ESTM 145 - Tower Rescue and Climbing Competency

Credits: 1.2
LEC hours per week: .8
LAB hours per week: .8
Provides students with the knowledge and skill sets needed to be able to ascend a wind turbine tower, work on the unit, descend the unit, and perform self-rescue and partner rescue in emergency conditions. This is a two day course which exceeds the minimum requirements set by OSHA and NIOSH for the tower erection industry. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the Wind Energy Technology program. Formerly: EST 175.
Course Outcomes:

Describe situations where there would be a need for self and/or assisted rescues.
Define and describe Full Restraint system.
Define and describe Fall Arrest Systems.
Perform self rescue and partner rescue using the descent device of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Describe the use of all Hardware and Harness’s used by the AHJ.
Tie and define the uses of the following knots and hitches: figure eight, figure eight on a bight, figure eight follow through, butterfly.
Describe what creates forces on anchors and how they can be magnified or reduced.
Describe how rope and/or webbing are employed in anchor systems.
Describe circumstances where multiple anchors are needed.
Describe the concept of load sharing/self equalizing anchors.
Describe and demonstrate proper climbing techniques.
Describe the AHJ and local policy for emergency rescue.
Describe the AHJ and local Accident reporting and Investigation process.

Course Topics:

Assisted rescues
Full restraint systems
Fall Arrest systems
Hardware and harnesses
Knots and hitches
Anchors
Climbing techniques
Emergency rescue
Accident reporting and Investigation process

Course Attribute(s): None