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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
Greetings from Gravitec!
Sadly, work-related fatal falls are making headlines again. This shouldn't come as a surprise since OSHA issued 6,771 fall protection citations in 2009, making fall protection safety violations second only to scaffolding safety violations in the workplace this year. Fall protection awareness is key to reducing these shocking figures. To that end, Gravitec created The Edge, a periodic e-newsletter that delivers the latest fall protection news directly to your inbox.
We hope you'll print the Safety Alert and post it on your break room bulletin board. We've also packed this issue with hot industry topics including the growing Z359 Fall Protection Code, hardware compatibility and rescue system selection. Our "In the Press" section is a compilation of fall protection articles from a variety of sources, saving you time. We've also taken the opportunity to announce some exciting developments from our Bainbridge Island offices including the launch of our online equipment store and the addition of five fall protection refresher courses to our 2010 open enrollment calendar.
For information about our full range of fall protection and rescue services including engineering, training, equipment and testing, visit our Web site at www.gravitec.com or call us at 1.800.755.8455. We hope you'll invest your confidence in us to protect your life and livelihood.
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Anchor Line Severed by Gutter Edge
The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) issued this
safety bulletin after an anchor line was severed by a sharp edge on a metal
gutter. The worker's back-up safety device arrested his fall but not
before his foot made contact with a glass roof below, resulting in broken window panes and a sprained
ankle...Read More
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Article
Competent Fall Protection Person Training
How do you choose or create a training program to meet your unique needs?
Competent Person training available to workers at height varies in substance, length and method of delivery. With so many options, employers may find it difficult to choose a training program. Gravitec Training Manager Kevin Denis demystifies the decision-making process in an article published in Occupational Health & Safety magazine's November 2009 issue. The article identifies OSHA's criteria for a Competent Person in the fall protection industry and provides employers with a series of questions to ask when researching available training. By answering these questions, employers can rest assured that the program they choose will meet their unique needs and produce a knowledgeable and effective Competent Person.
To read Kevin's article, click here.
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Article
Selecting a Rescue System for the
Wind Energy Industry
Because wind turbines in North
America vary, a system that addresses every rescue and evacuation scenario
simply does not exist. Gravitec Training Coordinator William Wright compares
rescue and evacuation systems to vehicles. "The basic function is similar, but
depending on the road, some outperform others," he writes in an article
published in Alternative Power Construction
magazine's October 2009 issue. For that reason, he urges consumers to choose
systems best suited to the turbines where they perform work instead of looking
for a one-unit-fixes-all solution. This article explores the differences
between manual and automatic descent devices and recommends strategies for
accident preparedness.
To
read William's article, click here.
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Video
Hardware Compatibility
Gravitec Releases First Episode of Fall Protection Forum Videos
Gravitec has released the first episode in a series of videos dubbed the Fall Protection Forum. This five-minute segment features Gravitec Training Manager Kevin Denis and focuses on hardware compatibility among components of a personal fall arrest system. With the summer release of ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009, "Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems," this topic merits discussion. In the video, Denis discusses the proper mating of components and provides four strategies to eliminate gate loading that leads to failure of components. To view the video, click here.
Want to learn more about hardware compatibility? Click here to view "Hardware Compatibility: Your Life Depends on It," an article by Gravitec General Manager David Lough, published in the April 2009 issue of Occupational Health & Safety magazine.
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 ANSI/ASSE Releases New Standards for Inclusion in the Z359 Fall Protection Code
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) approved and released three new standards this summer for inclusion in the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code. The new standards have an effective date of Nov. 16, 2009. They are listed below with links to Gravitec's Web site where we've posted summaries of each standard.
ANSI/ASSE Z359.6-2009
Specifications and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection Systems
Click here to read Gravitec's Z359.6-2009 summary
ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009
Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Click here to read Gravitec's Z359.12-2009 summary
ANSI/ASSE Z359.13-2009
Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards
Click here to read Gravitec's Z359.13-2009 summary
Need the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code for your library? Gravitec is a reseller. We stock hard copies, or we can provide you with a one-time, downloadable link to the Code. For details, call 1.800.755.8455.
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Webinar
ASSE Hosts Webinar to Address New ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code Standards
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is hosting a webinar on Nov. 18 to address three new standards released this summer for inclusion in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code. Webinar attendees will have the opportunity to interact with three fall protection experts from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you have workers at height, this webinar is a don't-miss! The new standards, released this summer and effective Nov. 16, 2009, will significantly change several integral parts of any worker's personal fall arrest system including connecting components, personal energy absorbers and energy absorbing lanyards. Professional engineers with expertise designing fall protection systems should also tune in. ASSE is Offering Special Webinar Packages Detailed Below:Bundle 1: Total Access Package, includes:a. Webcast w/30-day access to archived recording, viewable anytime, anywhere b. The complete ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code Version 2.0 (electronic format) c. Session slides To purchase, click here to visit ASSE's Web site Bundle 2: Triple Play Package, includes:a. Webcast w/30-day access to archived recording, viewable anytime, anywhere b. The three new fall protection standards (electronic format) c. Session slides To purchase, click here to visit ASSE's Web site Bundle 3: Webinar Only Package, includes:a. Webcast w/30-day access to archived recording, viewable anytime, anywhere b. Session slides To purchase, click here to visit ASSE's Web site |
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Gravitec Launches eCommerce
Shop For Your Fall Protection & Rescue Gear Online
Now you can shop for your fall protection and rescue gear at www.gravitec.com. We're thrilled to announce the launch of our online store where we provide you with the best and most comprehensive information about the products we offer along with commentary from our fall protection specialists so you can make an informed decision when you need fall protection and rescue equipment.
The equipment we sell online represents our most popular products, and we are always adding new items from a variety of manufacturers. If you don't find what you're looking for in our online store, call us at 1.800.755.8455. We always welcome shopper inquiries. Our knowledgeable equipment advisors will be delighted to discuss your job-site-specific needs and provide pre-purchase consulting.
Don't
miss our first product promotion. For a limited time, you can purchaseDBI-SALA's Exo-Fit XP Tower Climbing Harness for 15% off the list price.
For product details or to purchase this harness, click here.
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Gravitec Adds Refresher Courses to 2010 Open Enrollment Lineup
Gravitec has developed a 20-hour Competent Wind Turbine Climber & Rescue Refresher Course that will be offered for
the first time on our 2010 open enrollment fall protection and rescue training
calendar. This 2.5-day course will be held quarterly at our Bainbridge Island
indoor training facility. It is designed for turbine climbers who have
previously completed Gravitec's 40-hour Competent Wind Turbine Climber & Rescue Course. Re-emphasizing the use of a planned approach to working at
height, the refresher begins with a discussion about the changes to the ANSI/ASSE
Z359 Fall Protection Code and introduces the latest fall protection tools and methods utilized to protect turbine climbers. Course dates are
as follows:
Competent Wind Turbine Climber & Rescue Refresher
February 15 - 17, 2010
May 3 - 5, 2010
August 23 - 25, 2010
November 1 - 3, 2010
For details and enrollment, call a Gravitec Training Advisor at 1.800.755.8455.
To view our complete 2010 open enrollment calendar, click here.
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Gravitec Pursues ISO Certification
In keeping with our commitment to provide high quality
services, Gravitec is currently in the process of acquiring ISO 17025 Testing
Laboratory Certification for our testing laboratory. An ISO-certified quality
system provides a means to continually improve the quality of data and the
effectiveness of the laboratory. The certification process includes intensive
review and assessment of the Laboratory's Quality Management System
as well as the technical competence of staff, methodology, equipment, and
reporting. We anticipate receiving final certification in early 2010.
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Gravitec's G4 Provides Rescue & Evacuation Solution for the Wind Energy Industry
Gravitec's
G4 Wind Turbine Rescue & Evacuation System was designed specifically for
the wind energy industry. The G4 addresses the need for a user-friendly,
high-angle system that can be used to quickly rescue or evacuate personnel from
at-height locations on wind farms. In a matter of minutes, the system can be
configured to facilitate one- or two-person rescues utilizing overhead or other
anchorages. It can also be used to manipulate casualties around corners or to
lift, lower or drag an incapacitated worker. For product details or to purchase
the G4 Wind Turbine Rescue & Evacuation System, click here.
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| The information provided below has been gathered from sources believed
to be reliable. Gravitec Systems, Inc., is not responsible for the
accuracy of the information provided nor for its use or misuse.
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OSHA reports on top 10 safety violations for 2009
Reuters - Oct. 27, 2009 - Orlando, Fla.
The U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revealed the preliminary top 10 most-frequent workplace safety violations for 2009...Read More
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Changes to SPRAT's certification requirements for rope access work
Society of Rope Access Technicians
Important changes to the Certification Requirements for Rope Access Work have been approved by the SPRAT membership, the Standards Operating Committee, and the Board of Directors, and were implemented on July 1, 2009...Read More
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