Course Description
Gravitec's Tower Climber and Rescue Competent Person Refresher Course takes a hands-on approach to keeping tower climbers focused on their safety while working at height. Re-emphasizing the use of a planned approach to working at height, this course begins with a discussion about the changes to the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code. It also introduces the latest fall protection tools and fall protection methods utilized to protect workers 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 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, 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 re-training requirements outlined in ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program, found in the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code (Section 3.3.4.5).
Note: In order to satisfy the ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007 requirement for Competent Rescuers (Section 3.3.5.5), workers must have documented tower rescue training annually.
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.
Prerequisites
Tower Climber and Rescue training from Gravitec no longer than two years prior to enrollment.
Course Duration
2.5 Days (20 hours)
The length of this course can be adjusted based on the amount of fall protection equipment used in the student's workplace.
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
- Basic Rescue Theory
- Pre-Climb Checklists and Rescue Plans
- Rescue Systems Components
- Descent Control
- Connecting to the Patient: Positive Load Transfer
- Packaging and Lowering the Patient
- Assisted Rescues
- Suspended Rescues
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
2.0 Continuing Education Units, accredited by the International Association for Continued Education and Training (IACET), are awarded upon completion of this course..