Roco Rescue Talk™

Guest Eddie Chapa gives an interesting inside look into the world of technical rescue for offshore operations and the complications that are faced under such limited conditions. On top of all the hazards faced during land-based rescue efforts, Eddie brings to light the other factors such as weather, sea state, medical and extended care support, transportation, and equipment considerations that compound these already difficult tasks.

Roco council Robert Aguiluz discusses OSHA’s Permit-Required Confined Space Regulation (1910.146). Robert gives his insights on how facilities have conformed to the standard since its promulgation over 20 years ago, OSHA’s pursuit of strict compliance to the standard, and which violations have the highest occurrence rate. Robert also answers questions of potential changes or expansion to the existing regulation.

Robert Aguiluz joins us again to discuss OSHA’s new construction standard 1926 and the legal effects it will have on the industry. Robert will discuss how he sees OSHA moving into this new era and how he thinks enforcement will come into play during this transition. Robert will also touch on the areas of the new standard that he feels will give the construction industry the most difficult time adapting to for compliance.

In the second part of the interview, Pat continues his discussion on fall protection devices and rescue techniques and closes out with an in depth look into the medical effects of suspension trauma on the human body. Pat discusses the treatment considerations that rescuers should focus on if faced with prolonged rescue operations of suspended workers.

Petzl representatives John Dorough and Russell McCullar give us a breakdown of some of the new items that Petzl has introduced this year. They discuss in depth the features of these products and the benefits that are provided with their use. Some of the products that are discussed in this episode include the new JAG system, Pro Pulley, Swivel Open, ASAP lock and several more.

Dennis O’Connell discusses the complications and hazards rescue teams encounter when tasked with providing rescue from trenches. Dennis points out the important safety concerns and some issues that are potentially overlooked in these dynamic environments as well as deficiencies with training, equipment, and response that some agencies are faced with.

Pat Furr again joins us to discuss the topics of fall protection and the effects of suspension trauma on workers who do not receive prompt rescue. Pat focuses his discussion in the first part of the interview on the different types of fall protection utilized in industry and the rescue techniques that are employed to recover workers who are suspended in these devices.

Jim Breen former Fire Chief of the Albuquerque Fire Department discusses the many challenges faced by municipal fire departments across the nation when faced with providing technical rescue capabilities. Jim breaks down the key issues to include funding, training, manpower, and response considerations. He also provides insight into ways that departments can alleviate some, if not all, of these common obstacles.

Is your facility relying on 911 for confined space emergencies? Pat Furr, Roco’s VPP Coordinator, discusses the various ways that facilities can provide rescue for confined space emergencies. The interview looks specifically at the considerations a facility should thoroughly cover when using the 911 system for their primary rescue service. Pat also discusses ways that facilities can determine if an outside agency is capable of providing the level of technical rescue required.

Roco’s Director of Training Dennis O’Connell gives an in depth look at OSHA’s new Construction Standard 1926. He discusses the requirements that will be placed on facilities under the new standard as well as the differences between 1926 and the confined space standard 1910.146. The new standard has been in the works for several years, how will it affect the industry? Dennis gives his thoughts on this as well.