PDQ Competent User

In collaboration with Sterling Rope, the PDQ Rescue System was developed to provide a lightweight self-rescue kit for use in tower, wind turbine or other work-at-height environments. 

This course provides candidates thorough training in the use of the PDQ system for self-rescue as well as the rescue of an injured worker who is suspended by their fall-arrest equipment. Training scenarios of the competent user course include self-evacuation, rescue from the side of a vertical structure, rescue from a fixed ladder, and rescue through a confined area. 

Course material is delivered through multi-media presentations, written material and an emphasis on hands-on training. All candidates must successfully complete a written test and practical evaluation. A certificate of completion will be issued upon completion of the training with an expiry of two years.

Learning Objectives

• Understand general work-at-height safe practices

• Fall protection equipment use and inspection

• Mitigating harness-induced suspension trauma

• Proper anchoring methods

• Rescue and evacuation protocols

• Personal evacuation and partner evacuation techniques

• Load raising and transfer methods

• Fall recovery and rescue

• Ladder rescue

• Rescue in a confined area

The minimum age requirement is 18 years. No previous experience is necessary, however an appropriate physical and mental aptitude for technical tasks while working at height is important. Participants will be asked to perform moderate to strenuous activities. A physical examination by a doctor is strongly recommended.