OSVS Cable Car Training Network / Flumserberg Course day on the topic of "Personal protective equipment against falls"
08/September/2026
Nine apprentices from the first and third years of their training met at the Flumserberg mountain lifts for a practical and informative day of instruction on the topic of "Personal Protective Equipment against Falls from Height (PPEgA)" as part of the OSVS cable car apprenticeship program. The participants brought their own personal protective equipment and were able to apply what they learned directly with their own gear.
At 8 a.m., the trainees were welcomed by OSVS President Roger Walser and Michael Ackermann, Head of Railways and Technology at Flumserberg AG. Michael Germann, instructor at Immoos GmbH, then took over the expert course leadership, guiding the young people through a varied day of theory and practice.
From theory to practice
The morning session began with a comprehensive theoretical portion, covering essential principles for safe work with personal protective equipment against falls from height (PPE). Topics included legal requirements, materials science, and the proper handling of PPE.
Other key topics included safety and workplace positioning, the impact force, the fall factor, pendulum falls, and the dangers of hanging in a harness. The execution of a simple downward rescue was also covered. The theory was supplemented by various exercises in the railway hall, allowing the learners to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge.
Practical experience at the cable car support
After the lunch break, things got really practical: The group took the chairlift up towards Chrüz. After a short walk to the training area and some important explanations from Michael Germann, the trainees were able to begin their practical exercises at the cable car pylon.
The focus was primarily on safe working at heights and the correct behavior in various situations. The main learning objective of the afternoon was for participants to be able to carry out a simple rescue of a fellow worker in an emergency. The necessary procedures were explained step by step, practiced, and implemented under expert guidance.
The direct practical application not only provided exciting moments, but also impressively demonstrated to the learners how important the correct use of PPE against falls from height is.
Full speed ahead to the course completion
Before the intensive course day concluded with the completion of the questionnaire and the joint conclusion of the course, a special treat awaited the young people: On the Floomzer summer toboggan run they could recharge their energy and ride towards the successful course day with a dose of adrenaline.
A varied and informative day of training thus came to an end. The combination of sound theory, practical exercises at the cable car pylon, and a spontaneous leisure activity made the PPEgA course a valuable component of the training within the OSVS cable car training network.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Michael Germann, instructor at Immoos GmbH, for the expert and practical course leadership, as well as to Bergbahnen Flumserberg AG for the hospitality and the excellent conditions.
