Rope

Question 0

What does officer do when Life Saving Rope is placed out of service?

Answer 0

5.1

Whenever the Life Saving Rope is placed out of service, the officer on duty shall notify the administrative division by telephone and fax and have it immediately replaced.
An RT-2 shall be prepared by the officer on duty and shall include the unit number, date, and reason. A copy of the RT-2 shall be retained for unit records. The officer placing the life saving rope out of service shall make entries in the Company Journal and the Office Record Journal and on the RP-100. When a new life saving rope is issued, the officer shall make an entry in the company journal, the office record journal and on a new RP-100 dedicated to the new rope. The RP-100 for the rope placed out of service shall be filed in the UFS, Section 5.3.4.
The officer must complete an Out of Service Life Safety Equipment Report (SCF-2) and forward it through the Chain of Command to the Chief of Safety. Investigation of the circumstances as stated in the report is required by the Battalion Chief on duty. A statement to this effect is required as part of the chief’s endorsement.

Question 1

What is working load of life saving rope?

Answer 1

1.1

The life saving rope is 9/16” in diameter. It is made of a continuous filament of Nylon 707 with a length of 150’, weight of 14½ pounds, and a working load of 600 pounds.

Question 2

What do you do to put anti chafing device oos?

Answer 2

Whenever the anti-chafing device is placed out of service, the officer on duty shall notify their administrative division by telephone and fax and have it immediately replaced.

An RT-2 shall be prepared by the officer on duty and shall include the unit number, date, and reason. A copy of the RT-2 shall be retained for unit records. The officer placing the anti-chafing device out of service shall make an entry in the company journal. When a new anti-chafing device is received, the officer shall make an entry in the company journal.

Each division has been supplied with a new replacement anti-chaffing to facilitate quick exchange to field units when needed. Upon notification, the administrative division will direct the division messenger to deliver the new anti-chaffing device to affected unit for exchange. A copy of RT-2 will be faxed to R&D and then attached to the out of service anti-chaffing device. The out of service anti-chaffing device shall be delivered to R&D, where a division replacement will be issued. R&D operates Monday-Friday during normal business hours. If exchange is required at other times, the division messenger will proceed to Special Operations Command (SOC), 750 Main St., Roosevelt Island, where a replacement will be issued. SOC has been issued several spare anti-chaffing devices that can be exchanged by divisions to maintain their quota of anti-chaffing devices as needed.

Question 3

What is maximum number of times for use of life saving training rope?

Answer 3

4.5

The maximum number of times this rope may be used is 100 per end, for a total of 200 slides.

Question 4

What is maximum height you can use life saving training rope?

Answer 4

5.2

The Life Saving Training Rope may be used at heights to a maximum of three stories.

Question 5

What steps must be taken to put life saving training rope oos?

Answer 5

Whenever a Life Saving Training Rope is placed out of service, the rope shall be tagged with an RT-2 indicating the unit number, date and reason. The officer placing the rope out of service shall make an entry in the company journal.

The officer must complete an Out of Service Life Safety Equipment Report (SCF-2) and forward it through the Chain of Command to the Chief of Safety. Investigation of the circumstances as stated in the report is required by the Battalion Chief on duty. A statement to this effect is required as a part of the chief’s endorsement.

Question 6

What is an impact load?

Answer 6

NOTE:
A member free falling three feet or more is considered a sufficient impact load to warrant placing the life belt out of service.
4.7

Whenever a personal harness is subjected to an impact load it shall be placed out of service. A member free falling three feet or more is considered a sufficient impact load to warrant placing the personal harness out of service.

Question 7

How do you place a life belt oos?

Answer 7

3.2

Whenever the life belt is placed out of service, the officer on duty shall notify the administrative division by telephone and fax and have it immediately replaced.

3.3

An RT-2 shall be prepared by the officer on duty and shall include the unit number, date, reason and the three digit identification number. A copy of the RT-2 shall be retained for unit records. The officer placing the life belt out of service shall make entries in the Company Journal and the Office Record Journal. When a new life belt is issued, the officer shall make an entry in the Company Journal and the Office Record Journal.

3.4

The officer must complete an Out of Service Life Safety Equipment Report (SCF-2) and forward it through the Chain of Command to the Chief of Safety. Investigation of the circumstances as stated in the report is required by the Battalion Chief on duty. A statement to this effect is required as part of the chief’s endorsement.

Question 8

How do you take turns for life saving rope operations?

Answer 8

3.11.2

Rope is always applied by taking turns under and over the rappel hook away from the rappel hook and away from the body.

Question 9

When shall personal harness be inspected?

Answer 9

4.1

Harness shall be inspected by the member when issued, replaced or returned, at the start of each tour and after each use.

Question 10

How do you place a personal harness oos?

Answer 10

Whenever the Personal Harness is placed out of service, the officer on duty shall have the Personal Harness immediately replaced by making immediate phone notification to the administrative Division and request a loaner Personal Harness. The administrative Division shall direct the Division messenger to deliver a Personal Harness to the affected unit. Delivery of a loaner Personal Harness, as with a replacement PSS, shall be given priority.
An RT-2 shall be prepared by the officer on duty and shall include the members name, reference number, assigned unit, Harness ID number and reason the Personal Harness is being placed put of service. The company officer shall retain a copy of the RT-2 for unit records. The officer placing the Personal Harness out of service shall make entries in the Company Journal and the Office Record Journal.

6.4

When an original Personal Harness is placed out of service due to defect or use the Division shall have the defective or used Personal Harness returned to R & D for evaluation.

6.5

When an original Personal Harness is placed out of service due to contamination, the officer shall follow the above procedures outlined in Sections 6.2 and 6.3. The Special Operations Command shall be notified by the company officer with a request to have the contaminated Personal Harness picked up by the SOC Decon Unit.

6.6
Any time a Personal Harness has been placed out of service the officer must complete an Out of Service Life Safety Equipment Report (SCF-2) and forward it through the Chain of Command to the Chief of Safety. Investigation of the circumstances as stated in the report is required by the Battalion Chief on duty. A statement to this effect is required as part of the chief’s endorsement.

Question 11

When is the pss inspected?

Answer 11

At the start of each tour.

Semi-annually.

Question 12

When do you repack pss?

Answer 12

During semiannual inspection.

Question 13

During regular inspection what is procedure?

Answer 13

The PSS outer flap should be opened and a visual inspection conducted. The anchor hook, EXO and carabiner shall be checked for any deformities, sharp edges, or defects. Depress the cam and pull 3-6 inches of rope through the EXO to ensure the device functions properly. Pull rope back through the EXO leaving 8 inches between the EXO and the Anchor hook. Replace the EXO and Anchor hook into the bag and ensure the rope separation flap velcro is secured and EXO is properly positioned on top of it (TB Rope 4, Data Sheet 1). Close the bag, securing components inside. If any doubt exists about the serviceability of any component, the PSS should be placed out of service as specified in section 6.

Question 14

Who is responsible for establishing controls for re packing?

Answer 14

The Company Commander is responsible for establishing controls for a repacking schedule.

Question 15

What are procedures taken to place pss out of service?

Answer 15

Whenever the PSS is placed out of service, the officer on duty shall have the system immediately replaced by making immediate phone notification to the administrative Division and request a replacement PSS. The administrative Division shall direct the Division messenger to deliver a PSS to the effected unit. Delivery of a replacement PSS shall be given priority.
An RT-2 shall be prepared by the officer on duty and shall include the members’ name, reference number and assigned unit. The Company officer shall retain a copy of the RT-2 for unit records. The officer placing the PSS out of service shall make entries in the Company Journal and the Office Record Journal. Any time a PSS has been placed out of service, the officer must complete an Out of Service Life Safety Equipment Report (SCF-2) and forward it through the Chain of Command to the Chief of Safety. Investigation of the circumstances as stated in the report is required by the Battalion Chief on duty. A statement to this effect is required as part of the Chief’s endorsement.

NOTE:
No exchange will be permitted without the completed SCF-2.

Question 16

What happens when a member responds with no PSS?

What happens when a company officer has no PSS?

Answer 16

When any part of a member’s PSS has been placed out of service and he/she is on duty, the member will continue to respond. When the member’s company is assigned to an incident requiring a structural response as per AUC 287, a Group 1 Company shall inform the dispatcher that the unit is responding with four firefighters, a Group 2 and 3 Company shall transmit 10-14, a Group 4 Company shall inform the dispatcher that the unit is responding “Under Staffed.” When more than one member is responding without a PSS, the unit shall notify the dispatcher that the Company is responding “Under Staffed.” Upon arrival, the Company Officer shall inform the Incident Commander (IC) of the unit status, the IC shall adjust his/her strategy accordingly. The unit shall only operate if the IC at the scene determines that the members will not be endangered by the reduced manpower. At an incident where members will be operating in an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) area, the member(s) not equipped with a PSS shall not enter/operate in that area.

6.15

When a Battalion Chief or Company Officer is in need of a replacement PSS, the unit where that member is working shall inform the borough dispatcher that the unit is out of service until a replacement PSS is obtained from the Division Depot.

Question 17

Bowline on a Bight - 1½ arm lengths
Rolling Hitch - 1½ arm lengths
Knots to Hoist Ladders - 1½ arm lengths with a 1 ft. end

Answer 17

.

Question 18

How long is the search rope?

Answer 18

The Search Rope is made of either 5/16th inch diameter white nylon or a 7.5 mm diameter Kernmantle design. The rope is 200 feet long with a snap hook at each end. Note: Newly issued search ropes will be of the Kernmantle type design and have a double-action snap hook at the working end and a snap hook that secures the rope to the bag. Each search rope will have a company I.D. tag attached to the rope and another to the bag.

Question 19

Do search ropes shrink?

Answer 19

Nylon search ropes shrink over time due to many reasons, with moisture and temperature being the most common. Due to this shrinkage and the installation of distance and directional knots, nylon search ropes may be short by 25 feet or more.

Question 20

What is the spacing between the distance knots and the directional knots?

Answer 20

Spacing between the distance knots is approximately six inches. A single direction knot is located 18 inches before the distance knots when traveling in the direction of deployment. This knot will always be closer to the tie off or exit.

Question 21

How high off the ground shall the search rope be?

Answer 21

The rope should be tied off at intervals to help keep it taut and off the floor. The rope shall be maintained approximately one to two feet above ground. This will keep it out of water and make the rope easier to find. When changing direction or grade, the rope shall be tied off. This allows the member to traverse the same ground when exiting.

Question 22

The amount of search rope deployed shall be transmitted to whom by the company officer?

Answer 22

The officer supervising the search rope shall remain cognizant of the amount of search rope deployed by using the distance knots, and transmit this information to members searching on the rope and to the IC or Sector/Group Supervisor.

Question 23

What are the factors in determining weather member will search off of the rope?

Answer 23

• The size of the area to be searched
• The configuration of the area to be searched. Will maze-like conditions be encountered which may lead the search team members to become lost or unable to return to the search rope
• The experience level of the search team
• The heat/smoke conditions. (Severe conditions may dictate that all members remain together, maintaining contact with the rope) .
• The ability to stay within voice contact

Question 24

How many members should be assigned to the search rope?

Answer 24

Under most conditions, the number of members assigned to the search rope team should be limited to three.

Question 25

9.3

When using the search rope, a slower, more cautious and deliberate approach should be employed with emphasis on maintaining the safety and integrity of the search team.

9.4

When searching off the rope, members should advise the officer of the area searched, a description of the area searched, and results of search. This will help members visualize the area. The officer shall relay the results of the search to the IC.

9.5

Communications is the key to a good search. It is the responsibility of the search officer to maintain verbal contact with the searching members.

Answer 25

.

Question 26

At operations when a search rope is deployed the IC shall, dependant on the fire conditions encountered, consider special calling additional ladder companies to the scene to support the overall operation. The IC shall consider assigning the special called ladder(s) to the tie off point of the search rope to assist, relieve or augment the unit utilizing the search rope.

10.2

The IC shall include the use of search ropes in their progress reports.

Answer 26

.

Question 27

When is the search rope inspected and when is it packed?

Answer 27

Inspect the rope after each use.

Repack monthly.

Question 28

How many inches over roofs edge should the antichafing device be?

Answer 28

Section 4.2 Allow enough slack in the rope to place the anti-chafing device flat on the parapet with approximately 5” of the device draped over the outer edge.

Question 29

How do you maintain position of anti chafing device for roof wi parapet?

Answer 29

NOTE:
To maintain the position of the anti- chafing device, place the thumb of the right hand on top of the device while the fingers grasp the inner edge of the parapet.

Question 30

Feet should be placed approximately how man inches apart?

Answer 30

Section 4.6 Roll off the parapet into a vertical position and place feet approximately 12” apart against the wall, toes up, and give the command DOWN to be lowered.

Question 31

For a roof without a parapet what position will member #2 have to place himself in to properly dismount?

Answer 31

Place the left hand between the anti-chafing device and your left leg. Using the hand as a pivot, roll the body to the left, into a pushup position and make sure that the rope is in the channel of the anti-chafing device. (Figure 9C).

Question 32

7. When performing any lowering operation, the life saving rope must be as perpendicular as possible to the roof’s edge at the point where the member descends.
8. 1 If the angle of the rope from the substantial object to the roof’s edge is too acute, the weight of the person being lowered will cause the rope to slide along the roof edge. This should be avoided.
9. 2 Additionally, if the angle of the rope is too acute the Lowering Member will be pulled uncontrollably by the rope, and the line of descent will also be drastically affected. This should be avoided.

Answer 32

.

Question 33

.

Answer 33

Signals shall be as follows:
LOWER ————–Point downward with index fingers
STOP—————-Clenched fists

Question 34

13. Members should be aware that the actual length of our life saving rope might be less than the nominal length of 150 feet due to natural shrinkage after several years in the field. Over a period of time some ropes have shrunk as much as 8 to 10 feet. This fact should be considered when planning to use the life saving rope.

Answer 34

.

Question 35

When using personal harness to hook up life saving rope I lieu of slippery hitch how is this done?

Answer 35

Pull the harness handle from beneath your bunker coat and attach the snap hook of the rope to the harness handle keeping the hook secured. This is the end of the rope with the anti-chafing device on it. Hold the anti-chafing device in your left hand.

Question 36

Where is carrying case placed when performing single slide?

Answer 36

3.1

Place the carrying case on the roof near the substantial object you plan to use.

Question 37

In single slide how do you take your mark with a parapet and for a roof without a parapet?

Answer 37

For a Roof with a Parapet - Place the anti-chaffing device on the parapet. Standing to the right of the rope, place the left elbow on the outer edge of the parapet and reach down and grasp the rope with the left hand.

3.6.2

For a Roof without a Parapet - Place the anti-chaffing device on the roof near the edge. Standing to the right of the rope, kneel down and grasp the rope at the roof’s edge with the left hand.

Question 38

In single slide how do you maintain position of anti chafing device?

Answer 38

NOTE:

To maintain the position of the anti-chaffing device, the heel of the left hand is placed on the device.

Question 39

When you are ready to single slide how should the hook be held?

Answer 39

4.12

When ready to slide, grasp the hook of the life belt to the gate, with the left hand, PALM DOWN.

Question 40

When performing single slide on a roof with no parapet you should expect a drop of how many feet when dismounting?

Answer 40

Maintaining the position of the right hand (Figure 4), roll to the left while pushing off smartly with the left hand, keeping the body clear of the roof’s edge. A drop of approximately one and one half (1 1/2 ‘) feet will be experienced.

Question 41

What actions should be taken by a member awaiting deployment of life saving rope com above?

Answer 41

6.5

Maintaining the position of the right hand (Figure 4), roll to the left while pushing off smartly with the left hand, keeping the body clear of the roof’s edge. A drop of approximately one and one half (1 1/2 ‘) feet will be experienced.

Question 42

Implementation of emergency life saving rope operations may only be implemented by whom?

Answer 42

A command chief.

Question 43

What are the procedures when this is implemented?

Answer 43

Members assigned the Roof position in the first and second ladder companies at structure fires involving non-fireproof buildings that are 3 stories in height or greater shall bring their Life Saving Rope to the roof of the building. Additionally, members assigned the Roof position in the first and second Ladder companies at fireproof residential-type structures including apartment houses, nursing homes, senior citizen housing, dormitories, etc., shall bring the Life Saving Rope to their position on the floor above.

Question 44

What are duties of first due roof when this is implemented?

Answer 44

.

Question 45

What are the duties of the second due roof when this is implemented?

Answer 45

The 2nd Roof firefighter shall carry the Life Saving Rope to their position. Immediately after reaching their position, identify possible substantial objects for use in tying off the Life Saving Rope and position the Life Saving Rope at that location for possible use. This member will also position the Life Saving Rope of the first ladder company at a substantial object, using a different one if available. This action will readily identify the location of a designated substantial object for Life Saving Rope deployment. After completing this initial duty, the 2nd Roof firefighter shall then perform assigned duties at the roof level (or floor above in fireproof residential buildings), remaining alert to any condition that might require immediate use.

NOTE:
The Life Saving Rope shall not be removed from the carrying case except for actual rescue and removal operations.

Question 46

When can roof firefighters leave roof under this procedure?

Answer 46

These two Roof firefighters shall maintain their position at the roof level (or floor above in fireproof residential buildings) until the Incident Commander declares the operation “Probably Will Hold,” or the Incident Commander informs the members to either evacuate the roof or that their services on the roof are no longer required. When leaving the roof position, Roof firefighters shall take the Life Saving Ropes with them. The Incident Commander shall also announce on the handie-talkie that this roof level team is no longer in place when they are removed from the roof (or floor above in fireproof residential buildings). The Incident Commander must ensure that the duties (searches) previously performed by the Roof firefighters are assigned to other members or units.

Question 47

What is preferred method of removing a distressed member when he is wearing personal harness?

Answer 47

2.6

The preferred method for removal of distressed members wearing a personal harness is for them to remove themselves from danger via a single slide utilizing a Life Saving Rope that has been deployed from above.

Question 48

What is preferred method for removing a distressed member nit wearing personal harness?

Answer 48

The preferred method for removal of distressed members not wearing a personal harness from danger is for the two roof members to perform Evolution 25, 26 or 27 to remove the distressed member from danger.