1.1 F.D.N.Y. Designation Inflatable Soft Landing Mat. 1.5 Weight Landing Mat...80 lbs. Blower Unit...80 lbs. Figure 1

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1 T.B. ROPE 1 DATA SHEET 4 March 8, DESCRIPTION 1.1 F.D.N.Y. Designation Inflatable Soft Landing Mat 1.2 Material Use Vinyl Coated Nylon 1.3 Size 10' x 10' x 2½' 1.4 Motor/Blower Unit 110 Volts A.C./12 Amps 1.5 Weight Landing Mat...80 lbs. Blower Unit...80 lbs. Figure 1 Blower/Motor Unit Exhaust Port Inflation Duct 2. INTENDED USE 2.1 The inflatable landing mat is a training safety device designed to protect members sliding down ropes when training at firehouses. Rope training operations shall never be conducted without the safety of a landing mat. 2.2 The landing mat shall be issued to each division. Distribution will be controlled as per training schedules promulgated by Division Commanders.

2 3. RESTRICTIONS 3.1 The landing mat is an important training safety device for the protection of members during training. They shall use the mat in a responsible manner and under the supervision of company officers. 3.2 The landing mat is to be used in rope training operations to a maximum height of three stories. 3.3 The landing mat may be positioned at any suitable location around the perimeter of the firehouse, including the sidewalk apron The mat must be used only at a firehouse It shall not be used at a remote site Do not position the mat or deploy the training rope directly in line with a protruding facade or recessed opening. 3.4 The landing mat shall not be used as a trampoline by member Under no-circumstances shall children or other non-members be allowed to jump on the mat. 3.5 Members shall never "walk" or swing on the rope in a horizontal direction along the side of the building. To do so is an unsafe act because it places a member beyond the safety of the landing mat. 4. PREPARATION FOR USE 4.1 If the mat is to be used in front of quarters, the apparatus must be removed and parked in a safe position outside When the mat is positioned properly, the exhaust port (Figure 1) may face directly away from the building or to either side. However, it shall never be placed directly against the building wall. 4.2 The landing mat and blower unit (two separate parts) are to be maintained as one complete unit (See Figure 1). 4.3 The mat is folded and secured with a rope when stored. Two members are required to lift and carry the mat to the area of intended use The mat must not be dragged to that area. Dragging it causes unnecessary wear and may cause severe damage. 2

3 4.4 At the area of intended use, remove the rope used to maintain the mat in a folded condition. 4.5 Unfold the mat at the area of intended use The top surface of the mat has eyelets around the perimeter. A rope may be strung through the eyelets for the purpose of securing the mat in position during use, for example when there is a strong wind Another danger from a strong wind is that it may cause debris, such as plastic wrap or paper, to enter the intake opening of the blower. Debris inside the blower will clog the outlet and cause the mat to deflate. 4.6 Position the blower unit at the end of the duct and connect the duct to the blower outlet. There is one pin on either side of outlet; these pins must be placed into eyelets of the duct. 4.7 There is an elastic strap around the inflation duct. Slide the strap into position at the blower outlet. This will help to secure the duct to the outlet (Figure 2). Figure When the mat is ready to be inflated, connect the blower motor plug to an electric outlet on the apparatus floor, or elsewhere. If necessary, use an extension cord to reach an outlet The blower operates without the aid of an on/off switch; the mat will inflate completely within sixty seconds. 4.9 The blower must operate continuously during the entire rope training period, to keep the mat continuously inflated Should a response be required during the training period, remove the plug and disconnect the inflation duct, and pull the mat into quarters. Position the blower and mat clear of the apparatus. 3

4 5. USAGE 5.1 With the mat in position, directly below and in line with the planned descent of members, the training rope is deployed from the roof or upper story of the firehouse. 5.2 For safety purposes, a member (#1) is positioned at ground level, at all times, to direct pedestrians safely away from the operation. 5.3 An additional safety person (#2) is required to maintain control of the rope during the single slides in the event a member becomes hung up or loses control of the slide The position of #2 is at the edge of the mat furthest from the building, standing on the ground The hands of #2 must be kept around the rope. The descent of a member shall not be interrupted except in an emergency. 5.4 A portable ladder must be placed in position against the building, clear of the operation. In the event that a member becomes hung up during the operation, the ladder can be positioned to aid the member. 5.5 Members shall perform all sliding and lowering operations according to the Evolutions. 5.6 Members must maintain a slow speed of descent during training operations. 5.7 Members shall lower themselves to, or be lowered to, a sitting position on the mat. When dismounting from the landing mat, members shall move themselves, while still in the sitting position, to the edge of the mat closest to their feet. No attempt shall be made to dismount from the landing mat until both feet are touching the ground. 5.8 Before each slide, the #2 safety person shall make sure that the inflation duct is securely attached to the blower and that the mat is firm. 5.9 The zipper at the exhaust port must be in the full open position to maintain a safe cushioning effect of the mat. 6. FOLDING PROCEDURES FOR THE LANDING MAT 6.1 Disconnect the plug from the electric outlet. 6.2 Slide the elastic strap to the mid point of the inflation duct and disconnect the duct from the blower outlet The blower motor unit shall be placed in a safe area that is clear of operations and responses. 6.3 Allow the mat to deflate naturally. It will take about five minutes for the air to be expelled so that the mat can be folded. 4

5 6.3.1 Members shall not walk on the mat in order to expedite the removal of air. The bottom of the mat can become severely damaged when there is insufficient pressure in the mat to support a member's weight. 6.4 The method of folding the mat is shown in the following diagrams: FIGURE 3 Center 5

6 FIGURE The inflatable mat and blower unit are to be stored as directed by the respective Division Commanders. 7. MAINTENANCE 7.1 When the mat develops a tear, it shall be placed out of service and sent to the Technical Services Division with an RT-2 with a description of the damage and the area involved. The motor shall be sent with the mat. 7.2 When the motor doesn't operate or if it stops operating during use, take the following steps: Remove the plug from the electric outlet, and allow the motor to cool for approximately five minutes. 6

7 7.2.2 After the cooling period, press the red reset button located on the back of the motor, and then connect the plug to an electric outlet. 7.3 When the motor continually fails to operate, place it out of service and send it to the Technical Services Division with an RT-2 with a description of the reason for placing the motor out of service. The mat shall be sent with the motor. 7.4 An examination of the landing mat shall be made before each use. As the mat is unfolded, a visual examination for tears or rips can be made conveniently When the landing mat does not develop and maintain a safe degree of firmness, either a tear can be suspected or the output of the blower is insufficient In any case where the firmness of the mat is not capable of holding the weight of a member standing on it, the mat shall be placed out of service. 7.5 Should a landing mat become damaged or unserviceable during use, the officer conducting the training session shall make proper entries in the company journal The damaged equipment shall be sent to the Technical Services Division as outlined in Sections 7.1 and 7.3 above The administrative Battalion and Division shall be notified of the full particulars. BY ORDER OF THE FIRE COMMISSIONER AND THE CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT 7