TRAINING BULLETIN ROPE 4 March 8, 2007 (PSS) 1. DESCRIPTION 1.1 F.D.N.Y. Designation Personal Safety System (PSS) 1.2 Components Anchor Hook, 50' Kernmantle Rope with Sewn Eye, EXO Descender with triple action carabiner and Storage Bag. 1.3 Hook Material Dropped Forged Alloy Steel. (Figure 1) 1.4 EXO Descender Equipped with an operating handle used to control descent. Self locking cam prevents member from an uncontrolled descent when operating handle is released. (Figure 2) 1.5 Hook: Load Capacity 5000 pounds at tip, 10,000 pounds at saddle. 1.6 Rope: Material Technora Sheath, Technora Core 1.7 Rope: Diameter 7.5 mm (19/64 ) 1.8 Rope: Length 50 Feet 1.9 Rope Tensile Strength Meets NFPA standard of 3034 pounds 1.10 System: Work Load Meets NFPA Std. - 10:1 safety factor based on 300 pounds 1.11 System: Markings Tracking number assigned by R & D. 1.12 System: Characteristics Technora Rope with the Anchor Hook attached at the Sewn Eye. The rope passes through the EXO, over the bent flange and through the U shaped rope guide. There is a Figure 8 stopper knot tied at the end of the rope. ANCHOR HOOK WITH SEWN EYE Sewn Saddle Figure 1 PETZL EXO WITH LOCKING CARABINER Tip 1 Rev. 03/13/08
Triple Action Gate Carabiner Bent Flange U Shaped Rope Guide Figure 2 2. INTENDED USE 2.1 Used only by members to remove THEMSELVES from an untenable position above grade to a place of safety. The PSS is a ONE TIME use system and is only to be used as a last resort. 2.2 After use, the PSS will be placed out of service. PSS STORAGE BAG WITH EXO AND ANCHOR HOOK WITH SEWN EYE Figure 8 Stopper Knot Figure 3 2 Rev. 03/13/08
3. ATTACHING THE BAG TO THE PERSONAL HARNESS 3.1 Visually inspect the components of the bag to ensure they are properly packaged as per Training Bulletin Rope 4 Data Sheet 1. 3.2 Lay the packed PSS bag out on a clean surface with Arashield attachment straps facing up. Ensure that all Arashield bag attachment straps and small velcro securing tabs are in the open position. 3.3 With the interior side of the waist band facing up, drape the harness over the PSS bag. Ensure the rear of the right leg loop of the personal harness is positioned between the two Arashield bag attachment straps. (Figure 4) 3.4 Starting with the strap that is between the leg loop, wrap the small Velcro securing tab tightly around the harness waist band. 3.5 Secure large Arashield strap around the waist band and the small Velcro securing tab. Fasten the snap. (Figures 5A & 5B) 3.6 Repeat above fastening procedure with the rear strap. Secure small Velcro tab and Arashield strap just behind the rear of the right leg loop. 3.7 Secure the right leg loop retaining strap by fastening the snap. Arashield straps Right leg loop rear Right leg loop retaining strap Small Velcro securing tab Figure 4 3
Figure 5A Figure 5B 4. CONNECTING CARABINER TO PSS D RING 4.1 After mounting the bag to the waist band of the harness, the carabiner must be attached to the PSS D. 4.2 Slide the PSS D ring back to the point where the harness handle is attached to the waist band. Ensure the harness handle lays flat against the waist band of the personal harness. 4.3 Open Triple Action Gate in the following manner: 4.3.1 Grasp the triple action gate with the right hand. 4.3.2 Slide the gate forward as far as possible. 4.3.3 Take one quarter turn to the left. 4.3.4 Push gate over to the spine of the carabiner. 4.4 Grasp the PSS D ring with the left hand. 4.5 Place open carabiner into the center of the PSS D ring and allow gate to close around the BOTTOM portion of the D Ring. (Figure 6) Figure 6 4
4.6 Ensure the gate has closed and locked securely by applying lateral pressure on the gate towards the spine of the carabiner. 4.7 When the harness and the PSS are properly donned, the gate should be facing down and away from the body. (Figure 7) Figure 7 5. INSPECTION 5.1 The PSS shall be inspected at the following times: 5.1.1 At the start of each tour. 5.1.2 Semi-annually. 5.2 The PSS shall be properly connected to the right side of the personal harness at all times, as illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 8 5.3 At the start of each tour, the PSS shall be inspected for the following: 5.3.1 Bag properly connected to the harness. 5.3.2 Carabiner properly connected to the PSS D ring. 5.3.3 If the bag (or any component of PSS) shows signs of heat exposure (discoloration, degradation, melting, charring, etc.) the entire system (PSS bag, rope, EXO, and harness) should be placed out of service as specified in section 6. (Figure 9) 5.3.4 The PSS outer flap should be opened and a visual inspection conducted. The anchor hook, EXO and carabiner shall be checked for any deformities, sharp edges, or defects. Depress the cam and pull 3-6 inches of rope through the EXO to ensure the device functions properly. Pull rope back through the EXO leaving 8 inches between the EXO and the Anchor hook. Replace the EXO and Anchor hook into the bag and ensure the rope separation flap Velcro is secured and EXO is properly positioned on top of it (TB Rope 4, Data Sheet 1). Close the bag, securing components inside. If any doubt exists about the serviceability of any component, the PSS should be placed out of service as specified in section 6. 5
5.4 Semi-Annual Inspection of PSS Figure 9 5.4.1 PSS shall be repacked semi-annually as part of the Semi-Annual Safety Equipment Inspection, and as needed. (See Training Bulletin, Rope 4 Data Sheet 1 for repacking instruction). 5.4.2 The semi-annual inspection shall cover the entire PSS. 5.4.3 The entire length of the rope, including sewn eye, shall be checked for fraying, cut fibers, abrasions or other signs that might indicate possible degradation. If any defects are noted, the PSS is to be placed out of service. Note: The inside liner of the rope bag is dyed black. Over time, the rope can be discolored in spots by contact with the liner indicated by dark shading to the rope. The discoloration of the rope due to the dye does not affect the load bearing capacities of the rope. 5.4.4 The anchor hook, EXO and carabiner shall be checked for any deformities or sharp edges. If any defects are noted the PSS is to be placed out of service. 5.4.5 Ensure that the figure 8 stopper knot is properly dressed at the end of the rope. 5.4.6 If any doubt exists about the serviceability of any component of the PSS, it shall be placed out of service. 5.4.7 Upon completion of required inspection and repacking, the company officer shall update the PSS Checklist Application on the Intranet and ensure the EXO and Harness serial number assigned to each member are correct. NOTE: The sewn eye is only to be used with the issued hook. No other hardware or device should be placed into the sewn eye. 6 Rev. 05/17/16
5.5 Post Operations Inspection of the PSS 5.5.1 After concluding operations, members shall inspect the outside of the bag for any signs of exposure to heat, defects and/or contamination. 5.5.2 If contamination or defects are found, see Addendum 1. 5.5.3 If replacement is needed, follow steps in Section 6. 6. REPLACEMENT 6.1 Each Division has been supplied with 10 replacement Personal Safety Systems to be immediately assigned to members when replacement is necessary. If more than 10 PSS are needed in one Division, the Division shall contact the Rope Unit at the Fire Academy for additional systems Monday to Friday during normal business hours. SOC has been supplied with 50 replacement PSS which can be issued to members when the need arises at any other time. In an effort to reduce the time of a company being understaffed or out of service due to a members PSS being placed out of service, 2 additional replacement PSS have been issued to the following selected Battalions; Battalion 23, 42, 47 and 53. In addition, one (1) spare PSS repacking kit has been issued to each firefighting unit up to and including Battalion Chief. The spare PSS can be worn by a member while their PSS is being repacked or while awaiting a replacement PSS. 6.2 Whenever the PSS is placed out of service, the officer on duty shall have the system immediately replaced by making immediate phone notification to the administrative Division and request a replacement PSS. The administrative Division shall direct the Division messenger to deliver a PSS to the effected unit. Delivery of a replacement PSS shall be given priority. Special Operations Command units shall contact the administrative Division in which they are located to request a replacement PSS, e.g., Squad 270 shall contact Division 13 for a replacement PSS. In addition, Officers on duty in Battalion 23, 42, 47 and 53, requesting a replacement PSS, shall make immediate phone notification to the administrative Division and request a replacement PSS. The Division will contact the Battalion if the need arises to issue the equipment. 6.3 All records of the issued equipment will be kept in the binder issued to the Division. If at all possible replacement/loaner equipment shall be issued from the Division. If the Division is unable to supply the member in need in a timely fashion, the Division will direct one of the selected Battalions to issue the equipment. Additionally, all issuing members are reminded the importance of faxing the required information to the PSS office and to keep a copy of the documentation and take a mark in the Division binder. 6.4 All questions can be referred to the Rope Unit at the Fire Academy Monday to Friday from 0800 to 1800 hours. 6.5 The PSS is a one-time use piece of equipment and is placed out of service after use. 7 Rev. 08/26/14
6.6 An RT-2 shall be prepared by the officer on duty and shall include the members name, reference number and assigned unit. The Company officer shall retain a copy of the RT-2 for unit records. The officer placing the PSS out of service shall make entries in the Company Journal and the Office Record Journal. 6.7 When an original PSS is placed out of service due to defect or use, the Division shall have the defective or used PSS returned to the Rope Unit at the Fire Academy, where a new PSS will be assigned to the Division and will be available to be issued to a member when necessary. The Rope Unit at the Fire Academy is staffed Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1800 hours. 6.8 When an original PSS is placed out of service due to contamination, the officer shall follow the above procedures outlined in section 6. The Special Operations Command shall be notified by the company officer with a request to have the contaminated equipment picked up. The Division must contact the Rope Unit at the Fire Academy, Monday to Friday during normal business hours and request a new PSS for their supply. 6.9 Any time a PSS has been placed out of service, the officer must complete an Out of Service Life Safety Equipment Report (SCF-2) and forward it through the Chain of Command to the Chief of Safety. Investigation of the circumstances as stated in the report is required by the Battalion Chief on duty. A statement to this effect is required as part of the Chief's endorsement. Note: No exchange will be permitted without the completed SCF-2. 6.10 Whenever a members Personal Harness or PSS EXO Descender is exchanged, the PSS Verification System on the FDNY Intranet must be updated. This system is found in the Applications drop down menu on the left side of the homepage under PSS Checklist. Instructions for accessing and completing this application can be found on DiamondPlate. 6.11 Each member shall inspect the spare PSS repacking kit and the PSS assigned to them from the Division following the semi-annual inspection procedure outlined in this bulletin prior to securing it to the Personal Harness. 6.12 A supply of replacement bags have also been issued to each Division in the event only the bag is defective or contaminated. Defective Bags can be obtained from the Division on a one for one exchange. The Division shall arrange for exchange of defective bags with the Rope Unit on the next available day. 6.13 For contaminated bags, follow the procedures outlined in Addendum 1. 6.14 Decontaminated equipment shall be returned from SOC to R & D for evaluation. 8 Rev. 08/26/14
6.15 When any part of a firefighter s PSS has been placed out of service it shall immediately be replaced as per the procedures outlined in this document. When the firefighter is not equipped with a PSS and a response is received before a replacement is obtained, they will respond with their unit. However, that member shall not be counted towards that unit s staffing as it relates to the provisions of AUC 287, section 8 (reduced staffed/understaffed unit). Upon arrival, the Company Officer shall inform the Incident Commander (IC) of the unit s status, and the IC shall adjust his/her strategy accordingly. The unit shall follow all of the operational guidelines outlined in AUC 287, section 8. At an incident where members will be operating in an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) area, the member(s) not equipped with a PSS shall not enter/operate in that area. 6.16 When any part of a Battalion Chief or Company Officers PSS has been placed out of service it shall immediately be replaced as per the procedures outlined in this document. When the Chief or Officer is not equipped with a PSS, the unit where they are working shall be placed out of service until a replacement PSS is obtained. 7. ACCOUNTABILITY 7.1 Ensuring the serviceability of the PSS is the responsibility of the member to whom it is issued. 7.2 The Battalion and Company Commanders must record the serial number of the EXO Descender and the name of the member to whom it is issued in the Office Record Journal. The serial number of the EXO Descender included with the spare PSS repacking kit shall also be recorded in the Office Record Journal. The electronic PSS Verification System found on the FDNY Intranet shall be maintained. 7.3 The PSS is the property of the member up to and including the rank of Battalion Chief. 7.4 Upon promotion to Deputy Chief, Wiper, Pilot or Fire Marshal, the PSS is to be returned to R & D. 7.5 Upon retirement or termination of service, the PSS shall be returned by the member to R & D. 9 Rev. 03/28/17