Polar Construction Company LLC (Nornickel subsidiary) has opened a new training ground for practicing work at height with fall-arresting harnesses, and work on scaffolds.
“Underground group workers, as well as tiers and drifters and surface construction workers will train at the facility. Each of them has jobs assignments to be performed at height”, said the Chief Engineer of PCC LLC Norilskshakhtstroi mine development trust Igor Korytov.
At the training ground the employees will get to test on practice their theoretical knowledge in extremely close-to-life conditions. Scenarios such as solitary evacuation, work at height in limited space and on a horizontal pad, during descent and ascension on various types of supports, utilization of anchored stationary lines and points above head, on walls and on the floor will be available for training in any conceivable situation to develop such skills.
The training ground is outfitted with a mobile and stationary cable supports and individual fall arresting devices, tripod, winches, rappel descenders, microlifts, anchor-support systems, etc.
At practical exercises the staff will get to learn how to utilize protection devices and how to conquer the fear of heights. Up to 18 persons can attend the training in pairs concurrently. In the future construction workers will pass annual practical exercises to get permits for work at height group 1, 2, and 3.
Total training ground construction costs amount to approximately RUB 7.7 million.
“Construction costs that went into the training ground are miniscule compared to the positive effect we will get out of it. Work at height is one of the occupational safety risks experienced by the company. Polar Construction Company does a lot of that type of work. From now on construction workers will attain not just theoretical training, but get tangible practical experience of work at height. Introduction of the training ground will significantly minimize risks of injury stemming from work at height, and subsequently will prevent those types of injuries”, said Nornickel Health and Safety Department Director Igor Rakhimov. (Nornickel/Ukrainian metal)