr, Chris Hansen and Bobby Kauer are braving 100-degree temperatures as they teach 20 members of the Sherman (TX) fire department Technician level rope and confined space rescue. Grant money allowed the department to schedule a Fast-Track™120…Roco’s premier 12-day rescue class. Thanks to KTEN News in Dennison, TX for the coverage.