GETTING “OVER THE EDGE”
“Battalion One to roof.”
“Roof”
“Set up for a rope rescue for a civilian on exposure three, floor number four.”
“Roof, 10-4.”
After a quick survey to see how tenable the situation is and a split-second “risk-togain” analysis, you decide to go for it.
The next two critical factors of concern are your anchor point(s) and successfully “getting over the edge.”
ANCHOR POINTS
Anchor point(s) must be sufficient to hold at least a two-man load—rescuer and victim. It must be as substantial as can be found in a fast-paced situation. Anchor selection is based on four general options: equalizing, nonequalizing, multiple, and tensionless.
- The equalizing anchor system uses at
- least two or more substantial points that when connected together distribute the load evenly between the two (or more) points. This system allows the newly created artificial point to be moved from side to side, giving a greater capability. The
- The nonequalizing or load-sharing anchor system is useful when tie-offs are uneven (one anchor is high and the other low), when it is necessary to work around overhangs or sidewalls, or when anchors are varying distances (one 10 feet and the other 15 feet, for example) from the edge. Tying off separately and connecting to a common point makes it possible to “load share.”
- The multiple anchor system essentially runs a rope or webb sling around several substantial objects, such as an air-conditioning unit, a bulkhead, and a water tank that collectively will hold the load.
- The tensionless anchor uses a single
- substantial point, such as a round column, tank, or utility pipe. The rounder the better; as the surface area increases, so does the rope’s grip. This technique is simple to set up; you need only a rope and carabiner. Wrap the rope around the object enough times so that when you pull on the rope’s standing end, all of it cannot be pulled. Six to 10 wraps usually are enough. Finish with a figure-of-eight bight safetied and then clipped to a locking carabiner to connect the bight and standing part of the rope.
Webb slings usually are the primary connecting components of equalizing and nonequalizing anchor systems. The multiple and tensionless anchor systems usually are used when equipment is short or only the life safety rope is in the bag and you are tying off fast and getting down quickly.
EQUALIZING ANCHOR
NOTE: Safety notch prevents loss of anchor, ff one anchor pulls away, the notch will prevent the carabiner from slipping off the rope or webbing.
NONEQUALIZING ANCHOR
MULTIPLE ANCHOR
(Photo courtesy of Nassau County Fire Service Academy.)
Advantages and disadvantages are associated with each system, and opinions differ as to which system should be used in which situation. One primary principle to remember is to keep the angle between two or more anchor points small (90 degrees or less); this prevents the system from placing additional stress on the anchor points. An example would be placing a 500-lb. weight on two anchor points that are 180 degrees apart, which would put a greater pull on them. A problem could be created if the anchor points are marginal. If in doubt, add more anchor points.
The ability to create an artificial anchor point where needed, as opposed to where the anchor point is, can be a major plus to an operation; however, keep the spreading fire danger in mind. Setting up the rope’s path a window row or two away from the victims and wall-walking over to them, picking them up, and rappelling to the ground can keep the fire from impinging the rope.
Train in the fundamentals of each system, as you will find several types may be needed in a single operation.
(Author’s note: Due to the urgency of the fireground or rescue situation, the individual using these anchoring methods may not use the traditional mountain climber’s approach with regard to keeping angles between anchors small.)
“GETTING OVER THE EDGE”
“Getting over the edge” for a rappel is easier said than done in many cases. There are many situations, and many considerations are involved when planning a safe operation. It is critical to understand this seemingly easy skill; performing it incorrectly can get you into a great deal of trouble. You may get hung up going over an edge and not have the strength or manpower available to get back to the start point.
Difficulties encountered while trying to clear an edge are generally attrihuted to equipment or technique—or both. Many times, if the equipment isn’t used correctly, the intended technique may compound the difficulty. The predominant descending device is the figure-of-eight ring, which comes with or without ears. The figure of eight without ears can get into a rope lockup situation. When a rescuer rolls against an edge, the rope can girth hitch itself, and the weight of the rescuer will prevent a descent. The figure of eight with ears has two large curves added to the large ring section, which usually prevents a rope lockup situation. However, these ears can get hooked on obstructions on the building, such as flashing, gutters, and parapet walls. As with any device, choose it carefully, use it correctly, and maintain your proficiency with it.
COMMON TECHNIQUE
The following is not intended to teach you how to rappel; however, it should be incorporated into your training considerations. The technique component is based on simple principles that can be applied to most situations. The following parameters as a minimum must be in place to operate safely. The rescuer must don a class-two harness and secure it as recommended by the manufacturer; rappel lines must comply with NFPA 1983—i.e., ½-inch static rope for a two-man evolution; rescue rope and belay lines must be attached to a substantial anchor system; the scene must be assessed for safety considerations; and protective equipment must be donned.
The following technique is based on using either of the figure-of-eight devices.
- Face your anchor point(s) and hook up figure of eight to the rappel line; then connect the properly weaved figure of eight to your harness with a locking carabiner.2. With slack taken out of the line and some minor stretching accounted for, estimate how much rope you will need to get the figure-of-eight device past the edge and your brake hand maintaining control.
- 3. The rescuer must physically clear the edge. This can be a window, door, roof edge, parapet wall, catwalk, tower, aerial ladder, etc.
4.The rescuer must control the descent.
MOST COMMON SITUATIONS
The following pictorial will guide you through some of the most common situations you may encounter in the real world.
Tie-High and Tie-Low Evolutions. The first two evolutions are called “tie high” and “tie low.” The terms denote where the anchor point(s) are in relation to the rappeller. Which evolution you use is dictated by the availability of anchor point(s) and time constraints.
TIE HIGH
(Photos curtesy of Nassau County Fire Service Academy.)
TIE LOW
(Photos courtesy of Nassau County Fire Service Academy.)
OUT-A-WINDOW DESCENT. Setting up an out-a-window descent depends on the type of occupancy and available anchor point(s). Creativity at times must be worked out in a moment’s notice. It is best to take out the entire window; the firefighter can straddle the sill. Get all the glass out, and pad the edge with bedding, carpeting, draperies, etc., if you have the time.
(Right) Select anchor point(s) and hook up your rope; toss the rope bag out of the window to the ground. Face the anchor point; then stand parallel to the rope. Hook up the figure of eight correctly and connect to harness.
Straddle windowsill and give enough slack so the figure of eight will dear the edge. CRITICAL POINT: Move as close as you can to the frame in front of you. Egressing with an SCBA, you’ll need all the room you can get to pivot out the window.
Outside view of figure of eight pulled clear of the frame. The inside guide hand holds on to the interior wall, and the outside brake hand punches the wall and holds a firm grip. Pivot on the outside foot to bring the entire body out.
A quick check to ensure the rope is threaded correctly. Get into the proper stance. Proceed to the ground. (Photos courtesy of Nassau County Fire Service Academy.)
AERIAL LADDER. (See photos next page.) The use of an aerial ladder is indicative of confined-space, below-grade, or buildingcollapse operations that necessitate that a rescuer be lowered. Conventional anchoring may not exist, or using it could endanger the rescuer or victims. CRIT ICAL POINT: You must use only aerial apparatus rated for the loads being applied and not exceed the manufacturer’s limitations. In any or all situations, SCBA may be required while rappelling; one is donned in this series. Initial training doesn’t require it; however, real-world situations may. Training should progress from easy to difficult techniques. CRITICAL POINT: The SCBA must be donned correctly with all straps applied snugly. Injury can occur if the waist straps aren’t on and pulled snug.
TOWER LADDER. The use of a tower ladder provides the best operating parameters when aerial apparatus is required. Heavy load capability while operating at low angles at full extension are some of its attributes. There are several ways to use the tower. This is one of them. This evolution can be used in training and the real world. To eliminate a topside belayer, double up the rescue rope. This 165-ft. static ½-inch rope is doubled up to provide greater safety than a single rope rappel. You’ll have about 70 feet of usable rope length.
Author’s note: Safety considerations: The photos portray the evolutions without belay lines, and various levels of personal protection equipment were donned. Protective equipment must be worn, when indicated, for the types and levels of hazards present. The absolute minimum level of personal protection equipment consists of a helmet, gloves, and a radio. Proper belaying during training and fireground operations, as available, should be the norm. The tower evolution shows the double-up technique as an option. True fireground egressing will tend to be a single rope evolution without the benefit of a topor bottom-side belayer.
Many more issues could be addressed as this avenue of rescue skills continues to grow. These easy-to-teach safeguards are inexpensive to implement. They reinforce the idea that quality equipment, realistic training, close supervision, and a positive attitude help ensure a safe operation.
