London Aquatics Centre
Posted on 10th August 2021 at 15:56
3 Education developed bespoke Safety Net Rescue Course
The Task
The iconic London Aquatics Centre in London features a striking roof, supported by a deep and complex lattice structure. It was constructed for the 2012 Olympics and safety nets were selected as the safe system of work for the roofers. Principle Contractor, Balfour Beatty questioned the complexity of a potential Safety Net Rescue. This was because the intricate design and depth of the structure meant that the safety nets could only be rigged by Rope Access technicians. This was further exacerbated because both swimming and diving pools were below the roof which removed the option of a using a MEWP as a rescue tool.
Developing the Safety Net Training Course
3 Education were consulted by the roofing company and netting installer and were tasked to develop a Safety Net Rescue course that delivered knowledge on how to achieve the safe retrieval of a faller into the net.
By researching key rescue techniques from across the access industry, confined space, fire and rescue service, HSE and IPAF, 3 Education were able to bring together common rescue issues and apply them to Safety Net Rescue. It was very clear that the solution to communicate this knowledge was through workshop learning and not a traditional “lecture-style”course. This was because each rescue will be unique to the site and subject to variables such as location, condition of faller, access methods and rescue routes.
Outcome
3 Education successfully completed the training for the Aquatics Centre to ensure that any rescue would be executed efficiently and in a timely manner.
The workshop has evolved over many sessions and thousands of candidates. It is now considered as important as courses on use of safety nets.
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