often restricted, which can
quickly lead to a life-threat-ening shock condition, the
so-called suspension trau-ma/intolerance. The person in question often loses
consciousness, if the person is left hanging unconscious it may lead to death.
This is why every second
counts during the rescue.
Storing Rescue
Equipment on Site
When rescuing a person from
heights, rescue and abseiling
devices that are equipped with
a centrifugal brake, constant
rate descenders, have proven their worth. This allows
for a safe free-hand abseil at a
controlled speed. Devices like
these are usually stored in a
sealed system near or at the
place of work. Often, they are
installed directly at the point
of use to ensure accessibility
in an emergency.
Having these rescue devices available at the point of
work is essential, wind turbines pose additional challenges to technicians every day. If, for example, famma-ble materials catch on fre due to fying sparks, workers must also be able to get themselves to safety quickly.
“Self-rescue” is also important. In some situations, technicians may have to abseil to the ground on their own, possibly in
the event of an evacuation from a hub where access to the rescue device is impossible. In cases such as these, self-evacua-tion can be done with the help of a personal abseiling device.
This is carried directly on the body as a supplement to the
PPE and can be used immediately in the case of an emergency. Small and lightweight devices that do not restrict employees
are ideal and are becoming more popular within the industry.
Training Is Indispensable and is Legally Required
OSHA requires employers to train employees on proper use
of equipment. During training, for example, employees are
informed of risks and given basic medical training on how to
treat an accident victim. The focus is on practical exercises,
which prepare employees for scenarios such as rescuing colleagues. Ideally training can be carried out on site in the actual working environment. Often manufacturers of fall protection
devices offer more than just a product portfolio but also training
packages tailored specifcally to the customer’s needs. à
Malcolm Cobb is a lead instructor for wind training at SKYLOTEC. He was formally a lead safety and rescue instructor for
one of the industry’s largest manufacturers of wind turbines.
Advertiser’s Index
For more information on the products and services found in this issue click here.
Asia Power Week 2017 ……………………………… 10
Bentley Systems……………………………………… 2
Distribu TECH Conference & Exhibition ………………… 25
e Gauge ……………………………………………… 16
Hamburg Messe & Congress ………………………… 21
Mediacom …………………………………………… C2
Phoventus …………………………………………… 6
Power-Gen International ……………………………… 31
Renk AG …………………………………………… 7
Socomec, Inc. ……………………………………… 4, 9
Solar Energy Trade Shows …………………………… 22
Solar Promotion GmbH ……………………………… 29
Spice Solar…………………………………………… 19
Sterling Lumber Company …………………………… 13
Surrette Battery Co. Ltd. ……………………………… 12
