Course Description
Gravitec's Tower Climber and Rescue Competent Person Course curriculum is a combination of classroom sessions focused on fall protection theory and practical hands-on exercises which train workers to a competent level in fall protection and rescue for the tower industry. Focusing on the use of a planned approach to working at heights, this course begins with basic fall protection theory and includes the five methods of the fall protection hierarchy and applicable local and state fall protection regulations and fall protection standards. It also introduces the most common fall protection tools and methods utilized to protect climbers from the various fall hazards encountered at tower sites with an overview of commercially available fall arrest systems. The function of each piece of equipment is discussed during interactive classroom sessions which are followed by extensive hands-on exercises for a complete fall protection learning experience. During the rescue portion of the course, students learn how to use several of the industry's most common rescue devices to include, but not limited to, the rescue wheel, block and tackle systems and Gravitec's TR (Tower Rescue) System. Students will have the opportunity to practice their rescue skills with each rescue system in a controlled environment. Their skills are confirmed with several problem-solving scenarios created by the instructor. These exercises are designed to simulate real-world rescue events. Upon completion of the course, students will have the skills necessary to perform a rescue anywhere on a tower using a variety of rescue systems. Written and practical tests are administered to ensure that the principles presented in the course are understood. Documentation is available to satisfy your company’s due diligence and regulatory requirements.
This course meets the Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health, and Environmental Training (ANSI/ASSE Z490.1-2001), the highest industry standard for training. It also meets the requirements of ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program, found in the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code.
Gravitec can supply all necessary fall protection equipment for this course.
No cameras, camcorders, cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants or similar devices will be permitted during training.
Course Duration
5 Days (40 Hours)Class Size
Minimum 8, Maximum 10 (1 Instructor); Minimum 14, Maximum 18 (2 Instructors)Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be capable of using a planned approach to tower climbing and rescue using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. They will be fluent in the vast majority of commercially available fall protection equipment and capable of identifying fall hazards and selecting, creating and implementing safe and appropriate rescue techniques for workers at height. Students will also be capable of implementing all the components of three standard tower rescue plans, including protecting rescuers and methods for anchoring, packaging and lowering. They will understand and be capable of using group problem-solving and leadership techniques to plan and implement rescues. Depending on where the course is taught, students will create and implement rescue techniques that are best suited for that particular job site.
Students will have advanced knowledge of the following:
- Fundamental Theories and Principles of Fall Protection
- Donning a Full Body Harness
- Anchorage Points: Certified and Non-Certified
- Fall Protection Hardware Compatibility
- Connection Means: New Standards and Designs
- Energy Absorbing Lanyards: New Standards and Designs
- Commercially Available Fall Arrest Systems
- Self-Retracting Lifelines
- Vertical Lifelines
- Horizontal Lifelines
- Ladder Climbing Devices
- Work Positioning Systems
- Selecting and Installing Fall Protection Systems
- Calculating Clearance Requirements
- Fall Protection Standards and Fall Protection Regulations Effecting the Industry
- Basic Rescue Theory
- Pre-Climb Checklists and Rescue Plans
- Rescue Systems Components
- Anchoring the Rescue System
- Descent Control
- Connecting to the Patient: Positive Load Transfer
- Packaging and Lowering the Patient
- Assisted Wheel Rescue (Up to 1,200')
- Assisted Mechanical I'D Rescue (Up to 600')
- Assisted Pulley Rescue (Less than 100')
Resource Materials
Students will receive a plastic wallet certificate of completion, Gravitec’s Tower Climber & Rescue Competent Person Manual and access to our toll-free number for ongoing technical assistance.Course Credits
4.0 Continuing Education Units, accredited through the International Association for Continued Education and Training (IACET), are awarded upon completion of this course.
