Our equipment safely navigates where barges can’t float and where ground equipment can’t trek. Nelosca’s specialty amphibious trucks can float fully loaded with a 20-cubic yard payload or be configured to support geotechnical drilling equipment. See our equipment in action with this video! 

Nelosca Technologies, Inc. (Nelosca) recently won a contract with AECOM Energy and Construction (AECOM) for remediation work on LaGrange Lock and Dam on the Illinois River. The contract required us to partake in major gate and concrete rehab while supplying wireless internet access not only to our own Nelosca office trailers, but also to prime contractor AECOM and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the duration of the multi-year project.

Through multiple successful projects, Nelosca Technologies (Nelosca) developed a great partnering relationship with the Midwest group of Xcel Energy® (Xcel). From Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dive inspections and innovative dam repair projects to the implementation of amphibious equipment and helicopters for transmission line installation, we are always looking at ways of incorporating Nelosca’s “can-do” attitude into all client interactions. This year, we got the opportunity to work with Xcel’s Western group.

1.  Identify and anticipate potential hazardous conditions relevant to the site

• Adverse Weather – Is there likelihood for tornadoes, temperatures extremes, strong winds, flooding, snow storms?
• Air quality or Visibility issues – will this play a factor and increase the danger of the tasks being performed?
• Potentially hazardous tasks being performed – Is the work being performed in a dangerous environment or one that has various exposures?
• Size of the crew and worksite – Is the site large and spread out and are there enough people around to know if someone is missing or needs emergency care?
• Methods of communication – if emergency assistance is needed, how will you contact responders or other crew members?  Are 2-way radios available or do cell phones have service?
• Response time – In remote locations, the time it takes for responders to arrive might be lengthy.  Are you able to respond to an emergency until responders arrive?
• Difficult access to worksite – Accessibility for emergency responders may be an issue.  Are you familiar with the area and can direct responders to your location if needed and no address is available?

2.  Analyze each situation that might lead to an emergency

• What emergency supplies may be needed in this scenario?
• What is the likelihood and severity of the potential incidents?
• Do they have a safe storm shelter or a place to hide from the elements?
• What are the surrounding conditions? Does the worksite present additional chemical or biological hazards?
• What type of emergency evacuation equipment should be available?
• How should we respond and where do we go in case of a fire?
• Talk to the crews and get input about what concerns they may have.

3.  Prepare the site and workers with the appropriate training and supplies 

• Have crews trained in CPR/AED and First Aid
• Locate an emergency shelter or safe location close to the work area
• Make the necessary equipment readily available - Fire extinguishers, spill kits, first aid kits, trauma kits, backboards, stokes basket, emergency rescue equipment.
• Identify phone numbers of local emergency responders, the closest hospital and an emergency plan if something occurs. 
• Lastly, prepare crews for emergency situations and provide them with the appropriate tools to respond to various situations.