Event Coordinator
Rick Hartenstein
Town of Stafford WPCF
Stafford, CT
2026 Safety Event Description *Version 5 changes in Purple 3/30/26
2026 Safety Event Judging Sheet *Version 2 - 2/27/26
The judging sheets are provided primarily for event coordinators and judges information only. They are not part of the procedures or the rules of the event. They are for reference only and do not govern; the event descriptions govern. They are updated periodically and are subject to change at any time, without notice. They may not be used in any form of protest or question. There may be actions that are penalties that are not explicitly listed as an example on the penalty sheet.
Safety Event Tutorial(Coming Soon)
Tutorials should be used as an overall suggestion not 100% accurate
Free opsCTRL shared training account
Training video was removed due to changes, new video to released soon.
For more information on the Free or Paid opsCTRL Training options, please complete the contact form at https://info.inctrl.com/operations-challenge-training-program-2026. An inCTRL team member will get back to you within 1-2 business days with next steps.
This version will be delivered via a shared training account, meaning all teams will use the same account and will be able to see one another’s training logs.
For teams who have already purchased or wish to purchase the full paid version, you’ll continue to enjoy access to your private team accounts, allowing for exclusive use and training logs.
If you have any questions or would like to register for access to the shared account, please reach out to opschallenge@inctrl.com.
Equipment Needs
| WEFTEC Platform | Information and drawings of the WEFTEC Safety Platform |
| Xylem Sanitaire Diffused Aeration Assembly | New for 2026 Xylem's Sanitare Diffused Aeration Assembly Kit Purchase Information *NEW 11/26/25* |
| Victaulic Valves Ops Kit | New for 2026 Victaulic Ops Order Kit *NEW 11/26/25* |
| Manhole Covers | New for 2026 Manhole Cover Order Information *NEW 11/26/25* |
| Fall Protection/Tri-pod | 3M Local Reps Contact Information Teams can either go directly through their local vendor (see above) or you can contact Adam Yaeger, 651-615-2763, AYaeger@mmm.com or insidesalesfp@mmm.com. When ordering, use the discount code, WEFTEC. |
| Gas Detector | Drager Multi- Gas Detector with Confined Space Entry kit. |
| Manikins | Rescue Randy Manikin (Amazon Link) |
| Harness | Harness Info - Exofit 200 Harness, USABB part number for the small is 333103, medium, 333104, large is 333105, Xlarge, 333106 6/13/16 Lifelines – The lifelines will be 50’ vertical lifelines from Grainger (see link). They come with a locking snap hook on one end. The belay device has been eliminated. https://www.grainger.com/product/CONDOR-Vertical-Lifeline-45J302?searchBar=true&searchQuery=45j302 |
| CTRL/opsCTRL Files | opsCtrl Software Information o Tablet (preferred Apple iPad 11-inch; 11th generation; 2025; however, any tablet or smartphone can be used) o Internet connection (opsCTRL is cloud based) o Tablet case (optional but recommended timecity for iPad (A16) 11th) o Stylus (optional but recommended GCHMDE stylus pen for touchscreen) |
Questions are accepted up until 9/18/26. Questions can be asked at the pre-competition meeting on Monday, September 28 in New Orleans.
| Question | Answer | Date |
| Is there a comprehensive equipment list for the safety event? We are setting up for the first time and want to make sure we have all that will be used in competition. Thanks. | The equipment list is posted above on the Resource Center, and the new rules will include any additional equipment which will be published before 1/15/26. | 1/6/26 |
| Is there a event layout? Will the opsCTRL be on a tablet or a PC? |
| 1/12/26 |
| Where will the VIC set up, computer and diffusers be located? Will you have a set diagram available? | We will be sending a drawing of equipment placement by 1/15/26 | 1/12/26 |
| How heavy is the Manhole cover direct manhole? We have been seeing weights around the 300# mark. | The cover alone weighs about 51 pounds. | 1/16/26 |
| After reading the new description it says the the blower will actually have power supplied to the fan motor. Are we just running a extension cord to the unit and keeping it powered on the whole duration while we are in the hole? | 16. Electrical Power will be supplied to the blower unit. Turn the blower on. 29. The blower turned off, the hose reinstalled in the blower, and the strap tightened. | 1/16/26 |
1.) Can one entrant loosen all of the filter disc rings as long as they do not remove the ring? | 1. Each Team member must remove, replace, and tighten a minimum of two diffuser assemblies. Loosen, Yes | 1/26/26 3/31/26 (Updated due to psCtrl Changes) |
| Will the 3M tripod unit be set up the same as previous years? Please confirm and provide details of location for where all retrieval equipment will be placed on the tripod. | The new layout is in the description. | 1/23/26 |
| Can manhole cover be moved using only one person or do it require 2 people? | Yes, one person can remove and replace the cover | 1/23/26 |
| How will the Sanitaire Silver Series III Diffusers be mounted for competition? 3/4" sheet of plywood or something else? | 2ft x 8ft; plywood, Carriage Bolts. Rubber mat under the plywood. | 1//23/26 |
| Drawing of equipment placement is still needed. | The new layout has been added under the equipment needs, WEFTEC Layout. | 1/23/26 |
| What is the model of the Tool Bag that will be used in competition? The equipment list says Home Depot 18" bag. Is it the Husky 18 in. 14 Pocket Zippered Tool Bag? | Husky 18 in. 14 Pocket Zippered Tool Bag # HD60018-TH | 1/27/26 |
| What type of base will the diffuser assembly be mounted on? And is there an updated timeline for when the event layout will be released? | 2ft x 8ft plywood, Carriage Bolts. Rubber mat under the plywood. | 1/27/26 |
| When will the platform layout be released? | The Plate form Layout is in the directions | 1/27/26 |
| The link to be able to register for an OpsCtrl account says page "not found". Please advise | The link has been fixed, thank you for letting us know. https://info.inctrl.com/operations-challenge-training-program-2026 | 2/2/26 |
| 1) Will the Tool bag rope being hanging up on a hook or on the ground? 2) Will Spring hook need to be tied on or not? |
| 2/4/26 |
| 1. Can we move things during set-up? (for example can we move the tools and gas meter equipment to different sides of the platform) 2. Can you provide the dimensions of each box for the blower equipment and the Victaulic set-up? 3. Do the locks need to end on the LOTO board? | 1. Yes, tools and the gas meter can be moved during the 3-minute precheck 3. All locks, tags, and hasps on the LOTO board must be replaced at the end of the event. | 2/5/26 |
| Can the gas meter & accessories and tools & tool bag be moved to opposite sides of the platform (within the setup area boundaries) during setup? | The accessories can be moved during the 3-minute precheck. | 2/5/26 |
| We just received the man hole cover. I just wanted some clarification on whether it would actually be bolted and mounted to the platform or if it it is going to be free standing on the platforms. | The manhole ring will fit into the 36” hole on the platform without bolts. | 2/5/26 |
| Will the boxes on the WEFTEC platform diagram for blower and victaulic equipment be taped out on the platform? Or are they just to guide the area where that equipment will be staged? | The boxes are a guide. A new layout is being designed | 2/5/26 |
| Is there vendor contact info and/or special Ops Challenge pricing for the Drager meter, similar to how the Victaulic setup or the Sanitaire setup have 'kit' pricing)? | Paul Bouchard paul@esafetyinc.com Drager 2800 gas detector and pump assembly | 2/5/26 |
| Where is the link to download the free software.f9r ios ctrl? Do we can start familiarizing ourselves.The link that was fixed is a sign up for training. | The Link to sign-up for the free or paid training program: Master Your Operations Challenge Training with opsCTRL (Please note that for the free access to opsCTRL they need an email for log-in purposes, hence, why we need people to fill out this sign-up form.) If you have other questions, you can email, opschallenge@inctrl.com | 2/12/26 |
| will the two entrants start with their safety harnesses on? I don't see a spot for them in the layout. | Harnesses will start on the platform. | 2/13/26 |
| What is included in "Each Team member must remove, replace, and tighten a minimum of two diffuser assemblies"? Does this include cleaning, grease and tighting to 30 ft-lbs or can one person do all the cleaning and another person do all the greasing for example? | One person must do at least the following, Remove, take two retainer rings off the holder, and take two rubber membranes out of the holders Replace, put two clean new rubber membranes onto the holder Tighten, torque two retainer rings | 2/19/26 |
| On the Victaulic Set-up, which direction does the test cap end face? | The 4” Victaulic Butterfly Valve Set-up will parallel the rail with the ladder on it, and the test cap faces the shower area. See Safety Platform Layout for reference. | 2/19/26 |
| Which side of the LOTO board do we mount the holder for the iPad? | Looking at the LOTO board, the iPad holder will be mounted to the right side of the LOTO board | 2/20/26 |
| I have filled out the form for the ops CTRL training software twice and have not heard anything. It has been about a week since i submitted the form. I also emailed Crystal Rice yesterday and got an automatic reply that she is no longer with the company. Please advise on how to get the free training software. | Please note that Crystal Rice is no longer with Ops Ctrl. You can contact them via this email, opschallenge@inctrl.com for any questions on the software or receiving the free training software. | 2/20/26 |
| I need clarification regarding equipment stacking. Is it acceptable to place items inside the retainer rings and within the coiled gas meter tubing, provided that doing so does not interfere with the ability to quickly retrieve either item — as shown with the rope and spring clip in the layout photo? | Yes, as long as nothing is touching each other. | 2/24/26 |
When filling out the permit do we need to fill out the full name, or can it be first name and last initial, (ex. John Smith or John S.) | Full first and last name must be spelled out. | 2/24/26 |
| The end of the diffuser with the screwed on cap, which way will it be facing? | As shown in the SAFETY PLATFORM LAYOUT, it faces the shower end of the platform. | 2/26/26 |
| Will a penalty be assessed if anyone step on the manhole cover? Do the LOTO tags need to be separated from the locks at the end or can they stay together? | No penalty if someone walks on the cover. Walking on the cover is ok. | 2/27/26 |
| Can the blower and its parts be stood up during the setup period? | No. | 3/15/26 |
| Can gas reading start after 1 team member is locked out? | Yes. | 3/15/26 |
| Do both entrants need to be locked out before the relief valve is opened? | No. | 3/17/26 |
| Is there a official hose length end to end for the atmosphere gas detector? | 8 feet total, 18” from the meter, 18” gap, 5 ft to the end. | 3/18/26 |
| Do you have to completely fill out the lock out tags with full first and last names? Or are initials okay? | You MUST completely fill out the lockout tags legibly with full first and last names | 3/18/26 |
| Can the gas meter hose be put into the hole before we are lock out just as long as we haven't pressed the 30 second timer? Do we have to separate the locks from the tags before we put them back on the LOTO board at the end of the event. | **The gas meter hose can be put into the hole, but the 30-second timer can’t start till the butterfly valve is LOTO and ¾” is opened.** LOTO locks, keys, and tags must be returned to the LOTO board in their proper locations. | 3/23/26 |
| Can the gas meter and hose be stacked after set up? | The only equipment that can be stacked together is the five diffuser membranes, and four blue paper towels with the grease, wooden sticks, and screwdrivers on the blue towels. | 3/23/26 |
| The gas reading needs to have a tenth decimal place but 0.0 reverts to 0 in the form. What should we enter when there is no detection? | 20 will be accepted, 20.9 is preferred. | 3/30/26 |
| Can you clasp the legs together on harnesses during walk through and just step in to put on? | The three-minute check will include adjusting entrants’ harnesses; Yes they can be clasped | 3/30/26 |
| Do you anticipate any changes now that South Carolina Event has finished? | Yes, a new version has been posted. | 3/30/26 |
| Will the safety latch be removed on the ball valve? It doesn’t take much strength to bend it out of position. | The safety latch will remain intact; proper use is expected. A penalty will be imposed for improper use of equipment. | 3/30/26 |
| Will 4 locks, 4 cards, and 2 hasps be hung on the lockout station or just 2 locks/cards and 1 hasp? | Two locks, two lock-out tags, and one hasp | 3/30/26 |
| Will there be two safety/rope hooks? If so Can the rope be moved to the other side during set up? | Only one rope and only one location, as shown in the Safety Platform Layout. | 3/30/26 |
| Does the blower need to be assembled, installed and in the hole before entrants can sign the permit? | No. | 3/30/26 |
| Can the man hole cover be rotated during set up? | Yes, the cover can be rotated. | 3/30/26 |
| Could you clarify the previous question about the blower setup? Is it acceptable to assemble the blower (without inserting it into the hole) before the entrants have signed the permit? | The entrants sign the permit during the three-minute walk-through portion of the event. Rev-5, 3-30-26, page 4. The blower assembled happens during the event, not during the three-minute walk-through. | 4/6/26 |
| Can the blower be repositioned vertically during set up, as long as it is not open or connected to its parts? | No, “the blower cannot be switched around on the platform”. It must be left in the horizontal position. | 4/6/26 |