NATE

TOWER CLIMBING AND RESCUE: NATE CERTIFICATION

VSI Tower Climbing & Tower Rescue Authorized Climber

VSI’s training programs have been developed in accordance with the guidelines set by the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) Tower Climber Fall Protection Training Standard.

Authorized Climber Certification

Our training programs have been designed to ensure that the student understands the proper techniques and practices to safely work at heights. By its very nature, this type training can be hazardous. VSI promises to ensure your safety is never compromised during training.  In return, we expect that students show up for training ready, both mentally and physically, to learn.  Adequate rest is important on the days we are training, and we expect students to be on time, each day.  This module will introduce the student to the world of fall protection. The student will also receive an introduction to the training program, the instructor, and their training provider, Vertical Systems International Inc.

FALL PROTECTION

Is Fall Protection Training Necessary?

Safety regulatory bodies across North America mandate that employers are responsible for identifying work place hazards, and training workers to manage these hazards.

Recommended for:

• construction workers
• safety professionals
• trade and maintenance workers

Topics Covered

• fall protection equipment design, use, and compatibility
• definitions
• applicable regulations
• applicable standards
• basic and advanced rigging systems
• rescue systems

Training Objectives

Upon successful completion of the VSI fall protection courses, students will be able to competently protect themselves and others when working at heights. Choose the training that is appropriate for your work situation.

• Level I –Basic Fall Protection and Awareness
• Level II – Systems Training
• Level III – Competent Person

TOWER CLIMBING AND RESCUE

Vertical Systems International provides safe and simple solutions to organizations with workers climbing towers and industrial structures that are long distances from organized emergency response teams.  VSI Tower Climbing training programs are NATE approved and consist of classroom and hands-on training.  VSI tower training is recommended for maintenance personnel, safety professionals, ski patrol managers, lift maintenance workers, and anyone who works at heights or is responsible for the supervision and safety of others who work at heights.

Choose the training that is appropriate for your work situation:

• Level II – Basic Tower Climbing Awareness
• Level III – Authorized Climber: Systems Training
• Level IV – Competent Climber/Competent Rescuer

ROPE ACCESS & SPRAT (Authorized Climber Certification)

Rope Access is a form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques used in climbing and caving, that is applied to the various needs of industry.

Rope Access training is recommended for anyone that is required to work at heights in their industry. Choose the training that is appropriate for your work situation:

• Level I – Basic Rope Access & Awareness
• Level II – Systems Training
• Level III – Competent Person

CONFINED SPACE

Confined space training allows for work to be performed in locations with a restricted entry/exit, that are not designed for human occupancy and where depleted atmosphere or injury may render a worker helpless.

Confined space training is recommended for workers who enter confined spaces with potential hazards, and for maintenance workers or safety professionals.

Topics Covered:

• Confined Spaces Definitions and Terminology
• Confined Space Programs
• Applicable Regulations & Standards
• Basic and Advanced Rigging Systems
• Rescue Systems

COMTRAIN

Tower Safety & Rescue (Authorized Climber/ Rescuer) 2 Days – $835 

Basic Tower Climbing Safety & Rescue (Authorized Climber/Rescuer) is an intensive 2-day program and is constructed to meet the employer’s obligation to train based on OSHA regulations as related to work on wireless communication sites. The class will make climbers aware of ANSI standards and equipment needed to meet those standards. Some specific areas addressed include site hazard assessment/inspection, mandated safety meetings, fall protection (PFAS and fall restraint techniques), fixed ladder usage, PPE and OPE and emergency contingency planning (including rescue techniques). Comtrain’s Authorized Tower Climbing Safety and Rescue training meets all current tower safety training standards including OSHA, NATE, American Tower, Bechtel, Black & Veatch, General Dynamics, MasTec, WesTower and all others.

DAY 1:

The first day is spent in the classroom. A combination of lectures, custom and generic video programs, slides and equipment demonstrations are used to ensure that students understand hazard assessment and protection. The student textbook is 242 pages packed with practical information.

The material covered includes pre-climb safety and planning, environmental and structural hazard assessment, tools and equipment, body mechanics, suspension procedures and emergency techniques. This is a full eight-hour session and frequently runs to nine hours with any animation on the part of the students.

Tower Safety & Rescue – Authorized Climber-rescuer – 2-Days

DAY 2: 

The second day begins in the classroom with a review followed by a written examination covering the previous day’s material. Students must score 75% to pass the exam. The class then mobilizes to a tower and begins the field portion of training.

Field Practice Tasks:

Students will hold a safety meeting and review critical issues. Students will perform a hazard assessment individually and jointly, then review the findings. Each student is given a checklist of exercises to perform during the program. Everyone will climb and descend the tower using either a safe climb device, a vertical lifeline rigged as a temporary safe climb device, or both. Students will maneuver across the structure maintaining 100% connection and working with both lanyards and SRLs. Students will rig and use a temporary horizontal lifeline if the structure allows. Each student will perform two rescue exercises using an ascending/descending system, a suspension device, or both. One rescue will be done as the simulated fallen climber and one as the rescuer. Students will de-rig the structure and hold a post-exercise review.
(If you are interested in obtaining a textbook ahead of time, or any of our other publications, please go to the Comtrain Store page.) Be aware, however, that the cost of your course includes books.

Records and completion: 

ComTrain will maintain records of all training for future reference including:
Authorized Climber Certification documents, tests, field checklists and student rosters signed by our instructors proving that the student successfully mastered the published material and exercises.

Students Will Receive:

• Student Textbook & other materials necessary for the course

Upon successful completion and graduation the student will receive:

• Certificate suitable for framing
• Wallet ID Card

Advanced Tower Safety & Rescue (Competent Climber) 3 Days – $1330
1 Day Upgrade – $495

Advanced Tower Climbing Safety & Rescue (Competent Climber) is an intensive 3 day course that provides a “CTC” certification (Authorized Climber Certification) designed for the crew leader, project manager or advanced climber. Many contractors are requiring their sub-contractors to have Competent Climbers on the job. This course teaches more advanced rescue techniques, self-rescue and rope access skills, rescue planning and response as well as victim evaluation and advanced first aid during rescue/suspension. Advanced Tower Climbing Safety and Rescue Training meets all current tower safety training standards including OSHA, NATE, American Tower, Bechtel, Black & Veatch, General Dynamics, MasTec, Westower and all others.

This course has a pre-requisite of a documented six months of direct field experience working on related job sites and climbing. The employer must attest to the fact that the student is recognized as having the authority of a “Competent Person” (as defined by OSHA) on a job site. The student must have completed the Basic 4th Edition “Tower Climbing Safety and Rescue” course within the last 12 months.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

General Course Overview:

DAY 1: The first day is spent in the classroom with the 2-day BASIC Tower Climbing Safety and Rescue students.

DAY 2:
The second day begins in the classroom with a review, followed by a written examination covering the previous day’s material. Requirements and expectations are all the same as for students going only through basic level, and advanced climber candidates mobilize at the tower with the rest of the class.

At the tower, all students participate in the pre-climb activities and all tower exercises.
(See the Basic Authorized Climber/Rescuer class information for full details.)

DAY 3: 
Advanced candidates remain for the third day and will be required to complete a series of advanced field exercises on a communications tower. Demonstrations will include rigging skills, knot tying and four rescue exercises with differing levels of utilization of equipment & techniques needed for accomplishing the exercises.

COMPLETION & CERTIFICATION:
Students who have successfully passed the written exam and demonstrated all field exercises will receive a certificate and wallet identification card from ComTrain. ComTrain will maintain records of all training for future reference. Authorized Climber Certification documents, proving that the student successfully mastered the published material and exercises. ComTrain certificates do not have an expiration date and are valid until they no longer meet OSHA regulation guidelines.

(If you are interested in obtaining a textbook ahead of time, or any of our other publications, please go to the Products page.) Be aware, however, that the cost of your course includes this book. (Click here for class schedule & locations)

Students Will Receive:

• Student Textbook & other materials necessary for the course

Upon successful completion and graduation the student will receive:

• Certificate suitable for framing
• Wallet ID Card

In-House Instructor (Train the Trainer) 4 Days – $3465
1 Day Upgrade – $2135

This course is designed to prepare a company’s in-house instructor to incorporate ComTrain’s “Tower Climbing Safety & Rescue” training into their companies’ safety plans and policies. They must do so while maintaining the current OSHA standards. This class teaches how to research regulations, compliance and policy issues, how to enrich the course with personal stories, current events, approved practices, equipment, and company policies. The class will make the instructor candidates aware of their liability and responsibilities, the employer’s liability and responsibilities and the laws and regulations pertaining to them. Candidates are taught how to complete or modify forms, maintain documentation and incorporate changes. Candidates are also introduced to the vague issues of “continued” training and provided with workable suggestions. They will also learn how to work with ComTrain’s In-House Instructor Support Staff to acquire Certifications for the students they train.

The Instructor program accomplishes these primary tasks for the employer: it teaches how to use proper applications, enables implementation of company practices and safety plans, teaches where to find answers and demonstrates proper record-keeping & documentation. This class maximizes efficiency & company legal compliance.

The Instructor Course pre-requisite is that the candidate must have completed ComTrain’s Basic (Authorized Climber/Rescuer) and Advanced (Competent Climber) classes within the last 12 months with the same company. He/she must be current in ComTrain’s 4th edition Tower Climbing Safety & Rescue curriculum.

The In-House Instructor must attend a Re-Certification Class every 24 months to stay current and receive continued support from ComTrain. This Re-Certification will allow companies to meet the time frame requirements specified in many contractor guidelines for training certification (Authorized Climber Certification. The course will give the ComTrain In-House Instructor a review of current standards and regulations so that the most updated safety & rescue training can be incorporated into your company’s training program.

Employers and Instructor candidates should read and may print the rules pertaining to the ComTrain In-House Instructor program.

This class maximizes efficiency & company legal compliance.

Students Will Receive:

• Hardbound “Tower Climbing Safety & Rescue Instructor Edition”
• Three copies of the “Tower Climbing Safety & Rescue” Student Textbooks
• ComTrain’s series of Pocket Primers
• Digital Audio/Visual Training Aids on DVD which include:
  1. Multiple Accident & Training Video Clips
  2. Documents needed to teach your course
  3. ComTrain’s Power Point Class slideshow presentation
  4. Quizzes
  5. Class Rosters
  6. Class and field training forms & checklists
  7. Sample class lecture outline
  8. Tests & Grading Keys

EVERYTHING you’ll need to conduct your classes will be in your Instructor Kit!
Graduate Instructors will receive their certificate mounted on a plaque and a wallet ID card.

Tower Safety & Rescue (Non-Climber/Authorized Person) 2 Days
Add-On for In-House Instructors – $495 (One Time Fee)

Comtrain is now offering our Non-Climber/Authorized Person Certification package option to In-House Instructors so they can deliver this training to their employees.
Call our office for details and information on our Add-On Module – $495/Instructor.

Non-Climbers students can often be added to a Hosted/Private or Open Class when arrangements are made in advance. There is a “minimum number of students” and other requirements. The price per student is $835.

The course was created for individuals that work with crews that are performing tower work but are not actually required to climb, such as Project Managers, Engineers, Technicians and Customer Liaisons. These individuals are seeking the authorized person training required to manage the safety of the project work site and assure all employees on the project site are aware of current standards and are in compliance with OSHA regulations. These students will also be trained in assisted rescue techniques.

This program involves candidates completing an intensive two-day program in conjunction with those taking the “Basic Tower Climbing Safety and Rescue” certification class. This course must take place in conjunction with the “Basic Tower Safety & Rescue” climbing class so that the non-climbers can observe tower activities in real time.

DAY 1:

Candidates will complete the same full day of classroom training required of climbers taking our “Basic Tower Climbing Safety and Rescue” class. They will interact with the climbers and will have the additional homework assignment of developing a formal safety plan for the next day which is in the field on a tower with the climbers.

DAY 2:

Candidates will take tests with the climbers, then mobilize to the live tower site. Non-climber students won’t climb, but they will be dealing with all the issues normally addressed in the climbers’ jobs. In the field, non-climbers will participate in the site safety meeting which includes selection and inspection of safety equipment. They will present their individual safety plans (homework)to be evaluated and then modified, if needed, according to the program. During the field activities, non-climbers will complete a written critique and work with their instructor on evaluating the climbers and their activities.

Candidates who have

• successfully passed the written exam with 75% or better
• completed an approved pre-mobilization plan (with a ComTrain Instructor)
• completed their field check list & critique sheets

will be certified as Tower Climbing Safety & Rescue Non-Climbers.

Graduates receive a certificate for framing and a wallet ID card.

TEESCO

Tower and Climbing

Authorized Climber

The Authorized Climber program is designed to prepare individuals with little or no experience to be able to safely climb and work on various types and sizes of towers. This course combines the cognitive and the psychomotor domains of training, which assures that the student will develop the knowledge base necessary to safely climb and work on towers, as well as the practical skill sets necessary to be able to safely perform his or her duty.

Tower Rescue and Competent Climber

This course has been reviewed by OSHA and exceeds the minimum requirements set by OSHA for the tower erection industry. The course is taught by vertical rescue specialists and experts in the tower erection industry.
This course will teach the student the industry standards applicable to most communications related rigging techniques.

Advanced Understanding of Rigging & Rope

Fall Protection,e-Learning

This 1hr online course gives you a basic understanding of OSHA’s role in prevention and elimination of work-related illnesses and injuries. The OSHA standard identifies areas or activities where fall protection is needed. It clarifies what an employer must do to provide fall protection for employees, such as identifying and evaluating fall hazards and providing training. Under the standard, employers are able to select fall protection measures compatible with the type of work being performed.

“Authorized Climber – Rescuer”Bottom of Form

TECHNICAL RESCUE SYSTEMS

2 – Day

This “Authorized Climber / Rescuer” Training course covers in depth, the needs of fall protection in the industrial environment.  Working in a vertical realm creates a host of fall protection needs and concerns.  This course covers the specific equipment, harnesses, fall protection lanyards, secondary fall protection lines, anchoring challenges, edge protection, job briefings, ascending needs, logging and documentation of all equipment and training.  This course follows, meets and exceeds OSHA CFR 1910.268 – ANSI Z359 & Z490 – NATE CTS Industry Standards as it pertains to Authorized Climber / Rescuer.

3 – Day

“Advanced Authorized Climber – Rescuer”

“Competent Climber – Rescuer”

This “Advanced Authorized – Competent Climber/ Rescuer” Training course covers more in depth the needs of fall protection in the industrial environment.  More emphasis is directed on the problem solving of proper anchoring and advanced techniques in tower rescue.  Techniques utilizing the “Skate and Block” technique and a “Second Lifeline Transfer” technique is reviewed, demonstrated, and trained – hands-on.

The course covers the specific equipment, harnesses, fall protection lanyards, secondary fall protection lines, anchoring challenges, edge protection, job briefings, ascending needs, logging and documentation of all equipment and training.  This course follows, meets and exceeds OSHA CFR 1910.268 – ANSI Z359 & Z490 –

Rescue is a vital and often required part of your training and program needs.  TRS focuses on several parts to the realm of “rescue”:

Rescue is a vital and often required part of your training and program needs.  TRS focuses on several parts to the realm of “rescue”:

Vertical Rescue of a:

“Ill or Injured Victim at Height” – There are many ways and techniques available to rescue someone from height.  TRS has been keeping up with the latest, state-of-the-art equipment and techniques along with proven ways to teach these.

“After the Fall” – What to do in the event the worker has fallen onto their fall arrest lanyard / system.

Utilizing one of five “Advanced / Competent” rescue techniques:

* “Self Rescue”

* “Pick-Off”     Ladder / Step Bolt side of tower

* “Pick-Off”     Center / Free suspended inside of tower

* “Lowering utilizing the Skate and Block” technique to lower the victim away from the structure / tower

* “Rescue Lifeline Transfer” for rescue situation where the height of the structure / tower exceeds the length of the rescue lifeline (Typically towers over 300 feet).

CITCA

Basic Certificate

     Authorized Climber 8 Hours

The Authorized Climber program is designed to prepare individuals with little or no experience to be able to safely climb and work on various types and sizes of towers.  This course combines the cognitive and the psychomotor domains of training, which assures that the student will develop the knowledge base necessary to safely climb and work on towers, as well as the practical skill sets necessary to be able to safely perform his or her duty.

This course will address a variety of subject areas including, regulatory safety standards, equipment commonly used, engineering controls, work practice controls, and return demonstrations.  Upon completion of this program, the authorized climber should be able to demonstrate proper knowledge, understanding, and application of the equipment used, as well as safe practices to be employed at all time that he or she is working on the tower.

Emergency Medical Response 8 Hours

This 2 part course combines CPR/AED/First Aid with Protection From Bloodborne Pathogens.  This course follows the prescribed requirements of the American Heart Association and is designed to meet the requirements of OSHA 1910.1030, the Bloodborne Pathogens standard.  While it is recognized that tower erectors face minimal risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, they do occasionally provide basic first aid to co-workers who might be injured on the job, and require proper training to acclimate themselves to the risks, and to prevent any occupational exposure from occurring.

OSHA 10 Hour Course for the Construction Industry 10 Hours

This course, as prescribed by OSHA, provides safety training to workers in the construction industry in basic hazards they are normally faced with. To achieve compliance, this course includes the required OSHA course content and is instructed by OSHA certified instructors.

Tower Rescue and Competant Climber 24 Hours

This course has been reviewed by OSHA and exceeds the minimum requirements set by OSHA for the tower erection industry.  Course contents includes, but is not limited to: rescue training, knowledge of fall arrest systems, anchors, and Accident Reporting procedures.  The course is taught by vertical rescue specialists and experts in the tower erection industry.

Advanced Understanding of Rigging and Ropes                                                                                                          8 Hours

This course will teach the student the industry standards applicable to most communications related rigging techniques.  Taught by the Crosby Group, Inc. this course provides rigging standards, uses and applications for slings, shackles, and hooks to workers in the construction industry in order to impart the most efficient and safe methods of use.

Tower Erection Basics                                                                                                                                                        8 Hours

This course combines classroom and hands-on instruction to teach and expose the student to the basic techniques and standards necessary to erect the most common communication towers, utilizing industry standards applicable to basic tower erection.

RF Safety and Hazard Awareness                                                                                                                                  8 Hours

This course combines RF safety and site and equipment signage, as prescribed by industry and OSHA standards, trains students in the telecommunication construction industry the recommended site and equipment associated signage and hazard communication to be utilized on the typical communications construction job site to assure personnel and equipment safety.  Students are also trained in RF hazards, and ways to protect themselves from RF health and safety risks.

Vertical Safety Solutions LLC

VSS101 –Tower Climbing Safety – $325.00
This one day course will cover the fundamentals of tower climbing and PPE safety. Students will spend the first half of the day in class learning the basics of climbing, equipment, tower styles and site hazards. Balance of the day will be spent on a tower practicing and performing the tasks learned in class. 
CERTIFICATE TRAINING

This class is recommended for the person who is new to the industry and has no experience in tower climbing and climbing equipment terminology, use or inspection.

VSS211 Authorized Non-Climber Safety and Rescue – $725.00 
This two day class coincides and interacts with students taking VSS212. This course is developed for non-climbers such as ground workers, supervisors, and other tower site personal that do not climb but do need to know what safe climbing and suitable rescue procedures are. CERTIFICATION TRAINING

VSS101 or equivalent is required to take VSS211 Authorized “Non-Climber” Safety & Rescue

VSS212 – Authorized Climber Safety and Rescue – $725.00
This two-day class coincides and interacts with students taking VSS211 & VSS313. Authorized Climber Safety and Rescue exceeds OSHA1926.503, NATE CTS, ANSI Standards and recommendations pertaining to training requirements for fall protection safety. Students will be taught to understand the mechanics and correct procedures for selection, use and operation of the equipment and tools used on the job. This course also covers employee roles and responsibilities, OSHA law, company policy, site hazards, rope, knots, equipment inspection, care and maintenance, rigging, safety plan, coworker rescue, self-rescue, and controlled descent.

CERTIFICATION TRAINING

VSS101, equivalent class or 6 months verified climbing experience is required to take VSS212.

VSS313 – Advanced Tower Climber and Rescuer – $975.00
This three-day class coincides and interacts with students taking VSS211 & VSS212. Advanced Competent Climber and Rescuer is designed to exceed OSHA training requirements, NATE CTS for Competent Climber/Rescuer and ANSI training standards. This certification course is recommended for crew leaders, site supervisors, safety representatives and tower personal who are required to be certified in competent climber/rescuer. This training provides individuals with the required skills to safely distinguish evaluate and control hazards related to tower work at heights. Course will conclude with a full day of hands on tower training for proper selection of fall protection equipment, correctly rigging a variety of rescue equipment for a range of possibilities and, rescue of a victim considering the probable injuries sustained. 
CERTIFICATION TRAINING

VSS212 or equivalent is required to take VSS313.

Course curriculums are designed to exceed the standards, regulations, and recommendations required of the tower industry who must provide fall protection and rescue training to tower climbers, regardless of their task on the tower. All courses consist of interactive classroom sessions, hands on exercises, and real time on a tower to enhance the learning process. Certification courses are developed to promote safety while climbing and exceed OSHA, ANSI, and NATE Climber Training Standards.

Course materials include comprehensive manuals that are a valuable resource during training and in the field. Student manuals contain over 400 pages of information that each student takes home and can be referenced as needed. Certification courses require successful completion of a written exam and tower maneuver test. All courses are documented with individual student records that include exam results, skill observations, field check list, and class hours. In addition to giving our clients copies of pertinent credentials for an employee’s file, we also maintain all records for 5 years. Upon successful completion of all aspects of training each student is provided with a unique ID number along with wallet photo ID card and certificate of certification. Student participation is required for all courses.

Students taking VSS212 & VSS313 are required to bring their own climbing gear to class, Vertical Safety Solutions provides gear for new and non-experienced climbers. Vertical Safety Solutions firmly believes a climber should be familiar with as much equipment as possible due to the many variances in manufactures style and uses of equipment and tools. A wide variety of different harnesses, connecting devices, and ascend/descending apparatus is available during class that can be tested and used by all students while taking any of the courses offered.

All classes are open enrollment and are held at Vertical Safety Solutions facility in LeRoy, MI unless otherwise noted. Seating is limited to 12 students per class. See our Training Calendar for dates, locations and class availability.

Classes Under Development

• Hands-on tilt up tower training
• Tower foundations and erection
• Rigging and working with cranes
• OSHA 10/30/40, Recordkeeping, and Cost of Injury
• New Climber Boot Camp
• Ground crew safety and responsibility
• PPE Inspection Certification

GRAVITECH

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 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 had the opportunity 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), the highest industry standard for training. It also meets the re-training requirements outlined in ANSI/ASSE Z359.2, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program.

Note: In order to satisfy the ANSI/ASSE Z359.2 requirement for Competent Rescuers (Section 3.3.5.5), workers must have documented tower rescue training annually.

This course is recognized by the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) as meeting or exceeding the requirements of the NATE Fall Protection Training standard. Gravitec can supply all necessary fall protection equipment for this course.

COURSE DURATION

3 Days (24 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 20 (2 Instructors)

PREREQUISITES

Tower Climber and Rescue training from Gravitec no longer than two years prior to enrollment.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, students will be capable of using a planned approach to tower climbing and rescue using common techniques and equipment. They will use the 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 standard tower rescue plans, including protecting rescuers and methods for anchoring, packaging and lowering. They will understand and be capable to effect rescue 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.

This course includes the following content:

• Fundamental Theories and Principles of Fall Protection
• Donning a Full Body Harness
• Anchorage Points: Certified and Non-Certified
• Fall Protection Hardware Compatibility
• Connection Means
• Energy Absorbing Lanyards
• 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
• Basic Rescue Theory
• Pre-Climb Checklists and Rescue Plans
• Rescue Systems Components
• Anchoring the Rescue System
• Descent Control and Secondary Systems
• Connecting to the Patient: Positive Load Transfer
• Lowering the Patient
• Assisted Pulley Rescue (Less than 100′)
• TR Rescue System use and application

PKMMINC

With the wireless communication industry growing at an ever increasing rate, demand for installation and maintenance of surveillance, UHF/VHF, Microwave, Television, and Communication Towers is also growing. In order to answer this industry need, PKMM  Incorporated provides a 3 day training class (minimum) where successful students are awarded a Certified Competent Climber classification. The class consists of two academic training days followed by a written examination. Upon completion of the exam (with a passing grade), students mobilizes to a 180’ tower, located about an hour’s drive from the classroom in order to complete a practical exercise of what they learned in the classroom. An instructor and assistant ensure that a checklist of all required tasks are safely completed prior to certification. Students who pass the class requirements, receive an ID card and text book. The Tower Climbing certification is for life, but annual refreshers are recommended. The subjects taught in the classroom and tested at the tower include, but are not limited to, the following:

• First Aid

• Hold an on-site safety meeting and conduct risk assessment

• Become familiar with OSHA/NATE safety standards and regulations

• Inspection of climbing gear and tower condition

• Show competence in rigging and knot tying at heights

• Working with tools on the tower

• Maneuver and descend from the tower in a safe, controlled manner

• Perform a buddy and a self rescue on the tower

• Inspect, inventory, and re-pack climbing gear and ropes

• Participate in a post training meeting

PKMM Incorporated provides a 3 day training class where successful students are awarded a Certified Competent Climber classification. The class consists of two academic training days followed by a written examination. Upon completion of the exam, students mobilizes to a 180’ tower, in order to complete a practical exercise of what they learned in the classroom.