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New Roco Lowrider™ Compact Rescue Tripod

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Manufactured exclusively for Roco Rescue by Skedco.

2 tripodsSleek, portable and mission-driven – the new Roco Lowrider™ Compact Rescue Tripod is made for low, tight spaces. Originally designed by Roco tactical instructors to meet the mission-critical requirements of elite DoD special operations teams, the Roco Lowrider™ Rescue Tripod brings cutting-edge technology and hard-earned lessons to the civilian rescue industry. 

With a minimum height of 38-inches and a maximum working height of 60.5-inches, the Roco Lowrider™ can be used to extract patients from low overhead spaces using minimal personnel. Designed to be man-packable,
the Lowrider™ weighs only 32 lbs. and features header, anchors and legs connected with stainless steel bolts for maximum strength and weather resistance. The proven Skedco head design allows up to three separate
connection points for multiple rigging options. The anchors are well-balanced to handle rescue loads and each is anodized red for easy identification.

With its light weight, compact size and breaking strength of more than 20,000 lbs., your team’s working efficiency will be dramatically increased – all while staying LOW.

Lowrider BW 24Key Features:

• Weight of 32 lbs., less than half the weight of a traditional tripod.

• Minimum height of 38-inches with a maximum working height of 60.5-inches. 

• Minimum breaking strength of more than 20,000 lbs. at full extension.

• Anchors are anodized red for easy identification.

• No traditional tripod chain – 8mm cordelette provides hobbling capability.

Place Your Order Today!

Fatality Reports (Sept. 2023)

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Confined spaces and excavations continue to present fatal hazards to workers, and OSHA continues to take notice. While OSHA lists fewer confined space accidents in 2021 than in 2020, 100% of them involved fatalities.

Trench collapses are among the most serious dangers in the construction industry. Excavations can collapse in seconds and can potentially bury workers under cubic yards of soil, each weighing as much as 3,000 lbs. In 2022, OSHA reported that at least 39 industry workers died. From 2011 to 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 166 workers died in trench collapses.

The following summaries are from OSHA News Releases (osha.gov). These tragedies serve as reminders to employers and rescuers of the inherent dangers involved in confined space entry and trench work.

Company’s Safety Failures Led 19-Year-Old Worker to Suffer Fatal Injuries Inside Concrete Mixer

cement picCANTONMENT, FL — A Georgia-based concrete pipe manufacturer could have prevented a 19-year-old worker from suffering fatal injuries after a concrete mixer restarted while the teen tried to clean the machine's inside in Cantonment in March 2023.

OSHA found that two workers had climbed inside the mixer initially to use a hammer and chisel to chip away hardened concrete. As one of the workers left the mixer, the machine restarted with the other inside.

OSHA inspectors cited the company for willfully exposing workers to crushed-by hazards by allowing them to enter the mixer without making sure to first follow energy-control procedures. The agency also found the company exposed workers to confined spaces hazards by not making sure a safe atmosphere existed inside the mixer before the workers entered and by failing to have an attendant ready to retrieve workers safely.

“Failure to implement well-known safeguards cost the life of a worker just beginning their adulthood,” said OSHA Area Office Director Jose A. Gonzalez in Mobile, Alabama. “This preventable tragedy should serve as a reminder of the importance of complying with safety and health standards, as required by law.”

Project Manager’s Death in Trench Collapse

OKLAHOMA CITY – A U.S. Department of Labor workplace safety investigation found that a contractor could have prevented a trench collapse that fatally injured a project manager at a work site in May 2023.

Investigators learned that the project manager and other workers were putting gravel rock around a newly replaced 24-inch sewer line in a 10-foot-deep excavation when the trench collapsed. OSHA determined that — by not following federal safety standards for trenching and excavation work — the company exposed its employees to trench hazards.

OSHA cited the company for one willful violation for not using protective systems in a trench deeper than five feet. The agency also identified serious violations for:

  • Failing to secure obstacles on the surface area near the trench.
  • Not providing safe entry into or exit from the trench.
  • Allowing standing water in the trench.
  • Failing to perform daily inspections.

“A worker has lost their life because the company disregarded its responsibility to ensure the safety of its employees,” said OSHA Area Director Steven Kirby in Oklahoma City. “Employers are required by law to follow safety and health procedures that are put in place to prevent tragedies like this from occurring.”

Grain Silo Operator Failed to Provide Required Safety Procedures in Deadly Engulfment

grain siloCOLQUITT, GA — A federal investigation into how a 59-year-old worker at a grain silo became engulfed and suffocated in April 2023 found the operator could have prevented the fatality by following required grain-handling safety regulations.

An employee entered a half-full bin to unclog clumps of grain as the bin's auger turned below. As they stood atop the grain, the pile shifted and quickly engulfed them. One other worker onsite rushed over and saw a rope that was tied to the worker disappearing into the grain but could not rescue their co-worker.  

OSHA cited the company for nine serious violations for exposing employees to engulfment hazards and failing to do the following:

  • Train workers on how to safely enter a grain bin.
  • Issue a permit and adequately evaluate hazards before employees enter a bin.
  • Require augers and other equipment components to be de-energized and effectively locked out.
  • Keep employees from performing tasks that require them to walk on moving grain inside a bin.
  • Make sure body harnesses and lifelines were adequate to avoid engulfment hazards.
  • Employ adequate communication methods, including communication with an observer to support workers inside a bin.
  • Provide rescue equipment for employees entering a bin.

“Our investigation found that following required federal safety standards might have saved this worker's life,” said OSHA Acting Area Director Heather Sanders in Savannah, Georgia.

OSHA investigators also found the company exposed employees to caught-in hazards related to the powered auger system by not following required lockout and tagout procedures to shut down the system and prevent the auger from moving. Additionally, they failed to test oxygen levels inside the bin to protect workers before they entered.

Contractor Endangered Employees in Trench, Despite Knowing the Risks…  

GUAM — Two weeks after federal workplace safety inspectors warned a construction company of hazardous conditions facing employees working in an excavation, they returned to find the company again exposing workers to potentially deadly trench hazards as they installed a sewer line.

Following a May 2023 OSHA inspection, two serious violations were issued related to the company's failures to provide adequate means to enter and exit the trench within 25 feet of the workers and test oxygen levels in the trench before employees entered.

"Working in a trench is demanding and dangerous work that requires specific precautions and protections to keep workers safe," explained OSHA Area Office Director Roger Forstner in Honolulu. “By running soil compactors and excavators within 20 feet of workers in the trench and failing to provide accessible ladders, the company chose to put production before safety, endangering the lives of its employees.”

 

Roco Rescue CS Attendant Requirements

Additional Resources

 

 

Can’t I Just List “911” as My Confined Space Rescue Service?

Thursday, June 1, 2023

qualified rescue service5Simply put, No. We get this question all the time. Sure, with proper vetting of the rescue service and mutual agreement, you can list 911 as your rescue plan within your Permit Required Confined Space Entry program. However, there are clear precautions that must be taken and put into place.

In the world of OSHA Standard language, we have a clear answer in this case. OSHA 1910.146, Appendix F spells it out very clearly.

“The employer should meet with the prospective rescue service to facilitate the evaluations required by 1910.146(k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii). At a minimum, if an off-site rescue service is being considered, the employer must contact the service to plan and coordinate the evaluations required by the standard. Merely posting the service's number or planning to rely on the 911 emergency phone number to obtain these services at the time of a permit space emergency would not comply with paragraph (k)(1) of the standard.

You cannot get a much clearer answer than that from an OSHA Standard. And, keep in mind, while Appendix F is listed as “non-mandatory,” this does not mean that you do not have to comply with it. Using the method described is the non-mandatory part.

So, no, you cannot simply list 911 as your rescue service. You can however make an agreement with a private or municipal rescue service to provide that service provided you have evaluated the service to determine that they can perform the confined space rescue services needed for your facility.


If the rescue service becomes unavailable while an entry is underway, does it have the capability of notifying you so that the entry operation can be canceled?


For the employer, this is where an evaluation of the rescue service comes into play. OSHA 1910.146 Appendix F clearly outlines the need for employers to evaluate a prospective rescue service before relying on their services.

Once that occurs, one of the biggest challenges is determining how to make sure the municipal rescue service is available when you need them. Will they be available when you are ready to make entry, and what if the rescue service gets another call? If the rescue service becomes unavailable while an entry is underway, does it have the capability of notifying you so that the entry operation can be canceled?

Evaluating Rescue Response Capabilities

According to OSHA, the rescue service must be evaluated for:

  • Ability to respond in a timely manner considering the hazards identified.
  • Proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment.
  • Ability to function appropriately while rescuing entrants from types of permit spaces identified.

The rescue service selected must be:

  • Capable of reaching the victim(s) in a timely manner appropriate for the hazards identified.
  • Equipped and proficient in performing the needed rescue services.
  • Willing to provide the service. Employers may not rely on an outside service that is unwilling to provide rescue services.

Confined Space Rescue ChartAppendix F provides a valuable means to ensure that both the rescuers and the employer know the requirements and that proper agreements are in place prior to confined space entry operations. Roco Confined Space Compliance Guide and Types Chart includes Appendix F along with information and checklists for conducting an (A) Initial Evaluation, and (B) Performance Evaluation.

Critical factors include response time and availability. According to OSHA, the response time must be appropriate for the types of known or potential hazards affecting the confined spaces at the employer’s facility – and the rescue service must be available to respond in a timely manner during entry operations.

It is the employer’s responsibility, both morally and legally, to engage with the rescue service that is being considered. If you have identified an off-site team as the contracted rescue service in your confined space program, which includes municipal rescue, it is crucial that you take all the necessary steps to vet the agency as being a good fit to protect your employees. To document the arrangement, a written agreement is highly recommended. Click here to view a Sample Agreement to Provide Rescue Response.

Confined Spaces Require Special Rescue Skills and Equipment

Other than larger municipal departments, it is rare for local emergency responders to have the required confined space rescue resources including specialized training and equipment. Any shortfalls in an effective response must be addressed by the employer or confined space owner. This includes training, equipment, staffing, or other requirements to ensure a response appropriate for the types and hazards of the spaces onsite. Any rescue service would need to be trained and equipped in advance to face the many hazards and obstacles of permit-required confined space rescue.

OSHA states in section (d)(4) of 1910.146 that “the Employer shall provide rescue and emergency equipment needed to comply with paragraph (d)(9) of this section, except to the extent that the equipment is provided by rescue services…” This is where an employer and a public safety agency may enter a cooperative arrangement beyond what is expected of the emergency responder's normal response duties.

Conclusion

With careful planning, thorough communications, and proper training and equipment, relying on a private or municipal rescue response for confined space rescue can work. As an employer, it is your responsibility to make sure the rescue service is adequately prepared, equipped, and willing to provide confined space rescue services.


Additional OSHA References:

1910.146(d)(9) Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces, for providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees, and for preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue;

1910.146(k)(1) An employer who designates rescue and emergency services, pursuant to paragraph (d)(9) of 1910.146(k)(1)(i). Evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified;

1910.146(k)(2)(i) Provide affected employees with the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to conduct permit space rescues safely and train affected employees so they are proficient in the use of that PPE, at no cost to those employees;

1910.146(k)(2)(ii) Train affected employees to perform assigned rescue duties. The employer must ensure that such employees successfully complete the training required to establish proficiency as an authorized entrant, as provided by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section;

1910.146(k)(2)(iii) Train affected employees in basic first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The employer shall ensure that at least one member of the rescue team or service holding a current certification in first aid and CPR is available; and

1910.146(k)(2)(iv) Ensure that affected employees practice making permit space rescues at least once every 12 months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies, manikins, or actual persons from the actual permit spaces or from representative permit spaces. Representative permit spaces shall, with respect to opening size, configuration, and accessibility, simulate the types of permit spaces from which rescue is to be performed.

Note to paragraph (k)(1)(i): What will be considered timely will vary according to the specific hazards involved in each entry. For example, 1910.134, Respiratory Protection, requires that employers provide a standby person or persons capable of immediate action to rescue employee(s) wearing respiratory protection while in work areas defined as IDLH atmospheres.

 

Additional ResourcesConfined Space Rescue Chart

 

 

Do Industrial Rescuers Need EMR Training?

Thursday, April 6, 2023

medical1

ANSWER: As a Paramedic, I strongly feel that having your rescue personnel trained to the EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) level is extremely beneficial for any industrial site. While EMR training is not required, it can truly make the difference in a life-or-death situation. From my personal experience, we found time and time again how this extra medical care made all the difference when responding to an incident.

Not only is the skill-level of first responders critical in an industrial emergency – many times the industrial site is fairly isolated. This can increase response times when rapid, critical care is so vital. Plant access and finding the exact location may also present potential delays to medical care. With EMRs initially on scene with your rescue team, you can know that your personnel are receiving a higher level of care when it matters most.   

To clarify, an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) is a well-versed medical responder who can attend to basic needs in a critical need situation. EMR’s are nationally certified or state-licensed medical responders generally tasked with providing immediate emergency care to the sick and injured before an ambulance or higher level of care arrives.

medical2While basic first aid and CPR may be the minimum required for rescue personnel OSHA 1910.146(k)(2)(iii), an EMR is trained to provide more enhanced care – particularly, inside a confined space or for a worker who is stranded at height. Plus, they can be there almost immediately with your rescue team to provide aid. The EMR can help with airway protection, bleeding control, mechanical ventilation, symptom recognition and support of vital functions until more advanced care is reached.

So, minimally, someone on your team needs to be certified in first aid and CPR training. And, while the techniques taught in most nationally recognized First Aid and CPR courses are great for lay folk responding in environments tamer than the industrial setting – the skills, clinical knowledge, and logistic awareness taught in the typical EMR class are a far better fit for confined space rescuers. If you’re looking to give your organization the greatest peace of mind and the best chance to avoid tragedy, we highly recommend EMR training.

Key Medical Questions for ERT Coordinators include:

  • Based on hazards identified at your facility, what types and degrees of injuries could patients sustain while at your facility?
  • What is the estimated response time for EMS/Fire Department? Is the service familiar with your facility and the potential hazards? Chemical, Mechanical, etc.
  • How will EMS access your site, or will the patient be taken to a staging area?
  • If air medical transport is necessary, has the facility coordinated a landing zone with EMS/Fire/Sheriff's office?
  • Who at the facility will assess the patient and give the information about the patient's condition to EMS?
  • Where is the nearest emergency room? Is the ER familiar with your facility and the potential hazards? Chemical, Mechanical, etc.
  • What types of drills can your facility conduct, with or without EMS/Fire, to better prepare facility personnel for an emergency?

 

warrick_temp

Prior to coming to work for Roco Rescue, Chris Warrick worked the street as a paramedic for three years, and then three years as a paramedic instructor. He was the section leader for “Cardiology” as well as “Anatomy and Physiology,” and “EMS Operations” at various times. Chris holds an AAS in Paramedicine from South Louisiana Community College and is also certified to teach BLS and ACLS through the American Heart Association. He is also a licensed EMS educator in Louisiana. As a Paramedic, Chris has responded to hurricanes: Harvey, Michael, Laura, Delta, and Ida. As Medical Program Manager for Roco Rescue, Chris oversees medical protocols, procedures, equipment, and education alongside our medical director. 

Follow Chris LinkedinIcon

 

EMR CourseAdditional Resources

 

Fire Department Scholarship Winners

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

We were so excited to see all the applicants for our Fire Department Scholarship Program – we decided to pick 10 instead of 1! The following individuals were selected to attend a Roco Urban/Industrial Rescue Essentials™ Course at no charge at the Roco Training Center in Baton Rouge. 

 Winners:

  • Harold Osborn / North Metro Fire Rescue – Broomfield, CO
  • Travis Proffitt / Washburn Volunteer Fire/Rescue – Washburn, TN
  • Ed Griffin / East St. Charles Fire Department – Destrehan, LA 
  • Steven Liguori / Lynbrook Fire Department – Lynbrook, NY
  • Jonathan Guerrero / Leon Valley Fire Department – Leon Valley, TX
  • Bradley Page / Madison Fire Department – Madison, MS
  • Jacob Manley / Le Mars Fire-Rescue – Le Mars, IA
  • Stevo Solaya / North Fayetteville VFD – Oakdale, PA
  • Spencer Cormier / Pointe Coupee Fire District 4 – Livonia, LA
  • Taylor Turner / Donaldsonville Fire Department – Donaldsonville, LA

We will be getting in touch with the above individual winners to share the good news and what the next step is.

fire departmentRoco Rescue hopes that this free training will help broaden the range of skills in confined space and rope rescue for firefighters and their departments.

Click button below if you are interested in applying for the next Fire Department Scholarship Program selection.

COMPLETE FORM HERE

Offer valid for USA-based emergency responders only based on space availability. Must be 18 years or older and physically fit to participate in hands-on rescue exercises. Offer is valid for limited time and subject to change without notice. 


 

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