Roco Chief Instructor Pat Furr is conducting two workshops at the VPPPA IV Conference in Myrtle Beach this week. The first workshop, Elements of a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program, clarifies OSHA and ANSI guidelines regarding the employer's responsibility to develop a comprehensive managed fall protection program.

The topic of the second workshop is Confined Space Rescue and will provide guidance that employers may use to identify, select, and evaluate a confined space rescue service as required by OSHA 1910.146.   READ MORE

Ronald "Rocky" Morris Jr., 55 years old, a native of Donaldsonville and a resident of Belle Rose became an angel to many on Friday, June 14, 2013 when a pipe carrying nitrogen ruptured at the CF Industries plant in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Although he was a dedicated and loyal employee of CF Industries for 34 years, his main purpose in life was caring for his family. Over the years Rocky tirelessly gave of his time to family and friends. He was a proud volunteer fire fighter and first responder for over 30 years.

Those we love truly never die….

                                                                but live in our hearts forever.   READ MORE

Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the Williams Olefins plant explosion yesterday, June 13, in Geismar, Louisiana. We are thankful that none of our personnel (instructors or CSRT) were on site during this horrific incident. To those first responders and others who placed themselves in harm's way to help save lives - you are true heroes!

Roco thanks all of our friends across the country for their concern. We ask that everyone continue to pray for this local community and all families involved.  READ MORE

Learn the basics of compound mechanical advantage or the "PIGGY-BACK" for rope rescue operations, from Roco Director of Training, Dennis O'Connell on the Roco Rescue Channel.

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There are several revisions in the 2013 Edition of NFPA 1006 that rescue teams and trainers need to be aware of. It is also important to note that the standard provides “minimum" standards for technical rescuers. It further states that “the individuals charged with performing technical rescues be qualified” at the appropriate level according to the standard.

The first change affects all Level I & II rescuers and concerns “currency” and “competency.” In Chapter 1, the new standard states:

NFPA 1006 - Chapter 1.3.6*
“Rescuers at Level I and Level II shall remain current with technical rescue practices and applicable standards and shall demonstrate competency on an annual basis.” (Emphasis added.)

Determining exactly how “currency” in rescue practices and competency will be determined (and demonstrated) will be the responsibility of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). However, according to this new addition, a means for keeping rescuers up-to-date in their techniques as well as documented skills testing should take place every year.   READ MORE

Is your confined space rescue team prepared for the worst?

Roco Chief Pat Furr is published in the APRIL 2013 issue of ISHN. Here's the article.
If you are tasked with administering the “permit required confined space” (PRCS) program at your workplace, you know that it can be a daunting job. There are several considerations regarding safe confined space entry operations. Paramount amongst all these considerations is preparation prior to ever entering the space.  READ MORE

Although a great rescue tool, when using a multi-loop strap there are critical usage mistakes that could cost you your life! This video identifies the problems and solutions.



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Roco will be teaming up with Louisiana Family Forum for "Over The Edge for Adoption” on Friday, May 31st at One American Place in downtown Baton Rouge. Sponsored volunteers will get a chance to rappel from the 300-ft Baton Rouge high rise in an effort to raise awareness for adoption. The goal is to provide 100 adoption-eligible children currently in the Louisiana Foster Care state program with families from Louisiana’s faith community.   READ MORE

What exactly is suspension trauma? How does it occur? And what can be done to prevent it?

Suspension Trauma - otherwise known as harness pathology, distributive shock, or orthostatic intolerance - has recently been identified by OSHA as a workplace hazard particular to Authorized Workers using personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). More and more employers are becoming aware of this workplace hazard and are taking appropriate steps to protect their employees. The range of understanding on the cause of the hazard, as well as how to protect against it, is pretty vast.

Our new Suspension Trauma Safety Poster is a tool to raise awareness of this hazard. It illustrates the pathological path that a fallen suspended worker may experience. Please share with colleagues, fellow safety professionals and especially workers that use PFAS. It could save a life.  READ MORE

REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE SELF-INSPECTION of all CMC Rescue and CMC/Roco harnesses and straps using PenSafe 9225 Friction Buckles

In light of the PenSafe Quality Alert released April 22, 2013, Roco is advising our customers that CMC Rescue is issuing this Safety Notice for all CMC Rescue and CMC/ROCO harnesses, including seat, chest and full-body versions, as well as straps that use this buckle.

After learning of four instances where the friction bar separated from the buckle frame, CMC Rescue and PenSafe conducted a thorough investigation resulting in the PenSafe Quality Alert for this buckle. The incidents occurred when the friction bar was not under load or tension from the web.  READ MORE