High Angle Rope Rescue Operations

Section 2 - Emergency Operations

PURPOSE:

This policy is in place for Maitland Fire/Rescue Department to use for high angle rope rescue operations and training of Maitland Fire/Rescue personnel. The fire department recognizes the dangers to its personnel during any rope-assisted rescue/operation, which takes members to extreme heights or into confined spaces. These operating procedures are designed to ensure the safety of each rescuer and victims during such operations. It is understood that rope rescue operations involving victims that are suspended by a harness are time sensitive. Severe trauma may have occurred to a victim who fell and was caught by a safety harness. Shock load factors greater than 2 often result in serious bodily injury or death. Suspension trauma may result in any victim merely suspended by a harness for more than 60 minutes. It is the goal of the Maitland Fire/Rescue department to have a rescuer make physical contact with a victim in less than 15 minutes from arriving on scene and have the victim removed from the hazard in less than 45 minutes from arriving on scene. It is understood that available personnel, technical level required of the rescue, and circumstances will not always allow for this.

ANCHOR CLASSES

• Class “A” anchor: is generally thought of as being an integral part of the structure and is sometimes referred to as “Bomb Proof”. Examples would be a concrete column, the iron I beam framework of a metal building or a large mature tree rooted into the ground. This is the preferred anchor choice if available.
• Class “B” anchor: are attachment points that have been placed through the structure after construction. Examples of these would be a large iron pipe run through chase holes in floors, an I-bolt through a reinforced wall or a secure large heavy boulder. The use of this type of anchor is allowed, but caution should be taken and a thorough assessment of this type of anchor is essential.
• Class “C” anchor: are items attached to the structure with minimal hardware and don’t possess the strength/integrity to withstand a significant amount of force. Examples of this type of anchor are stair rails attached to the wall by screws or Lag bolts, door and door hinges, and smaller trees or exposed roots. This type of anchor is not to be used during rope rescue situations. It is the last choice of anchor selection when conducting a personal escape in an emergency situation. This type of anchor is highly likely to fail under any shock load, extreme caution should be taken whenever using a class “C” type anchor.

PERSONNEL REQUIRED

• The following personnel will be required for all rope operation incidents; Incident command, Team leader, Safety officer, Main/primary line tender, Belay/secondary line tender and a Rescuer. It is understood that all rope rescue operations are unique and may require significantly more personnel, some additional personnel that may be utilized for tasks include; edge man, haul team members, victim treatment/transport, additional rescuers, line operators, safety officers, etc. It is the responsibility of the Incident commander, Team leaders, and Safety officers to ensure adequate personnel are on scene and available during any rope rescue operation.
• All personnel are responsible for the safety of all other personnel. Any team member observing an unsafe practice shall correct the situation immediately. All persons may stop any operation at any time for safety purposes by yelling “FREEZE!” After a safety issue has been recognized all operations will cease to continue until the safety issue has been corrected. The operation shall only continue upon the team leader and safety leader’s joint decision.
• During general operations level training evolutions, an Incident commander and Safety officer are not required unless deemed necessary by the Team leader. All personnel are ultimately responsible for everyone’s safety, there is nothing more important. If a highly technical training scenario is conducted then an Incident commander and Safety officer will be utilized.
• No member of the team goes on a rope or starts an operation until he/she is checked by another member. The team member must ensure all carabineer gates are locked, all safety lines are attached, and all equipment, harnesses, and anchors are properly secured.
• You are responsible for load checking your own anchor prior to starting an evolution.

 

• Team Leader – shall have a strong working knowledge of rope rescue operations and personal escape systems, as well as the associated techniques, methods, skills, rigging principles, and coinciding safe practices. The team leader shall have a minimum qualification of rope rescue: technician level. The team leader is overall responsible for the safety of all persons during any operation. The team leader will oversee all operations and ensure safe practices are strictly adhered to. All changes in operations, techniques, and plans shall only happen at the discretion of the team leader. The team leader shall remain “hands off” except for extenuating circumstances or when checking rigging, equipment, or correcting an issue. The team leader should be positioned to visualize the rescuer/trainee, rigging system, belay tenders, and safety officer at all times. If for any reason the team leader cannot remain in visual contact then a means of communications should be established prior to any operation. If deemed necessary then an edge man may be utilized to communicate between the rescuer/trainee and the team leader. The Team Leader shall give all rope commands and is responsible for ensuring the coordination and safety of the entire team.
• Safety Officer– shall have a strong working knowledge of rope rescue operations and personal escape systems, as well as the associated techniques, methods, skills, rigging principles, and coinciding safe practices. The safety officer shall have a minimum qualification of rope rescue: operations level. The safety officer shall be “hands off” except for extenuating circumstances or when unless checking rigging, equipment, or correcting an issue. The safety officer should be positioned to visualize the rescuer/trainee, rigging system, belay tenders, and safety officer Incident commander at all times. If for any reason the safety officer cannot remain in visual contact then a means of communications should be established prior to any operation. If deemed necessary then an edge man may be utilized to communicate between the rescuer/trainee and the safety officer.
• Main/Primary Line Tender – shall be utilized anytime a member is performing a rope operation that requires the main line to be a moving line(lower or raise). This is not needed if the rescuer is rappelling down a fixed rope system, however most rescues that begin with a rappel will move to a lower or raise during the operation. At which time there will need to be a main/primary line tender. The main/primary line tender will be responsible for tending the main/primary line that is attached to the rescuer and/or victims. The main/primary line tender will always communicate to the rescuer when they are ready to tend the line. The rescuer shall not proceed with any evolution until the main/primary line tender is in place and has communicated that they are ready to tend the line. The main/primary line tender will communicate they are ready to tend the line by saying “main on,” or “rope on.” There shall be a main/primary line tender assigned to each main/primary line that is in use. The main/primary tender is required to have a strong working knowledge of rope rescue operations, personal escape operations, and various belaying techniques. The main/primary line tender shall have a minimum qualification of rope rescue: operations level. The main/primary line tender should remain in constant visual contact the rescuer. If this cannot be accomplished because of rigging locations then an edge man will be assigned and/or a means of communications will be established.
• Belay/Secondary Line Tender – shall be utilized anytime a member is performing a rope operation or personal escape training. The belay/secondary line tender will be responsible for tending the belay/secondary line that is attached to the rescuer/trainee and/or victims. The belay tender/secondary line tender will always communicate to the rescuer/trainee when they are ready to tend the line. The rescuer/trainee shall not proceed with any evolution until the belay/secondary line tender is in place and has communicated that they are ready to tend the line. The belay/secondary line tender will communicate they are ready to tend the line by saying “belay on,” or “rope on.” There shall be a belay/secondary line tender assigned to each belay/secondary line that is in use. The belay/secondary line tender is required to have a strong working knowledge of rope rescue operations, personal escape operations, and various belaying techniques. The belay/secondary line tender shall have a minimum qualification of rope rescue: operations level. The belay tender/secondary line tender should remain in constant visual contact with the rescuer/trainee. If they cannot because of rigging locations then an edge man will be assigned and/or a means of communications will be established.
  • When utilizing the Deus 7300 as a back up belay, a belay tender/secondary line tender is not required. The Deus 7300 is the preferred method of belay when performing personal escape and ladder bailout training. The Deus 7300 shall not be utilized as the belay during actual rope rescue operations. It is only to be used during training.
• Edge Man – may not always be necessary. The use of an edge man will be determined by the team leader. The edge man is responsible for communicating between the rescuer and all other team members. The edge man shall always have visual contact with the rescuer. The edge man is responsible for communicating to the team leader, main/primary line tender, and the belay/secondary line tender the needs, status, and position of the rescuer. The edge man is also responsible for ensuring that edge protection is in place for any ropes that are transitioning over a sharp edge. All moving ropes transitioning over a hard, sharp edge, shall use an edge roller or hard edge protection. All stationary ropes transitioning over a hard, sharp edge shall use some form of edge protection, either soft or hard. The edge man should have a strong working knowledge of rope rescue operations, personal escape operations, and various belaying techniques. The edge man should have a minimum qualification of rope rescue: operations level.
• Rescuer/Trainee – is any individual that will be operating on a rope or system. The rescuer/trainee may be operating as a rescuer, performing a personal escape, and/or rappelling. Any rescuer/trainee should have a strong working knowledge of rope rescue operations, techniques, and skills. They shall have a strong working knowledge of personal escape systems, methods, skills, and techniques. The rescuer shall be familiar with various belaying techniques. They shall be well versed and understand various rescue basket operations, rigging, rope equipment, and victim loading techniques. The rescuer shall have a minimum qualification of rope rescue: operations level. The rescuer shall always check with both the main/primary line tender and the belay/secondary line tender for their readiness prior to going over the edge of any rope system. The rescuer will announce “on rope” or “on main” to the main/primary line tender. The rescuer will wait for the response of “main on” or “rope on” from the main/primary line tender before proceeding. The same step will be repeated for the belay/secondary line, the rescuer will say “on belay” or “on rope” and will not proceed until the belay/secondary line tender acknowledges this with the response of “belay on” or “rope on.” The rescuer should also visually confirm both line tenders are aware and ready prior to going over the edge. The Rescuer will not begin an operation until ordered to do so by the Team Leader.
• Deus Certified Trainer – shall be present for all Deus training evolutions. The Deus trainer is responsible for ensuring the proper deployment, operation, and uses for the Deus systems. The Deus trainer shall have a minimum qualification of rope rescue: operations level.

ROPES AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• Only MFRD approved rope, webbing, or straps will be used for rescue and belay lines. This rope must meet or exceed the criteria established in NFPA 1983(2012 ed.) for Life Support Rope.
• Personal escape rope used with the Deus system shall only be Deus approved rope that meets or exceeds the criteria established in NFPA 1983(2012 ed.) for personal escape rope.
• Security lines, tag lines, edge lines and guide lines must be MFRD approved for intended use. They do not have to be lifeline.
• All persons operating on a rope during personal escape training shall have on a harness that is a minimum Class II seat harness, which meets NFPA 1983(2012 ed.). If an individual is wearing a Class II seat harness then they shall have a full body hasty harness made of 1” tubular or flat webbing, to which the belay line will be attached. This is the intended harness for personal escape. MFRD bunker pants have a built in Class II harness that is designed for personal escape and meets NFPA 1983(2012 ed.)
• All persons operating on a rope during a rope rescue incident shall have on a Class III, full body harness, which meets NFPA 1983(2012 ed.). A Class III harness is designed and intended to support both connections of the main/primary line and the belay/secondary line.
• Rope and rope equipment shall not be deployed or hung over any height without being anchored off first.
• If a roof has a parapet, personnel shall hook-up to the rescue/descent line prior to mounting the parapet wall. The slide gate on station 45 shall not be opened until all persons on the roof are made aware that it is being opened and all persons within 3 ft. are already attached to a safety line.
• All ropes transitioning over a sharp, hard surface shall have either hard or soft edge protection or an edge roller in place. If a rope is transitioning over an edge but remains stationary then a soft, fabric edge protection may be used. If a rope will be moving over an edge then a hard, plastic or metal edge protection or an edge roller shall be used. All edge protection shall be secured to the structure with rope/webbing.
• All personnel shall utilize personal protective gear that consists of helmet, gloves, long pants, and rubber soled safety shoes.
• The area below any evolution shall be secured prior to starting. This may be achieved by roping off/taping off the area and marking it as an unsafe area to ensure it remains secured to pedestrians and personnel not involved with the evolution.

OPERATIONS

• All persons operating from an elevation of greater than 10’, within 3’ of a roof edge shall have a safety line, self-belay, and/or fall restriction/prevention line attached to them. Unless a parapet wall or safety rail at least 3’ high is present.
• All persons going over a handrail or parapet wall shall be tied off and secured prior to climbing on to either.
• Whenever a main/primary line is secured to an anchor point, a second anchor should be established for the belay/secondary line when possible.
• It is understood that each rope rescue situation is unique and may require different approaches. The approach taken will be determined by the Team Leader and Incident Commander. The preferred methods of rescue are;
  • 1st Lower the rescuer to the victim, then lower rescuers and victims to a safe location.
  • 2nd Lower the rescuer to the victim, then raise rescuers and victims to an elevated safe location.
  • 3rd Rescuer rappels down to the victim, then rescuers and victims are lowered to a safe location.
  • 4th Rescuer rappels down to the victim, then rescuers and victims are raised to a elevated safe location.
  • 5th Rescuer ascends or climbs up to the victim, then rescuers and victims are lowered to a safe location. Alternatively, victims are lowered and rescuers climb down.
• It is understood that each rope rescue situation is unique and may require different rigging setups. The rigging setup will be determined by the Team Leader and Incident Commander. The preferred rigging setup is both the main line and secondary line operating under tension. This is called a dual tensioned or mirrored system setup. The primary advantages with this setup are no shock load if a single line fails, higher level of protection against rope shear on an edge during a fall, and both lines can quickly be changed over to alternate functions. If a dual tensioned setup can’t be utilized or is not used, then a main line and belay line setup can be used. The preferred method of belaying is using an auto-locking device, i.e. MPD, I’D, Clutch, ASAP, etc. in a belay setup.
• The use of any aerial device, i.e. TW47, Q41, etc. as a highpoint during a rope operation should be very carefully assessed and analyzed by the Team Leader and Incident Commander prior to using this technique. It is possible to exceed the aerial ladder’s rated load capacities during rope rescue operations. The Team Leaders and Incident Commanders must have a full understanding of operational effects of mechanical advantage systems and the potential for increased loads on the aerial ladder. They must understand the increased loads associated with change of direction pulleys. They must also understand the transfer of loads down the aerial ladder to the truck and how to best apply them with acceptable angles, pulleys, and various rigging. The use of a litter attendant during an operation that uses an aerial ladder should only be used in a stationary or non-moving fixed rope system. If the aerial ladder is to be used as a high point change of direction, the use of an attendant should be avoided unless deemed CRITCAL. A tag line to the litter with no attendant is the preferred technique in a high point change of direction situation.
• Rappelling from an aerial device, i.e. TW47, Q41, etc. should be avoided if possible. A smooth transition from the aerial to the rope is CRITICAL to avoid undue stress to the aerial ladder. A smooth rappel with no sudden stops is also CRITICAL to avoid undue stress to the aerial ladder. Only 1 person shall be on the a rope at a time during any rappel from an aerial ladder.

INSPECTION AND LOGS

• All ropes and equipment shall be inspected before and after each training session and/or rescue operation as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Any piece of equipment that does not meet the manufacturer’s standard shall be taken out of service, marked as such, and reported through the chain of command. An incident report shall then be completed with a description of the damage, how the damage occurred, and who was involved.
• All equipment taken out of service will be first inspected by a certified rope rescue: operations level individual. If it is deemed unusable then it shall be sent off to the appropriate manufacturer for repair. If the manufacturer deems the item unusable and damaged beyond repair, then it shall be destroyed so as to never be used for life safety operations.
• After use of all rope and equipment, all items will be inspected and the appropriate equipment log shall be filled out and updated with the current condition and status of the equipment by the team leader. Any deficiencies shall be noted in the log and reported through the chain of command.
• Any piece of hardware equipment dropped onto a hard surface from a height five feet or greater shall be taken out of service.
• All equipment lists, equipment logs, manufacturer’s specifications, instruction manuals, and inspection notes are maintained at Station 47 and on the K: drive.