World Trade Center Window Washers Say Training Kept Them Calm

Two window washers who became stuck in scaffolding off 1 World Trade Center this week said in a news conference Friday that their training helped to keep them calm while awaiting rescue.

Juan Lizama, 41, and Juan Lopez, 33, said they kept in good spirits Wednesday after a cable suddenly became slack, leaving their scaffolding completely askew, according to the CBC. Their union, 32BJ, says its 18-month training series helps workers make split-second decisions that can ensure their safety when accidents happen.

“Everyone was safe around us and beneath us,” Lopez said. “Once I saw the fire department inside, I knew it was just a matter of time.” The responders were able to rescue the duo by cutting through thick window glass with a diamond saw.

Nevertheless, Lopez joked, the two wouldn’t mind being assigned to some ground-floor jobs for the time being.

[CBC]