tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65611422257639093292024-03-12T21:14:01.931-07:00Specialist Training ConsultantsTechnical Rescue and Safety experts.Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-21796332339524478372012-11-08T02:48:00.002-08:002012-11-08T02:48:58.331-08:00Wheelbarrow Rescue Syndrome
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wheelbarrow
Rescue Syndrome (WRS) as defined by Rhodes, P (2006) is a “cumbersome,
burdensome, and awkward affliction of those rescue technicians, teams and
agencies that promote ‘bigger is better’, or, ‘when in doubt bring it all’”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is
usually characterised by teams that undertake practical training without
understanding or underpinning knowledge, the ‘how’ without the ‘why’, usually
facilitated by instructors that are lacking in their own theoretical
understanding. This type of training is detrimental to the establishment of a
team that will be open to change and future development as better equipment,
methods and techniques evolve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are five
distinct signs and symptoms of teams suffering from ‘WRS’ in the UK:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They insist on backing up all
anchors, even ‘bombproof’ ones<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They use pre rigged equipment usually
carried on their harnesses at all times<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They will advocate the use of a
figure of eight on a bight as the only true ‘Rescue Knot’ including making the
loops excessively large or making multiple loops using up working rope.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They typically let their rope systems
drag on edges and surfaces with no or inadequate protection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their equipment is dated, not fit for
purpose and poorly maintained<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their techniques and methods are
distant from other neighbouring teams<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their training is incestuous<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To combat
this, teams should always insist on knowing the “why” to any technical skills.
Once you understand the “why” it will become considerably easier to learn the “how”
and ensure they become a lasting part of your teams repertoire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avoid wheelbarrow
rescues; rescue teams should be light, fast, efficient, competent, adaptable
and safe. It is vital that the equipment carried is suitable and meets current
standards and thinking rather than the general consensus or personal
preferences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Complex rigging
systems may seem impressive but are slow, requiring large amounts of equipment
and are inherently harder to manage when something goes wrong. This is
especially evident when workspace is at a premium. Teams suffering from WRS
will try to match the task to the equipment rather than select the most
appropriate equipment and techniques for the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rescuers
would be better served to think in the same mentality as modern Mountain Rescue
Teams, moving fast and light, using equipment with multiple uses. Most Urban
and Industrial rescues can be performed with a small amount of equipment
distributed between the team members and two lines.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teams and
their management should always seek to buy the latest equipment available at
that time, teams and their instructors should not seek to continue using a
certain piece of equipment purely based on the instructor’s preference or lack
of up to date product knowledge. The training should reflect advances in
technology and product development not tradition or brand allegiance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-31476526573760899082012-10-23T07:21:00.003-07:002012-10-23T07:22:35.625-07:00The original<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The originator of the original Rollgliss system, Mr Wullimann (Pictured). The Rollgliss R300 was made at Galvano Wullimann AG a metal
fabricators in Selzach, Switzerland and now under licence in Germany where the
R300 version is still made under the trade name of <b>SWISS RESCUE®.</b> The
standard rope for European use was 3/8" or 9mm although a larger diameter rope
and adapted Rollgliss was made available for use in the USA. Rollgliss sold the
patent for the Rollgliss R350 and the trade name to Protecta Ltd, now part of
Capital Safety Ltd. Specialist Training Consultants Ltd have been associated
with the supply and maintenance of Rollgliss since our formation in 1997 and
have been an operational user since 1988. We work closely with the manufacturer
and are recognised as the principle service agent here in the UK for the entire
range of Rollgliss equipment.</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJORKFl_Abp81X4LWJvl9xCLy1WAV0YbqXOgh6xHVpo0hTwnevH9cJ7hvjuYxz5P52jXLSrurbDn4h06kYutVBVqqQW-Ul-hvhQJ30-3CidPf3qOPa33DMPKBa1i1kfAXGT5AXR-4rUE/s1600/rollgliss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJORKFl_Abp81X4LWJvl9xCLy1WAV0YbqXOgh6xHVpo0hTwnevH9cJ7hvjuYxz5P52jXLSrurbDn4h06kYutVBVqqQW-Ul-hvhQJ30-3CidPf3qOPa33DMPKBa1i1kfAXGT5AXR-4rUE/s400/rollgliss.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-90326761718563110522012-10-22T08:26:00.001-07:002012-10-22T08:26:20.115-07:00Keep up with us!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can keep up with us on our </span><a href="http://www.rollgliss.eu/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">website</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> or </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Specialist-Training-Consultants/246433148752899" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> page! Any queries or questions, sales or advice drop us an email at </span><a href="mailto:info@rollgliss.eu"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">info@rollgliss.eu</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-72089300448789868692012-10-22T03:38:00.003-07:002012-10-22T03:38:46.077-07:00Ground pins<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Used in firm ground the Ground pin set can provide additional anchorage points in wide range of remote environments. The basic kit contains 6 pins and a heavy hammer in a carry bag.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="344" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/pic1.jpg" width="400" />Positioned in crescent shape with at least 1m between the pins. The individual Galvanised steel pins should be inserted to full length 600mm and inclined slightly backwards. The pins which are 22mm diameter galvanised mild steel allow for a variety of attachments. Rope can be directly knotted or connected through a lanyard and connector. <br /><br /> <br /><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="343" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/pic3.jpg" width="400" />The rope layout can be a fixed belay or self equalising. It is important as with all anchorages to monitor the parts for movement and of course avoid shock loads. In soft ground pins have been used "in line" one behind another to further strengthen the anchorage. Removing the pins is easy, as by a simple twisting action they can be pulled free from the ground. We have chalk cliffs near to us at STC and have inserted these pins through the top soil into the chalk beneath to provide a very strong anchor point </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A closer picture of the individual pin, connected into a belay system via a short protected lanyard. The picture shows a large Klettersteig karabiner, another option would be to use a delta maillon.</span> Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-5499188042594895592012-10-22T03:38:00.000-07:002012-10-22T08:16:21.239-07:00Hardware part 1<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First of all, is it karabiner or carabiner, after a day on the ropes and
over a few beers this one can go on forever! I have over the years read, heard
and discussed every argument, statement and fact. The vast majority will call
this piece of bent metal a carabiner, for me it’s a karabiner. The bottom line
is that what ever you call it, the thing must be appropriate for your task
without compromising safety. <br /><br />Aluminium or steel, which is best? That
depends on your application. If you were an Alpine climber, racked out with lots
of kit, including 30+ karabiners, then you would appreciate the weight involved
and opt without question for aluminium. For rescue and industrial applications
you will find yourself on the other side of the fence, steel being your
principal choice. Just to confuse the whole issue, climber or rescuer you will
have use for both. <br /><br />Most aluminium karabiners are forged into their
desired shape, then heat treated to arrange the molecules like the grain in hard
wood. It’s in these aluminium karabiners that we see the most variation in
shape, being designed primarily for the sports climbing market <i>(ref:pic
1).</i><br /><br />Pic 1</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="235" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/KRAB6.jpg" width="400" />I read a hefty
article about the metallurgy of aluminium karabiners, and the one thing that I
clearly remember is that the material, when being forged, takes on a crystalline
structure, immensely strong but it can be brittle. So what happens if one is
dropped from a height onto a hard surface? Aluminium karabiners do not “witness
damage” very well, in other words it will look fine, until it is shock loaded
whereupon it may fracture and fail with disastrous results. To get round this
problem, if you drop it, bin it! A steel karabiner, if dropped, will invariably
be visibly marked and thus will “witness damage”, also steel karabiners will
distort out of shape if over loaded. So don’t panic, failure of karabiners is
virtually unheard of, it’s the failure of the user, that is the point to watch
out for! <br /><br />Regardless of construction material, all karabiners used
in rescue should have a breaking strain of at least 28kN for aluminium
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(ref:pic 2)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em></em><br />Pic 2 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="281" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/KRAB7.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and 42kN for steel <i>(ref:pic 3),</i> in addition they should all have
spring loaded gates with screw locks. I am never comfortable with twist lock
gates, however for industrial users or occasional users I do recommend
them. Some manufacturers offer a twist lock with an independent lock system,
push button or pull and twist options. <i>(ref:pic 4)</i> these are
excellent.<br /><br />Pic 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="245" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/KRAB3.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /> </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pic 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="232" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/KRAB2.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the vast amount of applications my own preference is a large steel
screw gate karabiner that is rated at 42kN, made by DMM in North Wales. UK.
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(ref pic 5)</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Pic 5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="231" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/KRAB4.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Corrosion will
always be worth looking out for <i>(ref:pic 6).</i> Steel (Iron and Carbon) used
in the manufacture of Karabiners is an alloy that may include Sulphur, Manganese
and Phosphorous. Karabiners are then plated with a process that puts several
layers on the surface. As the top layer is worn away by abrasion or friction the
remaining layers will keep corrosion under control. Aluminium karabiners are
made from an alloy containing Aluminium, Magnesium and Silica that has good
corrosion resisting properties and most are also anodised. Corrosion, either
rust on steel components or oxides from aluminium, (we have all rubbed down wood
with aluminium oxide paper) will not do our lines or webbing kit any good if it
is allowed to build up. Surprisingly the one item left off most kit lists is a
washing machine or at least access to one for our ropes and slings etc.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pic
6 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="266" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/KRAB1.jpg" width="399" />I had an
interesting conversation with a representative of the Health and Safety
Executive on the for’s and against’s regarding karabiners and was intrigued to
hear that the HSE would prefer the use of Maillon Rapides in most applications
as they have an unparallelled safety record. I tried it and liked it, used as the
item of choice by many Police tactical teams; Maillons will be used without
exception when rigging. They now form part of my standard kit and I have found
myself recommending them more and more. Delta Maillon (triangle shape) or Pear
shaped <i>(ref: pic 7)</i> in 10mm stainless steel, they are certificated as
PPE and have an EN reference </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">number. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pic 7.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="161" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/pic7a.jpg" width="400" />Being able to take
a load on three axes against only two for a karabiner, they are perfect for use
when rigging or establishing anchor points <i>(ref: pic 8).</i> Secured finger
tight or nipped up with a 13mm spanner or a multi tool, they have a 100% safety
record. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When used appropriately they will be superior to a Karabiner, but I must
add never replace them, both Karabiners and Maillons will be found in my
kit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="all" /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><a href="http://linerescue.org.uk/img/content/16253_45201.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/img/content/16253_45201.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pic 8.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="250" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/pic6.jpg" width="400" />We clean harness, lines, and tapes but often disregard
Karabiners assuming they can look after themselves. Hinges and springs become
clogged with dirt and threads on screw gates become stiff with dirt. A good
scrub in warm soapy water, a toothbrush to clean threads and hinges comes in
handy. The most positive part is handling and taking a close look at this
often-neglected item. I once witnessed Karabiners being lubricated with WD40!
Shock and horror, the oil will accumulate more dirt while the solvent base will
contaminate lines and tapes slowly destroying their molecular structure! A good
Karabiner that is clean and dry will need nothing or at most a touch of Silicon
spray on the hinge and thread. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bottom line is; if you are in any doubt about the integrity of your
Karabiners be they Steel or Aluminium then retire them, they are a cheap item,
but crucial to any line rescue system. </span>Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-7227389509111405222012-10-22T03:31:00.000-07:002012-10-22T03:31:00.712-07:00A shocking tale<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of rope rescue technicians still don't understand the principles of fall
factor. However, it's quite simple, even if you hated arithmetic. Fall Factor is
simply the distance of the fall divided by the length of the rope or lanyard
from the person falling to anchor point.<br /><br />The equation looks like this;
<br /><br /><strong><em>Fall Factor = Length of Fall / Length of Rope/lanyard</em></strong> <br /><br />A Fall
Factor 2 is the maximum you will encounter in a typical un-arrested fall, since
the height of a fall can't exceed two times the length of the rope or lanyard.
Normally, a Fall Factor 2 can only occur when a technician is working above his
anchor point and at the maximum length of the rope or lanyard. The force is the
same if you fall 2 metres or 20 metres.<br /><br />Your well being depends on
several factors, strength of your anchor, the stretch of the rope or deployment
of the energy absorber, strength of your connectors and finally the fit of your
harness. <br /><br />Shock load is the result of three factors; the rope or energy
absorber, the fall factor, and the weight of the falling object.
<br /><br />Obviously, the only part of this equation that can drastically reduce
the force of a fall is the deployment of the energy absorber. So, safety systems
are designed around the shock-absorbing quality of the energy absorber. It
cushions the fall, reducing the impact force and the chance of system failure.
The energy absorber is the one element in the whole system that is designed to
limit the force of a rescue technicians’ weight in a worst-case fall (Fall
Factor 2) to not more that 6 kN. The rest of the system can be designed to work
with this known maximum force. <br /><br />Static ropes are designed to minimise
stretch. Their ability to absorb shock is marginal, particularly along short
lengths of rope, and they transmit virtually all the shock load equally to the
anchor system and to the body. In a rescue situation, a very short fall can
develop enough force to be critical, especially with a casualty on board.
Therefore rope of choice for rescue applications must be a semi static
conforming to EN1891A and be of 11mm or 10.5mm in diameter. The compromise of
the stretch will be very useful when arresting a fall and one thing often
overlooked is the action of the various knots in the system to also tighten and
absorb energy.<br /><br />Webbing slings perform like static rope. Used for
anchoring and extending a connection, slings are just as rigid as static rope. A
Fall Factor 2 develops enough shock load to risk failure of the sling, the
wearers harness, karabiners, not to mention damage to the rescue technicians
internal organs.<br /><br /><br /><strong>In conclusion</strong><br /><br />A fall of less than four
feet on a static rope or sling can create enough shock force to cause serious
injury. The human body can only sustain, a shock force of 12 kN and loads of 18
kN are not only highly undesirable but very dangerous. In addition 18 kN is
getting close to the minimum limits of all the items in your rope system. A fall
factor 1.9 attached directly to a static rope running over a karabiner or
pulley, with is normal shock force of 18 kN, becomes a shock force of 30 kN.
Would your anchor hold? It is academic, because something else would
undoubtedly fail.<br /><br />Always ensure you’re protected by an energy absorber,
protect yourself from falling by the use of restraint techniques or if safe to
do so, use a fall arrest lanyard. Never work above your anchor point unless you
are very well protected. Use only semi static ropes and ensure the equipment
you use in the system is rated accordingly, e.g. sports climbing equipment has
very limited use in rescue.<br /><br />The most valuable item you carry is your
brain, look at the problem and be sure you fully understand the consequences of
your actions and results of an accidental arrested fall.</span>Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-34822399841942659192012-10-22T03:27:00.003-07:002012-10-22T08:19:49.698-07:00Anchors, part 1<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have watched students tasked with attaching a line to a fixed anchor
point struggle and retie knots several times to achieve a slack fee connection.
Try this method and you will achieve results every time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How much do I
allow for the knot. Trial and error?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="300" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/DSC00762.JPG" width="400" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">create a bight
in the line (11mm) and pull the line and anchorage together tightly, adjusting
the bight so that the two just meet. <i>Note</i>: the tighter these two are
pulled together, the tighter will be the attachment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="300" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/DSC00764.JPG" width="400" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extend the
bight an <i>additional</i> 8" or 200mm, as a guide, measure and use the span of
your fingers as a guide. Then tie a figure of eight knot, dress and tension the
knot in the normal manner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="300" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/DSC00763.JPG" width="400" /></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally make the
connection, you will find the knot to be in the perfect position. The system
works with all lines, the length of the addition will need to be adjusted to
accommodate different line diameters. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="229" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/pic2.jpg" width="400" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The major consideration in establishing any anchorage
system is the prevention or at least the management of shock loads. These
unwelcome forces can be caused by a number of reasons, whatever their cause they
can seriously overload a system, causing the failure of knots and anchorages
alike.<br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prevention has always been better than cure. When a rope is under tension
and then shock loaded we have relied in the past on the elasticity built into
the line and the fact that knots will tighten slightly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="237" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/disp~close~up.jpg" width="400" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Energy dissipater</strong> <br /><br />The energy dissipater has been around for
a while, but like most items was designed for a different use. Petzl use a
similar method of reducing shock loads in their Via ferrata lanyards, yet it has
never been actively applied to rope terminations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="393" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/disp~rigged~2.jpg" width="365" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rope in use, either an 11mm or even 9mm is passed
through the holes in the device, it is very important to ensure that the correct
sequence of holes is followed as they differ in size for the varying diameters
of line. A diagram engraved on the body of the dissipater helps with this.
Personally, for our lines that are packed and ready for use, we leave them in
place. Most important is to leave a tail of about a metre and finish with a stop
knot.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="" border="0" height="336" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/disp~knoted.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under normal
use, this termination is as secure as any knot. However should the rope be shock
loaded the dissipater will allow the rope to pass through, absorbing energy in
the process. The stop knot is a preventative measure to stop the rope from
unravelling completely. Should you wish to prevent any movement in the rope
pass the knotted tail beneath the last turn on the dissipater.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="all" /></span><br />
<br />Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-42992327527995026312012-10-22T03:23:00.001-07:002012-10-22T03:23:04.409-07:00Ropes for rescue<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It must be said that this single item of
equipment in my experience is the one that has little regard paid to it,
compared to other items of equipment. When new and fresh of the reel, its silky
feel and colours is something to behold, after a few uses, grubby and stuffed in
its bag its forgotten about until that next time its pulled out for use. It is
without question the most important part of the equipment that we shall use,
“line rescue” would just not exist if the line were missing. Over the years I
have used lines made from both natural and synthetic fibres, Hawser laid and
braided lines, everything from “Polyprop” to Kevlar (Aramid) tape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="276" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/poly~prop.jpg" width="280" />Polyprop rope,
instantly recognisable as a blue three strand twisted rope. Found on Farms,
construction sites and <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://linerescue.org.uk/16226.html#" id="FALINK_1_0_0">working</a></nobr> boats. It has two good characteristics, it floats
and its cheap! It has virtually no use in rope rescue. Also shown is
polyprop, in a braided version. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is technology on top of rope construction or can we expect something
radical? I think we now have the best that is available at this present time,
manufactures of rope just don’t make for the rescue market, industrial users
will always be the biggest consumers. But add together sports climbing with the
need for specific lines together with top class sailing and we can see advances
in rope design and construction that are filtering back into rescue rope
manufacture. <br /><br />Rope or Line? It’s like Carabiner or Karabiner? everyone
has an opinion, so this is mine. I recall back in my early days as a young
firefighter, being told by an individual who had worked with rope for all his
life, that rope is the generic name of the manufactured <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://linerescue.org.uk/16226.html#" id="FALINK_2_0_1">product</a></nobr>. As soon as you cut it to a specific
length and designate it to a specific use, it becomes line: well, that’s good
enough for me. So to recap, manufacturers make rope and rescue technicians use
lines. <br /><br /><strong>Choice of rope</strong><br /><br />The optimum rope for normal
use is 11mm diameter nylon rope designed for rescue use. Strong enough to
provide a good safety margin 3000Kg WLL, and be also sufficiently robust enough
to withstand several years of use, providing you look after it. Weight is not
such a concern, as it with sports climbing, there will always be helping hands
to transport kit. This same rope must be suitable for all purposes (Controlled
descent, safety line, establishing anchors and belays) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="355" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/VECTOR11-LG-200X355.gif" width="200" />When
I first became involved in line rescue work, two types of line commonly were
used. An 11mm Static line for all descending/ascending and stretcher work (twin
line working was not common in those days) and finally a 9mm Dynamic line for
establishing belays. The latest lines using modern manufacturing techniques now
offer us lines that are sometimes termed low-stretch or industrial. These lines
are now the automatic choice for rescue professionals; the limited stretch makes
them ideal for all our applications. The Military/Law Enforcement and sports
cavers will still prefer the static lines, and for Sports climbers the 9mm
dynamic, for its ability to take a fall and its lightness.<br /><br />For rescue
work we now have the line that most suits our needs, the 11mm Semi static in
working lengths up to 200m, 400m + are available, but these are monsters to
handle and heavy to transport. <br /><br />Special applications call for special
ropes, most of my lines are 100m lengths, that for me is the all-round working
rope length, not too heavy or bulky for a rope bag. However It is vitally
important for any rescue team to assess the need for longer ropes, normally 200m
is the longest commercially available. Longer lengths can be supplied but are
special order and delivery times normally reflect this. Ropes of one continuous
length can make life such a lot easier. The task of passing a knot or adding
additional line during a descent can be time consuming and tiring for the
rescuer.<br /><br />Rope must be seen as a consumable, a new rope can be ruined
first time it is used. You must be prepared for that, both emotionally and
financially, believe me. A lot has been written regarding the working life of a
line, in my experience lines in daily use will be worn out and require retiring
long before they reach their age limit. For the record, 5 years of regular use
seems to be the figure manufacturers have adopted. For rescue teams, up to 8
years is good for me. After all, the line is not being used every day and
<i>providing</i> the line has never been shock loaded and is well maintained (as
it should be, your life depends on it) it will be OK.<br /><br />In my experience
teams never buy long enough lengths and this failure generally proves expensive
in the long term. As a supplier of equipment, including lines, it is more
profitable for me to sell you two 50m lines than one 100m line. The longer has
to be the most economic choice, its always the ends, sometimes the first 15-20m
that will be worn the most. Even by rotating the line regularly, eventually they
will have to be cut off, generally leaving a piece only 30m long, which is has
very little practical use. However the 100m line can withstand having several
ends cut off and still leave you with a good working line. I see this daily on
the Rollgliss systems we overhaul, a too a short line was purchased initially
and as only the running end that has been ruined, the entire line has to be
replaced to maintain a good working length. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><strong>Transporting ropes</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ropes should always be stored and carried in rope bags. A well-designed
bag, besides being far easier to stow and handle than hanked or coiled line,
will protect the line from all kinds of damage. Coiled lines will tangle or
develop kinks caused by twisting the rope, I like my lines to be packed tight in
a hap-hazard fashion in the bag, reducing chaffing whilst in transit, my second
choice is to 'chain a rope'. Finally the environment that we work in can be
harsh, it makes much better sense to wear out the bag than damage a line. A
line, which is dirty, is not only destroying itself but also your hardware. Even
fine grit and dust, especially the oxides from aluminium equipment can rapidly
wear out metal equipment and lines alike, and once embedded it is very difficult
to subsequently remove all these particles from the rope.Lines like to be kept
cool, dry and in the dark. I always keep my lines in their bags, damage from
Sunlight or rather, ultra violet light will degrade the line, but this takes
ages, the line will be worn out long before this type of damage becomes a
concern. Most important is to ensure that lines are stored clean and
dry. <br /><br />After each operational use, lines must be inspected for damage and
washed if necessary. Apart from normal surface abrasion which is more or less
obvious, the worst thing that can happen to a line is contamination by
chemicals, once identified and confirmed, the line or the contaminated end must
be disposed off, you just cannot take that risk. Materials used in line
construction are particularly stable polymers and are affected by very few
common chemicals, however, it is well known that nylon is severely affected by
even quite dilute acids, and that polyesters are attacked aggressively by strong
alkali's.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="right" alt="" border="0" height="125" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/VECTOR125-LG-200X125.gif" width="200" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <strong>Washing and inspection</strong><br /><br />Using a rope, which has become
impregnated with grit, is also a recipe for disaster. Each time the rope is
loaded over a pulley or squeezed through a descender a multitude of microscopic
particles of grit and metal oxides are forcibly ground into the fragile yarn
filaments of the kern and some weakening is inevitable. Thorough washing is
important to remove as much as possible of this contamination that abrades the
internal fibres of the line. A line cannot be properly inspected for any
surface damage that may have occurred until it has been cleaned. Superficial
dirt can be removed by simply sloshing the rope around in running water, avoid
hosepipes or a Pressure washer, as these may force dirt into the core of the
line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="215" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/line3.JPG" width="250" />For effective
cleaning, lines can be washed in a washing machine, normal wash temperature 40C.
Chaining the lines can prevent tangling. Other items, webbing or harness can be
stuffed it into a mesh wash bag. Adding normal amounts of a fabric softener is
useful and acceptable as it replaces the yarns normal Teflon / anti-static
lubricants that are used in the manufacturing process.<br /><br />Regular machine
washing is not harmful to the line, remember that the same fibre used in lines
is that found in ordinary clothing, which is designed to be washed every few
days. I always us a detergent, it helps the cleaning process, but look for PH
neutral types, I have used soap flakes in the past but have been disappointed
with the results. I also ensure the lines go through a full rinse cycle, which I
feel is important.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="249" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/line2.JPG" width="300" />Pictured is a
double jacket rope ( Orange over Black) laid over a four strand braided kern.
The double jackets give excellent wear characteristics but the two mantles
were prone to slippage. This is easily resolved by soaking the rope to induce
shrinkage and pulling the wet rope through a descender a few times whilst under
tension. Unfortunately many manufacturers have dropped this excellent
design. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After washing, lines should be carefully inspected for damage or signs of
excessive wear. The best method is tactile (time consuming) it consists of
running the rope through the fingers a little at a time, flexing it into a bight
and feeling for soft spots or areas of reduced diameter as well as looking for
the more obvious mechanical damage. <br /><br />The line should be allowed to dry
naturally in a well-aired place, and then re-bagged but only when absolutely
dry. Pack a damp line at your peril.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>New ropes</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a good reason why new rope's are best soaked before use. It
shrinks the rope (up to 5% on cheap semi static) and this serves to compact the
sheath and tighten it onto the core, improving it's wearing properties. This
procedure also helps prevent sheath slippage during the first few time used,
until sheath and core are properly bedded together.<br /><br />Soak the rope in
clean water, drain and squeeze out surplus water by pulling the rope through an
anchored descender. Repeat process two or three times, each time pulling the
rope through the descender in the same direction. Hang the rope up to dry for a
few days. If the sheath has crept along the line, hot cut new ends to prevent
any unravelling, ensuring you do not cut off the line’s CE identification, if
unavoidable you will need to replace this label. <br /><br /><strong>Marking lines</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="319" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/MARKING~OF~LINES.JPG" width="300" />Lines
must be marked with a CE number, but other useful information may be to indicate
length, year put into service and serial number for record keeping. We mark our
lines with bar codes; you can have so much information in a very small space. It
is important that this information remains with the rope throughout its life.
There are many different methods of marking, the main criteria being durability
and that the information is always legible. <br />My preferred method is to mark
the line both ends on coloured heat shrink tube (the colour denoting year in
service. The information is written on this with waterproof ink, and protected
by a transparent heat shrink tube, sealed with a hot melt adhesive tape. This
type of marking is extremely durable and is removed only by cutting the
line.<br /><br />PVC tape can be used on its own (I have read much of the action of
the solvent in the adhesive damaging the line, but providing the tape is applied
to the very end of the line, it will do no harm). Finally, held firmly in place
by transparent heat shrink tube. This method works but, in practise a film of
dirty water seems to creep beneath the heat-shrink sleeve and eventually obscure
the figures unless sealed with hot melt tape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="272" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/line~1.JPG" width="400" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rope, showing
the braided and twisted three strand construction together with the data tape
that runs the entire length.</span>Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-79044337479028494592012-10-22T03:13:00.000-07:002012-10-22T03:13:05.283-07:00Figure of 9?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What makes a good knot? it must be easy to tie, easy to untie and not
damage the line, finally it must reduce the breaking strain of the rope by an
absolute minimum. Remember, when a rope breaks it invariably breaks at the knot!
Widely recognised as one of the strongest knots, the figure of 8 is first choice
amongst rescue professionals. Unfortunately only 1 out of 10 who claim to be
able to tie the knot can do so correctly. Have you ever tied this most basic
knot, had it fully loaded and noticed that one or more turns in the knot have
been left loose?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div clear="all">
</div>
</span><div clear="all">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="216" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/fig8.jpg" width="400" />The most common of all the knots used in rope rescue.
Tied on a single rope it makes an excellent stop knot, more commonly tied on the
bight, it forms a secure attachment point. When tied "re-rove" it secures the
rope directly to an anchorage point. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div clear="all">
</div>
</span><div clear="all">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sequence to tieing a good knot is easy, just follow the following
order:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div clear="all">
</div>
</span><div clear="all">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choose the right knot for task </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tie the knot correctly leaving sufficient tail for a stopper if required </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dress the knot, ensuring the lay of the rope is not twisted or crossing over each other </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tension the knot, easing all parts snugly together </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check the knot visually</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="192" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/fig9top.jpg" width="400" />The figure of 9
knot, it's just the figure of 8 with an extra turn (8+1=9) hence the origin of
its name. The knot is perhaps 1% or 2% stronger than the figure 8. Such a small
margin it's not worth worrying about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div clear="all">
</div>
</span><div clear="all">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Figure of 9 (top view)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div clear="all">
</div>
</span><div clear="all">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="173" hspace="10" src="http://linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/fig9bott.jpg" width="400" />We do have
figure 9 knots on our rapid deployment kits. The knot is pre-tied and tensioned.
It takes a little longer to dress this knot and ensure that none of the lays are
twisted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div clear="all">
</div>
</span><div clear="all">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Figure of 9 Bottom view</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div clear="all">
</div>
</span><div clear="all">
</div>
Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-81148880821060299112012-10-22T03:09:00.004-07:002012-10-22T03:09:58.303-07:00Suspension Trauma update<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Advice for first aiders responding to harness suspension
incidents</b><br /><br /><br />Following completion of an evidence
based review of published medical literature, HSE has clarified guidance on the
first aid management of a person falling into suspension in a harness who may
develop 'suspension trauma'. <br /><br />The key recommendations are:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No change should be made to the standard first aid guidance for the post
recovery of a semi-conscious or unconscious person in a horizontal position,
even if the subject of prior harness suspension. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No change should be made to the standard UK first aid guidance of ABC
management, even if the subject of prior harness suspension. A casualty who is
experiencing pre-syncopal symptoms or who is unconscious whilst suspended in a
harness should be rescued as soon as is safely possible. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the rescuer is unable to immediately release a conscious casualty from a
suspended position, elevation of the legs by the casualty or rescuer where
safely possible may prolong tolerance of suspension. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First responders to persons in harness suspension should be able to recognise
the symptoms of pre-syncope. These include light headedness; nausea; sensations
of flushing; tingling or numbness of the arms or legs; anxiety; visual
disturbance; or a feeling they are about to faint. (Motionless head up
suspension can lead to pre-syncope in most normal subjects within 1 hour and in
a fifth within 10 minutes.)</span> Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-76485147182034184172011-12-12T10:39:00.000-08:002011-12-12T10:39:11.738-08:00RESCOM Communications<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">I am sure you have all seen, read or used Con Space wire communications, I most certainly have and was very impressed with its performance. However sooner or later something better comes along. I was first introduced to RESCOM by an American friend of mine and what surprised me about this system was that not only was it a full wire communications set but, this system was built into a full specification 11mm diameter kernmantle line! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">The entrants head set with the amplifier box and throat microphone. The Amplifier box has its own AA batteries and volume adjustment</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRQj9ay9TOgHqEMZMAMHyhLuNz8QeHy3hHcjOEaecnF9hoQBk_My-ZCH6vGD4doMgPw6YPM5tgSIqUFcCKlG3pRe0VMsI1FzD2dN1Z1p3F8wZWJmEi6kYGrYf5T3Fn_qaYKRIM3WjS24/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRQj9ay9TOgHqEMZMAMHyhLuNz8QeHy3hHcjOEaecnF9hoQBk_My-ZCH6vGD4doMgPw6YPM5tgSIqUFcCKlG3pRe0VMsI1FzD2dN1Z1p3F8wZWJmEi6kYGrYf5T3Fn_qaYKRIM3WjS24/s200/1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-right: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-right: 12pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">Fully waterproof providing a choice of one or two earphones and a very responsive throat microphone. The system shown here can be worn over a BA face mask head harness comfortably. Also by not now requiring microphone connections directly into the face mask, it does not infringe the certification of the BA set. This can prove costly to have re-certified should adaptions be required to take external communications equipment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><br clear="all" /></span><shape alt="Description: http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/MVC-001F.JPG" href="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/MVC-001F.JPG" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:allowoverlap="f" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 150pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 2.7pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: line; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 7.5pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 7.5pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 112.5pt; z-index: 251655680;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="MVC-001F" src="file:///C:\Users\Tom\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"></imagedata><wrap anchory="line"></wrap></shape><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span>The head harness of RESCOM has a mesh fabric which reduces its profile making it very comfortable and secure when worn beneath a helmet.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK36Gab-HJfnTRg74XpQXVM3PiSm6JzVx86vsms3MGjIPdfsxLunKZoyimW0Ck7PE5J8zAaPrkU2dYgyKCWC4hWRlbAXM2K9umOJdtIoKDHmetPpWEimn3vzdftP-Bc6tBqiXHdHoYi2E/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK36Gab-HJfnTRg74XpQXVM3PiSm6JzVx86vsms3MGjIPdfsxLunKZoyimW0Ck7PE5J8zAaPrkU2dYgyKCWC4hWRlbAXM2K9umOJdtIoKDHmetPpWEimn3vzdftP-Bc6tBqiXHdHoYi2E/s200/3.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">The earphone sits nicely between the straps of a Petzl Ecrin, the push fit connectors will easily part if any section of the connecting cable becomes snagged.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuq0JFnnQzPHznOCFsWmWusgrSE6m7KGx3pMo1sm837dF3-IUdyg_NgxVhFGrZAf4Rz5_utz_MIAb4d6dyrklT4v7WRWcS7xoIkothClb_Gy_4FE3-sxvrF_izfk_Xo0b9YBg-64G9WE/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuq0JFnnQzPHznOCFsWmWusgrSE6m7KGx3pMo1sm837dF3-IUdyg_NgxVhFGrZAf4Rz5_utz_MIAb4d6dyrklT4v7WRWcS7xoIkothClb_Gy_4FE3-sxvrF_izfk_Xo0b9YBg-64G9WE/s200/4.jpg" width="147" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><br clear="all" /></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">The set worn by the communications officer consists of a choice of either a simple headphone set with a boom mike or the choice of the full head set to be worn beneath a helmet if in a hazardous area. The amplifier has its own battery supply, volume adjustment and an on - off switch. As the system is powered at both ends its maximum working length is 1.5Km!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">The Boom mike is noise cancelling and as such must be within 6mm of the operator’s mouth. The entire system is extremely resistant to external interference, allowing it to be used in close proximity with VHF and UHF radios and mobile cell phones. The manufacturing company offer a wide range of interfaces, allowing connection to portable radios or even public telephone systems.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2uDEVNeO8WkWpdA85MNUHnxHHM4e57ukjgtivc-hS_PRr5k6x7f3epktyQzOUhUC9X22MtcXdDMNBYBjxoR0hHla-2n2nUFc5WO2R9tIi_wL6r73rjkY9jA_4P8CUS-detuBf4eeTtk/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2uDEVNeO8WkWpdA85MNUHnxHHM4e57ukjgtivc-hS_PRr5k6x7f3epktyQzOUhUC9X22MtcXdDMNBYBjxoR0hHla-2n2nUFc5WO2R9tIi_wL6r73rjkY9jA_4P8CUS-detuBf4eeTtk/s200/5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">Without a doubt the equipment is special because the entire system utilises an 11mm kernmantle line to carry the wires. The line is as flexible as any line we have used. We have tried a wide range of hardware on the line including several Fig 8 descenders, auto stop descenders, ascenders and Gibbs, prussic loops. We have run the line through pullies and used Z rigs. The rope also takes all the usual knots very well. This rope we recommend, be utilised as your safety line. When ordering, ensure you order long lengths of line to reduce the need for knotting. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYS1J35U4gzlYoyqyY9OjcNflzTeSbyh-_8sr1fuCISZwdIRif5eZ79Xk4UCK1zoFvXEj6C6nkrbr8v-_dCL4-iAIYVY5Ni7U0FbDY82-becQH1IafnmMV_JJy25hAoEKs5m7T0HapSCQ/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYS1J35U4gzlYoyqyY9OjcNflzTeSbyh-_8sr1fuCISZwdIRif5eZ79Xk4UCK1zoFvXEj6C6nkrbr8v-_dCL4-iAIYVY5Ni7U0FbDY82-becQH1IafnmMV_JJy25hAoEKs5m7T0HapSCQ/s200/7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/MVC-008F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; float: left;"></a><shape alt="Description: http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/MVC-008F.JPG" href="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/MVC-008F.JPG" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:allowoverlap="f" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 112.5pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: left; mso-position-vertical-relative: line; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 7.5pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 7.5pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 150pt; z-index: 251660800;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="MVC-008F" src="file:///C:\Users\Tom\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image013.jpg"></imagedata><wrap anchory="line" type="square"></wrap></shape><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/MVC-008F.JPG"></a></span></div>Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-81529501664222563962011-12-12T09:56:00.000-08:002011-12-12T09:56:40.431-08:00Rollgliss Top 350 Safety Instructions<img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="400" hspace="10" src="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/tripod~31~st.jpg" width="400" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new Rollgliss TOP R350 range of devices has been developed following experience in manufacture, maintenance and marketing of safety and rescue systems, inspected and certificated to meet or exceed the latest technical and safety regulations it has been granted the approval of the CE mark EN0158.<br />
<br />
It complies with EN341, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EN361, EN795, EN1496, EN1497, EN1498. It is also manufactured in accordance with OSHA, ANSI and NFPA standards.<br />
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Strict observance of the following operating maintenance instructions is essential. Failure to comply with the present instructions will result in Rollgliss and its subsidiaries refusing to accept any liability for damages.<br />
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The required visual and functional load tests must be carried out each time the equipment is used. To guarantee required safety standards, it is forbidden to modify the system from its original state either in part or in full.<br />
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If you are in any doubt about the condition or mode of operation of the equipment then the system or parts thereof must be replaced without delay and before the equipment is used. Such work must be carried out exclusively by the manufacturer or by a Rollgliss authorised agency.<br />
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For the reasons of safety it is important to discontinue to use a system or a component part that has been subjected to strain as a result of a fall and to return the system, or component part to the manufacturer or to a Rollgliss authorised agency for servicing and renewed certification.<br />
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The system rope must not be exposed to any acids, alkaline solutions or any other harmful substances and should not be exposed to prolonged UV rays or sunlight.<br />
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Rollgliss should also be consulted if there are any doubts as to the possible effects of environmental or industrial agents upon the equipment.<br />
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It is in principle, possible to disinfect the system. Approval for the disinfection procedure or disinfectant should first of all be obtained from Rollgliss. <i>Weak solution of Savlon, rinse well in clean water.</i><br />
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The equipment or system may only be operated by trained and experienced individuals, who have been appointed or directed by the owner of the system for this purpose.<br />
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The owner of the system shall be responsible for setting a policy regarding training and for all visual checks and functional load tests, which are to be completed by the user.<br />
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These operating and maintenance instructions must be observed and followed with absolute precision before using the Rollgliss TOP R350 Rescue and Safety System.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Practice and regular training are essential, as personal injury may be suffered as a result of misuse of the equipment.<br />
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Visual checks and functional load tests are required each time the equipment is used.<br />
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When practising, the use of an additional protection against a fall is strongly recommended in case the equipment is operated incorrectly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="all" /> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/img/content/16307_25901.gif" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Note:</i><br />
<br />
<i>1 to 1 system 1 person (95Kg)</i><br />
<i>3 to 1 system 1 person ascending or 2 persons descending</i><br />
<i>5 to 1 system 2 persons ascending or 2 persons descending</i></span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rollgliss assistance winch shown with a Jumar braking aid. The winch conveniently clamps onto the leg of a tripod and will work on square or round leg tripods. The winch has a full EN 1496 class B certificate when used with the Jumar breaking aid. If buying winches many do not have this EN requirement</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/hand~winch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="498" hspace="10" src="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/hand~winch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head assembly of the Rollgliss Tripod showing the four separate anchor points.</span><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/DSC00470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" height="300" hspace="10" src="http://www.linerescue.org.uk/mediac/400_0/media/DSC00470.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div>Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561142225763909329.post-21360931210841780562011-12-12T09:49:00.001-08:002011-12-12T09:49:32.302-08:00Assessing risk<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999</b>Regulation 3 of the Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999 (MHSW) requires employers to carry out suitable and sufficient Risk Assessments.<br />
<br />
<b>So what are Risk Assessments?</b><br />
A Risk Assessment requires that you assess all the risks in your workplace. That is, what could cause harm to yourself, your employees and members of the public, and the likelihood of an incident occurring. You then need to decide what precautions you must take to prevent this happening, or how to reduce the risks to an acceptable level.<br />
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<b>Hazard and Risk</b><br />
Which is which?<br />
<br />
<b>Hazard</b> <br />
means anything that can cause harm (e.g. falling from a ladders, falling down a shaft, tripping over a rope, failure of an item of equipment). <br />
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<b>Risk</b><br />
Is the chance, high, medium or low, that somebody will be harmed by the hazard. What does suitable and sufficient mean? - The detail required in the risk assessment should be proportionate to the severity of the hazard or risk. In deciding the amount of effort you put into assessing risks, you have to estimate whether the hazards are significant, and whether the precautions you have taken have reduced the risk to an acceptable level.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The five step process:<br />
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STEP 1: Look for the hazards.<br />
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STEP 2: Decide who might be harmed and how.<br />
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STEP 3: Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are adequate or whether more should be done.<br />
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STEP 4: Record your findings.<br />
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STEP 5: Review your assessment and regularly revise it if necessary.</b><br />
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<br />
Hazard & risk<br />
<br />
Hazard & risk are often confused.<br />
HAZARD: is the potential to do harm<br />
The hazards include...<br />
<br />
Access to sites, projections, manual handling, working at height, uneven/slippery surfaces, ladders, noise, weather e.g. snow, ice, wind, rain, fog, sun, extreme temperatures. Biological hazards such as bird droppings, animal faeces and bacteria in air conditioning units. Substances such as dust in vents, soot and grease in flues & chimneys, asbestos. EF Radiation from antennae, especially micro wave links. Your complacency, lack of training, personal attitude, health and inappropriate clothes<br />
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RISK: is the likelihood of that potential being realised, combined with the severity of the consequences.<br />
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The risks include...<br />
Collision injury, strains, workplace slips, trips, falls, falling objects, hearing loss, sunburn, blown off a roof, lightning, hatches/doors blown shut. Biological such as Psittacosis, tetanus, hepatitis, Weils disease, Legionnaires disease, HIV Substances causing asphyxiation, cancer, respiratory & skin disorders <br />
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Risks can be controlled but hazards cannot be controlled<br />
Levels of risk<br />
High: The risk is intolerable and urgent action is required<br />
Medium: The risk in this area should be reduced as low as reasonably practical.<br />
Low: Broadly acceptable, existing controls are adequate.<br />
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* Ensure safe access & egress<br />
* Design & build installations to high standards<br />
* Provide adequate information and training<br />
* Implement safe systems of work<br />
* Maintain high standard of working environment<br />
* Empower all employees<br />
* Protect the public<br />
<br />
There is no standard technique for carrying out a risk assessment. However, any risk assessment should satisfy three basic requirements. It should be structured, systematic and thorough. There are a number of techniques that can be used for hazards identification and analysis, depending on the degree of detail for the assessment and degree of human involvement in the process/activity.<br />
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There are two general approaches to risk assessment. These are:<br />
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* Workplace-based approach in which hazards presented in different parts of the structure or workplace are identified and then the question is asked as to who may be exposed to each hazard and when.<br />
* The task-based approach, in which an individual or group of individuals are followed in their work activities and hazards associated with each step of their task are identified. This approach is based on task analysis.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The task-based approach to risk assessment is more appropriate to climbing/rescue activities.</i></b><br />
Assessment of risk, These should be considered (but not limited to) when drawing up a risk assessment<br />
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Can the risk be avoided?<br />
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What are the performance characteristics required for effective PPE?<br />
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Compare proposed PPE with the requirements in the risk assessment<br />
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Review the risk assessment regularly<br />
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Write a 'Work method statement' - how you will do the work<br />
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Write a 'Safety method statement' - what things you need to consider regarding safety, for example rescue of a casualty.</span>Specialist Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495589576440239962noreply@blogger.com0