What exactly is suspension trauma? How does it occur? And what can be done to prevent it? Suspension Trauma – otherwise known as harness pathology, distributive shock, or orthostatic intolerance – has recently been identified by OSHA as a workplace hazard particular to Authorized Workers using personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). More and more employers...
Roco Rescue was officially awarded the OSHA VPP Star at a ceremony on April 15th, making them the first rescue training, equipment and safety services company in the United States to receive the award. OSHA recognized Roco for their excellent safety history, practices and programs, which makes them a part of a distinguished community of...
by Dennis O’ Connell, Director of Training/Chief Instructor This IPhone video captured at a recent training exercise is being posted here solely to illustrate the powerful nature of a trench collapse. Instructors were aware that a collapse was imminent and a “safe zone” was established along with other measures that will be discussed in this...
Here’s a question from one of our readers: How can you test a lanyard to determine if it is safe to use? Is there a standard checklist or procedure? Answer from the Roco Tech Panel: As with all safety and rescue gear, we recommend that you inspect, use and care for it in strict accordance...
Here’s a question for the Roco Tech Panel from one of our readers. I recently became the ERT trainer. I have introduced the Petzl descender to the group and they love it. The question was brought up about the rating for lowering and raising of patients. What is it limits and can it be used in...
Report submitted by John Voinche’, Sr. Vice President/COO, Roco Rescue In July, a group of Roco instructors conducted a Confined Space Rope Rescue demonstration for OSHA representatives from Washington, DC. These agency officials represented both General Industry and Construction. This demo was used to clarify our concerns about a pending Letter of Interpretation (LOI) concerning...
By Roco Chief Instructor Pat Furr A Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) is a very effective tool that most every employer should consider incorporating into their safety management program. This tool, otherwise known as a Job Safety Analyses (JSA) or Risk Assessment (RA) is a process that identifies workplace hazards, and then spells out means to...
Reviewed by Pat Furr, Roco Chief Instructor/Technical Consultant Cobra™ quick connect buckles are offered as a special order on new Sked® and as a retrofit kit for Sked® you already have. For users of the SKEDCO flexible litter, there is good news. The SKED® Litter can now be ordered with Cobra™ quick connect buckles. Or...
By Pat Furr, Roco Chief Instructor/Technical Consultant OK, who has not had the opportunity to use the Petzl ID? The ID is one of the most versatile bits of rescue hardware that I have in my kit. It comes in both NFPA G and L(*) rated versions and provides the closest thing to a “Jack of all...
By Pat Furr, Roco Chief Instructor/Technical Consultant When doing our “risk vs. benefit” analysis, we always want to limit the exposure of our rescuers to the lowest level of risk practical. The SureClip™ telescopic rescue pole is one tool that can do just that. This system provides a means to make a remote attachment to...
