Gear

Question 1

How to load the rocker rope grab

Answer 1

1. Open the moving front plate to expose the cams.
2. Identify the figure of a person with arm raised etched between the cams on the inside of the body. The figure’s arm indicates the direction to the anchor(s) and the direction of the working part of the LRL.
3. Attach the Rocker at any point on the rope by fitting the rope between the cams.
4. Close the moving front place and connect the Rocker with the karabiner. Ensure both front and back plates are engaged.

Question 2

Function test Rocker

Answer 2

To complete a function test:
1. Haul on the working part of the LRL. The line must not move through the device.
2. Haul on the standing part of the LRL. The line must move freely through the device.

When the thumb catch is activated to fix the moving cam in place, the LRL should not move.

Question 3

before and after use checks rocker

Answer 3

MOVING FRONT PLATE
Marks, deformation, cracks, wear and corrosion.
REAR PLATE
Opens and closes properly.
FIXED CAM AND AXLE
Excessive play.
ROTATING CAM AND AXLE
If the moving front plate is not secured by fixed cam axle, decommission from use.
THUMB CATCH
Marks, deformation, cracks, wear and corrosion.
ATTACHMENT HOLES
Marks, deformation, cracks, wear and corrosion.

Question 4

PETZL ID LOADING

Answer 4

1. Open moving side plate
2. Reeve the rope through the device so that the load strand of the rope enters between the cam and the anti-error catch
3. Close the moving slide plate so that the latch closes over the karabiner.
   The brake side of the rope should run over the wave of the device

Question 5

FUNCTION TEST PETZL ID

Answer 5

Test 1
In DESCENT position
◼ Haul on the load strand. The rope must not move through the device.
◼ Haul on the brake side of the rope. The rope must move freely through the device.
Test 2
Systematically move the handle through all positions to check the safe and correct function of the device.
◼ Operating the handle in DESCENT position, test how the rope travels through device. Release the handle to test auto brake operation.
◼ Move handle to STOP position to test stationary work position.
◼ Note: Avoid using excessive force as the handle may go to the STORAGE position resulting in damage to the ID and rope.
◼ Move handle to ANTI-PANIC position to test panic-lock then return to DESCENT position, ensuring that an audible click is heard, to reset for use.
◼ Check the horizontal movement button springs back out after it is depressed.

Question 6

PETZL ID PRE/POST CHECKS

Answer 6

MOVING SIDE PLATE
◼ Marks, deformation, cracks and corrosion (refer to Figure 194).
◼ Excessive play.
◼ Opens and closes properly.
◼ If the moving side plate can pass over the head of the cam axle, discontinue from use.
ATTACHMENT HOLES
◼ Marks, deformation, cracks and corrosion.
CAM AND AXLE
◼ Marks, deformation, cracks and corrosion.
CAM WEAR INDICATOR
◼ If cam groove is worn to the wear indicator (refer to Figure 1), discontinue from use.

FRICTION PLATE
◼ Marks, deformation, cracks and corrosion.
ANTI-ERROR CATCH
◼ Marks, deformation, cracks and corrosion.
◼ All teeth present and not dirty. If necessary, clean with a brush.
◼ Rotates properly.
◼ Return spring effective.
HANDLE PLATE
◼ Marks, deformation, cracks and corrosion.
◼ Return spring effective.

Question 7

4 TYPES OF ANCHOR STYLES

Answer 7

The different sling configurations used to create anchorsinclude:
 A basket - the sling is placed around the anchor and both ends are clipped into the karabiner. This configuration will double the WLL of the sling. 2000KG
 A basket with an extra turn – this will double the WLL and provides a firmer attachment to the object. 2000KG
 Choke – this configuration will reduce the WLL of the sling (not the preferred method). 800KG
 Loop - will not affect the WLL. 1000KG

Question 8

SLING LOAD ANGLES

Answer 8

IYT- Ideal, Yes, Trouble

Question 9

Ideal angle

Answer 9

Ideal (I)
In the ‘Ideal’ configuration, the sling legs run parallel or close together, forming the shape of the letter ‘I’ (refer to Figure 5-6)
This configuration is considered ideal because the sling’s legs and respective anchors will be subjected to forces that are less than the weight of the load.
At close to zero (0) degrees, such as when a rope is taken around a block in a tackle or a sling around a slim anchor, such as a picket, the load on each leg will be around 50% of the original load.

Question 10

Yes angle

Answer 10

Yes (Y)
In the ‘Yes’ configuration the sling legs run away from each other forming the shape of the letter ‘Y’ (refer to Figure 5-7)
This configuration is acceptable because the sling legs and respective anchors will be subjected to forces that are less than the weight of the load (until 120 degrees is reached).
Note: Ensure the karabiner remains loaded along its long/major axis.

Question 11

Trouble angle

Answer 11

Trouble (T)
Warning! This configuration must not be used.
In this configuration the sling legs are orientated in opposite direction from each other forming the shape of the letter ‘T’ .
This configuration must not be used (‘T’ is for trouble) because the slings, legs and respective anchors will be subjected to forces that are greater than the weight of the load.

Question 12

Procedure for rooftop edge management system

Answer 12

STEPS
Step 1.
DYNAMIC RISK ASSESSMENT
Consider: structural integrity, utilities (gas, electricity, water), hazards (HAZMAT including asbestos, environmental, climatic, residual heat from fire TIC).
Don appropriate PPE and PPC. Constantly reassess risk.
Step 2. ANCHORS
Selected anchors must be:
 Capable of withstanding shock forces resulting from a potential fall.
 Located to allow the Traverse Line to reach over the structure safely and the Tag Lines access to the required work area.
Rig each anchor with a two-metre sling and karabiner.
Step 3. RIG LINES
Prepare Life Rescue Line (LRL) on the side of the roof to be accessed. Tie a Butterfly knot in the centre of both the 50 m (Traverse) and 25 m (Tag) LRL. Place both knots in the Maillon. Screw the gate closed and tighten using the spanner provided.
Step 4. THROWLINE
Throw the Light Line from the non-working side of the building (if not possible throw from working side). Thread the end of the 50 m LRL through the alloy clip and tie an Overhand knot.
Step 5. HAUL AND TENSION TRAVERSE LINE
Haul in on the Light Line and then Traverse Line until the Butterfly knots reach the top of the roof ridge. Connect the Traverse Line to both anchors with the IDs. Conduct function test on both the IDs and then tension. Tie off running ends of the rope.
Step 6. GO ALOFT
Crew going aloft to dress in harness and attach to the Tag Line with a Rocker. Conduct function test on the Rocker. Establish ladder.
Conduct ARCHER check.
Access roof, tie a Figure 8 on the bight Stopper knot in the Tag Line and check it for length.

Question 13

ARCHER CHECK

Answer 13

A-Anchors
-Check anchors are adequate and attached.
-Check sling angles.
- 3 person Pull
R-Rigging and Reeving
-Check knots are correct and dressed.
-Check reeving of Life Rescue Line (LRL) through ID and Rocker.
-Ensure function tests have been carried out. for correct loading
C-Connectors
- physically check and Ensure the screw gates are locked closed and correctly orientated on all karabiners.
-Ensure the Maillon is fully screwed closed and tightened, and checked before hauling aloft.
H-Harness, Helmets, and Hardware
▪ Ensure FF is wearing correct PPE (Helmet, gloves etc.)
▪ Ensure FF has the appropriate equipment to create an intermediate anchor
▪ Ensure all required tools are prepared to be used at height
E-Edges
▪ Check edges of rooftop
▪ Check for edges on anchor objects
▪ Attach edge protection where appropriate
R-Ready on Rope
Check crew are safely attached to the LRL. Firefighter is ready to leave ground.

Question 14

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOW ANGLE AND HIGH ANGLE

Answer 14

High angle = Where the weight of the operator on belay is being supported through the harness by the LRL and the operator’s legs are used to assist balance.
 Low angle = Where the weight of the operator on belay is supported by their legs, and the LRL is used to prevent sliding.

Question 15

advantages of SELF MANAGED TRAVEL RESTRAINT SAFETY LINE

Answer 15

The advantage of this method is that an individual can manage their own safety when near an unprotected edge.

Question 16

self managed belay steps

Answer 16

Setting up a self-managed safety line:
1. Conduct a Dynamic Risk Assessment.
2. Locate and establish a suitable anchor within reach of the objective.
3. Tie a Figure 8 on the bight as a stopper knot at the end of the 50m LRL.
4. Stopping 2 metres back from the edge, cast out the LRL from the anchor to the objective.
5. Run the LRL back to the anchor, tie a Figure 8 on the bight and connect it to the anchor with a karabiner. The length of this LRL must only allow the firefighter to travel up to but not over the edge.
6. Load this LRL into the Rocker. Connect the Rocker to the firefighter’s harness.
7. Carry out a function test.
8. Conduct an ARCHER check.

The firefighter can now proceed safely up to the edge.

Question 17

MANAGED BELAY SYSTEM Advantages

Answer 17

The advantage of this method is that the belay is managed from a safe location. This can be for initial operations to access a casualty, or to affect the rescue itself.

Question 18

belay operators must

Answer 18

The belay operator must:
 Wear gloves.
 Be responsible for controlling the tension of the line as the person nears the edge.
 Be alert to instructions given by the team leader.
 Belay the Life Rescue Line during hauling.
 Monitor for slack line and call ‘stop’ if the belay speed is slower than the hauling speed. (The hauling speed must not exceed the speed that the brake operator can belay).
 Be able to lock off and securely lock off the device in use.

Question 19

setting up belay system

Answer 19

Setting Up a Belay Safety Line
To set up a belayed safety line :
1. Conduct Dynamic Risk Assessment.
2. Locate and establish a suitable anchor within reach of the objective.
3. Tie a Figure 8 on the bight at the end of the 50m LRL.
4. Connect this knot into the harness of the firefighter with a karabiner.
5. Load the LRL into the ID and connect the ID to the anchor. Carry out a function test.
6. Conduct ARCHER check. The firefighter can now proceed safely down the low angle slope.

Question 20

Low Angle Stretcher Recovery – Managed Belay steps

Answer 20

Using two (2) LRLs, operators can rig for low angle recovery using a stretcher. To set up:
1. Conduct a Dynamic Risk Assessment.
2. Locate and establish two suitable anchors or, alternatively, a single, very substantial anchor can be used. Anchors must be within reach of the objective.
3. Place the stretcher in a safe area in front of the anchors and attach the bridle to the head-end carry handles of the stretcher.
4. Lay a 50 m LRL down each side of the stretcher. Tie a Figure 8 on the bight at the end of each rope and place it beside the last carry handle at the foot-end of the stretcher.
5. Tie a Butterfly knot in each LRL adjacent to the front handles (at the head-end of the stretcher).
6. Tie another Butterfly knot in each LRL adjacent to the bridle culminating ring . Connect both knots into the culminating ring with one karabiner .
7. Four stretcher Attendants, wearing harnesses take their position on either side of the stretcher and connect to the knots with a karabiner.
8. Check and adjust the position of all knots. There must be no excess slack rope (which can be a trip hazard) and the bridle must have the tension, not on the attendants’ ropes.
9. Load each LRL into an ID then connect the ID to an anchor and carry out a function test.
10. Conduct an ARCHER check.
11. The stretcher attendants can now proceed to the objective with the stretcher movement controlled by the LRL and ID.

Question 21

LRL Camsue
C?

Answer 21

C- chem- Nylon is resistant to some acids but not resistant to bleaches, phenols and alkalis.
Abrasion-

Question 22

LRL Camsue
A?

Answer 22

Damage to the LRL due to abrasion is the most significant cause of line failure resulting in
serious injury or death.
Do not…
 Stand, walk or jump on the line. This causes grit and other sharp particles to enter the line resulting in damaged filaments and eventual loss of line Strength.
 Draw or drag the line across the ground or over abrasive surfaces, as this will abrade
the line.
 Use snatch blocks/pulleys manufactured for steel wire rope or cable.
 Smoke near the rope.

Question 23

LRL Camsue
M?

Answer 23

MECHANICAL
-Impact from solid objects will cause damage to the sheath and/or core of the line.
-It is possible, but highly unlikely, that the core would be damaged without noticeable damage to the sheath.
-LRL must not be stored knotted for any period as localised damage due to compression will
affect the strength of the line.
-LRL laid over an edge or a sharp bend in the line, whilst under load, will cause excessive
stretch in some filaments resulting in permanent damage and loss of strength.

Question 24

LRL Camsue
S?

Answer 24

SHOCK
The LRL is termed static or low stretch Kernmantle and is constructed to absorb some
impact or shock loading caused by a falling person.
A line that has absorbed a shock load would be permanently weakened due to damage to
the sheath and core reducing its impact absorption capability. This may result in total line
failure or failure due to a subsequent shock load.
Warning! Slack must not be permitted to develop in the LRL.
Any LRL subjected to a shock load must be removed from service.

Question 25

LRL Camsue
U?

Answer 25

ULTRA VIOLET
Synthetic LRL is affected by ultraviolet light, for example, line exposed to direct sunlight
over a period of time will result in loss of strength and the ability to elongate under load.

Question 26

LRL Camsue
E?

Answer 26

EXTREME HEAT
-LRL must be protected from contact with heat. As the line is manufactured from nylon it is
highly susceptible to damage from direct or indirect heat, which may cause softening or
melting of the filaments and strands.
-Heat generated by friction will cause sufficient damage to the LRL resulting in loss of
strength; this can be caused by running line across a stationary section of line. Do not
smoke near rope.

Question 27

IDENTIFICATION AND AFTER USE LRL

Answer 27

Identifying number and exp date on end of rope.
If soiled then dunk in clean warm water, to FS10 if too soiled
after use fill in LRL rope card
if damaged, send to fs10

Question 28

ADVANTAGES OF A GOOD KNOT

Answer 28

Advantages
A good knot is: TRUSS
 Easy to tie.
 Easily recognised if tied correctly
 Easy to untie.
 Will not significantly reduce the strength of the line when tied correctly.
 Will not slip excessively when tied correctly.

Question 29

KNOT PROTOCOL

Answer 29

Knot Protocol
Protocol to follow when tying knots: STRICT
-select the right knot
 Place tension on the general purpose line to set and tighten the knot. -
 All knots must be removed from the line when not in use.
 All knots must be inspected after tying.
 All knots to be checked by another firefighter (Life Rescue Line ONLY).
 All knots must have no less than 150 mm tail after tightening.

Question 30

harnesses are used for

Answer 30

Safety harnesses are suitable for:
 Rescue from heights.
 Fall arrest.

Question 31

PETZL HARNESS DONNING
12 steps

Answer 31

1. Check all straps are fully extended and leg loops are unclipped.
2. Disconnect the Chest Harness Karabiner from the Soft Attachment Point
3. Step into the waist belt holding the chest harness to one side and pull up
4. Adjust the waist belt using the straps on both sides until it is firm, even and above the hips with the Ventral Attachment D located centrally at naval height .
5. Connect clip on leg loops and adjust until firm Do not over tighten.
6. Pass the chest harness over head . Check that no webbing is twisted.
7. Connect the Chest Harness Karabiner to the Soft Attachment Point behind the Ventral Attachment D. Turn the lock sleeve on the karabiner until the red not visible on the gate .
   To ensure the karabiner is closed, conduct a ‘screw and squeeze’ check.
8. Adjust the buckle of the Dorsal Attachment D until it is midway between the shoulder and armpit .
9. (AVAO only) Adjust the leg loop to waist belt straps to remove any slack .
10. Adjust the shoulder strap(s) until firm .
11. Check all excess straps are secured (excess should be tucked away).
12. Don PPE (helmet, gloves and glasses).

Question 32

HARNESS CLEANING

Answer 32

Cleaning
If harness is soiled during use:
 Contact Mechanical Engineering Services (MES) to arrange cleaning. Harnesses
should only be cleaned using a specialised soap (e.g. Ferno rope and harness wash).
For Division B, report to Protective Equipment (PE) Department.

Question 33

PETZL HARNESS SAFETY INSPECTION

Answer 33

Inspection
Harnesses are removed from service annually and inspected by Mechanical Engineering
Services (MES) (Thornbury). A replacement harness will be provided. The following
checks/items should be included in the inspection before and after use:
 Webbing and stitching, particularly at attachment points and adjustment buckles.
 Cuts in the webbing, loose threads, wear and damage due to use, heat, or contact with
chemical products. Be particularly careful to check for cut threads.
 Verify that all double-back buckles and leg loop clips function properly.
 The Chest Harness Karabiner frame, gate, hinge and locking sleeve are free of any
cracks, deformation, corrosion, or wear. Open the gate and verify that it closes automatically and the locking sleeve locks.
 Check information label for date of manufacture to ensure harness is within its ten
(10) year life span.
Faults
If any sign of wear or damage is identified, immediately:
 Place harness out of commission.
 Label unserviceable.
 Report to MES for action for Division A and for Division B, report to Protective
Equipment (PE) Department.