By Eric Adamson, global products director—hard goods, Capital Safety
Eric Adamson, Capital Safety
Turbine installation and maintenance requires workers to put their lives on the line every day in high-risk environments that include the risk of falls from height. That means maintenance teams can never take a break from safety practices at height because gravity never takes a break, no matter how highly trained, well-experienced, or well-equipped your crew.
Consider a worker fall that is arrested. The fallen person must be rescued as soon as possible. That is why rescue is one of the most important areas of fall protection in the wind energy industry. The difference between a non-injury fall and one resulting in serious harm is directly correlated to how quickly a worker is rescued. The longer a fallen worker is suspended or trapped, the worse the injuries he or she may sustain. As a result, rescue and descent devices are a necessity for all personnel working on wind turbines to retrieve or lower a fallen worker to the ground quickly and effectively.
Does your rescue and descent equipment offer the capacity, versatility, speed, portability, and ease-of-use of the best, most reliable rescue systems on the market?
Rated for two-person loads—a total of 620 pounds—the Rollgliss R550 performs in a variety of situations, including an emergency descent or a full rescue using its built-in rescue hub.
Capacity
Ensure that your tools can handle the work required. With rescue and descent devices, this means making sure equipment is rated to the appropriate capacity for the technicians who will be using them. Specifically, look for rescue and descent systems rated for two-person loads that can accommodate up to 620 lbs (281 kg) to safely support both rescuer and victim.
Speed
In the event of an emergency rescue or evacuation, every second counts. Rapid descent, which should be available for multiple users in the event of an emergency, is an absolute must. When it’s imperative to get to the ground as quickly as possible, you need fast, reliable escape devices. Devices with automatic descent speed control and braking systems offer added security, safety, and peace of mind.
Function
When workers must get down safely in a hurry, they don’t want to worry about operating complicated rescue devices. Fully automatic, hands-free rescue and descent systems that are user-friendly and require minimal training provide a worry-free solution. With intuitive, easy-to-use equipment, workers are able to descend safely or to perform peer-to-peer rescue, potentially saving a life.
Lightweight design & durability
In the wind power industry, it’s particularly crucial to invest in quality safety equipment that’s built to last. Look for products with components that can withstand continuous abuse and harsh environments. Lightweight, compact rescue and descent units made with durable cast aluminum housings are ideal to stand up to conditions commonly associated with the industry.
The Rollgliss Technical Rescue product line offers accessories, including descenders, rigging plates, anchor straps, carabiners, ropes, and pulleys.
Versatility
High-quality rescue and descent equipment with multiple functions and options, such as rope length, lifting handle, ladder bracket and humidity case options, suit a variety of site requirements and save time and money in the long run. The best systems offer the choice of controlled descent rescue, evacuation, or assisted rescue with lifting capabilities.
When it comes to fall protection and rescue, there is no margin for error. In the high-risk environment of wind turbine construction and maintenance, safety considerations are paramount. Make sure your height safety equipment is tailored to the job site, the tasks being performed and the available workforce, and select fall protection equipment that incorporates the right rescue and descent devices to keep your workers safe, day after day, whenever they work at height.
Product video available here.
WPE
Filed Under: News, Safety
