Don Dimitroff of Columbus McKinnon coached participants through the Lodestar electric chain hoist. Rocky Paulson, recently retired president of Stage Rigging Inc, stressed safe rigging techniques, while Morgan Neff of Mine Safety Appliances gave instruction on proper use of fall protection equipment. Training was rounded out by Keith Bohn's truss class. The Tomcat Design Manager course covered truss design, use and theory.
Participants received four days of power-packed, informative classes as well as four nights of entertainment - culminating with the traditional "factory night" at Tomcat USA featuring a tour of the facility, demonstrations and graduation ceremony.
In addition to the traditional curriculum, the Advanced Workshop was brought back by popular demand after its successful debut in 2005. Since Tomcat USA began its annual Hoist & Rigging Workshop, there has been a demand for more training. The Advanced Workshop is a tough two day course with more in depth training for those that just can't get enough.
Keith Bohn, design manger for Tomcat USA taught a one day course on advanced concepts in truss usage, including: grid design, applying loads, ground support system considerations, structural design concepts, inspection techniques. Don Dimitroff of Columbus McKinnon led an intense, one day course in hoist design and theory, with a preview of what's new for the Lodestar. Participants disassembled, inspected and reassembled a one ton CM Lodestar and worked on advanced troubleshooting scenarios. Dimitroff was assisted by Dave Sowa, a project manager for Tomcat.
(Chris Henry)
