LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT OCTOBER
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT ROPES AND KNOTS 2
3 ROPES AND KNOTS 1. General Information Ropes used by Los Angeles County Fire Department are of the Static Nylon Kernmantle design. This means that a braided sheath woven over an inner core with minimum low stretch. The inner bundles contribute most of the ropes tensile strength. They are continuous throughout the rope and run parallel, which not only reduces stretch, but also prevents spin. The load carrying core (kern) is protected from dirt, abrasion, and cutting by a tightly braided outer sheath (mantle). Rope shall be stored in the nylon rescue system packs and shall not be stored in compartments near fuel or battery storage areas. All rope and equipment shall be stored inside a compartment. 2. Life Line Rope With the breaking strength at 9000 pounds, 600 pounds is the maximum allowable load (working strength) that can be placed on a single line of 1/2-inch rope (15:1 safety margin). a. Construction: Static Kern mantle Material: 100% nylon (type 6.6) b. Elongation: Less than 2% at 200 lbs. c. Heat: Melts at 480 F. Becomes sticky at 445 F. Yellows at 300 F. d. Braid: One over, one under (braid on braid) for high abrasion resistance e. Core: Continuous block creel construction, parallel nylon fiber bundles, for low stretch and no spin. f. Identification: Continuous marker in core bundles gives place, year, and quarter of manufacture. g. Service Life: Cannot be determined in advance. It depends on a number of factors such as; Proper care, frequency of use, type of decenders used, speed of decent, rock or building abrasiveness, climate, and type of loading the rope is subject to. h. Lifeline rope use: After each use, whether training or rescue, an entry shall be made on the Form 247 assigned to the lifeline.
4 3. Equipment Line Rope ROPES AND KNOTS An assembly of 85 ft. of 3/8-inch nomial diameter braid on braid nylon rope. Continuous construction with no "braider" splices. Both ends eye spliced around zinc plated steel buckles. Drop bag shall never be used on loads over 300 pounds. Life safety ropes should never be used to support live loads. a. Breaking Strength: 4,620 lbs. 4. Maintenance Rope shall be inspected and inventoried monthly and noted on Form 248. Rope shall be kept as clean as possible. Under no circumstances shall rope be dragged through dirt or grime unless life safety requires such action. Rope shall be protected from abrasive particles and edges. Scuff pads, hose rollers, hose or other protective measures shall be used as needed. Life Lines shall not be used for any other purposes, such as raising or tying off equipment. In such cases, the rope shall immediately be taken out of service as a Life Line. Visually inspect and feel the entire length of rope. Be aware of brittle, broken, or melted fibers, discoloration, soft spots, inconsistencies in the diameter, spot abrasions that reveal inner core, foreign particles embedded in the outer jacket, and any other discrepancies which may harm the integrity of the rope. Washing the Static Nylon Kernmantle rope shall be performed by chain looping the entire length of rope. Machine or hand wash using Woolite or comparable mild soap, warm water, gentle cycle, hang to drip dry. NOTE: Additional information on ropes and rescue systems can be found in Volume 4, Chapter 6.
5 5. Responsibility ROPES AND KNOTS All personnel shall be responsible for identifying the parts and procedures on tying fourteen (14) Department knots and one (1) specialized assembly. 6. Knots a. Slip Knot (Equipment Tie Off) b. Round turn and two half hitches (Lashing) c. Clove hitch (Equipment Tie Off) d. Larks foot/girth hitch (Equipment Tie Off, Taut Prusik Release, Anchoring) e. Overhand Knot (Safety Tie Off) f. Double Overhand Bend (Used to form Prusik Loop) g. Prusik Hitch (Rappel Safety, Braking and Pulling Cam) h. Overhand Follow Through/Water Knot (Webbing Loops, Adjustable Harness Belt when used for anchoring Points) i. Bowline (Hose Roller, Litter Tie Off) j. Figure of Eight (Stopper Knot) k. Figure of Eight on a Bight (Basic Anchor Knot) l. Inline Figure of Eight (Modified Trucker's Hitch, Directional In-line Loop) m. Figure of Eight Follow Through (For Joining Two Lines) n. Figure of Eight Follow Through (For Anchor Pt. Tie off)
6 7. Specialized Assembly ROPES AND KNOTS Modified Trucker's Hitch (Securing Hose Roller, Ladder Rigs, etc) Mariner s Knot 8. Tying Off Equipment All Personnel shall be responsible for safely tying off the following equipment: a. Axe/Sledge Hammer b. Cylindrical Object c. Hand Line d. Hose Roller e. Ladder f. Long Handled Tools: Straight/"D" handled g. Rectangle Object h. Chain/Rotary Saw i. Stokes Stretcher with a Spider 1. Vertical 2. Horizontal 9. Securing Ground Ladder It is the policy of the Department that the first person to climb a ground ladder shall secure it to the structure. Personnel are to accomplish this by using a combination hose/ladder strap, which is acquired as personal issue and is to be carried in the turnout jacket. This strap consists of a metal hook having a two-inch opening at one end and a one-inch by seven-foot continuous nylon webbing at the other end.
7 9. Securing Ground Ladder (cont) ROPES AND KNOTS To secure the top of the ladder to the structure, the following method shall be used: a. Secure the opening of the hook over a window ledge, railing of a fire escape, or similar object that is attached to the structure. b. Place the strap over a ladder over that is even with or slightly lower than the object the hook is attached to. Tie a larks foot/girth hitch on that rung. NOTE: Additional information on the procedures of tying Department knots can be found in Volume 4. Chapter 6. Subject 4 and Volume 1. Chapter 5. Subject 2 of the Department Manuals.
8 ROPES AND KNOTS NAME EMP# DATE WORK LOCATION BN STATION SHIFT OBJECTIVE: 1. To answer general information questions about Kernmantle rope specifications. 2. To demonstrate the procedures in tying Department knots, hitches and to describe the use(s) for each knot tied. 3. To demonstrate the procedure for tying off equipment 4. To demonstrate how to secure ground ladder with hose strap. EQUIPMENT: 25' section of 1/2 inch utility rope, 85' drop bag, 24' extension ladder, hose strap, pike pole, chain saw, and E & J resuscitator box. DESCRIPTION OF EVOLUTION: Given: Adequate rope, anchor point, selected tools for tie off, ladder, and hose strap. 1. Answer questions about Kernmantle rope specifications 2. Demonstrate ability to tie selected knots. 3. Demonstrate how to tie off selected pieces of equipment. 4. Demonstrate how to tie off a ground ladder using hose strap. INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE INDIVIDUAL SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. INDIVIDUAL HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS: ASSESSMENT AREAS: 1. Answer general questions about rope specifications. 2. Demonstrate ability to tie selected knots and name their uses.
9 INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE INDIVIDUAL SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. INDIVIDUAL HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS: ASSESSMENT AREAS: 3. Demonstrate ability to tie off selected equipment. 4. Demonstrate ability to secure ladder with hose strap. RATER
10 RATERS ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS ROPES AND KNOTS 1. What is the design of Los Angeles County Fire Department ropes? A. Static Nylon Kernmantle 2. The strongest part of the rope is? A. The core (kern) 3. The breaking strength of Static Kernmantle Life Line is? A. 9000 lbs. 4. What is the safety margin and working strength of Life Line? A. 15:1, 600 lbs. 5. What are the working and breaking strengths of 3/8-inch equipment line rope? A. 300 lbs., 3000 lbs. 6. At what temperature does Static Kernmantle rope yellow? A. 300 F. 7. How often shall rope be checked? A. Monthly 8. How many recognized knots does the Department have? A. Fourteen (14) 9. What shall be used to protect ropes from abrasive edges? A. Scuff Pads or Hose Rollers
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT LOWERING SYSTEM 11
12 LOWERING SYSTEM GENERAL INFORMATION The ability to construct and operate a lowering system to lower a rescuer to a victim is one of the most basic and widely used rescue systems. A lowering system is preferred to rappelling, as it allows the rescuer to have both hands free to tend to the victim. The construction of this system requires the knowledge of several Department recognized knots and the ability to assemble basic rope systems (See: Volume 4 Chapter 6.) The necessary knots required are: - Figure eight stopper knot - Figure eight on a bight - Water knot - Half hitch - Larks foot - Square knot - Prusik Hitch - Mariner s Knot LOWERING AND SAFETY LINE 1. Constructing a lowering line and a safety line: a. Attach two separate anchor systems at ground level to one secured vehicle for main line and safety line. b. Attach a friction device to the main line, and a Mariner s Knot with tandem prusiks to the safety line. c. Utilize a field rope bag (250') for the lowering line and another field rope bag for the safety line if the length of the raise is over 100'. (If the length of the raise is under 100', then one field rope bag can be used for both lines.)
13 LOWERING AND SAFETY LINE cont: 2. Packaging the rescuer to be lowered a. Use the adjustable rescue belt for a pelvic harness. b. Use the blue webbing (12') to construct the chest harness. c. Attach a carabiner to each harness. 3. Line tending: a. All line tenders shall wear appropriate Personal Safety Equipment including helmet, goggles and gloves. b. Provide one-firefighter to tend the lowering line and another Firefighter to tend the safety line. 4. Attach the rescuer to the lowering and safety lines: a. Tie a figure eight on a bight on the ends of the lowering line and safety lines. b. Attach pelvic and chest carabiner to the safety line figure eight on a bight. c. Attach pelvic harness carabiner to the lowering line figure eight on a bight. d. Lock both carabiners. NOTE: DO NOT BACK OFF THE CARABINERS. 5. Lower the packaged rescuer: a. Apply tension on the lowering and safety lines. b. Lower the rescuer by slackening both lines and monitor the rescuer's progress carefully.
14 LOWERING SYSTEM OBJECTIVE: 1. Demonstrate the ability to safely and efficiently lower a packaged rescuer by constructing a lowering system with a safety line. 2. To answer general information-questions about rope systems. 3. All operations are to be completed in sequence without safety violations. EQUIPMENT: 1. Slightly sloped drill site. 2. Two field rope packs. (250' in length; preferably different colors.) 3. Three red webbing. (22' in length) 4. Four blue webbing. (12' in length) 5. One friction device. 6. Seven carabiners 7. Prusiks, one short and one long, for Tandem Prusik Belay 8. One vehicle (For anchor point) 9. Appropriate Personal Safety Equipment, including helmet, goggles and gloves. DESCRIPTION OF EVOLUTION: 1. All personnel will have appropriate personal safety, equipment donned, including helmet, goggles and gloves. 2. Answer questions about rope systems. 3. Place vehicle at the rescue site. 4. Construct the lowering line and the safety line. 5. Package the rescuer. 6. Tend the lowering line and the safety line. 7. Lower the rescuer. 8. The rescuer communicates when he has reached the victim.
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16 LOWERING SYSTEM UNIT STATION SHIFT DATE NAME NAME NAME NAME RANK RANK RANK RANK INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE COMPANY SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. COMPANY HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS: 1. Develop a rescue plan: a. The crew leader conducts a size-up of the rescue problem and determines that a lowering system will have to be constructed. b. The crew leader supervises the placement of the second vehicle. c. Crew leader discusses the rescue plan with the crew and makes individual assignments. Safety officer is assigned as needed. 2. Commence construction of lowering system: a. Construct lowering line and safety line. b. Package rescuer. c. Tend the lowering line and the safety line. (Two line tenders.) d. Attach rescuer to both lines. e. Lower rescuer to victim, the rescuer communicates when the victim is reached. RATER DATE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT RAISING SYSTEM 17
18 RAISING SYSTEM GENERAL INFORMATION Once rescuers reach the victim's location, it is often required to convert a lowering system to a raising to remove the victim and rescuers. This system also works well to raise a non-injured victim. The construction of this raising system involves converting a lowering system to a manpower raise system. Due to a lack of manpower, a mechanical advantage system may be necessary. If this is the case, Level II skills are required to assemble a mechanical advantage system. This block of training will utilize Level I skills only. (The information is contained in Volume 4, Chapter 6, Subject 10.) The necessary knots required are: - Figure eight stopper knot - Figure eight on a bight - Water knot - Wrap three, pull two anchor - Prusik Hitch CONVERTING A LOWERING SYSTEM TO A RAISING SYSTEM 1. Convert to a raising system with a lowering system in place: a. Lock off the main lowering line. b. Attach a prusik (the longer prusik if available) to the main line with red webbing (22'). Secure the red webbing to the main anchor point. (Volume 4, Chapter 6, Subject 10) c. Slide the prusik as far as possible towards the load to remove the slack. d. Slowly untie the friction device and transfer the load to the prusik. Insure that the prusik sets. e. Replace the friction device on the main line with a pulley. f. This completes a manpower raising system.
19 CONVERTING A LOWERING SYSTEM TO A RAISING SYSTEM cont: 2. Tending the rope system: a. Tend the safety line. Keep the tandem prusik belay slightly slack. b. Tend the raising line. 3. Raising the rescuer to the point of departure: a. Raise main and safety lines at a safe rate of speed, keeping the tandem prusik belay slightly slack. b. Stop the evolution when the rescuer approaches the starting point. FURTHER DESCRIPTIONS AND VARIATIONS OF ROPE SYSTEMS ARE ILLUSTRATED AND EXPLAINED IN VOLUME 4, CHAPTER 6.
20 RAISING SYSTEM OBJECTIVE: 1. Demonstrate the ability to safely and efficiently convert an existing lowering system to a raising system in order to bring-rescuer back to the original point of departure. 2. To answer general information questions about rope systems. 3. All operations are to be completed in sequence without safety violations. EQUIPMENT: (This is in addition to the equipment required for the lowering system.) 1. Existing lowering system in place, with a rescuer waiting to be raised back to the point of departure. 2. Three blue webbing. (12' in length) 3. Three prusiks, two long, one short. 4. One pulley. 5. Seven carabiners. 6. One additional vehicle (To use as an anchor point) 7. Appropriate, Personal Safety Equipment, including helmet, goggles and gloves. DESCRIPTION OF EVOLUTION: 1. All personnel wi11 have appropriate personal safety equipment donned, including helmet, goggles and gloves. 2. Answer questions about rope systems. 3. Place additional vehicle at the rescue site. 4. Convert the lowering system to the raising system. 5. Tend all rope systems. 6. One person tends the raising line and one person tends the safety line. 7. Raise the rescuer back to the original point of departure.
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22 RAISING SYSTEM UNIT STATION SHIFT DATE NAME NAME NAME NAME RANK RANK RANK RANK INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE COMPANY SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. COMPANY HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO REMARKS: 1. Complete the rescue plan: a. The crew leader determines that the lowering system will have to be converted to a raising system. b. The crew leader supervises the placement of the second vehicle. c. Crew leader discusses the rescue plan with the crew and makes individual assignments as needed. One person assigned as Safety Officer. 2. Convert the lowering system to a raising system. 3. Tend all rope systems. a. One person tends the brake and the raising line. (Main line) b. One person tends the safety line. 4. Raising team raises the main line. 5. Evolution has been completed when the rescuer has been raised back to the point of departure. RATER DATE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT STRETCHER LASHING 23
24 STRETCHER LASHING GENERAL INFORMATION Stretcher lashing provides for the securing of a victim to the stretcher. Stretcher lashing can be divided into two categories: Interior Lashing and Exterior Lashing. The condition of the victim and the rescue system to be utilized will dictate the type of lashing necessary to provide a safe and comfortable victim package. INTERIOR LASHING Definition: Interior Lashing secures the victim to the stretcher and prevents the victim from sliding out of the ends of the stretcher. 1. Pelvic lash: (See: Volume 4, Chapter 6, Subject 9, pg. 2) a. Place the victim in the stretcher. b. Place the end of a 12' blue webbing under the victim's thighs. Pull the webbing end until the middle of the webbing is between the victim's legs. grasp the middle of the webbing, forming a bight, and place it on the victim's stomach. c. Lace both webbing ends under and then over the bight. Pull the ends until the webbing is snug. Tie a half hitch with each webbing End against the bight. d. Locate anchor points under the main frame and above the victim's pelvic area. Secure the webbing ends with a round turn and two half hitches. 2. Chest Lash: (See: Volume 4, Chapter 6, Subject 9, page 4) a. From a loop with the nylon webbing using an overhand follow through knot to secure the ends. b. Place the knot at armpit level on the opposite side of the victim's body from where attachment is to take place. Bring the two bights of webbing together at the place of attachment.
25 2. Chest Lash cont: c. Pass one webbing bight through the other. d. Place your hand through the webbing bight, which was passed through, and grasp the lower bight. e. Pull the lower webbing bight through the bight where the hand was inserted. f. The hand not in use grasps the bights and pulls the harness snug as the index finger holds the longer bight in position. Secure the lash with a half hitch. (See: Volume 4, Chapter 6, Subject 8) g. Attach the bight (tail) of the chest lash to one of the pre-rigged carabiners. (See: Volume 4, Chapter 6, Subject 9, page 5) h. Connect the chest harness to the prerig carabiners. NOTE: The hasty chest harness knot is also referred to as a "locking larks foot". 3. Lashing victim to Miller backboard: (See: Volume 4, Chapter 6, Subject 9, page 6) a. Secure the victim to the backboard in the prescribed manner and place in the wire basket stretcher. b. Using the 12' blue webbing, tie the ends together with a water knot forming a sling, then double in half. c. Place doubled sling down through the hand hold at the head of the backboard, under the backboard and up through the hand hold on the opposite side. d. Clip both ends of the sling into the carabiners, holding the prerig onto the head of the stretcher.
26 EXTERIOR LASHING Definition: Exterior Lashing secures the victim within the stretcher and prevents the victim from falling out. 1. Exterior Lash a. Lace the end of a 22' red webbing across the middle of the victim's shins under the main frame. Pull through, evenly on each side of the stretcher. b. While keeping the webbing under the main frame, cross the webbing ends at the knee level and exit under the anchor points near the victim's mid-thigh. c. While keeping the webbing under the main frame, cross the webbing ends at the armpit level and then exit under the anchor points near the victim's stomach. d. While keeping the webbing under the main frame, cross the webbing ends at the armpit level and then exit under the anchor points near the victim's shoulders. e. Tie one end of webbing to the support, under the main frame, using a round turn and two half hitches. Pull the slack from the webbing toward the other end and tie that end off the same as the first end. NOTE: Illustrations of stretcher lashing and rigging can be found in Volume 4, Chapter 6 of the Department manuals.
27 INTERIOR LASHING EXTERIOR LASHING CHEST LASH (OPTIONAL)
28 STRETCHER LASHING OBJECTIVE: 1. Demonstrate the ability to properly secure a victim in a wire basket stretcher, using the procedures indicated in the Context Training manual and Volume 4, Chapter 6. 2. To answer general information questions about rope systems. 3. All operations are to be completed in sequence without safety violations. EQUIPMENT: 1. Wire basket stretcher. 2. One Miller board. 3. One red webbing. (22') 4. Two blue webbing. (12 ) 5. One person acting as a victim. DESCRIPTION OF EVOLUTION: 1. All personnel will have personal safety equipment donned. 2. Answer questions about rope systems. 3. Personnel will properly interior lash a victim inside a wire basket stretcher. 4. Personnel will execute an exterior lash, fully securing the victim to the wire basket stretcher. 5. The evolution is complete when the victim is correctly lashed into the wire basket stretcher.
29 STRETCHER LASHING UNIT STATION SHIFT DATE NAME NAME NAME NAME RANK RANK RANK RANK INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE COMPANY SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. COMPANY HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS: 1. Lash the victim to the Miller board. 2. Interior lash of the victim: a. Pelvic lash b. Chest lash c. Use blue webbing (12'). d. Use proper tie-off knots. 3. Exterior lash of the victim: a. Use 22' webbing. b. Keep the webbing under the main frame. c. Use the proper tie-off knots. NAME DATE
30 LOWERING/RAISING SYSTEMS - STRETCHER LASHING 1. What type/types of harnesses are used for the packaged rescuer harness? Answer: Chest harness and pelvic harness 2. In packaging a rescuer, how many carabiners are required in the harnesses? Answer: Two carabiners 3. What is the length of the red webbing? Answer: 22 4. Which harness is the safety line attached to? Answer: Both the chest harness and the pelvic harness 5. Hog: many persons are required to tend the lowering and raising operations? Answer: A minimum of two persons is required. 6. TRUE or FALSE. Is the webbing used for the exterior lashing weaved over the main frame rails of the stretcher? Answer: False (The webbing is weaved under the main frame rails to prevent contact or abrasion with obstacles while carrying a victim.) 7. The Hasty Chest harness knot is also referred to as? Answer: Locking lark s foot 8. What is the length of the blue webbing? Answer: 12
31 STRETCHER LASHING INSTRUCTIONS: The Battalion information recorded on this form shall be a combination of all three shifts Informally Evaluated by the Battalion Chiefs. This form is to be submitted by 1. The total number of Battalion personnel that participated in the Informal Evaluation are: 2. The total number of people that were unable to complete the Informal Evaluation is: ALL RANKS 3. List any problems encountered in the Informal Evaluation: ALL RANKS 4. List additional feedback on the Context Training Program: Prepared by: Division: Battalion: Reviewed by: Distribution: Original to Battalion Chief files 2 copies to jurisdictional Assistant Chief Rev. 9-01