RIT Escape System:

Train the Trainer

Explain •Regulation history and background •Safe Training •Specifics to remember about the RIT system

12 NYCRR Part 800.7: June 6, 2008 • Emergency Escape and Self Rescue Ropes and

System Components for firefighters are intended to ensure that firefighters are provided with the appropriate ropes and system components to allow for controlled self-rescue (without free-fall) from the upper stories of a building, should it become necessary to evacuate from an opening, not designed as an exit.

History Behind the Regulation: • “Black Sunday” New York City: January 23,

2005 o (6) Firefighters forced to bail out of a 4th story

window; (3) firefighters killed, (3) firefighters seriously injured .

• Toronto, Canada: February 26, 2006 o Several firefighters forced to exit from a 2nd floor

window

• Ottawa, Canada: February, 2007 o (3) firefighters forced to jump from a third floor

window; (2) firefighters injured

History Behind the Regulation (Cont’d): • Loudon County, Virginia: May 25, 2008

o (4) firefighters forced to evacuate from a 2nd floor window; (1) firefighter burned and required extensive hospitalization

• Yonkers, New York: October 2, 2009 o (3) firefighters forced to jump from a 3rd floor

window; (1) firefighter killed

“Black Sunday” New York City

Details about “Black Sunday”: • 4 stories at Exposure A;

5 stories at Exposure C • From the report of minor extension

to the floor above to members bailing out the window in under 3 minutes.

• (2) TIC’s in operation on the 4th floor

• Remember “Black Sunday” PowerPoint communication transmissions

Bullard T3 Used by Loudon County, Virginia FF’s who

Transmitted “Mayday”

NFPA 1983: Standards on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services

• Escape ropes and system components provided to firefighters shall conform to the requirements of the edition of NFPA 1983 in effect at the time of their manufacture.

NYS Department of Labor (DOL) Interpretations of NFPA 1983:

• Escape rope/webbing* may be used in training provided it is inspected and used with belay lines

• Belay lines must be life safety rope* • Issued escape system rope/webbing* is single use only

in emergency situations, and is dedicated to emergency escape only**

• Training ropes must be secured and no other uses are permitted (training usage must be tracked/recorded)

*NFPA 1983 defines “Escape” & “Life Safety Rope” by diameter & performance requirements.

**RIT systems are tested annually by the firefighter; as per the manufacturer this is the only exception to this DOL guideline.

12 NYCRR 800.7 Main Requirements: 1. Written Risk Assessment

• To be assembled by the AHJ • Minimum of annual review as per PESH

2. Escape System SOP/SOG • Detailing your department policies in use,

training, and maintenance of the system 3. Written department Mayday policy (see

handout) 4. Training

• Standardized training throughout the year • Utilizing like terminology and practices

Instructor Qualifications: • As per NYS DOL/PESH: “They (Instructors) shall

have training and/or academic credentials and instructional experience necessary to demonstrate competent instructional skills…”

• OFPC recommendation: Completion of the following: • Fire Service Instructor 1 or Principles of Instruction

AND

• Adequate knowledge of the subject matter • Recommendation: NYS Emergency Escape System

Course

Documentation & Record Keeping: • Document all lesson plans and training sessions • What was covered, who attended, who trained,

and whether specific/pre-determined tasks were successfully completed at a proficient level

• If an injury occurs document the incident and be sure to indicate what safety measures were taken and in place.

Train, Train , Train… • By sitting in this class you are taking the

appropriate FIRST steps. Adequate annual, biannual, and monthly training are necessary to maintain proficiency in the use and maintenance of your RIT system and your instructor skills.

• This is a very perishable skill!!

Inspection of System: •Prior to every tour/first monthly drill •After every structural fire •After operating at a Haz-Mat incident

Inspection & Complete Repacking •Recommended: Monthly as per PESH •Record all repacking and inspections.

Inspection of System (Cont’d): •Proper Connection to the Harness

•Tri-Link & device properly aligned (Hand Tight) •Bag & leg straps secure to harness

•Webbing •Inspect sewn edge for loose threads

•Hook & device •Nicks & sharp edges •Handle maneuverability •Proper placement in bag

•Bag Integrity •Flap •Large securing snaps •Rips, tears, discoloration, or any abnormalities

Inspection of System (Cont’d): • Monthly Inspection:

o Completely remove webbing from bag To be performed in a clean area Examine entire length inch by inch Check for fraying of sheath

o Integrity of “end” stopper o Follow Pre-Tour Inspection Procedure o Repack system

Inspection of System (Cont’d): • System shall be placed OOS:

o After every non-training evolution o If fraying on sewn end or webbing is present o If deformities/nicks are present in

descending device or hook o Exposure to ANY hazardous materials o Any DOUBT or uncertainty in system and

system integrity

Knots to Know: Overhand knot

Knots to Know: Water knot

Knots to Know: Figure 8 on a bight

Knots to Know: Figure 8 follow through loop

Knots to Know: Munter hitch

Belay Anchor Points • Substantial Anchor Point (BFR)

o Non-Moveable Anchor Pts. Large Trees Large Boulders Telephone Poles Fire Hydrants

o Vehicle (ensure vehicle keys are secure; lock out tag out) o Tow Hitch o Axle

Belay Anchor Points • Equipment needed for low anchor point:

• (2) lengths of 1” tubular webbing • (1) Carabineer (Size XL if using Munter

Hitch) • (1) Petzl Gri Gri Device

• Equipment needed for high anchor point:

• (2) lengths of 1” tubular webbing • (1) Carabineer • (1) Pulley

Belay Anchor Points • Braking Devices:

• Munter Hitch

• Petzl GriGri

Belay Safety Harness A separate dedicated harness must be provided during emergency escape system training Must be a Class III Harness* Two Options:

1. Class II to Class III Conversion (available on with some Class II Harnesses)

OR 1. Hasty Harness

*Class III Harness must have a dorsal (on back between shoulder blades) load bearing attachment point.

Belay Safety Harness

Belay Line • At least one TRAINED individual is “on belay”

at all times. • Individual must be focused (No Cell Phones, No

Conversations, etc.) • A bail out evolution does not begin until the

trainer at the window ensures the trainee is “on belay” by verbal and visual confirmation with the belay instructor.

• When on belay line: o Eyes stay on the firefighter performing escape o (1) hand remains on rope, (1) hand on device o Use rope or rated gloves at all times

At the Window • Before FF begins escape:

o Visual and hands on inspection of FF’s RIT System

o Visual and hands on inspection of Class III or Hasty Harness prior to hooking on belay

o Hook belay line to dorsal position on harness o Ensure belay instructor is ready

• During FF escape: o Ensure Crosby Hook does not shift during or

after FF escape o Ensure FF performs adequate LEG LOCK

Problems you may encounter • This is one reason why this is not a Rappel • Constant downward pressure mandatory

Problems you may encounter

Vectoring: to be reviewed in the field: • From the window: To be reviewed in the field.

• From the belay: to be reviewed in the field.

Velvet Rope Checklist: 1. Maintain control of trainees/students 2. Have a sign in sheet/entry list 3. Standardized inspection from head to toe at every

evolution a) Chinstrap/SCBA properly donned b) Gear free of tools/equipment (empty pockets) c) System properly inserted in pocket d) Harness properly donned/secured e) Tri-link properly attached

At the Window Checklist: 1. Belay line attached 2. Ensure belay member is ready to go 3. Secondary check of harness and system 4. Watch to ensure knot is properly tied or hook

properly positioned/secured on window 5. Ensure proper hand placement/body position

a) For paying out b) For going from the window

6. Leg Lock, Leg Lock, Leg Lock! 7. Left knee to the chest and a controlled exit/slide to

the ground.

Additional Comments: • Ensure your entire training area is well illuminated

and free of obstructions/trip hazards. • Have portable ladders (able to reach the working

window) in place. • Designate (1) person to contact emergency

assistance in the event of an emergency (Cell Phone & Apparatus Radio).

Additional Comments (Cont’d): • Have EMS equipment in place and ready to go

(long board, O2, AED, etc.) • Monitor your trainees and trainers (rotate

instructors, protect from elements, etc.). • Hydrate before, during, and after training! • Avoid suspension harness trauma (this is a true

medical emergency; See JEMS Handout).

Specifics about the RIT system • Only (2) things you Never do with this system…

1. Never let go with the brake hand (right hand) 2. Never hook into the sewn eyelet (seen below)

NEVER!!

Specifics about the RIT system: Anchoring: •Remotely: Tied/Hooked to Substantial Object

•Radiator or Steam Pipe •Wall Studs •Door Frame •Using Tools

•At the Window: as a last resort; ONLY if unable to tie-off remotely!