PMI Webinars Podcast

Fall Protection, Rope Access and Regulatory Compliance in the USA

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 1 May 2012 11:32:06 -0600

Although fall prevention and protection has been repeatedly addressed by OSHA, which has suggested methods such as elimination or substitution of work, use of engineering controls, administrative controls, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to control hazards, falls continue to be a leading cause of death and injury in the workplace. In developing a Managed Fall Protection Program, one thing is clear: Adequate preparation, systems thinking, and adhering to appropriate safety practices are more likely to have a positive influence on safety at height than complex, rigid work systems and adherance to "product standards". This presentation, given by Loui McCurley, will explore integration of Rope Access into the employers Managed Fall Protection Program, and the potential benefits of versatility and capability that can be realized by the employer as a result. We will discover how Professional Rope Access fits in as a work method combining trained technicians with a proven system of work and equipment to achieve complete system of work, and how it is recognized by US and International standards, including ANSI, ISO, and others.

Ready for Rescue? A Primer on Preparation

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 3 April 2012 11:32:13 -0600

Thousands of people are working at height every day. Anyone participating in activity at height has a potential to fall. Does your workplace Emergency Action Plan include preparation for rescue from your most challenging locations? Incidents that are a reasonably foreseeable possibility should warrant a realistic response plan. Employers, safety managers, and workers will all benefit from this presentation, which will address the key aspects of developing a rescue/response plan, selecting appropriate rescue equipment, and training designated employees accordingly.

Suspension Trauma Revisited

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 6 March 2012 11:32:13 -0700

This free webinar, presented by Roger Mortimer, MD, will further elaborate on the following Abstract: Suspension Trauma, alternatively called harness hang syndrome, harness induced pathology, or orthostatic intolerance has been described since the early 1970s. The syndrome is really more than one phenomenon, shock from blood pooling in the legs while passively suspended and muscle damage from poor circulation in the legs. The harness itself has been blamed for causing this but is really incidental. Previous literature has suggested that once rescued a person should not be laid down after rescue. This is contrary to standard care. Most authorities now concede that there was never any evidence for this recommendation. This recommendation has been withdrawn by occupational health authorities in England, Australia, and the USA. Once rescued from suspension a person should be laid flat just as one would treat any other trauma patient. The harness can be removed or left on as is helpful for final evacuation. Aggressive intravenous fluid therapy is appropriate to prevent kidney damage.

Pues, compré una cuerda, ¿y ahora qué?

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:02:40 -0700

Este seminario virtual gratis le dará información sobre la inspección, el cuidado y el mantenimiento de las cuerdas de seguridad humana. Además, intentaremos responder la pregunta difícil de cuándo descartar una cuerda.

OK, I bought a rope, so now what?

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:32:13 -0700

This free webinar provides insight on the proper inspection, care and maintenance of Life Safety Rope. In addition, PMI President Steve Hudson will try to answer the tough question of when to retire your rope.

The Search for Bob Norton - Venezuela YV2480

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:02:40 -0700

This PMI® webinar will provide an overview of the efforts of The Norton Search Team as they search for Bryant Alabama's missing missionary pilot Bob Norton. Bob, his wife Neiba and 5 others went missing in the jungles of Venezuela on Feb 16, 2009 while on an emergency medical flight in a Cessna 182. A team of volunteer pilots, engineers and search technicians have pulled together here in the U.S. to assist with the search effort. Working closely with Venezuela's Civil Protection and the Indigenous Indians, The Norton Search Team have provided satellite image analysis, containment analysis, flight simulations and is now working with Tennessee Technological University to design and develop a 8' wingspan RC plane with autonomous flight controls, cameras and sensors. Their plan is to use this plane in an attempt to find the crash site. Additional information can be viewed on their website: www.findingbobnorton.org .

Remote Connection/Line Capture. Expanded Opportunities...(Skills Required)

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:02:40 -0700

This PMI® webinar is an update and review of the applications and general guidelines for line capture/Reach device in swiftwater rescue. Presented by Michael Croslin, owner of Crossline Solutions, he will also demonstrate and discuss the development of the Integrated Reach protection system and its expanded performance applications in moving water. This webinar will encourage an open collaborative discussion of the challenges in disseminating and encouraging curriculum updates and training protocols that promote clear and safe guidelines for effective adoption and responsible use of this exciting new approach in swiftwater rescue. Topics will include the new Integrated Reach Belt/Throwbag/Tagline system, The Reach Device, Entrapments, Pins, Sieves, Hydraulics, Catcher Mitt Eddies and new approaches to extrication. Additional topics that will be covered are: developing new downriver protection strategies, establishing cross river lines, stream crossings, gear retrieval and establishing remote connection to wrapped boats in extreme environments and Creeker or extreme kayaker or boater strategies using the Reach system. Specific examples and results of field testing by extreme boaters will also be discussed. Additionally, Michael will relate feedback from many early adopters that have developed new techniques and strategies based on remote connection/line capture. New collaborative ideas will be encouraged and welcomed, specifically, how this new technology is being used worldwide to improve rescuer and boater safety and to speed deployment of rope based systems in the river setting.

To Knot or Not to Knot

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:02:40 -0700

Any knot tied in a rope will reduce the strength of the rope at that point – but how much? Should knots really be used in life safety applications such as fall protection, rescue, and rope access? This presentation will discuss a variety of knots and their efficiency, and will explore the question of whether it is appropriate to use knots in life safety ropes. Other alternatives, such as splicing, swaged eyes, and sewn terminations will also be explored.

Down on the Farm: Grain Bin Rescue Basics Using the TerrAdaptor Tripod

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:02:40 -0600

Join VRS by PMI Program Manager Tom Wood for this one hour webinar addressing the challenges of accessing and rescuing someone trapped in a grain storage bin. Rural rescuers are witnessing an alarming trend on commercial farms; a dramatic increase in the number of grain bin entrapments. Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that nearly half of all grain bin entrapments result in fatalities. In 2010, nearly thirty people lost their lives in grain bins. As a result, OSHA issued a formal warning to grain handling and storage facility owners on February 1, 2011, stating “If any employee dies in a grain storage facility, in addition to any civil penalties proposed, OSHA will consider referring the incident to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution pursuant to the criminal provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.” Some of the latest techniques and PMI equipment (such as the TerrAdaptor used as a portable high directional anchor) for Grain Bin Rescue will be discussed, as well as the many objective dangers facing rescuers attempting to access and rescue a trapped worker.

Heavy Climbers

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:02:40 -0600

We’ve all seen those UIAA test numbers attached to new climbing ropes or in catalogs. But did you know that those IMPACT FORCE and NUMBER OF FALLS HELD figures are based on using an 80-kg test mass dropped on the rope in the laboratory? In this webinar we’ll briefly go over all the basic UIAA testing details. But, if you weight more than that 80 kg (176#) test weight, where does that leave you? When you take that hard fall, could you be subjecting yourself and your gear to possibly unsafe loads? Serious questions indeed, but they’re not directly addressed by the UIAA testing results. To better understand this possible safety issue, PMI conducted a series of 39 special drop tests in our UIAA replicate Drop Tower and we’ll share those results with you in this webinar as well.

Overcoming GRAVITY - Choosing a Rope for Safety

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:02:40 -0600

Life safety rope is available in such a variety of diameters, materials, and constructions… how do you choose what’s right for you? This presentation will cover some of the finer points of rope selection, including test methods, interpretation of data, and both objective and subjective considerations in choosing the best rope for your application. Rope is not a commodity, and details do make a difference. By the end of this webinar you will have a better grasp on analyzing specifications and product labels to help you choose the best product for your needs. Loui McCurley, you presenter for this webinar, offers perspective gained from personal experience in rescue, fall protection, rope access, and recreational climbing, as well as testing and evaluating mechanisms of failure of life safety rope.

In-House Emergency Response

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:02:40 -0600

Robert Gowder will be presenting PMI’s latest webinar on “In-House Emergency Response”. This webinar will focus on how to best prepare workers – not professional rescuers – for post fall rescue and retrieval. Emphasizing “P.R.E. planning”, the presentation will cover Personnel, Rescue and Equipment on the jobsite. Robert is PMI’s Account Manager for the Northern United States.

Every Rescuer Should Know Their ABCDE's: A Disciplined Approach for Conducting Rope System Safety Checks

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 7 Jun 2011 10:02:40 -0600

A common practice in rope rescue is to conduct a “safety check” of the rigging in a rope system prior to placing a human load on it. The purpose and value of safety check is well documented in various technical rope rescue textbooks and is even is a job performance requirement in NFPA 1006, Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications. However, these references often only present general guidelines and they do not present a disciplined approach to conducting a safety check. This free PMI Webinar will present a disciplined approach developed by West Metro Fire Rescue’s (Lakewood, CO) Technical Rescue Team as one way to conduct a system safety check.

"Let's Roll" - Patient Transport in Non-Urban Settings

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:02:40 -0600

This free webinar will center on remote transport of patients/victims in remote environments, including techniques for travel, loading and assembly and installation of products.

ClimbTech Anchorage Connectors - Performance and Application

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 1 Feb 2011 11:32:02 -0700

ClimbTech anchorage connectors are internationally known as both innovative and easy to use. Whether you are a partner, distributor, or end user of our equipment, you can learn a little more about it at this free webinar.

Permit-Based Rope Access Planning

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 4 Jan 2011 11:32:03 -0700

The Rope Access Permit (Work Plan) referenced by SPRAT Safe Practices documents is intended as a tool for the employer/safety manager to use in evaluating the work to be done and to ensure that all necessary considerations have been given the attention they deserve. The Rope Access Permit is more than just a Job Hazard Analysis; it is a comprehensive guideline to help think through practical safety and regulatory aspects of a given job. Attend this free webinar to learn more about how to plan your rope access work using the "Permit-Process".

An Inside Look at Mexico's Crystal Caves Featured on National Geographic!

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:32:04 -0700

National Geographic went inside one of the greatest natural marvels on the planet - a giant crystal cave described as Superman's Fortress, with magnificent crystals up to 36 feet long and weighing 55 tons. Our presenter, Angie Lucht, was one of the four cavers/mountain rescuers on the team that went into the caves. She will talk about the boundaries of the physical limitations and new explorations while filming "Into the Lost Crystal Caves". You can see photos and video clips from the documentary here.

SMC Rescue StayK - Load Equalizing System Overview

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:32:05 -0700

There is an ever growing demand for the SMC Rescue StayK® (picket system) from all divisions of the Emergency Response Industry, Fire Departments, Rope Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, etc. The SMC Rescue StayK® system is versatile, accommodating, and by far the most effective, efficient, and reliable system available today. Join us for this free webinar presented by Garin Wallace and Don Enos of SMC.

Fall Protection, Rope Access and Regulatory Compliance in the USA

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 2 Nov 2010 11:32:06 -0600

Life Safety Rope Selection

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 7 Sep 2010 11:32:07 -0600

This free webinar, presented by PMI President Steve Hudson, will be a workshop focusing on variations of ropes used for rescue and other life safety applications. We will discuss current trends and standards in the industry. Steve will outline desirable performance characteristics of rope required for different kinds of life safety use, including rope access, wilderness rescue, urban/fire rescue, water rescue, cave rescue and others. Steve will also provide a brief overview of the history of ropes used in rescue and information on ropes in use today, covering information on rope construction, materials and selection.

WHAT'S THE SCAM? Selection Care and Maintenance of Vertical Rescue Equipment

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 11:32:08 -0600

Let this presentation be your guide to asking the right questions, considering important factors and researching key specifications in selection of commonly used rescue equipment. We will cover basic design considerations of various components of rescue equipment, typical applications, and potential failure modes. You will learn how strength ratings and specifications of equipment relates to real world use, and how to properly maintain and care for your equipment for maximum lifespan.

A Guide to Compliance and Safety in Post Fall Rescue for Industry

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 6 Jul 2010 11:32:09 -0600

ANSI Z359.2 outlines a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program for industry. One component of this involves preparing for rescue in the event of an accident. This presentation will provide an overview and guidelines for equipment and training to ensure "prompt care" as mandated by OSHA.

Industrial Onsite Tower Rescue vs. Professional Tower Rescue: Different Tools and Methods-Common Goal

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 1 Jun 2010 11:32:10 -0600

With the push in recent years to expand cell phone coverage and thereby eliminate those dreaded “Dead Spots”, cell towers are popping up in every corner of the country at an amazing rate. But along with this push comes a price: More and more tower workers are exposed to the risks of extreme height, Radio Frequency (RF) radiation exposure, high voltage, and gale force winds. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has deemed Cell Tower Work as the most dangerous job in America, with the highest fatality rate per 100,000 workers of any occupation (beating out loggers, miners, and deep sea fisherman). With the 2007 enactment of the ANSI Z359 standard, employers are charged with keeping their workers safe by providing them with rescue equipment and training. Calling 911 is no longer an acceptable rescue plan. But inevitably, more and more Rescue Professionals are being called to perform tower rescues. This free webinar will discuss both the similarities and differences between Companion Onsite Tower Rescue and Professional EMS Tower Rescues. Different tools and methods to accomplish the same goal-the successful rescue of a tower worker, will be discussed in this hour long presentation.

Preparing for the Big One: Qualifying Equipment & Personnel for FEMA/NIMS SAR Response

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 4 May 2010 11:32:11 -0600

FEMA is in the process of developing criteria for a National Emergency Responder Credentialing System that will provide guidance for personnel and equipment responding to large scale incidents and/or disasters. This system will help to ensure that responders and equipment meet certain minimum criteria, and hopefully increase safety on the ground. This free webinar, by PMI's Vice President Loui McCurley, will offer an overview of the criteria as it currently stands and will provide guidance on where to find additional information regarding compliant equipment and training information.

TerrAdaptor...a dinosaur? A monster truck? NO! The most advanced NFPA Portable Anchor System!

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 6 Apr 2010 11:32:12 -0600

In this free webinar, PMI's own Jack Perry will give you a closer look at the TerrAdaptor, the most innovative tripod to ever hit the Work and Rescue market, brought to you by SMC, PMI and Skedco. With unlimited positions, options and one of a kind features you won't find anywhere, you won't want to miss this webinar to see what everyone's talking about!

OK, I bought a rope, so now what?

jwyderko@pmirope.com (Pigeon Mountain Industries) — Tue, 2 Mar 2010 11:32:13 -0700