Berlin (WI) Fire Department, AutoCAFS pumper. Spartan Metro Star cab and chassis; Cummins ISL 380-hp engine; Darley “Command Cab” enclosed top-mount control panel

The jungle gym you remember from childhood just grew up. Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA has unveiled a new state-of-the-art safety-training center at the Regional Learning Alliance (RLA) in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

Located just steps away from the company’s Corporate headquarters in Cranberry Woods, this three-story indoor training complex is packed with an intricate rig of ladders, platforms, manholes, and escape windows, allowing MSA to simulate a myriad of true-to-life worker safety scenarios.  MSA will utilize this world class facility to train industrial workers, construction contractors, utility workers, and firefighters on how to properly select, inspect and use personal protective equipment (PPE) in a hands-on, application based atmosphere.

Confined spaces training receives special emphasis, utilizing custom enclosures to practice climbing and crawling, as well as provisions for pre-entry atmospheric testing/monitoring and related respiratory protection devices. Instruction on the repair and maintenance of gas detection instruments and other PPE is also available to provide end-users the confidence to run their own maintenance programs at their home facilities.

In addition to the hands-on safety training areas, the center also includes a completely modular classroom setting consistent with the continuing education mission of the RLA. 

This new facility, which represents nearly a million dollar investment for the company, makes it possible for MSA to offer a wide array of training courses covering all of MSA’s product lines across nearly every industry the company serves.

To learn more, go to MSA Training Programs or contact MSA Customer Service at 1-800-672-2222.

In this series, Fire Engineering Senior Editor Mary Jane Dittmar looks at the things that motivated and inspired instructors to present on their topics at FDIC International 2016. Segments will be posted on a regular basis up to and through the conference, April 18-23.

By Christopher Feder

Rescue training coordinator, Montgomery County (PA) Public Safety Training Campus—Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

“Line-of-Duty Deaths While Training in Rope Rescue/Rappelling”

Wednesday, April 20, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Noting the number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths that occurred while training on rope rescue and rappelling, I wanted to know why these firefighters were being killed in training when the fire service can control the hazards and minimize the risks. My quest was to learn how we could prevent these deaths in the future. I have thought about this issue for many years.

Then, one day I was on the Internet and came across a training fatality that involved a first responder who was rappelling. My initial research yielded alarming results. I conducted some additional research. I requested a copy of the fatality report from the investigating authority (I was surprised at just how easy and simple that process was).

After 2½ years of additional investigating, I discovered 11 cases. I compiled the results and realized that this information had to be shared with others if we were going to raise awareness and ultimately decrease the number of fatalities in this type of training.

The result was this program, which I have delivered locally. I have incorporated revisions based on feedback and now will be teaching it for the first time at FDIC International 2016.

Hopefully, firefighters will pick up even one safety lesson that will keep them safe. The more they learn, the better. If I can reach 10 firefighters, and they take that information back to their departments, that information will reach 30-plus firefighters, and so on.