Safety: Razor Ribbon, a Hidden Hazard
TRAINING NOTEBOOK
As crime increases, so too does the demand for more and improved security systems; and with an increase in security comes an increase in firefighting problems.
Expedient and safe firefighting operations have been hampered by rolldown security doors and roofs covered by metal plates. These devices have caused delayed discovery, exposures to backdraft, ventilation problems, and increased collapse potential.
In addition to the usual criminal deterrents (roll-up metal doors, police vertical bar locks, static drop bars, etc.), firefighters have been finding, often at the expense of severe lacerations, razor ribbon (or razor wire) tucked away inside cocklofts, walls, behind rear entry doors, etc.
Designed to provide increased security on top of fences and walls, razor ribbon is fabricated from a continuous coil of stainless steel wire .025 inch thick, 1 inch to IV4 inches wide. The stainless steel ribbon has a .096-inch steel wire pressed into it and clusters of four 1-inch long barbs are cut 4 inches on center. These stainless steel barbs come to a long, fine, extremely tough point. A forceful contact with the tip of the barb will result in a puncture wound.
Manufacturers of razor ribbon recommend that it be installed in visible locations atop fences and walls that have a minimum height of seven feet, or installed in such a manner as to avoid contact by all pedestrian traffic. Obviously, razor ribbon should be avoided wherever possible.
When used as specified by the manufacturer, razor ribbon can be handled safely by firefighters and should pose no extraordinary problems. However, as firefighters have discovered, property owners don’t always follow manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Razor ribbon has been found as a barrier between the roofs of apartment buildings, blocking firefighters’ access to the fire building from an adjoining roof. This obstacle is not always visible from the street, so firefighters may not carry the proper tools with them.
- To prevent burglars from entering a structure through holes cut in the roof, razor ribbon is sometimes installed above dropped ceilings throughout one-story commercial buildings. In the event of fire in these structures, one of the strategic factors that will affect the outcome of the fire is the rapid access to the ceiling (cockloft) space. Firefighters in this case, will pull the hidden coils of razor ribbon down upon them and the other firefighting teams. This would not only cause painful injuries, but would also entrap the interior forces in their aggressive advance and their retreat if the fire condition should momentarily overwhelm them.
- Razor ribbon has also been found in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts, especially where roof access is possible.
When razor ribbon is used on exterior fence tops, as recommended by the manufacturers, it is safer and easier to cut through the fence rather than trying to cut the wire and scale the fence.
The recommended installation is to have a top wire supporting the razor ribbon. This top wire, usually barbed, is stretched above and parallel to the fence and anchored at each end. The ribbon loops will be attached to the top wire and to the top of the fence at fixed intervals—usually 18 inches on center (closer intervals are used for higher security). Short 16-gauge tie wires are used for the attachment.
In the event razor ribbon is mounted on a wrought iron fence or a masonry wall, it would be best attacked by cutting the tie wires and/or the top wire. These wires are much easier to cut than the stainless steel ribbon. It may be’ possible to cut tie wires for whatever distance is necessary and then use a ladder or hook to slide the razor ribbon out of the way. Heavy leather gloves should be worn during these operations. Using a tool such as a hook to attempt to pull the razor ribbon from its fixed position should not be done. If or when the fastening devices let go, the person pulling on the hook could be struck by the springy coils.
Some installations lace the ribbon through some fixed objects instead of using tie wire. Under those circum_ stances, the ribbon itself must be cut! This can be done with two pairs of large size wire cutting pliers (sometimes called fence pliers) that are used by chain link fence installers. One plier is used for holding the ribbon, the other is used for cutting. Cutting takes some effort as the ribbon is tough. Another cutting tool to use is a 24-inch bolt cutter. The fence pliers should also be used to remove the tie wires. Again, wear heavy leather gloves. The barbs are like thorns. They look formidable but contrary to their name are only sharp at the tip.
If installation on this type of additional security measure is becoming common in your district, a homemade shielding mat should be carried on apparatus. A 5 X 8-foot piece of heavy carpet remnant with a 2 X 4-inch board nailed to each end will serve to gain access over the razor ribbon barrier.
When dealing with razor ribbon at night, be prepared to illuminate the removing procedures. Be sure not to leave the removed and/or cut portions where they may become a hazard to the operating forces.
The original use of this product was to deter unlawful entry over existing barriers. Its new use as a booby trap must be of concern to firefighters. In areas’where security concerns are high, fire service personnel should conduct surveys as part of their pre-fire planning to determine the extent of razor wire use.
