(International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers)
The Safety and Health Training Department would like to inform all Ironworkers in United States and Canada, of NEW training. This training was developed by Center to Protect Workers' Rights (CPWR) and is entitled “Disaster Response” Safety and Health Training for Construction Workers. The training is conducted through interactive DVD use by the students. All current OSHA 500 instructors who complete their renewal will receive a copy of this DVD and be allowed to train members in their locals.
This training was developed in response to the events that took place at the World Trade Center disaster site. It was determined that the previously provided training was inadequate and incomplete for this type of situation. More needed to be done and CPWR, under a grant, developed this curriculum. Included is a section dealing with an Incident Command Center. This section was developed by the (IAFF) International Association of Fire Fighters training department. It explains how we, as disaster rescue workers, need to cooperate with the firefighters and the chain of command involved.
To date Ironworkers have over 50 trained instructors available. Some locals are already using this excellent training material to better inform their members on how to protect themselves in case of another disaster — whether by terrorists, natural causes like tornado or earthquake, or any other circumstance — which would require our skills. The material that is covered consists of PPE, respirator usage, safety topics, decontamination, and other pertinent information that proves necessary.
This training is an excellent opportunity for ironworkers to work within their communities to develop relationships with other disaster response workers, as well as to broaden the positive perception of our proud organization.
If you would like more information regarding this training tool contact Ron Karas at 202-383-4852. Any District Council that would like to combine training for their OSHA outreach instructors should also contact this office. With luck this training will never be needed, but if it is ever required the Ironworkers will again be ready to assist.
