Rope Rescue Set-Up Review

Newport Fire Department

Overview1. Anchoring/Picket System

2. Anchor Plate

Anchoring PrincipalsAnchoring Principals1.1. Anchors are the foundation of the rope rescue Anchors are the foundation of the rope rescue

system.system.2.2. The actual physical strength and capacity of The actual physical strength and capacity of

an anchor is generally unknown. What we an anchor is generally unknown. What we determine to be “bombproof” is really a determine to be “bombproof” is really a judgment based on knowledge, training, and judgment based on knowledge, training, and experience. experience.

Good AnchorsGood Anchors1. Structural Steel (Properly 1. Structural Steel (Properly

connected to a structure)connected to a structure)2. Reinforced Concrete2. Reinforced Concrete3. Bulk Masonry3. Bulk Masonry4. Heavy Machinery 4. Heavy Machinery

(Cranes, Bulldozer, etc.)(Cranes, Bulldozer, etc.)

5. Fire Apparatus5. Fire Apparatus6. Natural Anchors 6. Natural Anchors

(Big *#^&%ing Rock (Big *#^&%ing Rock / Big LIVE rooted / Big LIVE rooted tree)tree)

7. HVAC Units (If 7. HVAC Units (If properly secured to properly secured to the structure)the structure)

8. Pickets8. Pickets

Bad AnchorsBad Anchors1.1. Insulated PipeInsulated Pipe2.2. Cast Iron Pipe (Stand Cast Iron Pipe (Stand

pipes and Sprinkler risers)pipes and Sprinkler risers)3.3. Masonry Without BulkMasonry Without Bulk4.4. Concrete Block WallsConcrete Block Walls5.5. ChimneysChimneys6.6. Exhaust DuctsExhaust Ducts

1.1. Hand RailsHand Rails2.2. Stair TreadsStair Treads3.3. Ladder RungsLadder Rungs4.4. Wood Framed Wood Framed

WallsWalls5.5. Corroded MetalCorroded Metal6.6. Round RocksRound Rocks7.7. Trees with shallow Trees with shallow

rootsroots

Self-EqualizingSelf-Equalizing Helps to transfer weight of the load.Helps to transfer weight of the load. If one anchor fails there If one anchor fails there willwill be a shock be a shock

load.load. Always try to keep the “self-equalizer” as Always try to keep the “self-equalizer” as

short as possible keeping in mind the short as possible keeping in mind the “critical angles”.“critical angles”.

Self-Equalizing

Twist in line prevents webbing from sliding through

Self-EqualizingSelf-Equalizing

Self-Equalizer

Angle Leg Tension

170° 1150 %

150° 200 %

120° 100 %

90° 70 %

0° 50 %

Critical AnglesCritical Angles

Picket Picket Systems

Simple Picket System

Windlass

Picket Systems1. Picket systems are usually made up of three or 1. Picket systems are usually made up of three or

more evenly spaced stakes driven into the more evenly spaced stakes driven into the ground or snow. ground or snow.

2. The stakes should be positioned in a straight 2. The stakes should be positioned in a straight line away from the intended rappelling or line away from the intended rappelling or lowering point.lowering point.

3. They should be spaced approximately one 3. They should be spaced approximately one stake length apart. stake length apart.

Picket Systems4. After the stakes are driven to the ground, 4. After the stakes are driven to the ground,

secure a length of rope or webbing to the secure a length of rope or webbing to the base of the picket farthest from the load base of the picket farthest from the load and then take 3 to 6 turns around the top of and then take 3 to 6 turns around the top of the next closest picket, ending with a clove the next closest picket, ending with a clove hitch on either picket.hitch on either picket.

5. Repeat this lashing from the base of each 5. Repeat this lashing from the base of each picket to the top of the next closest picket picket to the top of the next closest picket to the load.to the load.

Picket SystemsPicket Systems6. Next place a shorter stake (a CROW-BAR works 6. Next place a shorter stake (a CROW-BAR works

well) between the the lashings and twist until all of well) between the the lashings and twist until all of the slack is out and you are starting to put tension on the slack is out and you are starting to put tension on the forward picket. (Windlass)the forward picket. (Windlass)

7. Repeat the tensioning process to subsequent 7. Repeat the tensioning process to subsequent lashings, working toward the load. lashings, working toward the load.

8. The short stakes used for tensioning should be 8. The short stakes used for tensioning should be driven into the ground a short distance to secure driven into the ground a short distance to secure them.them.

Anchor plateAnchor plate* Used to connect the system to the

anchor itself

Webbing connects to “bombproof” anchor

Anchor plate set-up

Load release

always in the

system

Munter Hitch Rack Load Release Haul

Rack Rack • Used to lower responder to the victim

Load ReleaseLoad Release• Used to release weight of rescuer/victim when prussik knots “lock” onto safety rope• Always in the system (safety)

Rack & Load Rack & Load ReleaseRelease

Prussick linesPrussick lines• Attach from safety line to load release (always connected in system

Line connects to rescuer using “Figure 8”

Completed Lowering Setup

Raise VictimRaise Victim• Remove the rack from the system• Add a munter hitch to the system

(opposite side of pulley)• Add the haul (5:1) pulley system

Munter Hitch• Add to the carabineer (far left side on anchor plate)

1

2

3

Munter – second view

3

Haul System completed

Practical Application

Go put it all together…