Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-51
TRAININGTRAINING
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II Goals of Training Ropes & Hardware Requir
ements Haul Systems Line Transfer vs. Third-Man Pickoff Safety Line Philosophy Patient Packaging
Evolutions Discussion Quiz Continuing Education
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Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-52
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Learning or refamiliarizing members with basic rope techniques
Understanding how these techniques will work in real scenarios.
Emphasis on conducting rope rescues in a safe manner.
Goals of Training
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-53
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Always use static rope, not dynamic.– Rappelers and cliff climbers like dynamic rope because
it has more give; rescuers don’t need that.– Static rope used is a two-person load rope; 9,000 lb.
Capacity.– Static rope has a low spin tendency; important for
working with a Stokes.– Core carries 80% of the weight; the sheath carries
20%.
Rope & Hardware Requirements
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-54
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Always use static rope, not dynamic (cont.).– Use training rope with a safety.– Don’t step on rope or smoke near it
(to avoid burning it).– Pad edges to avoid friction.
Rope & Hardware Requirements (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-55
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Carabiners: Do’s and Don’ts
– Make sure the gate is locked; don't drop them.
– Load carabiners in-line; don't let them turn sideways.
Rope & Hardware Requirements (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-56
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Rappel Rack & Figure 8– Use a Rack with a Line Transfer or Third-Man
Pickoff.– Add and subtract friction with more control
(depending on how many bars are used).
Rope & Hardware Requirements (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-57
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Gibbs & Rescue Ascenders
– Used a lot in haul systems; Z-rigs, 3:1, 4:1, etc.
– Shock loading the rope with these devices will damage the rope because they dig in. will damage the rope because they dig in.
Rope & Hardware Requirements (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-58
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Pulleys– Used for mechanical advantage– Size of rope to use with a pulley is determined by
rope diameter; specifically, four times the rope diameter.
half-inch rope demands a minimum 2" diameter pulley; you can go bigger but never smaller.
– Smaller-diameter pulleys will crush the rope by overbending it.
Rope & Hardware Requirements (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-59
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Harnesses– Rated for one person; all other devices are rated for
two persons. Important to remember in Line Transfer or Third-Man
Pickoff maneuvers: Don’t clip victim to your harness! Hook them to the haul system!
– Class of Harness Class II is basically just a seat harness (used in Confined
Space evolutions) Class III is a chest-and-seat harness.
Rope & Hardware Requirements (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-510
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Prusik Wraps:– Single:
Used around our main line or a working line; great for unloading your own system, like a rappel system.
Wrap them carefully so they don’t overlap or they won’t work.
Use it to make a foot loop for you to stand on.
Haul Systems
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-511
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Prusik Wraps:– Tandem Triple-Wrap Prusik:
Use a long and a short Prusik cord Can replace mechanical grab devices like a gibbs, rescue
ascenders, etc. Use if short of hardware. Great for making a safety to a
haul system; when they stretch out, they lock off.
Haul Systems (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-512
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Anchors:– Must be bomb-proof
Keep in-line with rescuer if possible; avoid slack and load shock.
Steel beams and concrete abutments are excellent because they're anchored top and bottom. A handrailing probably isn't.
– Trees: Can be good Consider the size and root system; a 2" sapling won't
work! Make sure it's alive.
Haul Systems (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-513
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Anchors:– Boulders:
They must be huge and embedded in the ground.
– Vehicles: Excellent Be sure and remove the keys; chock it down in necessary.
– Equipment: Useful if very heavy and immovable
Haul Systems (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-514
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Anchors:– Picket System– Steel pickets planted in a row– System will lose efficiency as it grows:
Single picket: 700 lbs. 1:1 : = 1400 1:1:1 = 1800 3:2:1 System; different ways of rigging it
– Stud work: Use in a bind, but back it up with something else
Haul Systems (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-515
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Ladder Gin:– Use when you can only rig one side in a scenario
(as opposed to an A- Frame where you have two sides)
– You can use a single or straight ladder, extension ladder, etc.
– High-point anchor: Remember the angle must be less than 90 degrees!
Haul Systems (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-516
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Ladder Gin:– Use it to rig a:
2:1 system for lifting a static line for rapelling a dynamic line with an offset mechanical system to haul a
Stokes, etc.
– Don't pull off-axis when using a Ladder Gin; it's not an A-frame; it relies on a straight-down load to keep it steady.
– Add a third line for stability if you have the room and secure the bottom of the ladder.
Haul Systems (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-517
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
A-Frame:– Useful for trench rescue– Laterally sturdy as well as vertically sturdy when
you rig the guy lines– Takes a high-point anchor for a mechanical
advantage system – Use the A-Frame when two sides are available for
rigging; otherwise, use the Ladder Gin.
Haul Systems (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-518
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Mechanical Advantage (MA)– 3:1 and 4:1 are most useful; easy to rig– Increase MA if more lift is needed or you're short on
manpower.– There are disadvantages to using exceedingly large
MAs, such as 12:1 or 15:1: You use an awful lot of rope You lose sensitivity and can't feel what's happening to the
rope: snagging, etc.
– You can exceed the rope weighting and overload such a system
Haul Systems (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-519
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Line Transfer– moving a dead weight
(ex: unconscious person) from another haul system to the haul system of the rescuer system
Use no less than six bars on your rack!
Third-Man Pickoff– rigging a harness on a trapped person and moving
person to haul system of rescuer
Line Transfer vs. Third-Man Pickoff
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-520
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
It's becoming evident that safety lines are not essentially necessary on rescues. If we use rated equipment that's in good shape and use good technique, we can skip the safety.
However, if there's time and manpower to rig one, go ahead and do it. But if response speed is critical, go without it. Follow the S.O.G. in your department regarding the use of safety lines.
Safety Line Philosophy
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-521
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Don't drive or walk on ropes. Rig tag lines on all personnel working near cliff
edges. Proper PPE: gloves and helmet, weather
permitting Make your assignments and go with it;
examine the capabilities of your people and use them accordingly.
Good communications, coordination and teamwork
Scene Operations
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-522
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Stokes, SKED, LSP, Half-Back, Hastey Harness (see examples in Volume 04-4)
Patient Packaging
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-523
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
General Advice & Precautions:
– Set haul assignments: give assignments based on personnel strengths and preferences.
– Decide on rigging to use: mechanical advantage, hardware, etc.
– Select anchor points.– Select lift conveyance: Stokes, SKED, etc.– Is rescuer being lowered or rapelling down?– If lowering rescuer, be sure and load system before
descent begins.
Evolutions
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-524
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
General Advice & Precautions (cont.)– Position system so rope falls just beyond the edge of
cliff or structure; this way, the rescuer is within reach of rescue team and doesn't have to swing out too far.
– If it's too close, then our patient gets bumped up against the side of the cliff or structure below the rescue point.
– On Line Transfers or Third-Man Pickoffs, never connect the patient to rescuer's harness; only to the haul system.
Evolutions (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-525
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Ladder Gin: Lowering/Lifting– Anchor points add stability to system when they are
fairly wide; but don't set them too far back because long tag lines tend to pull on the system.
– Watch twists when using 3:1, 4:1 systems. Avoid nylon rubbing on nylon. Use a swivel if necessary.
– Set system length so there is sufficient height beneath the system hardware to haul Stokes over the edge without a lot of manual lifting
Evolutions (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-526
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Ladder Gin: Lowering/Lifting (cont.)– Consider using a redirect pulley system to move the
haul team away from the edge, reducing congestion at the point of rescue.
– A redirect also works well with a Ladder Gin because it keeps the pull force centered and in line with the ladder, avoiding movement side-to-side.
Evolutions (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-527
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Stairwell Carry– Use the line to hold the weight of a Stokes or lowering
device while rescuers escort the it down the stairwell. The dimensions of the stairwell will determine exactly how you handle the stretcher.
– Two carabiners connected by a swivel are the heart of the haul system
Evolutions (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-528
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Stairwell Carry (cont.)– As usual, pick a sturdy anchor point. In a stairwell:
this could be a railing base or support. or you could rig a high anchor point using a ladder at the top
of the stairwell if there's room.
– The routine is to lower, then manipulate the stretcher around the stairwell, then lower.
Evolutions (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-529
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Line Transfer– Rescuer may go to five bars on the rescue rack when
lowering; when adding the patient to the system, never use less than six bars for added safety in descent.
– Upon reaching the patient either by rapelling or by being lowered, invert and work upside down as you hook the patient to the haul system. DO NOT hook the patient to your harness!
– Weight the system with the patient before you remove him from the ledge.
Evolutions (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-530
Ropes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIRopes & Rigging Techniques, Pt. II
Stokes Rescue– Diamond lash the patient into the Stokes, also making
adjustments for horizontal or vertical rescue.– Size of patient will demand adjustment of lashing.– Rescuer below maintains control of tag lines on the
Stokes as it is hauled up.
Evolutions (cont.)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-531
Department DiscussionDepartment DiscussionDepartment DiscussionDepartment Discussion
The department involved in this month’s training pose some discussion questions that you can use as discussion-starters in your own department’s training sessions.
How will your department handle these scenarios?
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-532
Department DiscussionDepartment DiscussionDepartment DiscussionDepartment Discussion
“What constitutes a correct rescue technique? Is there such a thing as a bad rescue?”
“How does your department handle ropes? Does it keep them pre-rigged in a bag?”
“Here’s a question for the company officer: how do you assign duties on the rescue scene? Is it by ability? Seniority? What criteria do you use?”
-
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-533
Department DiscussionDepartment DiscussionDepartment DiscussionDepartment Discussion
“What is your department’s policy on safety lines during actual rescues?”
“Do you think it’s a good idea to be able to execute rescues using equipment that your department doesn’t own? Why might this be useful?”
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-534
Department DiscussionDepartment DiscussionDepartment DiscussionDepartment Discussion
“Is there any advantage to executing a rescue by a different method if the one you usually use has always worked?”
- Deputy Chief Steve RhinehartMaryland Heights Fire Protection District,
St. Charles County, Missouri
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-535
Ropes & Rigging Techniques: QuizRopes & Rigging Techniques: QuizRopes & Rigging Techniques: QuizRopes & Rigging Techniques: Quiz
Date__________________ Firefighter________________ Chief/T.O.______________ Education Credits _________Select the best answer:
1. True or False:
Keeping a downward weight on a Ladder Gin won’t help its stability.
2. True or False:
Because rapelling is an accepted technique, you should also use dynamic rope for rescues as you would with rapelling.
3. True or False:
Don’t let carabiners turn sideways.
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-536
Ropes & Rigging Techniques: QuizRopes & Rigging Techniques: QuizRopes & Rigging Techniques: QuizRopes & Rigging Techniques: Quiz
Select the best answer:
4. Multiple Choice: Which of the following would you NOT use to grab in a safety system?
a. Rescue ascender
b. Prusik wrap
c. Gibbs ascender
d. Butterfly knot
e. None of the above
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-537
Ropes & Rigging Techniques: QuizRopes & Rigging Techniques: QuizRopes & Rigging Techniques: QuizRopes & Rigging Techniques: Quiz
Select the best answer:
5. Multiple Choice: When considering mechanical advantage, which of the following are important?
a. Possible loss of sensitivity through the rope
b. Possible overloading of the rope weighting
c. Amount of rope that will be used
d. Less than optimal manpower
e. All of the above
(Answers on Slide 40)
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-538
Continuing EducationContinuing EducationContinuing EducationContinuing Education
Kramer vs. Kramer: Rope & Rigging Techniques, Pt. IIComplete written responses to the following three essay questions:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a county-wide task force for specialized rescue?
2. Describe how specialized rescue is conducted in your county or your area and list any changes you would recommend.
3. As a rule, do you feel that a county-wide task force for a specialty function is effective? Why or why not?
…CONT.
If you’re enrolled in the Open Learning Fire Service Program at the University of Cincinnati, here’s your opportunity this month to earn one college credit hour for watching Working Fire Training.
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-539
Continuing EducationContinuing EducationContinuing EducationContinuing Education
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION:
For more information on enrolling in the Open Learning program to gain college credit, call Fire at 800-516-3473 for a brochure or, to register directly, call the University of Cincinnati at 513-556-6583. Associates and Bachelors programs are available. Call to have your transcripts evaluated.
Send your responses to:
Mr. Bill KramerUniversity of Cincinnati
College of Applied Science2220 Victory Parkway, ML #103
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
Working Fire Training / Copyright 2004 / Volume 04-540
04-5 Training Materials04-5 Training Materials 04-5 Training Materials04-5 Training Materials
TRAININGTRAINING
Thanks so much for viewing Working Fire Training!
See you next month – stay safe!
Answers to quiz on Slides 42-44:1. False 2. False 3. True 4. d. 5. e.