basic haul systems

Course ObjectivesCourse ObjectivesCourse ObjectivesCourse Objectives

• Understand and use rope rescue terminology and equipment

• Be able to list many uses of rope and rope hardware

• Be able to recognize and list all safety considerations associated with rope rescue operations

• Understand and use rope rescue terminology and equipment

• Be able to list many uses of rope and rope hardware

• Be able to recognize and list all safety considerations associated with rope rescue operations


• Recognize and list all components of a haul system

• Be able to describe and calculate mechanical advantage

• Be able to describe proper basic maintenance and care of rope and rope equipment

• Recognize and list all components of a haul system

• Be able to describe and calculate mechanical advantage

• Be able to describe proper basic maintenance and care of rope and rope equipment


• Be able to describe and tie basic life safety knots

• Perform a rescue operation utilizing a rope rescue haul system

- Minimum score of 70% is required on written exam

- 100% of all critical on performance checklist must be achieved for successful course completion.

• Be able to describe and tie basic life safety knots

• Perform a rescue operation utilizing a rope rescue haul system

- Minimum score of 70% is required on written exam

- 100% of all critical on performance checklist must be achieved for successful course completion.

Haul SystemsHaul SystemsHaul SystemsHaul Systems

Simple or compound rope systems, labeled by mechanical advantage, used to forcibly pull or haul an object over certain distance

Simple or compound rope systems, labeled by mechanical advantage, used to forcibly pull or haul an object over certain distance

Consist of Static Kern Mantle rope an anchor point pulleys carabiners rope grabs (prusiks or cams)

Must utilize at least ½ inch static kern mantle rope meeting NFPA 1983 specifications.

Consist of Static Kern Mantle rope an anchor point pulleys carabiners rope grabs (prusiks or cams)

Must utilize at least ½ inch static kern mantle rope meeting NFPA 1983 specifications.

Haul SystemsHaul SystemsHaul SystemsHaul Systems

NFPA 1983NFPA 1983NFPA 1983NFPA 1983

The standard for life safety rope and safe working loads.

• Single person working load: 300 lbs.

• Two person working load: 600 lbs.

• Rope rescue should always utilize a 15:1 safety ratio (load x 15)

• Two person working load:

(600 x 15 = 9000 lbs)

The standard for life safety rope and safe working loads.

• Single person working load: 300 lbs.

• Two person working load: 600 lbs.

• Rope rescue should always utilize a 15:1 safety ratio (load x 15)

• Two person working load:

(600 x 15 = 9000 lbs)

Laid Rope Made of multiple strands of naturally

occurring fibers Fibers are five to 14 ft in length Fibers are twisted together to form a

single length Examples: hemp and manila

Laid Rope Made of multiple strands of naturally

occurring fibers Fibers are five to 14 ft in length Fibers are twisted together to form a

single length Examples: hemp and manila

Rope ConstructionRope ConstructionRope ConstructionRope Construction


Braided Rope Cotton fiber ropes Constructed by braiding fibers together Strands are braided into a single length

of rope Examples: sailing rope

Braided Rope Cotton fiber ropes Constructed by braiding fibers together Strands are braided into a single length

of rope Examples: sailing rope


Braided-on-braid Cotton fiber ropes Constructed using a hollow core,

cotton construction Braid-on-braid ropes are usually

used in marine applications

Braided-on-braid Cotton fiber ropes Constructed using a hollow core,

cotton construction Braid-on-braid ropes are usually

used in marine applications


Kernmantle The Kern, is a high strength inner core

constructed of a continuous synthetic material which runs the entire length of the rope.

The Mantle, is a braided outer cover or sheath that protects the kern from

cuts and abrasions. The core of kernmantle rope makes up to

75% of the rope overall length.

Kernmantle The Kern, is a high strength inner core

constructed of a continuous synthetic material which runs the entire length of the rope.

The Mantle, is a braided outer cover or sheath that protects the kern from

cuts and abrasions. The core of kernmantle rope makes up to

75% of the rope overall length.

Static vs. DynamicStatic vs. DynamicStatic vs. DynamicStatic vs. Dynamic

Kernmantle is made of parallel filaments or filaments spiraled into cords

Dynamic – stretches 20% to 40% of its length when under a load.

Static – stretches only 2% to 3% its length when under a load.

Kernmantle is made of parallel filaments or filaments spiraled into cords

Dynamic – stretches 20% to 40% of its length when under a load.

Static – stretches only 2% to 3% its length when under a load.

Utility Rope – Any rope used for applications other than life safety. Water Rescue Rope – made of

polypropylene, water rescue ropes cannot be used for rappelling.

Life Safety Rope – any rope meeting the NFPA standard 1983 for life safety

applications.

Utility Rope – Any rope used for applications other than life safety. Water Rescue Rope – made of

polypropylene, water rescue ropes cannot be used for rappelling.

Life Safety Rope – any rope meeting the NFPA standard 1983 for life safety

applications.

Types of RopeTypes of RopeTypes of RopeTypes of Rope

Factors Which Affect RopeFactors Which Affect RopeFactors Which Affect RopeFactors Which Affect Rope

• bends• hardware• knots• water• extreme temp.

• bends• hardware• knots• water• extreme temp.

• tree bark• concrete• chemical

exposure• rocks

• tree bark• concrete• chemical

exposure• rocks

ANY ROPE THAT HAS RECEIVED A SHOCK SHOULD BE TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE IMMEDIATELY!

ANY ROPE THAT HAS RECEIVED A SHOCK SHOULD BE TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE IMMEDIATELY!

Care and MaintenanceCare and MaintenanceCare and MaintenanceCare and Maintenance

• Clean using mild soap and water• Inspect after each use• Never wash on the ground or in top loading

wash machines• Machine wash only in approved extractors

(Daisy prior to washing in extractors)• Air dry only; DO NOT DRY IN THE SUN!

• Clean using mild soap and water• Inspect after each use• Never wash on the ground or in top loading

wash machines• Machine wash only in approved extractors

(Daisy prior to washing in extractors)• Air dry only; DO NOT DRY IN THE SUN!

StorageStorage

• Store in bags away from abrasives and chemicals

• Always store away from sunlight• Periodically inspect for abrasion and

tears• Pre-packed systems should be

periodically broken down and rebuilt

• Store in bags away from abrasives and chemicals

• Always store away from sunlight• Periodically inspect for abrasion and

tears• Pre-packed systems should be

periodically broken down and rebuilt

WebbingWebbing

Two Types • Tubular – rated at 4,000 lbs end to end;

nylon forms a continuous tube• Edge Stitched – single nylon layer stitched

together; NOT FOR RESCUE!

Two Types • Tubular – rated at 4,000 lbs end to end;

nylon forms a continuous tube• Edge Stitched – single nylon layer stitched

together; NOT FOR RESCUE!

CarabinersCarabiners

• Five Basic Parts

• Spine

• Latch

• Gate

• Lock sleeve

• Hinge Pin

• Five Basic Parts

• Spine

• Latch

• Gate

• Lock sleeve

• Hinge Pin


Aluminum• Used in sport applications• Lighter, less expensive• Do not rust or wear out like steel• Breaking strength up to 6,000 lbs

Aluminum• Used in sport applications• Lighter, less expensive• Do not rust or wear out like steel• Breaking strength up to 6,000 lbs


Steel

• ALWAYS used for rescue

• Stronger, less susceptible to abrasion

• More expensive

• Requires regular maintenance

• Breaking strength up to 13,000 lbs

Steel

• ALWAYS used for rescue

• Stronger, less susceptible to abrasion

• More expensive

• Requires regular maintenance

• Breaking strength up to 13,000 lbs

Descent Control DevicesDescent Control DevicesDescent Control DevicesDescent Control Devices

Provide rope control utilizing varying levels of friction.

NFPA 1983 requires general use DCDs to with stand a 2,400 lbs load with out damaging the

rope DCDs must with stand 5,000 lbs

loads without failure

Provide rope control utilizing varying levels of friction.

NFPA 1983 requires general use DCDs to with stand a 2,400 lbs load with out damaging the

rope DCDs must with stand 5,000 lbs

loads without failure

Rescue Figure-8• Ears prevent rope from slipping up

forming a girth hitch• Rescue 8s can be tied off, preventing

the rope from slipping

Rescue Figure-8• Ears prevent rope from slipping up

forming a girth hitch• Rescue 8s can be tied off, preventing

the rope from slipping


Rappel RacksConsist of several steel or aluminum bars mounted on a U-shaped rack

• Bars create variable degrees of friction

• Rope threaded straight through a rack eliminates “turning” encountered with Figure 8s

Rappel RacksConsist of several steel or aluminum bars mounted on a U-shaped rack

• Bars create variable degrees of friction

• Rope threaded straight through a rack eliminates “turning” encountered with Figure 8s


Figure 8

• Designed only as a descent or rappelling device• Only for rappels of 100 ft. or less

Figure 8

• Designed only as a descent or rappelling device• Only for rappels of 100 ft. or less


Ascending DevicesAscending Devices

Used for one way movement of a rope and for climbing ropes.

Examples: Cam ascenders

Handled ascenders

Prusiks

Used for one way movement of a rope and for climbing ropes.

Examples: Cam ascenders

Handled ascenders

Prusiks

Mechanical Ascenders• Can be applied to any working rope• Apply perpendicular pressure to the

rope Mechanical ascenders can “de-

sheath” a rope with as little as 1,000 lbs of pressure

Mechanical Ascenders• Can be applied to any working rope• Apply perpendicular pressure to the

rope Mechanical ascenders can “de-

sheath” a rope with as little as 1,000 lbs of pressure

Ascending DevicesAscending DevicesAscending DevicesAscending Devices

Prusik Cords• Can be used as “soft rope grabs”• Handle up to 3,000 lbs• Create mechanical advantage for

haul systems• Can be used under shocked loads

with out fear of “de-sheathing” ropes

Prusik Cords• Can be used as “soft rope grabs”• Handle up to 3,000 lbs• Create mechanical advantage for

haul systems• Can be used under shocked loads

with out fear of “de-sheathing” ropes

Ascending DevicesAscending DevicesAscending DevicesAscending Devices

PulleysPulleys

Pulleys are used for:

• Change in directions

• To reduce friction

• Create mechanical advantage for haul systems

Pulleys are used for:

• Change in directions

• To reduce friction

• Create mechanical advantage for haul systems

Pulley Construction

• Sheaves

• Side Plates

• Axles

• Bearings

Pulley Construction

• Sheaves

• Side Plates

• Axles

• Bearings

PulleysPulleys

NFPA 1983 states that pulleys must withstand 5,000 lbs static without distortion and 8,000 lbs with out failure

NFPA 1983 states that pulleys must withstand 5,000 lbs static without distortion and 8,000 lbs with out failure

Special PulleysSpecial Pulleys

Some pulleys are designed to solve technical rope problems

• Prusik Minding• Knot-passing • Double or Triple Sheave

Some pulleys are designed to solve technical rope problems

• Prusik Minding• Knot-passing • Double or Triple Sheave

Edge ProtectionEdge ProtectionEdge ProtectionEdge Protection

Up to 90% of all rope failures are due to improper edge protection!

Edge Protectors Reduce rope abrasion Can be made of canvas, hose or turnout

coats Dynamic Protectors – help reduce

friction and are used when ropes are moving across surfaces

Up to 90% of all rope failures are due to improper edge protection!

Edge Protectors Reduce rope abrasion Can be made of canvas, hose or turnout

coats Dynamic Protectors – help reduce

friction and are used when ropes are moving across surfaces

HarnessesHarnesses

• Requirements are listed in NFPA 1983

• Must have permanent labeling; listing harness class, date of manufacture and sizing information

• Requirements are listed in NFPA 1983

• Must have permanent labeling; listing harness class, date of manufacture and sizing information

HarnessesHarnesses

Harness Classes• Class I

1) Seat style

2) For emergency escape and one person loads

3) NOT FOR RESCUE

Harness Classes• Class I

1) Seat style

2) For emergency escape and one person loads

3) NOT FOR RESCUE

HarnessesHarnesses

• Class II

1) Seat style approved for rescue

2) Can be used for two person loads

• Class II

1) Seat style approved for rescue

2) Can be used for two person loads

HarnessesHarnesses• Class III

1) Full body harnesses

2) Used when inversion is possible

3) Handles one or two person loads

4) Requires no prior knowledge on the part of the patient once in the harness

• Class III

1) Full body harnesses

2) Used when inversion is possible

3) Handles one or two person loads

4) Requires no prior knowledge on the part of the patient once in the harness

HarnessesHarnesses

• Ladder Belts

1) Waist belts

2) May be used as positioning devices

3) For emergency self rescue only

• Ladder Belts

1) Waist belts

2) May be used as positioning devices

3) For emergency self rescue only

Knot TermsKnot TermsKnot TermsKnot Terms

• Running end• Working end• Standing part• Bight• Round Turn

• Running end• Working end• Standing part• Bight• Round Turn

• Bend• Hitch• Anchor• Safety• Whip

• Bend• Hitch• Anchor• Safety• Whip

Rescue KnotsRescue Knots

• Overhand • Figure 8• Figure 8 On-a-bight• Figure 8 Bend• Figure 8 Follow

Through

• Overhand • Figure 8• Figure 8 On-a-bight• Figure 8 Bend• Figure 8 Follow

Through

• Clove Hitch• Water Knot• Munter Hitch• Tensionless Wrap

• Clove Hitch• Water Knot• Munter Hitch• Tensionless Wrap

Student Activity #1Student Activity #1Student Activity #1Student Activity #1

Knot TyingKnot TyingKnot TyingKnot Tying

Anchor PointsAnchor Points

Type I – Natural Anchors• Rocks• Trees

Type II – Manmade Anchors• Vehicles• Utility Poles

Type I – Natural Anchors• Rocks• Trees

Type II – Manmade Anchors• Vehicles• Utility Poles

Anchor ConsiderationsAnchor Considerations

• How much is the anticipated load?• Is the anchor suitable given the direction

of the load?• Does the anchor have sharp edges?• Is the anchor rusted, broken or rotten?• How will you attach to the anchor?• Does the anchor have sufficient mass?

• How much is the anticipated load?• Is the anchor suitable given the direction

of the load?• Does the anchor have sharp edges?• Is the anchor rusted, broken or rotten?• How will you attach to the anchor?• Does the anchor have sufficient mass?

Attaching to an AnchorAttaching to an Anchor

• Use 1” tubular webbing• Double webbing• Approach must not exceed 120 degrees• 90 degrees is optimal for field use

• Use 1” tubular webbing• Double webbing• Approach must not exceed 120 degrees• 90 degrees is optimal for field use

Attaching to an AnchorAttaching to an Anchor

• Use a 15:1 safety ratio• Anchors must be “bomb proof”• Anchors should weigh the same or more

than the anticipated load• Trees should only be used if they have a

diameter greater than 4 inches

• Use a 15:1 safety ratio• Anchors must be “bomb proof”• Anchors should weigh the same or more

than the anticipated load• Trees should only be used if they have a

diameter greater than 4 inches

All anchors should be edge protected!All anchors should be edge protected!

Anchoring to VehiclesAnchoring to VehiclesAnchoring to VehiclesAnchoring to Vehicles

• Should only be used as a last resort!• Keep anchor straps away from hot surfaces• Chock all wheels• Shut off engine• Remove keys/shut off batteries• Post a “guard”• Never use vehicles to haul people!

• Should only be used as a last resort!• Keep anchor straps away from hot surfaces• Chock all wheels• Shut off engine• Remove keys/shut off batteries• Post a “guard”• Never use vehicles to haul people!

Secondary AnchorsSecondary Anchors

• Run mainline for primary to secondary and tie it off

• Should be as close to “in-line” with primaries as possible

• Parallel anchors may be used as a single primary anchor

• Run mainline for primary to secondary and tie it off

• Should be as close to “in-line” with primaries as possible

• Parallel anchors may be used as a single primary anchor

TerrainTerrainTerrainTerrain

• Flat • Angles of 0 to 15 degrees

• Rescuers may carry litter with out falling

• No rope system required

• No need to “tie in” rescuers

• No technical equipment or training needed

• Flat • Angles of 0 to 15 degrees

• Rescuers may carry litter with out falling

• No rope system required

• No need to “tie in” rescuers

• No technical equipment or training needed


• Low

• Angle of 15 to 40 degrees

• Incline or environment makes carry difficult

• Tag line or anchored system needed to stabilize the litter

• Rescuers not required to “tie in” to the litter

• Risk of fall injuries are increased

• Low


• Incline or environment makes carry difficult

• Tag line or anchored system needed to stabilize the litter

• Rescuers not required to “tie in” to the litter

• Risk of fall injuries are increased


• Steep


• Haul system required to move patient

• Failure may have catastrophic result for rescuers and patient

• Load is shared by rescuers and patient

• Requires rescuers to “tie in” to litters

• Steep


• Haul system required to move patient

• Failure may have catastrophic result for rescuers and patient

• Load is shared by rescuers and patient

• Requires rescuers to “tie in” to litters


• High or Vertical• Angle of 65 to 90 degrees• Attendant required, tied in to the litter• Rope system for raising and lowering

required• Attendant suspended on separate line for the

litter bridle• Failure of system would cause serious injury

or death.

• High or Vertical• Angle of 65 to 90 degrees• Attendant required, tied in to the litter• Rope system for raising and lowering

required• Attendant suspended on separate line for the

litter bridle• Failure of system would cause serious injury

or death.

Mechanical AdvantageMechanical Advantage

• Haul systems are labeled by mechanical advantage, i.e. 3:1, 4:1, etc.

• Each turn in a haul systems yields one unit of mechanical advantage using pulleys

• In a 3:1 system, for every unit of input force, the system will yield three units of output force

• Haul systems are labeled by mechanical advantage, i.e. 3:1, 4:1, etc.

• Each turn in a haul systems yields one unit of mechanical advantage using pulleys

• In a 3:1 system, for every unit of input force, the system will yield three units of output force

Mechanical AdvantageMechanical Advantage

• Conversely in a 3:1 system, for every three feet of rope pulled through the system, the load will travel one foot

• Simple haul systems should never exceed 5:1 mechanical advantage

• Conversely in a 3:1 system, for every three feet of rope pulled through the system, the load will travel one foot

• Simple haul systems should never exceed 5:1 mechanical advantage

Haul Systems UsesHaul Systems Uses

Haul systems have many uses on various emergency scenes such as:

Haul systems have many uses on various emergency scenes such as:

• Auto rescue

• Machinery Rescue

• Trench

• Confined Space

• Auto rescue

• Machinery Rescue

• Trench

• Confined Space

• Water rescue

• Structural collapse

• Train rescue

• Water rescue

• Structural collapse

• Train rescue

Components of a Haul SystemComponents of a Haul System

• Carabiners• Pulleys• Prusiks or Cams

• Carabiners• Pulleys• Prusiks or Cams

• Anchor point• Rescue rope• A load

• Anchor point• Rescue rope• A load

The following is a list of the most basic haul system components

The following is a list of the most basic haul system components

Student Activity #2Student Activity #2Student Activity #2Student Activity #2

Constructing a 3:1 “Z-Rig”Constructing a 3:1 “Z-Rig”

Hauling VictimsHauling VictimsHauling VictimsHauling Victims

Once a system is constructed, spinal precautions must be taken to successfully move the victim

There are two methods for tying litters, SKEDS and backboards into a haul system

Once a system is constructed, spinal precautions must be taken to successfully move the victim

There are two methods for tying litters, SKEDS and backboards into a haul system

Hauling VictimsHauling VictimsHauling VictimsHauling Victims

• Direct Tie-in Method• Tying the rope directly to the movement

apparatus

• Bridle Method• Utilizing 1” tubular webbing and a

carabiner to connect the apparatus to the system

• Direct Tie-in Method• Tying the rope directly to the movement

apparatus

• Bridle Method• Utilizing 1” tubular webbing and a

carabiner to connect the apparatus to the system

Securing The PatientSecuring The PatientSecuring The PatientSecuring The Patient

• Patients should be secured utilizing C-spine precautions

• Patients should be secured using provided safety belts and 1” tubular webbing

• Starting at the patients feet; webbing should be weaved in an “X” pattern to the top of the victim’s shoulders

• Patients should be secured utilizing C-spine precautions

• Patients should be secured using provided safety belts and 1” tubular webbing

• Starting at the patients feet; webbing should be weaved in an “X” pattern to the top of the victim’s shoulders

Student Activity #3Student Activity #3

Securing a patient Securing a patient

Haul System SafetyHaul System Safety

Establish a plan prior to constructing or loading rope systems

Be familiar with all equipment

Know operating commands and principles

Understand mechanical advantage

Establish a plan prior to constructing or loading rope systems

Be familiar with all equipment

Know operating commands and principles

Understand mechanical advantage

Haul System SafetyHaul System SafetyHaul System SafetyHaul System Safety

Know equipment and shock load limitations

Have enough manpower on scene to properly facilitate a rescue

Never use mechanical devices, such as powered vehicles, to pull rope through haul systems

Know equipment and shock load limitations

Have enough manpower on scene to properly facilitate a rescue

Never use mechanical devices, such as powered vehicles, to pull rope through haul systems

Rope SafetyRope SafetyRope SafetyRope Safety

Follow all manufacturer recommendations for cleaning, storage and service life

Keep ropes protected; away from corrosives, abrasives, open flames and cigarettes

Always have an adequate length of rope before attempting the rescue

Follow all manufacturer recommendations for cleaning, storage and service life

Keep ropes protected; away from corrosives, abrasives, open flames and cigarettes

Always have an adequate length of rope before attempting the rescue

Rope SafetyRope Safety

Rope hardware should be taken out of service immediately if dropped from a height of waist level

• Drops can create stress fractures in the which can lead to failure

• Dropped equipment should be X-rayed or replaced

Rope hardware should be taken out of service immediately if dropped from a height of waist level

• Drops can create stress fractures in the which can lead to failure

• Dropped equipment should be X-rayed or replaced

Rope SafetyRope SafetyRope SafetyRope Safety

Remove all knives, keys and dangling jewelry

Edge guards should always be employed

Always wear gloves, helmets and eye protection

Remove all knives, keys and dangling jewelry

Edge guards should always be employed

Always wear gloves, helmets and eye protection

Rope SafetyRope Safety

Designate one rescuer as the “edge man”

Haul teams should only follow commands from the “edge man”

Watch for falling rocks, landslides, fraying ropes or obstructions

Never let go of the mainline until the system is set and the “edge man” gives the “SET” command

Designate one rescuer as the “edge man”

Haul teams should only follow commands from the “edge man”

Watch for falling rocks, landslides, fraying ropes or obstructions

Never let go of the mainline until the system is set and the “edge man” gives the “SET” command

Verbal CommandsVerbal Commands

• The following are the commands that should be used when hauling a victim

• These commands should only be given by the “edge man” or “edge officer”

• The only person the haul team should take orders from is the “edge man”

• The following are the commands that should be used when hauling a victim

• These commands should only be given by the “edge man” or “edge officer”

• The only person the haul team should take orders from is the “edge man”

Verbal CommandsVerbal CommandsVerbal CommandsVerbal Commands

• On Belay• Belay On• Prepare to Haul• Haul• Set

• On Belay• Belay On• Prepare to Haul• Haul• Set

• Safety is set• Slack• STOP• Off Belay• Belay Off

• Safety is set• Slack• STOP• Off Belay• Belay Off

Practical SkillsPractical SkillsPractical SkillsPractical Skills

basic haul systems

Documents

care of rope

life safety rope

rope rescue terminology

rope overall length

rope hardwarebe able

core of kernmantle rope

compound rope systems

single length of rope