Emergency Egress (Firefighter Escape System)

Section 1 - TRAINING AND SAFETY

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this policy is to establish the procedures regarding the use of the firefighter escape system. Additionally, this policy provides guidelines for training, and defines the responsibility of the maintenance, inspection, repair and replacement of the system components.

POLICY:

• In the event a member becomes trapped by an uncontrolled situation, such as a rapid-fire advance, the use of the firefighter escape system should enable the member to use a non-conventional exit (i.e. window) to exit to a safer location.
• It is mandatory that all fire suppression members operating inside an IDLH environment be equipped with a firefighter escape system.
• It is mandatory that all fire suppression members be trained by a qualified instructor on an annual basis on the use of the firefighter escape system. This training must include "hands-on" use of the firefighter escape system in a controlled environment.
• The firefighter escape system will consist of 40 feet of Deus approved 7.5/8 mm escape rope, (1) Deus 3100 Escape Descent Device, (1) Issued Hook Anchor, (1) NFPA Auto-Lock Captive Eye Carabineer attached to the firefighter’s turnout pant harness, and (1) Fire Rescue Escape Tether meeting NFPA 1983 Standards.
• The firefighter escape system will be affixed to a Class II Harness and stowed in the "right" thigh pocket of the turnout gear pants.
• A firefighter escape system will be assigned to each unit seat assignment.
• The firefighter escape system shall be visually inspected and checked for proper setup and rigging by each member at the beginning of each shift.

PROCEDURE:

• When a member determines it necessary to evacuate a structure using the firefighter escape system, the member(s) should declare a MayDay as soon as possible.
• The member will escape the life-threatening situation by using any route of escape and deploying the firefighter escape system in a controlled manner.
• The member will lower themselves to:
  • The ground - if enough rope is available
  • A lower floor - safe from danger
  • To a safe position and stand-by to be rescued
• Incident Command and/or RIT will communicate the type of rescue that will be attempted to member needing rescue.
• Incident Command or their designee will declare an end to the MayDay situation when appropriate.
• After deploying the firefighter escape system, the member(s) will be medically evaluated on-scene and if necessary, transported and evaluated at the hospital.
• If the firefighter escape system is deployed, the Assistant Chief of Operations and the Health and Safety Officer shall be notified.
• If the firefighter escape system is deployed, the system shall be placed out of service, tagged, and delivered to Fire Station 47 before returning to service. A replacement firefighter escape system will be issued from inventory by Fire Station 47.

MAINTENANCE:

• The firefighter escape systems shall be inspected by each member monthly and documented in Target Solutions.
• The firefighter escape system escape rope should be completely checked for cuts, chafed areas, glazed surfaces, discolorations, and other damage, such as dirt and mildew. The Escape Rope should be inspected by holding it firmly in one hand, pulling the rope between the thumb and index finger about 18 inches at a time, while feeling for broken fibers, soft or hard spots, and variations in rope diameter. If any of the above is found, the system must be taken out of service immediately. During this check, ensure the sewn eye is in good condition and there are no frays or missing thread at the end of the rope.
• The Escape Anchor should be inspected for physical damage, such as; sharp edges, missing components, or improper operation. If any of the above is found, the firefighter escape system must be taken out of service immediately.
• The Deus 3100 decent control device should be inspected as followed;
  • Check the rope path for dirt, debris, metal burrs, etc.
  • Check the drive wheel triangle for discoloration and damage.
  • Check the main body bolts, ensuring they are not loose.
  • Check the sliding cams for smoothness and damage.
  • Check the control knob for smoothness.
  • Turn the control knob to “full stop,” verify the drive wheel can’t be turned.
  • Turn the control knob to “full go,” verify the drive wheel spins freely and smoothly.
  • Check the cover for bends and verify it opens/closes smoothly.
  • Check the main body for cracks and excessive damage.
  • Verify the cover closes smoothly while loaded with rope.
• The firefighter escape system shall be inspected annually by a designated department member. This annual inspection may take the place of the regular monthly inspection for that month.
• If the firefighter escape system is taken out of service due to a failed inspection, the system shall be tagged, and sent to Fire Station 47. A replacement firefighter escape system will be issued from inventory by Fire Station 47.
• The firefighter escape systems shall be cleaned in accordance with NFPA Standard 1983 by cleaning with warm water and mild detergent and allow to dry completely.
• The Escape Rope, Belts, and Harnesses associated with the firefighter escape system must be retired from service 10 years from the date of manufacture.

REFERENCES:

• NFPA 1983 2016 Edition
• DEUS 3100 Escape System Manual
• Globe/Yates Integrated Class II Harness