Constructing Systems A program based on the RESET General Rescue curriculum
Objectives Defining and determining good anchoring systems Defining and utilizing belays Communicating using common commands (verbal) and signals (nonverbal)
Objectives This module will expose the student to the following: Establishing a Lowering system for Slope and High Angle operations Establishing Anchors for rope systems Establishing Mechanical Advantage Systems for Slope and High Angle applications 3:1 Z Rig 5:1 / 4:1 Pig Rig Setting up and operating Belay and Progress Capture systems Processes to provide fall protection for edge tenders Rigging for rigid and flexible litters
Single Point Anchor There are several different types of anchor systems used in rope rescue. For this course, we will work exclusively with the single point anchor. Single point anchors should be bombproof An anchor, which if failed, would cause a significant structural collapse
Anchors Bombproof not so much Structural Concrete Structural Steel Large live tree Off side of vehicle Insulated Pipes Cast Iron Pipes Aluminum Handrails Lightweight Metal Brick Veneer Dead Trees Loose Rock
Anchoring Rules Should be strongest part of the system Back up questionable anchors Keep angles off of the anchor to 120 degrees or less Pad sharp or rough edges Rig high when possible (versus setting the rigging on the ground)
Anchor Rigging Tensionless Hitch Looped Knot Webbing looped and doubled (AKA- Basket, 3 Bight) Utility Strap
Examples - Anchors Anchor utilizing webbing: Rope anchor with tensionless hitch :
Belay Systems Systems employed to safeguard the load in the event that the main means of supporting it is rendered ineffective. Some examples would be: damaging equipment, human error, etc. It is common to attempt to have two ropes attached to a load when being supported by rope based systems. Sometimes this is by means of a Two Tensioned Rope System (two mainline systems attached to the load) other times this is done by means of a single tensioned main-line and an un-tensioned belay line. There are many methods for belaying a load and belays may not be required 100% of the time, though it is common to belay most loads.
Top Belay This is the most typical type of belay employed in rescue. This is accomplished by attaching a redundant un-tensioned rope to the load that is run through a belay device. This rope is generally left unloaded during an operation and only utilized in the event that the main load supporting system is rendered ineffective. Often when this belay is actuated the load produces an impact force on that rope and belay system. Great effort should be made to ensure that the belay method chosen is capable of arresting that impact force.
Top Belay This belay utilizes the friction from the Munter hitch (often called the Italian hitch) to arrest the impact force produced by the load. Munter hitches are typically used for lighter loads (<300 lb) but if tended correctly, and a moderate amount of edge friction is present to absorb some of the impact force, it is possible to belay heavier loads (<600 lb). This belay requires the belayer to maintain control of the brake rope in order for this belay to be effective. Some characteristics of this belay are: Fast set up Minimal equipment Effective Requires rescuer interaction A Munter hitch is best used in conjunction with an XL Carabiner To go hands free tie off with a half hitch followed by an overhand
Top Belay Considerations Parts of a Top Belay: Anchor Rope Belay device Belayer Load Be aware where your body is in relation to the belay system. If the rope gets loaded where is it going to go? If a directional is needed, avoid using pulleys. Instead run the rope through a carabiner to provide friction. Avoid running belays through highpoint. Rig the belay where it can be easily operated To keep redundancy, rig belays on separate anchor points. If an anchor point is exceptionally bombproof the same point may be used. However students should rig separate anchor systems for the main system and the belay system.
Top Belay Considerations Try and rig belays somewhere around 10 ft. from the edge and as inline with the main-line as possible. This will ensure adequate communication, room for on- and off-loading, and prevent any drastic load shift in the event of an actuation Pad the edge if indicated If attaching belays to a person in a harness, the Belay should be attached to the front attachment point. No belay should be attached to the dorsal or back attachment on a harness. (The only exception would be for an emergency retrieval system in Confined Space work)
Commands Roll Call Leader then calls to each team and they respond with Ready or Not Ready Position the Load Load the System Slow Haul Slow Lower Stop Belay On Belay Off Set Reset Slack Tension
Non-Verbal Communication OK Not OK Up (Haul) Down (Lower) Stop On Ground (Operation Complete)
Non-Verbal Communication OK Not OK Up (Haul) Down (Lower) Stop On Ground (Operation Complete)
Non-Verbal Communication OK Not OK Up (Haul) Down (Lower) Stop On Ground (Operation Complete)
Rope Pull Signals O 1 pull of rope = OK A 2 pulls of rope = Allow Slack T 3 pulls of rope = Tension Rope H 4 pulls of rope = HELP (for big problems) Whistle or Air Horns 1 Blast Look upstream / Draw Attention 2 Blasts Look down stream / Draw Attention 3 Blasts Emergency / Evacuation.
3:1 Haul Rigging ( Z rig ) Doubled-up Prusik to anchor point Load Progress Capture on load side of pulley (Prusik) Haul Team Haul Cam (Prusik)
5:1 Haul Rigging ( Pig Rig ) Two double pulleys are used Rope tied off to the becket of the pulley closest to the load (If it s tied off to the other pulley, the system will be 4:1) Load-side pulley attached to load rope via haul cam Other pulley attached to anchor Must have belay to take on the load to reset system between hauls
5:1 Haul Rigging ( Pig Rig ) Loaded Line 5:1 Rig attached to the green rope for haul operation Belay
Litter Rigging On slope rescue (low angle), rigging will be to the head of the litter On a high angle rescue where the litter will be suspended by the system, the litter may be rigged to the head or it may by set up as a 4- point horizontal rig.
Patient Rigging Webbing loops are placed over the patient s feet to create stirrups Patient is then laced into the litter Webbing is tightened and then secured with a trucker s hitch
Fall Protection Where edge tenders operate near a significant drop, they should be attached to a static line that is just short enough to prevent going over the edge.
Building Search Marking System System is used by FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams to indicate structural stability and search status of buildings.
Building Search Marking System Structural Stability 2 x 2 box Example Bldg is accessible and safe for search, minimal damage 1/1/2011 1300 hrs HM Nat Gas TX-TF1 Bldg is significantly damaged. Some areas are safe, others need reinforcement Bldg is not safe for search and rescue operations Safe entry point is to the left of the marking Building is accessible and safe for search HazMat identified in this building (natural gas) Work performed by Texas Task Force 1
Building Search Marking System Search Status Markings 2 x 2 X EXAMPLE Date and Time of Search 1/1/11 1300 Search team name Personal hazards TX-TF1 RATS Victims still inside 1 Live 2 Dead (live & dead)