"Confined Spaces in Construction: Communication is Key!" will be the subject of a presentation by Roco's VPP Coordinator Pat Furr at the upcoming Region VI-VPP conference. The VPPPA Region VI Annual Safety & Health Conference will be held on May 16-19, 2016, at the Fort Worth Convention Center. 

Presentation times are:
Tuesday, May 17th @ 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 18th @ 8:30 a.m.

This presentation will draw parallels and differences between the general industry and construction industry regulations for permit required confined space operations. Although there are similarities between the two regulations, there are also some very important differences.

We are still seeing fatalities in the construction industry that are directly attributable to poor coordination and communication and this presentation will go a long ways in clarifying those critical needs.

In addition to discussing some new definitions, and in particular the addition of some new roles and responsibilities, the need for clear coordination and communication between the various contractor entities will be emphasized.

Visit with Pat, Aimee and Chanie at Roco's Booth #506

Click the picture to download our Confined Spaces in Construction safety poster.

Petzl has reported a couple of instances where cracks may have developed over time in the arms of the ASAP LOCK (B71 ALU). While a cracked arm presents no additional immediate risk to the user, as with any personal protective equipment (PPE), the presence of such a crack requires immediate retirement of the device. In the unlikely event that someone finds an ASAP LOCK displaying cracks, Petzl America will replace these units under their standard product warranty.

WASHINGTON - Firefighting is urgent and stressful work, and decisions are often made without vital information on the hazards that exist. Recently, a Denver firefighter died after falling 25 feet through a skylight. OSHA's newly revised manual on "Fire Service Features of Buildings" addresses this and many other types of building-related hazards for emergency responders. 

"Structural fires present hazards that can result in serious injury or death for emergency personnel who respond to them," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "This revised manual offers practical and relevant information to help emergency responders stay safe while doing their jobs."

The revised manual explains how fire personnel can resolve an incident sooner and in a safer manner if a building design is tailored to meet their needs during an emergency. The manual includes: new chapters on water supply and integrating design elements to protect fire personnel during a building's construction, occupancy and demolition phases; new sections on energy conservation, emergency power, and room and floor numbering; and additional photos to help explain concepts.

The manual is aimed at helping emergency responders during fires and other emergencies such as hazardous material releases, emergency medical care, non-fire rescues and terrorist attacks.

To better protect emergency responders in these situations, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has revised its manual, Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems*.
The revised manual explains how fire personnel can resolve an incident sooner and in a safer manner if a building design is tailored to meet their needs during an emergency. The manual includes: new chapters on water supply and integrating design elements to protect fire personnel during a building's construction, occupancy and demolition phases; new sections on energy conservation, emergency power, and room and floor numbering; and additional photos to help explain concepts.

Take in all the action and discover what your team may be missing! With Roco Rescue Challenge 2015 right around the corner, we wanted to share some of the benefits of attending as an observer. Here’s what one of our observers had to say about last year’s event…

"You just can't get everything you need out of a classroom. Coming out and seeing the teams performing different techniques and scenarios allowed us to gain insight that will be used to kick-start our team."

Don't miss the rescue team event of the year! 

Call us at 800-647-7626 and reserve your ticket today.

Rescue teams from across the country will participate in realistic confined space rescue exercises designed by Roco’s top instructors. And, although Challenge is more of a learning event than a competition, trophies will be awarded to the teams with top scores for individual skills proficiency and the infamous “Yellow Brick Road” rescue-relay scenario.

Roco Rescue Challenge meets the annual rescue practice requirements of 1910.146 while providing realistic practice drills in all six confined space types. Written documentation will be provided to each team following the event.

OPPD (Omaha Public Power District) rescue team members were put to the test by the elements and Roco instructors during a recent rescue class at their facility. During the week-long class, they experienced high temperatures and rain - all while working at varying heights! However, it provided to be a great learning opportunity for the team. “The training as a whole was excellent, top-notch.” quoted Jeremy Kellner, a senior I/C technician at NOS and leader of the rope rescue team.

Here's a story about the training that appeared on the company's website. Roco instructors for the class were Troy Gardner, Robert Kauer, and Dominic Velasquez.