Escape belt

Question 1

4 pieces of descender

Answer 1

o Minimal moving parts
o Auto-stopping
o 1-hand operation
o Easy payout of rope

Question 2

2 pieces of caribeaner

Answer 2

o Three-stage self-locking design
o Captive eye pin – keeps carabiner
connected to HALO device and
prevents side loading of the
carabiner. DO NOT remove this
pin.

Question 3

Rope – 7.5mm aramid fiber sheath with Nylon core with 3 additional parts

Answer 3

o 50’ length
o 3912 lb. minimum breaking strength
o Heat resistance  At 752 degrees F, lasted 8:06 with a 300lb load. At 1112 degrees F,
lasted 1:28 with a 300lb load.

Question 4

4 safety factors

Answer 4

• Ensure proper installation of entire Escape System
• Always maintain good situational awareness
• If in a position where the Escape System may be used, notify Command with a “MAYDAY”.
• Remember that the Rescue Best Escape System is a last resort means of egress

Question 5

5 things to look for when inspecting the system

Answer 5

o Rope – dents, bumps, cuts, abrasions over entire length, stitching intact on sewn
eye.
o Descender – does it function properly?
o Hook – deformed, tip dull
o Carabiner – functioning properly, gates operate as designed and not deformed?
o Escape belt – stitching intact, no cuts or areas of significant wear

Question 6

4 things when cleaning system

Answer 6

o Wash off any mud, soot, or ash using lukewarm water. DO NOT use detergents or
harsh cleaners
o All components can be washed
o Always dry out any wet/damp components before repacking
o Avoid drying in direct sunlight/UV rays

Question 7

4 maintenance parts

Answer 7

• Entire system shall be inspected annually during Turnout inspection AND after every
  training session.
• If deployed during an emergency, immediately take the system out-of-service and notify
  your Company Officer and Battalion Chief, per O.G. 3.2 – PPE Malfunction/Failure
  -Inspection
  -Cleaning

Question 8

• Deploy in 3 steps:

Answer 8

1. “Anchor it” – Set the hook into a windowsill, wall stud, tool, or large object (remotely)
   inside the room/area. Remember to ensure the descender is extended beyond the sill.
2. “Roll out” – Headfirst and stay low to avoid escaping fire or hot gases. Maintain
   pressure with the hand on the hook (if utilized on the sill) until the body weight if fully
   supported by the Rescue belt.
3. “Lower down” – Utilize the descender to lower down and do not push your body away
   from wall with your legs

Question 9

When deploying the Escape System: 5 steps

Answer 9

o First recognize and acknowledge the problem
o Close the door to buy time
o Communicate the MAYDAY
o Get low, find a wall, keep hands high
o Rapidly, aggressively search for an opening

Question 10

• The Escape System is to be used as an egress tool. It is NOT the first option for exiting
  structure fires. There are several options to attempt prior to using the Escape System.

Answer 10

1. If conditions overcome our tactics, always first attempt to follow Bureau established
   policies:
    Withdraw (or Abandon) Order
    PAR
    Re-engage fire with new tactics, as determined by Command
2. If trapped by fire, notify Command with a “MAYDAY”. Utilize an extra ladder already
   placed or request one to your location.
3. If still no time due to rapidly advancing fire conditions, utilize your Rescue Belt Escape
   System to exit the structure

Question 11

7 parts of the tool

Answer 11

• Escape Belt
• Hook – Aluminum-heat treated
• Descender
• Carabiner
• Rope – 7.5mm aramid fiber sheath with Nylon core
• Pouch & Pull-Strap
• Entire system weight = 2 lbs. 14 oz