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Technical Rescuer FundamentalsParticipant WorkbookSAMPLE
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The information presented here is, to the best of our knowledge, current at time of printing and is intended for general application. This publication is not a definitive guide to government regulations or to practices and procedures wholly applicable under every circumstance. The appropriate regulations and statutes should be consulted. Although the Public Services and Health Association (PSHSA) cannot guarantee the accuracy of, nor assume liability for, the information presented here, we are pleased to answer individual requests for counselling and advice.
All material copyright 2017 Public Services Health & Safety Association. You may make no claim to copyright in any materials incorporating or derived from these materials.
All other rights reserved.
Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA)4950 Yonge Street, Suite 1800Toronto, Ontario M2N 6K1CanadaTelephone: 416-250-2131Fax: 416-250-7484Toll Free: 1-877-250-7444Web site: www.pshsa.ca
Connect with us: @PSHSAca
Technical Rescuer
Fundamentals
Copyright © 2017
Product Code: EFIPWAEN0916
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Terms of Use
© Public Services Health and Safety Association i
Terms of Use By accessing or using these Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) training materials, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
Content: Although PSHSA endeavors to ensure that the information provided within these training materials is as accurate, complete and current as possible, PSHSA makes no representations or warranties about the information, including in respect of its accuracy, completeness or currency. You agree that PSHSA shall not be liable for any loss or damage to you or any other person, howsoever caused, that is in any way related to the information found within these training materials or your use of it.
Intent: The content within these training materials is provided for educational and informational purposes. It should not be considered as solicitation, endorsement, suggestion, advice or recommendation to use, rely on, exploit or otherwise apply such information or services.
Copyright: These training materials and their content are protected by Canadian and international intellectual property laws, regulations, treaties and conventions. Except as specifically permitted by these terms and conditions, you shall not reproduce, download, modify, distribute, communicate, adapt, incorporate into another work or product, translate, or otherwise use any content from these training materials, in whole or in part, or authorize anyone else to do any of the foregoing, without PSHSA’s prior written permission. In no circumstances may the information or content within these training materials be reproduced, in whole or in part, for marketing, advertising, promotional, or commercial purposes, except with the prior written permission from PSHSA. These Terms of Use must be retained and communicated in full on any permitted reproductions, disseminations and work products.
Other intellectual property rights: No permission is granted for the use of any other intellectual property right, including official marks or symbols, trademarks, logos, domain names or images.
Document Name: Technical Rescuer Fundamentals Participant Workbook V3.2 PSHSA EFIPWAEN0916
Product Code: EFIPWAEN0916
Version Date: April 11 2017 SAMPLE M
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Technical Rescuer Fundamentals Participant Workbook
Terms of Use
© Public Services Health and Safety Association ii
Safety Policies and Procedures Each training location has site specific policies and procedures – compliance with site specific requirements is mandatory. Also, all course activities will be conducted in a safe and controlled environment. The course is conducted in accordance with legislation, recommended guidelines and industry best practices, including Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Ministry of Labour (Section 21 Guidelines).
• All course equipment will be inspected and maintained in a safe and operablecondition.
• If an Instructor or participant identifies a safety concern, the practical trainingevolution will be stopped immediately until the safety concern has beenaddressed.
Rope Rescue and Working at Heights is an inherently dangerous activity. During this course safety is the utmost priority and will not be compromised under any circumstances. However, even with the most careful planning and safety procedures in place accidents can still occur which may ultimately result in serious injury or death.
Fill out the Site Specific Liability Waiver Before starting please complete the liability waiver. Please review carefully and sign and return to your facilitator
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Table of Contents
© Public Services Health and Safety Association iii
Table of Contents Terms of Use ............................................................................................................................................................................................... i
Safety Policies and Procedures ........................................................................................................................................... ii
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................................................. iii
Welcome .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Course Agenda ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Day 1 ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Day 2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Day 3 ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Day 4 ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Day 5 ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Icons Used in this Training .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Standards and Legislation .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
NFPA Standards ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Section 21 Guidance Notes ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Policies and Procedures ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Site Operations ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Sizing Up a Rescue Incident .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Incident Command System (ICS) and Incident Action Plans (IAP) ...................................................................... 24
Identifying and Managing Resources ........................................................................................................................... 28
Rehabilitation Areas ............................................................................................................................................................. 32
Incident Communications and Operational Commands ....................................................................................... 37
Managing Incident Hazards and Operational Risk ................................................................................................... 41
Lighting Equipment ............................................................................................................................................................. 49
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) .......................................................................................................................................... 50
Use of Personal Protective Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 52
Inspection, Care, and Maintenance ................................................................................................................................ 57
Low-Angle/High-Angle Operations .............................................................................................................................................. 60
Low-Angle vs. High-Angle Overview ............................................................................................................................. 62
Low-angle Rescue ................................................................................................................................................................ 62
Victim Access, Assessment, and Treatment ............................................................................................................................... 66
Search Operations ................................................................................................................................................................ 68
Victim Assessment ............................................................................................................................................................... 69
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Litter Designs and Victim Packaging ............................................................................................................................. 76
Helicopter Support Operations ....................................................................................................................................................... 92
Helicopter Safety .................................................................................................................................................................. 94
“Ornge” Helicopter Safety Video ..................................................................................................................................... 95
Life Safety Rope and Rescue Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 100
Rope Inspection Care and Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 104
Rescue Equipment ............................................................................................................................................................. 106
Ropes and Rigging ............................................................................................................................................................................ 110
Ropes and Knots ................................................................................................................................................................. 112
Principles of Rigging and System Safety Checks ..................................................................................................... 119
Anchor Systems ................................................................................................................................................................... 121
Edge Protection ................................................................................................................................................................... 125
Lowering Systems – Construction and Operation .................................................................................................. 127
Mechanical Advantage Systems - Construction and Operation ........................................................................ 131
Belay Systems – Construction and Operation .......................................................................................................... 136
Appendix A: Sample Documentation ........................................................................................................................................ 138
Sample PPE/Equipment Log ........................................................................................................................................... 140
Sample Rope History Log ................................................................................................................................................ 141
Sample Command Tactical Worksheet - Rope Rescue .......................................................................................... 142
Topics and JPR Reference ............................................................................................................................................................... 146
Section 21 Guidance Notes ............................................................................................................................................................ 147
Appendix B: Step by Step Instructions ...................................................................................................................................... 148
Figure 8 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 150
Figure 8 on a Bight ............................................................................................................................................................. 151
Figure 8 Follow Through .................................................................................................................................................. 153
Figure 8 Bend ....................................................................................................................................................................... 156
Alpine Butterfly.................................................................................................................................................................... 158
Bowline ................................................................................................................................................................................... 161
Barrel Knot ............................................................................................................................................................................. 163
Overhand Safety Knot ....................................................................................................................................................... 165
Double Fisherman’s Bend ................................................................................................................................................ 166
Water Bend ........................................................................................................................................................................... 170
Girth Hitch ............................................................................................................................................................................. 172
Prusik Hitch ........................................................................................................................................................................... 175
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Tensionless Hitch ................................................................................................................................................................ 177
Wrap 3 Pull 2 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 179
Simple 3:1 Z-rig Mechanical Advantage..................................................................................................................... 182
Improvised Litter Tie-in Method 1 ................................................................................................................................ 184
Improvised Litter Tie-in Method 2 ................................................................................................................................ 189
Appendix C: NFPA 1006 Requisite Skills ................................................................................................................................... 198
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.1 ................................................................................................................................................................. 200
Tie Knots, Bends and Hitches ......................................................................................................................................... 200
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.2 ................................................................................................................................................................. 201
Construct a Single-Point Anchor System ................................................................................................................... 201
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.3 ................................................................................................................................................................. 202
Place Edge Protection ....................................................................................................................................................... 202
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.4 ................................................................................................................................................................. 203
Construct a Simple Rope MA System .......................................................................................................................... 203
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.5 ................................................................................................................................................................. 204
Direct a Team in the Operation of a Simple Rope MA System in a Low-Angle Raising Operation ....... 204
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.6 ................................................................................................................................................................. 205
Function as a Litter Tender in a Low-Angle Lowering or Hauling Operation ............................................... 205
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.7 ................................................................................................................................................................. 206
Construct a Lowering System ........................................................................................................................................ 206
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.8 ................................................................................................................................................................. 207
Direct a Lowering Operation in a Low-Angle Environment ................................................................................ 207
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.9 ................................................................................................................................................................. 208
Construct a Belay System................................................................................................................................................. 208
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.10 ............................................................................................................................................................... 209
Operate a Belay System in a Lowering or Raising Operation ............................................................................. 209
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.11 ............................................................................................................................................................... 210
Belay a Falling Load in a High-Angle Environment ................................................................................................ 210
NFPA 1006 Section 5.5.12 ............................................................................................................................................................... 211
Conduct a System Safety Check .................................................................................................................................... 211
Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 212
References ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 218 SAMPLE
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Technical Rescuer Fundamentals Participant Workbook
Welcome
© Public Services Health and Safety Association 1
Welcome Technical Rescuers have specialized training and skills to conduct high risk rescues. This is a foundational course that ensures you understand the basics of technical rescue operations.
This resource booklet provides information about Technical Rescuer Fundamentals. The Technical Rescuer Fundamentals Course meets the job performance requirements of NFPA 1006 Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications, Chapter 5, 2013 Edition.
This course involves formal classroom presentations, case study analysis, group discussion and practical skills training. Formal lectures provide requisite knowledge and are supplemented by case study analysis and group discussion. The practical exercises demonstrate requisite skill mastery.
Certification testing will be conducted on day 5 of the program.
Please note: segments of the course are considered physically demanding and this course requires 100% attendance for successful completion.
A special thank you to Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services for providing PSHSA subject matter expertise for the development of this course.
Goals and Objectives The goal of this course is to meet the job performance requirements (JPR’s) of NFPA 1006 Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications, Chapter 5, 2013 Edition. NFPA 1006 Chapter 5 establishes common knowledge and skill requirements, which must be met prior to pursuing certification in any of the specialized technical rescue disciplines listed in NFPA 1006.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Set up site operations for rescue Triage, move and stabilize victims for transfer to EMS Conduct ongoing inspection and maintenance of personal protective equipment
and rescue equipment Explain the basic fundamentals of ropes and rigging Perform basic rope and rigging tasksSAMPLE
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Standards and Legislation
© Public Services Health and Safety Association 8
Standards and Legislation This section covers the following topics;
• NFPA Standards
• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Section 21 Guidance Notes
• Policies and Procedures
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Standards and Legislation
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NFPA Standards The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was created by emergency services personnel. NFPA creates standards for all aspects of the fire service. Specific standards apply to technical rescue. Fire departments, or the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), may choose to adhere to all or part of these standards. These standards provide the job performance requirements (JPR’s) designed to ensure technical efficiency and professionalism. NFPA standards related to technical rescue include:
NFPA 1006 NFPA 1670 NFPA 1951 NFPA 1983
Access NFPA Standards Online http://www.nfpa.org/NFPA 1006
NFPA 1006 Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications, 2013 Edition, establishes the minimum JPR’s for individual technical rescuers.
Chapter 5 sets the foundation for all other technical rescue disciplines Chapters 6-19 provide specific requirements for specialized rescue disciplines
o Chapter 6 Rope Rescue o Chapter 7 Confined Space Rescue o Chapter 8 Trench Rescue o Chapter 9 Structural Collapse o Chapter 10 Vehicle Rescue o Chapter 11 Surface Water Rescue o Chapter 12 Swiftwater rescue o Chapter 13 Dive Rescue o Chapter 14 Ice Rescue o Chapter 15 Surf Rescue o Chapter 16 Wilderness Rescue o Chapter 17 Mine and Tunnel Rescue o Chapter 18 Cave Rescue o Chapter 19 Machinery Rescue
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Standards and Legislation
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NFPA 1670
NFPA 1670 Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents, 2014 Edition, provides a guideline to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for establishing levels of functional capability at technical rescue incidents. Operational levels are classified as Awareness, Operations, and Technician. The AHJ is required to have a training program in place which meets the requirements of the determined operational level.
NFPA 1951
NFPA 1951 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents, 2013 Edition specifies the minimum design, performance, testing, and certification requirements for technical rescue protective ensembles and their components for use by emergency services personnel during technical rescue incidents.
Components include:o Garmentso Helmetso Gloveso Footwearo Goggles
NFPA 1983
NFPA 1983 Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services, 2012 Edition, specifies the minimum design, performance, testing, and certification requirements for life safety rope and equipment for emergency services personnel.
Applies to:o Life safety ropeo Escape ropeo Water rescue throwlineso Life safety harnesseso Beltso Victim extrication deviceso Litterso Escape webbingo Escape systemsSAMPLE
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Standards and Legislation
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Health and Safety Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is
general and applies to all workplaces Regulations are specific and determine how
requirements under OHSA will be carried out, someexamples are:
o Regulation 851 Industrial Establishmentso Regulation 213/91 Construction Projects
Standards give specific technical information andare often developed by industry professionals,some examples are:
o NFPA Standardso CSA Standards
Codes help outline and support regulations and are developed by experts, someexamples are:
o Ontario Building Codeo Ontario Fire Code
Guidelines are detailed rules or policies by experts and/or Government, but arenot enforceable on their own. They are however considered best practice, someexamples are:
o Ministry of Labour Heat Stress Guidelineo Section 21 Guidance Notes
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Standards and Legislation
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OHSA Regulations and Standards Affecting Technical Rescue
This table list OHSA Regulations and CSA Standards which may impact your technical rescue operations.
Topic OHSA Regulation CSA Standard
Confined Space Regulation 632/05 Confined Spaces
CSA Z1006
Fall Protection Regulation 213/91 Construction Projects
CAN/CSA Z259.2.5-12
Lock Out Tag Out Regulation 851 Industrial Establishments Regulation 213/91 Construction Projects
CSA Z460-13
Respiratory Protection
Regulation 851 Industrial Establishments Regulation 213/91 Construction Projects
CSA Z94.4
Trenches and Excavations
Regulation 213 /91 Construction Projects
Rope Rescue No Specific Rope Rescue Requirements
Regulations and Standards Online The Occupational Health and Safety Act and all related Regulations can be found at www.Ontario.ca/laws
All CSA Standards can be found on the CSA website www.csagroup.org
There are exceptions within the OHSA and some regulations in relation to fire fighters and emergency operations. Refer to the act and the specific regulations for more information.
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Standards and Legislation
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Section 21 Guidance Notes Guidance Notes are developed through the Ontario Fire Service Advisory Committee. This committee is comprised of an equal number of representatives from management and labour.
Guidance notes make recommendations related to the occupational health and safety of firefighters in the Province of Ontario.
The following guidance notes are related to technical rescue:
GN 1-05 Life Safety Rope GN 2-01 Incident Command GN 2-04 Incident Safety Officer GN 3-3 Heat and Cold Stress GN 5-01 Accountability and Entry GN 6-03 Water and Ice Rescue GN 6-04 Rope Rescue GN 6-05 Confined Space Rescue GN 6-11 Rapid Intervention Teams GN 6-12 Rehabilitation During Emergency Operations GN 6-16 Machinery Electrical Lockout GN 6-28 Recue Collapsed Trench
Section 21 Guidance Notes Online http://www.oafc.on.ca/section-21
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Site Operations
© Public Services Health and Safety Association 16
Site Operations This section covers the following topics;
• Sizing up a Rescue Incidents 5.2.2
• Incident Command System (ICS) and Incident Action Plans5.2.2; 5.2.4; 5.2.7
• Identifying and Managing Resources 5.2.1; 5.2.2; 5.2.4; 5.2.7
• Rehabilitation Areas 5.2.1
• Incident Communications and Operational Commands 5.2.4;5.5.5; 5.5.8; 5.5.10
• Managing Incident Hazards and Operational Risk 5.2.1 ; 5.2.3;5.5.3
• Lighting Equipment 5.2.1
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Sizing Up a Rescue Incident Size-up attempts to identify the nature and severity of the rescue incident, this includes:
Type of rescue required Number and location of victims Existing and potential on-scene hazards Risk/benefit analysis Identifying needed resources
Size-up is an on-going process of observation and evaluation of the rescue scene for needed changes in strategic goals and tactical considerations for the incident.
Information Gathering Techniques Information gathering is critical to sizing up a rescue incident and can come from the following sources:
Pre-Incident Plans Dispatch Information Rescuer Observations Witness Statements Technical Reference Materials
Pre-incident Planning Rescue incidents vary, they can be simple or complex. It is important to preplan a number of scenarios to help prepare your team for a safe and efficient rescue.
Preparation is key to the success of a rescue operation. Good pre-planning helps to identify permanent hazards in the area, pinpoint previous rescue locations, determine the frequency and potential for incidents to occur, and to identify what personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or other resources that would be required for a rescue. SAMPLE
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Site Operations
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Individual Activity: Dispatch Report
Answer the following questions based on the dispatch report below;
Dispatch Report: A hiker fell approximately 100 ft down a ravine. Victim is complaining of a broken leg. He is located approximately 300m from the nearest intersection of Midland Avenue and Fishleigh Drive.
1. What is the type of incident?
___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
2. How many victims are there and what are their locations?
___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
3. Describe the potential hazards.
___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
4. List the potential resources you may need.
___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
Rescuer Observations Upon arrival, rescuers gather information first hand using their own observations, allowing them to make a rapid assessment of the situation.
Rescuers should attempt to answer the following questions: What has occurred? Does it match the initial dispatch information? Have witnesses and reporting parties been identified and interviewed? How many victims, where are they and what is their status? Observe weather, time of day, day of week and how this will impact rescue
operations? Is the situation stable, or getting worse? What is likely to occur without immediate intervention? What safety issues, or hazards, are involved? Is it reasonable to attempt a rescue? Or should the operation be conducted as a
body recovery? Are the resources on scene or en-route sufficient to handle the incident or are
additional resources required?
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Witness Interviews Witness interviews are an important source of information which can provide details regarding the following:
WHO is the victim; name, age, gender WHAT happened; circumstances surrounding
the incident WHEN did the incident occur; time of day WHERE was the victim last scene; location
known or unknown WHY was the victim there; working,
recreation, trespassing
Types of Technical Reference Materials Rescuers have access to a variety of technical reference materials. These materials may be used for training, pre-planning, or at an emergency scene and many are available in an electronic form which can be particularly useful in the field. Examples of technical reference materials include the following: NFPA Standards Rescue Manuals Field Guides Equipment User Guides Maps Blueprints Site Plans Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
CMC Rescue App The CMC Rescue Field Guide App combines three rescue guide manuals into one, allowing quick access to rope rescue and access diagrams, reference charts, how-to information and rescue references, all from the palm of your hand while out in the field. App is available free from the App store and Google Play.
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Group Activity: Gathering and Relaying Information
Part of sizing up a rescue incident is being able to relay important information to other personnel. In this exercise we are going to practice how to gather and relay information.
• A crew of 5 volunteers will be provided with a scenario.
• They will decipher the important information and relay it to the class.
• Use the chart below to document the information that you obtain from yourclassmates
• Discussion will follow
Incident Details
Location
Time of Day
Weather Conditions
Witness Information
Victim Information
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Ropes and Rigging
© Public Services Health and Safety Association 110
Ropes and Rigging This section covers the following topics;
• Ropes and Knots 5.5.1
• Principles of Rigging and System Safety Checks 5.5.12
• Anchor Systems 5.5.2
• Edge Protection 5.5.3
• Lowering Systems – Construction and Operation 5.5.7; 5.5.8
• Mechanical Advantage Systems – Construction and Operation 5.5.4; 5.5.5
• Belay Systems – Construction and Operation 5.5.9; 5.5.10
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Ropes and Rigging
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Ropes and Knots
Knot Efficiency The tying of knots bends, and hitches, given ropes and webbing is fundamental to the role of the technical rescuer. Knots should be easy to tie, identify and untie after loading. Tight bends in knots, for instance, will weaken a rope. Backing up a knot means to add a safety knot to the primary knot so the primary knot will not untie.
Knot efficiency specifically refers to the percentage of strength remaining in the rope after a knot is tied. Knot efficiency is shown as a percentage of the Minimum Braking Strength (MBS) of a rope. For example, a Figure Eight on Bight has a knot efficiency of 80% and when tied on a rope with a MBS of 9000 lbf you should consider the rope to have a new MBS of 7200 lbf. Most rescue knots result in a 20-28% efficiency loss. In general, knots with tighter bends will cause greater strength loss than knots with more open bends.
A correct knot must be “dressed and set”. Dressed, refers to the final knot being neat and easy to identify with all bends of the knot running parallel and not crossing each other. The knot must then be set. This is done by pre-tensioning the knot which will ensure it has been tied correctly and that all slack has been removed.
There must be no slack in the knot which can lessen the rope strength by nearly 50%!
Knot Utilization There are many different types of knots used in rescue for various purposes and functions. Rescue teams should determine which knots they will utilize and what their typical applications will be. This will allow team members to master the chosen knots through repetition and training. Safety checks of the rope rescue system will be easier when only team approved knots are used in the pre-determined components of the system. In addition to knots, rescuers will also utilize hitches and bends.
Knots, hitches and bends have distinct functions:
Knots – create a secure connection point Hitches – tie around an object, will fall apart if object is removed Bends – join two ends of rope or webbingSAMPLE
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Ropes and Rigging
© Public Services Health and Safety Association 122
Anchor Types Anchor selection is often obvious, however, at times it can be a challenge. Look for anchors that are stable, strong and in a location suitable for your operation. Experience and practice will provide confidence in anchor selection.
Below is a list of anchor types and commonly used examples:
Natural Structural Portable
Natural anchors are an obvious consideration in the natural environment. Healthy and well-rooted trees with trunks great than 6” in diameter and large stable rocks are good natural anchors.
In the urban environment, structural anchors are more common. Potential anchors can include: window washing anchors, load-bearing I-beams, billboard anchors, bridges, concrete columns, elevator and stairwell penthouses. When selecting structural anchors, watch for signs of poor integrity such as rust, corrosion, weathering, and deterioration of mortar and brickwork.
Portable anchors are just that, anchors which may be transported in to your rescue scene. Fire trucks and tripods are commonly used portable anchors. Some fire trucks are equipped with frame mounted attachment points designed for rigging. If this is not the case use the strongest points such as the frame or axles. In addition, the fire truck must be parked on solid ground with the wheels chocked and emergency brake activated. Follow local lock-out protocols to ensure the vehicle cannot be started or moved during rescue operations. This may require assigning someone to stand guard at the vehicle.
Example of a natural anchor
Example of a structural anchor
Example of a portable anchor SAMPLE
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Ropes and Rigging
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Tripods are an invaluable piece of equipment to rescue teams. Most tripods are commercially produced and can be disassembled for easier transport. Tripods can be used as an overhead anchor or as an artificial high directional (AHD) which makes edge transitions of the rescue load easier and safer. Manufactured tripods also undergo testing to establish safe working loads and limitations. Tripods can also be improvised using items such as heavy timbers or ladders. Caution should be taken when constructing an improvised tripod and should be practiced under controlled conditions before being used at a rescue incident.
Anchors should be in-line with the direction of pull (fall line). If this is not possible, a change of direction anchor or multi-point anchor system may be used to reposition the rescue system to the desired location.
Edge Protection Always remember to protect your ropes and webbing. If your anchor has sharp or rough edges, first wrap it with padding before use.
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Ropes and Rigging
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Anchoring Techniques Equipment used for the creation of a single point anchor system includes an anchor and a configuration of rope, webbing and supportive hardware. The strength of an anchor system is determined by the components used in its construction
Tensionless Hitch
The Tensionless Hitch is constructed by tying a Figure-Eight on a Bight to the end of a rope, then wrapping the rope around an anchor enough times that it won’t slip under load. Secure the rope with a carabiner by clipping the Figure-Eight on a Bight to the working part of the rope. Small diameter or smooth anchors will require more wraps than an anchor which is larger or has a rough surface. A minimum of three wraps should be used when constructing a tensionless hitch. A Tensionless Hitch, which maintains 100% of the rope strength because it works on friction, can be used to build a single point anchor.
Important When using a tensionless hitch, ensure there are enough wraps to provide the required amount of friction!
Wrap 3-Pull 2
Webbing – either flat or tubular - can also be used to construct a single point anchor. The preferred method for securing webbing to an anchor is the Wrap 3-Pull 2. In this method, webbing is wrapped around an anchor 3 times and then secured in the front with a water bend. Once tied, this configuration results in three loops, with the water bend held against the anchor and the loops pulled forward the result is four legs of webbing. A Wrap 3-Pull 2 will result in 100% knot efficiency.
Anchor Straps
Manufactured anchor straps are also a popular choice among rescue teams. These straps are constructed of webbing, usually 2” or wider, have metal attachment points sewn into each end and are available in a variety of lengths. When using anchor straps it is important to select one long enough to avoid tri-loading the connection carabiner.
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Ropes and Rigging
© Public Services Health and Safety Association 126
Edge Protection Edge protection is used to protect ropes and webbing from sharp or abrasive edges and a variety of materials, products, and techniques may be used for this purpose.
Some materials and devices that can be used to protect ropes and webbing are:
Edge rollers (all metal) Pads (canvas tarps) Guards (sleeves) Clean salvage covers Gear bags Blankets Fire hose Turnout coats
Nearly anything can be used as edge protection dependent on the circumstances!
Examples of Edge Protection Materials and Devices
Metal Rollers: Canvas Pads: Rope Guides Padded Sleeves:
Important Edge Protection should never be an afterthought, it is one of the most important measures you can take to protect the integrity of the rope rescue system! SAMPLE
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References
© Public Services Health and Safety Association 218
References IFSTA, Fire Service Technical Search and Rescue, 8th Edition Jones & Bartlett, High-Angle Rope Rescue Techniques - Levels I & II, 4th
Edition Jeff Matthews, Technical Rescuer Rope Levels 1 and 2, 2009 NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications,
2013 Edition NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search
and Rescue Incidents, 2014 edition NFPA 1951: Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue
Incidents, 2013 edition NFPA 1983: Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency
Services, 2012 edition Ontario Ministry of Labour, Section 21, Guidance Notes:
1-5 Life Safety Rope and Equipment 2-1 Incident Command 2-4 Incident Safety Officer 3-3 Heat and Cold Stress 5-1 Firefighter Accountability and Entry Control 6-3 Water and Ice Rescue 6-4 Rope Rescue 6-5 Confined Space Rescue 6-11 Rapid Intervention Teams (Rescue) 6-12 Rehabilitation During Emergency Operations 6-16 Machinery/Electrical Lockout During Emergency Response 6-28 Rescue from a Collapsed Trench 7-1 Health and Safety During Practical Training Sessions 7-2 Training Requirements 7-3 Documentation of Training Plus Daily Training Report
Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ministry of Labour “Ornge” Air Ambulance Helicopter Safety
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Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA)4950 Yonge Street, Suite 1800 Toronto, Ontario M2N 6K1CanadaTelephone: 416-250-2131Fax: 416-250-7484Toll Free: 1-877-250-7444Web site: www.pshsa.ca
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Technical Rescuer Fundamentals
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