Bluedome

West Yorkshire fire service training at Lyon Equipment- November 1999

Lyon Equipment Ltd has been an active participant in the development and progression of methods for safe work at height for many years.

As a founder member of the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) Lyon Equipment was instrumental in setting the training standards for industrial rope access techniques. Today we continue to offer a range of rope access training courses. These include all levels of IRATA training, training for inspection of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and bespoke training for use of any of the systems or equipment that we supply.

In November 1999 we trained West Yorkshire fire service in line rescue techniques. This versatile technique is becoming increasingly important to fire and rescue services. Lines can be used to protect personnel where they need to reach an area that is awkward to access, or where there is a risk of fall. Examples include work positioning on steep embankments and rescues at height.

The line rescue training uses Petzl equipment and instruction in tried and tested techniques. We do not lay down strict rules of where and when these skills should be used, we just instruct candidates in the techniques, and how they can be adapted for various situations. We trust candidates, as trained fire-fighters, to decide when it is appropriate to use these techniques.

Six trainees attended the last course, which lasted for three days. Most of the training took place in our purpose built training facility. Theoretical practices learned in the presentation room on the first day were put into practice in the indoor training rig. Here candidates were given a chance to familiarise themselves with the appropriate techniques, and practice rescues in a controlled environment.

We also take candidates outside to practice techniques and equipment in a more realistic setting. This is usually on steep ground, a cliff, or a bridge. These venues give both exposure to height and demonstrate anchor selection and edge protection. As the course moves on the line rescue techniques are adapted and turned to more complicated rescues. This encourages trainees to work and communicate effectively as a team to
overcome rescue problems as safely as possible.

As well as being shown how to use the gear effectively candidates are also shown how to inspect personal protective equipment, how to log its use, and when to retire it. In synopsis, the training covered the following major points;