Safety & Technical Training Program
Meteo Tower Technician is a member of a crew performing general construction activities with an emphasis on tower system installation and maintenance and inspection of existing support structures used in the provision of essential Weather Parameter Monitoring systems.
On the Job Competencies
| Evaluation | Competency-1 | Competency-2 | Competency-3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Training SOW (Scope of Work) Basic rigging Material handling Ropes/knots Sensors installation and maintenance Lighting system installation and maintenance Tower structural installation and maintenance Applicable standards awareness Exothermic welds Test equipment | Competency-based, written, and or practical | Baseline Training | Intermediate Training | Completion/Mentors Verification Certification | |
| Safety Training Authorized Person Training Competent climber Rescue training Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Jobsite Safety Analysis (JSA) Scope of Work (SOW) | Competency-based, written, and or practical | Baseline Training | Baseline Training | Completion/Mentors | |
| Operate trucks, trailers, and equipment Load securement Familiarization of capstan hoist Equipment applicable to the SOW | Competency-based, written, and or practical | Baseline Training | Baseline Training | Verification Certification | |
| Operate Hand and Power Tools Drills/saws Torches Connector tools Tools applicable to the SOW | Competency-based, written, and or practical | Baseline Training | Baseline Training | Completion/Mentors | |
| Introduction to various types of structures and appurtenances Self -Supporter Guyed Monopole Stealth Structures Rooftop Antennas | Competency-based, written, and or practical | Baseline Training | Baseline Training | Verification Certification |
Safety Training
Authorized Person Training – This training will ensure that the MTT understands and is able to demonstrate that they have the authority from the employer to perform quality work in the safest of manners. This will require that they have a clear understanding of the SOW and the PPE or abatement means used to address any hazards. Specific emphasis shall be placed on fall hazards and the ability to exercise their responsibility as an authorized person by the employer.
Competent Climber – The apprentice must be trained to advance from an authorized climber to a competent climber before he/she can become a MTT. Here is a list of some of the topics that need to be inculcated in this training:
- understanding fall restraint, fall restriction and fall arrest
- anchors and anchor connectors
- harnesses and connector devices
- lifelines, vertical and horizontal
- safety climb systems
- hazard recognition and control (fall distance calculations)
- Authority to take the necessary corrective measures to ensure safety on the site
Ongoing Training Requirements
- Rescue training – this training can be done simultaneously with Competent Climber training or conducted separately once the apprentice has achieved Competent Climber status. Applicable standards noted above will also apply to this portion of the training. Additional elements of training will include a review of ropes and knots appropriate for rescue, controlled descent devices, how to safely raise/lower someone from an elevated structure and hands on practical exercises until the MTT is competent with the procedure. At a minimum, rescue training must be refreshed annually.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – PPE: each MTT must be trained and competent in the identification, inspection, care and use of PPE necessary for the particular SOW. The employer may authorize a MTT to supervise apprentices in the use of PPE. Examples of PPE used by a MTT include: hard hat, proper footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, and fall protection/rescue equipment. This list is not exclusive or exhaustive as the SOW may require the engagement of other types of engineering controls or safety measures.
Jobsite Hazard Analysis (JHA) – A JHA is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the apprentice, the task, the tools, and the work environment. Ideally, after you identify uncontrolled hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level. The JHA is a critical part of any successful Jobsite. This takes into account the SOW and the site-specific safety concerns that the SOW introduces. The apprentice must be able to comprehend the SOW and identify subsequent Jobsite Hazards that the SOW would or could expose apprentice(s), other workers or the public to as a part of performing the SOW. The JHA is also site specific and includes conditions such as public access or weather as an example. Once these hazards are identified, the apprentice must learn what steps to take to eliminate the hazard or how to otherwise prevent an accident from occurring. A JHA should be initiated, as a minimum, on a daily basis or when the SOW or site conditions change. The apprentice must also be able to determine where the closest available emergency medical resources are to the Jobsite in the event something does happen that requires prompt medical attention.
Scope of Work (SOW) – A statement of work or SOW is a formal document that captures and defines the work activities, deliverables, and timeline a vendor must execute in the performance of specified work for a client. The SOW usually includes detailed requirements, with standard regulatory and governance terms and conditions. The apprentice must learn the importance of fully understanding the SOW and be able to determine the type of tools, equipment and manpower it demands. The apprentice must also be able to understand what type and quantities of materials will be required as well as who is responsible for furnishing and delivering them to the jobsite. The apprentice must also understand his role in the successful completion of the SOW.
Technical Training
SOW – Due to the nature of the work the goal changes depending on the site and the technology being applied. The SOW must be understood and communicated by all. As a MTT it is critical that they are familiar with the SOW practices along with the critical components relative to their role, with the sound means to accomplish it safely and in accordance to the customer standards. Testing will involve written tests allowing the employee to demonstrate their understanding of the SOW and also the communication flow through management to ensure that the work is of a quality nature in the safest manner for the structure being worked on.
Basic Rigging – Meteo Tower Technician should be able to identify rigging components, inspect each prior to use and provide a written and oral understanding of the use of each. MTT must:
- possess an understanding of working load limits, angle multipliers and rigging hitches
- be competent in capstan operations and the load limits
- possess written and verbal knowledge of tagging and self-trolley systems
Material Handling
Ropes/Knots – The MTT shall have demonstrated competency in the use, care and inspection of ropes. They shall be able to identify the type of ropes commonly used and their load capabilities and unique properties. In addition they shall be able to properly tie the required knots.
Sensors Installation and Maintenance – The MTT shall be able to understand and communicate the common SOW’s for this type of work along with the difference commonly encountered depending on the structure type.
Lighting System Installation and Maintenance – The MTT shall be able to understand and communicate the common SOW’s for this type of work along with the difference commonly encountered depending on the structure type. In addition the MTT shall be able to show understanding of the FAA requirements.
Tower Structural Installation and Maintenance – The MTT shall be able to understand and communicate the common SOW’s for this type of work along with the difference commonly encountered depending on the structure type.
Applicable Standards Awareness – This is an ongoing part of the MTT training and education. The industry standards will serve as the baseline for this section. In addition the MTT shall be able to speak to applicable client and regulatory standards. Of particular note will be manufacture’s standards and how they comply with the current installs.
Exothermic Welds – The MTT shall demonstrate that they are able to identify the proper molds and shots to be used. In addition they shall be able to specify the proper PPE and material prep.
Test Equipment – The MTT shall have competency with client and manufacturer requirements.
Basic Understanding of Regulatory Issues – To include information on EPA, migratory birds, endangered species. This training is meant to convey to the MTT their responsibility to be aware of these types of issues and to report them to the competent person on site.
Operate Hand and Power Tools
- As a MTT the employee must be able to demonstrate competency with normally used tools. This will include understanding the manufactures instruction documentation, and proper application of the tool to the SOW in a safe manner. In addition a MTT shall have the authority to tag out tools and equipment.
- Drills/Saws – MTT shall understand and be able to demonstrate the proper inspection of the tool and the required guards.
- Torches – MTT will have the ability to determine the hazards associated with the use of this type of tool and any fire watch that may be necessary as a part of the use.
- Connector Tools – The MTT is to have completed the connector courses for the normal types of connectors to be utilized by the employee. The most critical part of this training is the need for the apprentice to understand that the connectors change in specifications from time to time and that it is essential for them to check the instructions to ensure proper install of the connectors.
- Tools Applicable to the SOW – The MTT will have the responsibility to understand the use of the tools for the SOW and how they are to be inspected and cared for. A critical part of this training will be the responsibility of the MTT to request training when required to utilize a tool that they have not previously been trained for the use of.
Operate Trucks, Trailers, and Equipment
- Load Securement – MTT shall be competent in the securement of loads.
- Competent in the operation Capstan Hoist – As a MTT the apprentice shall be trained in the proper use, care and inspection of the hoist and shall have training to understand the responsibilities as an operator. They shall satisfactorily complete the training on proper capstan hoist use.
- Equipment Applicable to the SOW – The MTT will have the responsibility to understand the use of the equipment for the SOW and how it is to be inspected and cared for. A critical part of this training will be the responsibility of the MTT to request training when required to utilize a type of equipment that they have not previously been trained for the use of.
