AssetCo Group

AssetCo Technical Rescue provide a comprehensive portfolio of safety & rescue training programmes for the Fire & Rescue Services. Our training programmes are externally validated by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) and the International Rescue Instructors Authority (IRIA).

HEIGHT RELATED RESCUE

SHACS Level 1 Operator
SHACS Level 2 Operator
SHACS Level 1 and 2 Instructor
Rope Work Operator
Rope Work Technician
Rope Work Instructor
Vertical Shaft Rescue
Fall Protection Equipment Competent Persons
Bolt Installation Technician

SWIFTWATER AND FLOOD RESCUE

Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Awareness
Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Operator
Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician
Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Instructor
Swiftwater Crossover Programme for Rope Teams
Swiftwater & Flood ERB Competent Crew
Swiftwater Boat Handling Technician
Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Supervisory Officer

MEDICAL TRAINING

HSE licensed First Aid at Work
Intermediate Life Support

INTEGRATED RESCUE PORTFOLIO
RIG's Integrated Rescue Training Portfolio embraces the crossover with other rescue disciplines such as confined space rescue, USAR and rescue from height. This ensures consistency with rescue methodologies, compatibility with existing rescue equipment resources and operational realism. Instructor level programmes are accompanied by a sophisticated range of support material including multi-media presentations, risk control processes, audit systems and continual professional development training.

AssetCo Technical Rescue have developed a three layer approach to rope rescue. Safety at Height and Confined Spaces (SHACS) Level 1 and 2 are non-specialist team based rope rescue qualifications suitable for multi-skilled Wholetime and Retained Firefighters. The Ropework suite of programmes is our Level 3 (specialist) capability and includes complex casualty transportation and roped access techniques. The IRIA modular approach facilitates considerable flexibility enabling AssetCo Technical Rescue to tailor courses to a client's exact specifications and to recognise previous training and experience.

SHACS LEVEL 1 OPERATOR

Description

Many Fire and Rescue Services have or are in the process of equipping their Firefighters with basic height related Personal Protective Equipment. SHACS Level 1, is the basic level of training developing proficiency in establishing work restraint, limited life-lining and fall arrest systems. This entry level training programme is suitable for initial or continuation Wholetime and Retained training. As is common to all AssetCo Technical Rescue programmes, the syllabus is sufficiently flexible to accommodate an organisation's existing working at height infrastructure, technology and protocols.

This 2-day programme covers the following areas:

Personal Protective Equipment visual and tactile pre-use checks.

Correct donning, doffing and maintenance of PPE.

Use of work restraint and fall arrest systems.

Basic rigging and life-lining.

Roof working.

Incident Command System.

SHACS LEVEL 2 OPERATOR

Description

The Level 2 programme extends the SHACS capability beyond rescuer personal safety and simple access to accommodate non-complex top down team based rescue systems. This mainly practical programme builds upon the Level 1 course by consolidating existing skills and introducing two rope rescue techniques. In addition, confined space access alongside casualty packaging modules are introduced to dovetail seamlessly with the Level 3 capability. This course can be delivered immediately on completion of the Level 1 programme.

This 2 day programme covers the following areas:

Two rope rescue systems.
Simple Lift and Lower Techniques.
Pitch and Repitch using a 135 Ladder.
Confined Space Access and Egress including use of High Directionals.
Rescue load lift and lower.
Casualty Care and Packaging.
Incident Command System.

SHACS LEVEL 1 & 2 INSTRUCTOR

Description

The SHACS Level 1 & 2 Instructor programme trains Agency Trainers to certify their Level 1 and 2 Operators internally thereby establishing a self sufficient training system. Attendees must be experienced trainers and have completed 40 logged training hours post successful completion of the SHACS L1 and 2 programme.

This 4-day programme covers the following areas:

UK height related health and safety legislation.

Facility and activity risk assessment and control.

SHACS training and assessment systems.

Advanced rigging and rescue.

Administration and record keeping.

ROPE WORK OPERATOR

Description

This roped access and advanced rescue programme forms the basis of RIG's Level 3 capability. It includes more advanced team based rescues including difficult edge transitions, mid-stance scoops and Pike'n'Pivots. In addition, the course includes specially adapted roped access techniques which are compliant with BS 7985:2002 British Standards for Industrial Roped Access and suitable for rescue. This programme is a significant extension of the SHACS capability and is suitable for members of specialist roped rescue teams.

This 5-day programme covers the following areas:

Incident SIZE UP.
Roped access techniques.
Stretcher based rescue systems including Taglines, Guiding Lines and High Lines.
Simple and compound pulley systems.
Casualty packaging using flexible and rigid stretchers.

ROPE WORK TECHNICIAN (SUPERVISOR)

Description

Roped access and rescue tasks should have a dedicated supervisor competent to rig, implement safe systems of work and provide a rescue capability. This specially adapted programme for the Fire and Rescue Services is designed to build upon the Operations level developing proficient technicians skilled in the management of vertical rescue related incidents.

This 5-day programme covers the following areas:

Height related health and safety.

Rapid rigging and incident control.

T-R-A-P-I and L-A-S-E-T systems.

Advanced rigging using the 4 Question Technique.

Confined Space Multi Level Rescue (with or without BA).

Rigging problems including knot passing and main line failure recoveries.

The programme is based on BS 7985:2002 Code of Practice for the Use of Roped Access Methods for Industrial Purposes and is accredited by IRIA.

ROPE WORK INSTRUCTOR

Description

For those seeking to develop an internal capability, AssetCo Technical Rescue provide instructor level programmes which develop proficient instructors skilled to deliver training and assessment to the Operations level.

This 5-day programme covers the following areas:

UK height related health and safety legislation.

Facility and activity risk assessment and control.

Rope-Work training and assessment.

Advanced rigging and rescue including the Kootenhay High Line System.

Administration and record keeping.

Site surveys and capability audits.

VERTICAL SHAFT RESCUE

Description

This programme is an additional module for the Rope Work operators and beyond. The course covers the specific principles of a vertical shaft rescue including high angle access into confined spaces and traverse systems. This programme is designed to bridge the gap between Urban Search and Rescue, Confined Space Rescue and Rope Rescue. RIG's training facilities include a 50m tri-level mine shaft, a 20m pumping chamber and a purpose built collapsed structure.

This 3 day programme covers the following areas:

Confined Space legislation and risk assessment.

Atmosphere measurement.

Use of Tripod / Quodpod.

Establishment of appropriate anchors.

Releasable deviation and advanced hoisting systems.

Casualty packaging using rigid and flexible litter systems.

Protocols for working remotely in atmospheres dangerous to life and health.

FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT COMPETENT PERSON

Description

The Working at Height Regulations 2005, Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), all stipulate the requirement for periodic equipment inspections carried out by competent persons. LOLER, the most prescriptive inspection related legislation, stipulates "Thorough Examinations" must be undertaken every 6 months by a competent person and the results must be recorded and held for 2 years. In addition, "Inspections" should be carried out by a competent person every time the equipment is subjected to abnormal circumstances such as overloading or contamination. The Fall Protection Equipment Competent Person is a stand alone programme designed to train equipment custodians to Thoroughly Examine and Inspect all items of PPE used by their organisation.

This 2-day programme covers the following areas:

Height related health and safety.

Equipment mechanisms of failure.

Fall protection systems.

Selection and use of PPE and Lifting Equipment.

Inspecting and examining Fall Protection Equipment.

Equipment management systems and record keeping.

Equipment repair and disposal.

BOLT INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN

Description

For many work at height tasks, the location of existing structural anchors are unsuitable. Installing and testing safety harness bolts either for PPE (Fall Arrest) or work positioning is quick, cost effective and low impact. When installing bolts that conform to BS EN 795 A1, technicians must be competent in accordance with BS 7883.

This 1-day programme covers the following areas:

Height related health and safety.

Selection and use of bolt installation work equipment.

Anchor selection.

Chemical bolt placement and installation.

Mechanical bolt placement and installation.

Testing procedures and recording requirements.

AssetCo Technical Rescue also provide a bolt installation and testing service installing anchors to BS EN 7883 and undertaking pullout tests for mechanical and chemical anchors up to 100kN.

The UK Fire Service demands a flexible and operationally relevant swiftwater rescue training syllabus that recognises the additional hazards and environments that Rescue Technicians now face. The SFRT programme was developed by Jim Segerstrom (the founder of Rescue3), taking as core principles :-

UK Health and Safety Legislation
IRIA International Standards
NFPA 1006 and 1670
UK Fire and Rescue Service National Guidance

SFRT is modular in structure enabling a degree of customisation without compromising the effectiveness or balance of the training system.

SWIFTWATER AND FLOOD RESCUE AWARENESS

Description

This qualification is an 8 hour Safe Working In / Near Moving Water theoretical presentation and PPE practical demonstration delivered by a SFRT Instructor. Swiftwater and Flood Awareness combines basic practical skills with essential hazard awareness theory. It culminates with a simple assessment to ensure competency is confirmed and fully audit-able. This training can be delivered in the confines of a Fire Station.

Available from January 2007: Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Awareness ONLINE programme.

This 1-day programme covers the following areas:

Dynamic risk assessment applied to moving water incidents.

Basic hydrology, hydro-topography and hazard awareness.

Selection, use and maintenance of PPE.

Basic bank-side rescues.

Physiological responses to immersion and associated injuries.

Unplanned immersion and self rescue.

SWIFTWATER AND FLOOD RESCUE OPERATOR

Description

This qualification is 9 hours duration incorporating both practical rescue skills and additional swiftwater and flood related theory. It is conducted in a realistic moving water environment and competency is determined via a skills assessment on completion of the training modules. Fire-fighters expected to operate within 3m of moving water hazard or within the inner cordon for sustained periods should undertake this level of training. Delegates must have completed the Awareness course or an equivalent Safe Working Near Water programme prior to attendance.

This intensive 1-day programme covers the following areas:

Hydrology, hydro-topography and water related terminology.

Dynamic risk assessment, flood awareness and water rescue scene management.

Hierarchy of rescue response.

Physiological responses to immersion, associated injuries and casualty management.

Donning and doffing of PPE.

Self Rescue drills.

Reach Rescues including the Inflatable Fire Hose.

Basic Throw Rescues.

The Row Rescue using mid river platforms.

Supporting the Go Tow Rescue including direct and indirect belaying.

SWIFTWATER AND FLOOD RESCUE TECHNICIAN

Description

This qualification is 24 hours duration and focuses on the execution of higher risk "in water" rescue interventions and the management of more complex rope rescue systems. It is conducted in a realistic moving water environment and competency is determined via a skills assessment on completion of the training modules. Personnel manning specialist rescue teams and team leaders should be qualified to this level. Delegates must have completed the Operator programme or equivalent prior to attendance and must be capable of swimming 300m in under 12 minutes.

This 3-day programme covers the following areas:

Flood awareness.

Water rescue scene management including low light operations.

The Contact Rescue.

The hazards of mud, ice and extrication techniques from other unstable surfaces including application of the Mud Sand Lance and Inflatable Rigid Pathway.

Fording shallow moving water safely.

Crossing deep moving water.

Entrapment release drills.

Technician standard high angle rescues .

Boat handling using paddle and tether.

Submerged vehicle rescues.

Introduction to animal extrication techniques .

C Spine immobilisation.

Helicopter rescue awareness.

Planning/supervising MWA and MWO continual professional training.

SWIFTWATER AND FLOOD RESCUE INSTRUCTOR

Description

This qualification is 40 hours duration and focuses on the development of competent instructors to deliver Awareness through to Technician programmes to enable medium term training self sufficiency within an organisation without dilution of training quality. Competency is determined through on going assessment throughout the programme. Delegates must have completed the Technician programme or equivalent prior to attendance.

This intensive 5-day programme covers the following areas:

Safe venue selection and risk assessment.

Moving water safety syllabus session delivery.

Moving water rescue practical skills training.

Assessment systems.

Programme administration and record keeping.

Advanced swiftwater rigging and rescue skills.

SWIFTWATER CROSSOVER FOR ROPE RESCUE TEAMS

Description

This 8 hour optional training module is a stand alone programme designed for personnel such as Specialist Rescue Teams who may be required to respond to a moving water related incident requiring vertical access such as bridge stanchion entrapment. The principles of moving water rescue often conflict with height related rescue and this programme helps to establish consistent and safe systems of work. The programme addresses such issues as how can a system remain releasable if there is potential for a fall from height? How can the different types of PPE be made compatible in line with PPE92? This course is conducted in a realistic moving water environment and competency is determined via a skills assessment on completion of the training modules. Delegates must have completed the Operator programme or equivalent prior to attendance.

This intensive 1-day programme covers the following areas:

Hazard awareness and dynamic risk assessment.

Principles of vertical access rescue above or from moving water.

Risk control systems including PPE and clean lines.

Vertical deployment of rope rescue systems including Inflatable Fire Hoses.

Lifting and lowering systems.

SWIFTWATER AND FLOOD EMERGENCY RESCUE BOAT COMPETENT CREW

Description

This 8 hour optional training module compliments the Operator training programme. It is conducted in a realistic moving water environment and competency is determined via a skills assessment on completion of the training modules. Personnel manning ERBs carrying out Row Rescues should be qualified to this level. Delegates must have completed the Operations programme or equivalent prior to attendance.

This intensive 1-day programme covers the following areas:

ERB hazard awareness and safe systems of work.

Stowage and basic maintenance of ERBs.

Launching and recovery drills.

Throw Rescues from ERBs.

Bank side tethered boat rescues.

Emergency drills including capsize and wrap drills.

Paddle control.

Casualty recovery (using cradle technology or Parbuckling techniques).

SWIFTWATER BOAT HANDLING TECHNICIAN

Description

This is the industry standard course, developed originally by Rescue Canada for the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. Run over 3 or 4 days depending on previous experience, this advanced powered boat skills course is ideal for experienced coxswains. The modular programme includes swiftwater boat handling, night operations, searching patterns and advanced rope skills, accredited by IRIA to the international standard. It is conducted in a realistic moving water environment and competency is determined via a skills assessment on completion of the training modules. Suitably qualified students can also be examined to the RYA Intermediate Powerboat Handling certificate.

This intensive 3-4-day programme covers the following areas:

Advanced Crewing and Helmsmanship.

Hydrodynamcis.

Boat Rescue Operations.

Casualty Packaging and Evacuation.

Boat and Ropes Techniques.

Search Techniques.

SWIFTWATER AND FLOOD RESCUE SUPERVISORY OFFICER

Description

This programme is specifically designed for Incident Commanders, Incident Support or Safety Officers who may be required to manage a moving water or flood related incident. The programme includes a minimum of 8 hours moving water incident management theoretical and practical instruction delivered by a Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Instructor.

This intensive 1-day programme covers the following areas:

Basic hydrology, hydro-topography and hazard awareness.
Water related risk assessment and associated control measures / safe systems of work.
PPE and rescue equipment.
Water incident scene management.
Flood awareness.
Physiological responses to immersion and associated injuries.