Jim Holland lowers Amy Bower from inspection bucket during a training drill.

Under-Bridge Inspection team focuses on safety

The Bridge Section inspection team joined district bridge maintenance workers May 21-22 to host a safety and rescue training focused on the operation of their Under Bridge Inspection Trucks (UBITs). The operation of these trucks has been in the national spotlight after accidents in recent years exposed the hazards faced by operators of these trucks.

With the recent training, Idaho joined with a handful of other state DOTs in proactively working with experts in the rescue-safety industry to address these concerns and develop practical plans and hands-on skills that can be used in case of an emergency.

First Strike Safety Solutions, a company of highly trained first responders well versed with UBIT operations, taught rescue skills including safe harness use, descending and ascending from a UBIT basket, and safe retrieval and transport of an injured co-worker. 

The Bridge section plans to integrate these skills into their program and create partnerships with Idaho emergency personell to keep workers safe. 

The Bridge section in Boise maintains two UBIT trucks that are used statewide each year for bridge inspections, and by districts for bridge maintenance. The trucks are critical to department’s ability to ensure a safe bridge system for the traveling public.

Under-Bridge Inspection Team
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op row, l to r: Jim Holland (Bridge), Talmon Gibson (D1), Rene Leon (Bridge), Amy Bower (Bridge), Scott Litchfield (Bridge), Camilo Serrano (D6)
Front row, l to r: Clinton Reeder (D6), Tracy Andersen (D4), Jim Roberts (D2), Mike Redden (D2), Alan Buehrig (Bridge), Jack Irwin (Bridge), Toby Griffin (Bridge), Dan Gorley (Bridge)

Published 06-01-18