OC Safety

Event Coordinator

Rick Hartenstein
Town of Stafford WPCF
Stafford, CT

Event Vice-Coordinator










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2026 Safety Event Description *Version 3 in Red 1/22/26


2026 Safety Event Judging Sheet (Coming Soon)
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

Web meeting for opsCTRL  *NEW*
Thursday, January 29, 1pm  2pm US-EST
Click to Register

  • Crystal will walk through the Safety Event's Confined Space Entry Work Permit form. Rick will be available to answer any questions.
  • Crystal will also explain the different training options we're offering - free, single team paid, multiple team/MA paid. 
  • We will record the webmeeting so it can be uploaded to this site for those who cannot attend.

Free opsCTRL shared training account 

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.

  • If you are certain you would like to purchase or renew the opsCTRL Training paid option for 2026, please complete the following Order Form and send to opschallenge@inctrl.com for processing.
  • A 4.55% processing fee applies to credit card payments.
  • Please reference “Operations Challenge” on all correspondence, including emails and purchase orders.

  • 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 Crystal Rice at inCTRL at crystal.rice@inctrl.com.

Equipment Needs

WEFTEC Platform

Information and drawings of the WEFTEC Safety Platform
Platform Layout  *NEW 1/22/26

Xylem Sanitaire Diffused Aeration AssemblyNew for 2026 Xylem's Sanitare Diffused Aeration Assembly Kit Purchase Information *NEW 11/26/25*
Victaulic Valves Ops KitNew for 2026 Victaulic Ops Order Kit *NEW 11/26/25*
Manhole CoversNew for 2026 Manhole Cover Order Information  *NEW 11/26/25*
Fall Protection/Tri-pod

3M Fall Protection 

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.

Sample Quote from Fastenal

Tri-Pod set Up

Gas DetectorDrager 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

opsCtrl Sole Source Letter

opsCtrl W-9

Required equipment, the iPad, case, and stylus that will be used are included in the platform information document, but also listed here:

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) 



Ask A Question

Questions are accepted up until 9/18/26. Questions can be asked at the pre-competition meeting on Monday, September 28 in New Orleans.

QuestionAnswerDate
IIs 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. The event layout will be released by 1-16-25
  2. opsCTRL will be run on an iPad. 
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 1/15/261/12/26
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.) Does everyone need to sign off in iPad before a person is able to pass through the manhole, or can a Qualified Entrant enter while the others are signing off?
2.) Can one entrant loosen all of the filter disc rings as long as they do not remove the ring?
3.) Can unlocking the valve LOTO occur before the man hole cover is fully back in the covered position?
4.) Can Section D and beyond of the OpsCtrl program be filled out during the 3-min setup? The “Permit” section of the procedure indicates only Section C needs to be filled during the event, but all sections after C require Carbon Monoxide to have a field entry in order to populate. Can a 0 be entered, the sign-offs be completed, and then delete the 0 to restore Section C to blank? The program will save the entries in Sections D and E.
5.) Can the blower be on/running before it enters the manhole ?

1.  Yes
2.  Each Team member must remove, replace, and tighten a minimum of two diffuser assemblies.   Loosen, Yes
3.  Yes
4.  This will be answered in the Training
5. Yes

1/26/26
Why does Entrant 2 have to enter name twice?

This will be answered in the Jan 29 Training.1/26/26
Will the Ops Ctrl software require purchase like it did with Maintenance? That was frustrating for smaller teams as we only had access to the free version before WEFTEC.

Yes, please attend session above.1/23/26
Will a free training version of the OpsCTRL program for the Safety Event be available, similar to the one available for the Maintenance Event?

Yes, see above for information.1/23/26
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;  ¾” plywood, ½” Carriage Bolts.  Rubber mat under the plywood.

1//23/26
Rules description refers to several labeled diagrams (diagram labeled 1, 2, etc.), but none of the diagrams are labeled and there don't seem to be enough diagrams within the rules. Please clarify and update the rules.

Will be covered in Jan 29 training.1/26/26
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-TH1/27/26
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 ¾” plywood, ½” Carriage Bolts. Rubber mat under the plywood.1/27/26
When will the platform layout be released?The Plate form Layout is in the directions1/27/26
The link to be able to register for an OpsCtrl account says page "not found". Please adviseThe 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?
  1. The Tool Bag rope will be on the platform
  2. The spring clip will need to be tied on
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

2.  The dimensions for the tripod box are 6’-4” x 1’-3”
The SRL outer boxes are 1’-7”  x 1’-9” 
The SRL BOX, box is 1’-10” x 1’-9”
The Blower and Victaulic boxes are just outlines for directions.  No specific measurements.

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 designed2/5/26
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