Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/562166
70 P R A C T I C A L W I N E R Y & V I N E YA R D September 2015 W I N E M A K I N G is bad regardless of whether or not the atmospheric monitors are alarming, as there is no way to assure you have the specific sensor for the vapor causing the problem. In addition, the vapor could be toxic enough to be fatal but not flam- mable enough to cause an alarm beyond the 10% lower explosive limit or enough of it by volume to displace the oxygen to the 19.5% level. Development of training program for rescue operations Once it was determined that the Constellation Brands confined space program covered the mandatory and optional components, a training pro- gram for rescue operations was devel- oped. The program would be provided at Constellation Brands wineries in the Central Coast: Estancia, Gonzales and Wild Horse. The training program provided an overview of the hazards, reviewed the mandatory and optional components listed in the regulation and then focused on tactical priorities for the attendant to follow if anything outside of normal occurred. The intent was to provide a tiered res- cue plan that progressed from low-risk to high-risk options, with the high-risk options being provided by off-site pro- fessional personnel. The instructional program consisted of a PowerPoint pre- sentation with descriptions of the pro- cess and video examples of the actual techniques. The classroom instructional program was followed by hands-on training that consisted of setting up the entry with considerations for non-entry rescue oper- ations before the entry began. During the routine entry, the entrant would be instructed to simulate becoming uncon- scious, which would force the attendant to practice the tactical priorities that had been instructed and reviewed in video format in the classroom. Simulations were done repeatedly, with each one progressing through the low-risk options of assessing survival profile of the vic- tim, calling for additional help, improv- ing survival profile of the victim and attempting non-entry rescue options. The new trainers led the trainings within each facility. They proved capable of pro- viding complete confined-space training for full-time and temporary employees. They were also able to provide topic-spe- cific safety orientation to contractors and were able to remediate when deficiencies are found in entry procedures. Taking it to the next level Buy-in for developing a culture of safety has occurred at every level. It started with concerned managers and culmi- nated with employees who are com- mitted enough to the project to attend additional training. Today the organiza- tion has informed and educated person- nel on the production floor looking out for safety every day and sharing that information with others. When working in confined spaces, par- ticipants work as a team, keeping an eye on each other and ensuring that no one is cut- ting corners. Developing in-house trainers has added to the buy-in that every employee needs to watch out for others as well as themselves. At the end of the day, safety is the top priority of the job. PWV Kent Freeman is the owner of California Health & Rescue Training and a 32-year veteran of the fire service. He recently retired as a captain and coordinator of technical res- cue services for Roseville Fire Department in the greater Sacramento, Calif., area. He is the author and developer of California State Fire training divisions, Confined Space Rescue Awareness program, and served as the project leader of the curriculum development team for the Confined Space Rescue Technician program. Contact him through calrescue.com. New from Wines Vines Analytics IDENTIFY, CONTACT & MONITOR DISTRIBUTORS with the DISTRIBUTOR MARKET SERVICE • Identify Distributors by Name or by Winery • View Portfolio of Wineries Represented • Get Contact Information for Distributors • Monitor Distributor Sales • Download Performance Reports SEARCH 1,400 + NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTORS Learn more about the DISTRIBUTOR MARKET SERVICE at winesandvines.com/dms