The goal of this newsletter is to inform, inspire and share news about rope access and work at height. Please don't hesitate to let us know how we can help you with your work.

Team Skala

As of January 1, 2009, Ropeworks Industrial Group, Inc. has merged into Skala Inc. Over the year, we have been transitioning Ropeworks branding to Skala. The merger does not change the ownership, management or staffing of Ropeworks. Ropeworks and Skala have always shared common owners and the same guiding principles of integrity, professionalism, respect and excellence.
Official Merger Announcement

This year, Skala Training launched a complete line of wind safety at height and rescue courses to meet the needs of wind professionals.

Our one day W10 course provides wind technicians authorized user training in safety at height, emergency escape systems and rescue procedures specific to wind turbines. This course focuses specifically on the PDQ rescue system.

W110 is a two day course providing wind technicians thorough training in safety at height, introduces a variety of emergency escape systems available and rescue procedures specific to wind turbines. Course material is delivered through multi-media presentations, written material and an emphasis on hands-on fieldwork.

W210 is a rigorous five day course designed to prepare wind industry trainers to deliver the W110 Safety at Height and Rescue Course. Effective teaching techniques along with safety and risk management procedures necessary for delivering group training will be covered. The course features a variety of rescue systems in order to provide trainers a broader understanding of equipment commonly used in wind turbines.

Training is delivered in Skala’s purpose-built training center, on our custom mobile training tower or in the client’s wind turbine. Skala conducts its own industry-leading research and testing to develop tools and techniques that are effective, practical and field-tested. Skala instructors are certified professionals and skilled educators who actively work at height.

Tech Tip: Suspension Trauma Update

In September of 2008 the HSE (European Health and Safety Executive) released a report on the findings of a recent study on Suspension Trauma. This study was an evidence based review of published medical literature on the effects of being suspended in a harness as a result of a fall from height in the work place or industrial applications, particularly in fall arrest systems.

The results of this study showed there is no real evidence supporting that a patient cannot be laid down flat immediately after being rescued from a harness suspended position. The often suggested recovery position of semi-recumbent or sitting position may even prove to be dangerous through prolonged lack of circulation to the brain. Read more...

Staff Profile: Todd Kearns

Todd Kearns manages Skala operations from his home outside Durango, Colorado. Todd joined the Ropeworks/Skala Team in the Summer of 2006 after running his own business for many years. Since joining, Todd has continued to motivate and support his fellow team members and clients alike with his optimistic, calm, hard working attitude. Todd's smile is apparent whether he is coordinating jobs over the phone or performing emergency rope access inspections. When not working, Todd enjoys spending time running, biking, climbing and generally enjoying the outdoors with his wife and three children.

PDQ- Personal Rescue Kit for Wind Technicians
The PDQ is a personal escape and rescue system designed by Skala for wind technicians. The PDQ can be used for emergency escape as well as rescue involving lifting and lowering. The PDQ kit is exceptionally light (8lbs), strong (exceeds 3100 lbs) and is heat resistant up to 900*F

Check it out.