This edition of NFPA 1006, Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications, was prepared by the Technical Committee on Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications, released by the Technical Correlating Committee on Professional Qualifications, and acted on by NFPA at its November Association Technical Meeting held November 16–20, 2002, in Atlanta, GA. It was issued by the Standards Council on January 17, 2003, with an effective date of February 6, 2003, and supersedes all previous editions.

This edition of NFPA 1006 was approved as an American National Standard on January 17, 2003.

Origin and Development of NFPA 1006

In 1994, the NFPA Standards Council, after receipt of a request for the development of a standard for the professional qualifications of rescue technicians, approved the establishment of a technical committee on Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications under the Professional Qualifications project. The committee developed the first edition of NFPA 1006, Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications, which established general job performance requirements for a rescue technician as well as specific job performance requirements for special rescue operations. These performance requirements include rope rescue, surface water rescue, vehicle and machinery rescue, confined space rescue, structural collapse rescue, and trench rescue.

In the 2003 edition of NFPA 1006, all of the chapters were reviewed and changes were made to comply with the NFPA Manual of Style. Three new chapters were added to the document: Subterranean Rescue, Dive Rescue, and Wilderness Rescue.

In Memoriam, September 11, 2001

We pay tribute to the 343 members of FDNY who gave their lives to save civilian victims on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center. They are true American heroes in death, but they were also American heroes in life. We will keep them in our memory and in our hearts. They are the embodiment of courage, bravery, and dedication. May they rest in peace.

Technical Correlating Committee on Professional Qualifications (PQU-AAC)

Douglas P. Forsman, Chair
Union Colony Fire & Rescue Authority, CO [E]
Rep. Louisiana State University

Fred G. Allinson, Seattle, WA [L]
Rep. National Volunteer Fire Council

Stephen P. Austin, State Farm Fire & Casualty Co., DE [I]
Rep. International Association of Arson Investigators Inc.

Timothy L. Bradley, North Carolina Fire Commission, NC [E]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications

Boyd F. Cole, SunnyCor Incorporated, CA [M]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Emergency Vehicle Mechanic Technicians Professional Qualifications

Yves Desjardins, Ecole nationale des pompiers du Quebec, Canada [U]

David T. Endicott, Stevensville, MD [U]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications

Gerald C. Evans, Salt Lake City Fire Department, UT [L]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Public Safety Telecommunicator Professional Qualifications

Jon C. Jones, Jon Jones & Associates, MA [SE]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Industrial Fire Brigades Professional Qualifications

Alan E. Joos, Utah Fire and Rescue Academy, UT [E]
Rep. International Fire Service Accreditation Congress

Charles E. Kirtley, City of Guymon, Oklahoma, Fire Department, OK [U]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Public Fire Educator Professional Qualifications

Barbara Koffron, Phoenix Fire Department, AZ [U]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Fire Inspector Professional Qualifications

Michael J. McGovern, Lakewood Fire Department, WA [U]

Gerard J. Naylis, FM Global, NJ [I]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)

Chris Neal, Oklahoma State University, OK [M]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Fire Officer Professional Qualifications

David K. Nelson, David K Nelson Consultants, CA [SE]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Wildfire Suppression Professional Qualifications

William E. Peterson, Plano Fire Department, TX [M]
Rep. International Fire Service Training Association

Hugh A. Pike, U.S. Air Force Fire Protection, FL [E]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications

Richard Powell, Saginaw Township Fire Department, MI [L]
(VL to Professional Qualifications System Management)
Rep. TC on Accreditation and Certification Professional Qualifications

Johnny G. Wilson, GA Firefighter Standards & Training Council, GA [E]
Rep. National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications

Alternates

Michael W. Robinson, Baltimore County Fire Department, MD [E]
(Alt. to J. G. Wilson)

Frank E. Florence, NFPA Staff Liaison

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for the management of the NFPA Professional Qualifications Project and documents related to professional qualifications for fire service, public safety, and related personnel.

Technical Committee on Rescue Technicians Professional Qualifications (PQU-RES)

Hugh A. Pike, Chair
U.S. Air Force Fire Protection, FL [E]

Wayne Bailey, North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, NC [E]

B. Kurt Bozenhardt, Wackenhut Services, Inc., AL [U]

Michael P. Brink, Madison Heights Fire Department, MI [U]
Rep. Michigan Technical Rescue Operations Team

Michael Carpenter, Garner Environmental Services, TX [SE]

Thomas Wysong Connell II, Special Rescue Services, MA [SE]

Carl Goodson, Oklahoma State University, OK [M]
Rep. International Fire Service Training Association

Wesley V. Kitchel, Santa Rosa Fire Department, CA [L]

Timothy J. Lombardi, Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department, OH [L]
Rep. NFPA Fire Service Section

Michael S. Mayers, Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue, SC [U]

Gregory A. Milewski, Equiva Services LLC (Texaco), TX [U]

Robert N. Moody, Montgomery County, Maryland, MD [L]

William L. Renaker, Ingleside, IL [U]
Rep. Illinois Fire Service Institute/University of Illinois

Robert E. Rhea, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, VA [U]

Brian E. Rousseau, State of New York, NY [E]

Robert J. Schappert, III, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, MD [SE]

Peter M. Schecter, Warrington Township Fire Department, PA [SE]
Rep. Volunteer Chief Officers Section

Ralph Sproul, Chevron Products Company, CA [U]

Charles A. Wehrli, City of Naperville Fire Department, IL [E]
Rep. Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

Ernest R. (Richey) Wright, Wright Rescue Solutions, Inc., FL [SE]

Alternates

Brad Eveland, U.S. Air Force, TX [E]
(Alt. to H. A. Pike)

Paul Moledor, Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department, OH [L]
(Alt. to T. J. Lombardi)

Terry M. Sutphen, Illinois Fire Service Institute, IL [U]
(Alt. to W. L. Renaker)

Frank E. Florence, NFPA Staff Liaison

Committee Scope: This committee shall have the primary responsibility for documents on the Professional Qualifications for fire service and related personnel who will perform rescue operations.

These lists represent the membership at the time the Committees were balloted on the final text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred. A key to classifications is found at the back of the document.

NOTE: Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of the Association or any document developed by the committee on which the member serves.

NFPA 1006
Standard for
Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications
2003 Edition

NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter designating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on the paragraph can be found in Annex A.

Changes other than editorial are indicated by a vertical rule beside the paragraph, table, or figure in which the change occurred. These rules are included as an aid to the user in identifying changes from the previous edition. Where one or more complete paragraphs have been deleted, the deletion is indicated by a bullet (•) between the paragraphs that remain.

A reference in brackets [ ] following a section or paragraph indicates material that has been extracted from another NFPA document. As an aid to the user, Annex I lists the complete title and edition of the source documents for both mandatory and nonmandatory extracts. Editorial changes to extracted material consist of revising references to an appropriate division in this document or the inclusion of the document number with the division number when the reference is to the original document. Requests for interpretations or revisions of extracted text shall be sent to the technical committee responsible for the source document.

Information on referenced publications can be found in Chapter 2 and Annex I.

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1* Scope.

This standard establishes the minimum job performance requirements necessary for fire service and other emergency response personnel who perform technical rescue operations.

1.2 Purpose.

The purpose of this standard is to specify the minimum job performance requirements for service as a rescuer in an emergency response organization. It is not the intent of this standard to restrict any jurisdiction from exceeding these minimum requirements.

1.3* General.

1.3.1 Each performance objective shall be performed safely, competently, and in its entirety.

1.3.2 Job performance requirements need not be mastered in the order in which they appear. The authority having jurisdiction shall establish the instructional priority and the training program content to prepare individuals to meet the performance requirements of this standard.

1.3.3* It is incumbent on the authority having jurisdiction to determine which disciplines are required to achieve the desired types of service and to provide training or certification as necessary to satisfy the service needs.

1.3.4 Performance of each requirement shall be evaluated by individuals approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Evaluators shall be individuals who were not involved as instructors for the performance requirements being evaluated.

1.3.5 Wherever in this standard the terms rules, regulations, procedures, supplies, apparatus, and equipment are referred to, they shall imply that they are those available to or used by the authority having jurisdiction.

1.3.6 Performance of each requirement shall be in accordance with applicable NFPA standards and occupational health and safety regulations.

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications (Reserved)

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Chapter 3 - Definitions

3.1* General.

The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to the terms used in this standard. Where terms are not included, common usage of the terms shall apply.

3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.

3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.

3.2.3 Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.

3.2.4* Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.

3.2.5 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.

3.2.6 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.

3.3 General Definitions.

3.3.1 Abrasion. The damaging effect on rope and other equipment caused by friction.

3.3.2 Access. See definition 3.3.27, Confined Space Approach.

3.3.3 Anchor Point. A single structural component used either alone or in combination with others to create an anchor system capable of sustaining the actual or potential load on the rope rescue system.

3.3.3.1 High-Point Anchor. A point above the trench used for attachment of rescue systems.

3.3.4 Anchor System. One or more anchor points rigged in such a way as to provide a structurally significant connection point for rope rescue system components.

3.3.4.1* Multiple Point Anchor System. System configuration providing load distribution over more than one anchor point, either proportionally or disproportionally. There are basically two categories of multiple point anchor systems: load distributing and load sharing.

3.3.4.2* Single Point Anchor System. Anchor system relying on a single anchor point to sustain the entire load.

3.3.5 Ascent Device. An auxiliary equipment system component; a friction or mechanical device utilized alone or in combination to allow a person to ascend a fixed rope.

3.3.6 Atmospheric Monitoring. A method of evaluating the ambient atmosphere of a space, including but not limited to its oxygen content, flammability, and toxicity.

3.3.7* Attendant. A term used to describe a person who is qualified to be stationed outside one or more confined spaces, who monitors authorized entrants, and who performs specified duties.

3.3.8* Authorized Entrant. A term used to describe a U.S. federally regulated industrial worker designated to enter confined spaces who meets specified training requirements for each specific space he or she enters.

3.3.9* Basic First Aid Kit. Equipment or devices for managing infection exposure, airways, spinal immobilization, fracture immobilization, shock, and bleeding control.

3.3.10* Belay. The method by which a potential fall distance is controlled to minimize damage to equipment and/or injury to a live load.

3.3.11 Belayer. The rescuer who operates the belay system.

3.3.12 Belt. A system component; material configured as a device that fastens around the waist only and designated as a ladder belt, an escape belt, or a ladder/escape belt.

3.3.13 Benching or Benching System. A method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating the side of a trench or excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or near-vertical surfaces between levels.

3.3.14 Beneficial System. Auxiliary-powered equipment in motor vehicles or machines that can enhance or facilitate rescues such as electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic seat positioners, door locks, window operating mechanisms, suspension systems, tilt steering wheels, convertible tops, or other devices or systems to facilitate the movement (extension, retraction, raising, lowering, conveyor control) of equipment or machinery.

3.3.15 Bight. The open loop in a rope or piece of webbing formed when it is doubled back on itself.

3.3.16* Bombproof. A term used to refer to a single anchor point capable of sustaining the actual or potential forces exerted on the rope rescue system without possibility of failure.

3.3.17 Breach. An opening made in the wall, floor, or ceiling of a structure, based on construction type, that can be used for moving rescuers, equipment, or victims into or out of the structure.

3.3.18 Breaching Techniques. Methods that utilize breaking and cutting tools to create safe openings in masonry, concrete, and wood structures.

3.3.19 Buoyancy Control Device. Jacket or vest that contains an inflatable bladder for the purposes of controlling buoyancy.

3.3.20 Cave-in. The separation of a mass of soil or rock material from the side of an excavation or trench, or the loss of soil from under a trench shield or support system, and its sudden movement into the excavation, either by falling or sliding, in sufficient quantity that it could entrap, bury, or otherwise injure and immobilize a person.

3.3.21 Collapse Support Operations. Operations performed at the scene that include providing for rescuer comfort, scene lighting, scene management, and equipment readiness.

3.3.22 Collapse Type. Five general types of collapse include lean-to collapse, “V” shape collapse, pancake collapse, cantilever collapse, and A-frame collapse. (See Annex B.)

3.3.23 Collapse Zone. See definition 3.3.137, Rescue Area.

3.3.24 Community Resource List. A list that includes all private and public contact numbers that will provide the available community resources to mitigate a specified type or range of rescue incidents and hazardous conditions in the community. A form of agreement or contract negotiated prior to the potential incident with participating concerns will enhance reliability of the resources.

3.3.25 Competent Person. One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

3.3.26* Confined Space. A space that is large enough and so configured that a person can enter and perform assigned work, that has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (e.g., tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits), and that is not designed for continuous human occupancy.

3.3.27 Confined Space Approach. The means of approach to the entry opening of a confined space.

3.3.28 Confined Space Entry. Includes ensuing work activities in a confined space and is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant’s body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.

3.3.29 Confined Space Entry Opening. The port or opening used to enter a confined space.

3.3.30 Confined Space Entry Permit. A written or printed document established by an employer in applicable U.S. federally regulated industrial facilities for nonrescue entry into confined spaces, that authorizes specific employees to enter a confined space and contains specific information as required. (See Annex C.)

3.3.31* Confined Space Rescue Preplan. An informational document completed by rescue personnel pertaining to a specific space. The document should include but is not limited to information concerning hazard abatement requirements, access to the space, size and type of entry openings, internal configuration of the space, and a suggested action plan for rescue of persons injured within the space.

3.3.32 Confined Space Rescue Team. A combination of individuals trained and available to respond to confined space emergencies and perform rescues.

3.3.33 Confined Space Retrieval Equipment. See definition 3.3.143, Retrieval Equipment.

3.3.34* Confined Space Type. A classification of confined spaces that incorporates the size, configuration, and accessibility of an entry opening as well as the internal configuration/entanglement structures within the space.

3.3.35 Construction Grade Lumber. Lumber products that are readily available in sizes and lengths for general construction applications.

3.3.36* Construction Type. Based on major construction categories, these categories include, but are not limited to, wood frame, steel, unreinforced masonry (URM), tilt-up; precast, high-rise, and formed in place.

3.3.37 Cribbing. Short lengths of timber/composite materials, usually 101.60 mm 101.60 mm (4 in. 4 in.) and 457.20 mm 609.60 mm (18 in. 24 in.) long that are used in various configurations to stabilize loads in place or while load is moving.

3.3.38* Critical Angle. An internal angle in a system of 120 degrees or greater that results in an amplification of a force applied to the system.

3.3.39 Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). A postincident meeting designed to assist rescue personnel in dealing with psychological trauma as the result of an emergency.

3.3.40 Critique. A postincident analysis of the effectiveness of the rescue effort.

3.3.41 Cross Braces. The individual horizontal members of a shoring system installed perpendicular to the sides of the excavation, the ends of which bear against either uprights or wales.

3.3.42* Crush Syndrome. A condition in which muscle death occurs because of pressure applied by an external load (e.g., a vehicle, parts of a fallen building, a rock, or a squeeze in a tight hole).

3.3.43* Cut Sheet. A document that specifies the dimensions, slope, and other pertinent information regarding a particular excavation.

3.3.44 Cut Station. A functional area or sector that utilizes lumber, timber, and an assortment of hand and power tools to complete operational objectives for stabilizing or shoring at a rescue incident or training evolution.

3.3.45 Decontamination. The removal or neutralization of a hazardous material from equipment and/or personnel.

3.3.46 Descending a Line. A means of traveling down a fixed line using a descent control device.

3.3.47 Descent Control Device. An auxiliary equipment system component; a friction or mechanical device utilized with rope to control descent.

3.3.48 Disentanglement. The process of freeing a victim from entrapment.

3.3.49 Dive Profile. Plan for a dive, including the depth and duration of the dive, in order to determine the level of nitrogen in the bloodstream.

3.3.50* Dive Tables. Format utilized by divers, based upon various accepted studies, which calculate nitrogen levels and convert them to tabular data for determining a safe dive profile.

3.3.51 Divemaster. Dive professional demonstrating an advanced level of competency, charged with coordinating and leading divers.

3.3.52 Double Block and Bleed. The closure of a line, duct, or pipe by closing, locking, and tagging two valves in line and opening, locking, and tagging a drain or vent valve inline between the two closed valves.

3.3.53 Edge Protection. A means of protecting software components within a rope rescue system from the potentially harmful effects of exposed sharp or abrasive edges.

3.3.54 Emergency. Any condition endangering or thought to be endangering life or property.

3.3.55 Emergency Medical Care. Prehospital care given to a victim of an accident or sudden illness.

3.3.56 Entrant. See definition 3.3.8, Authorized Entrant.

3.3.57 Entry. Includes ensuing work activities in the entry space and is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant’s body breaks the plane of an opening into the space. (See also 3.3.28, Confined Space Entry.)

3.3.58 Entry Opening. See definition 3.3.29, Confined Space Entry Opening.

3.3.59 Environmental Controls. See definition 3.3.21, Collapse Support Operations.

3.3.60 Excavation. Any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface, formed by the removal of earth.

3.3.61* Extinguishing Devices. Devices used to suppress fire, including, but not limited to, CO2 extinguishers, dry chemical extinguishers, hose lines, and fire-fighting foam.

3.3.62 Face(s) (also Wall, Side, or Belly). The vertical or inclined earth surface formed as a result of excavation work.

3.3.63 Failure. The breakage, displacement, or permanent deformation of a structural member or connection so as to reduce its structural integrity and its supportive capabilities.

3.3.64 Fire Control Measures. Methods used to secure ignition sources at an incident scene that can include hoseline placement and utilization of chemical agents to suppress fire potential.

3.3.65 Fixed Line System. A rope rescue system consisting of a nonmoving rope attached to an anchor system.

3.3.66 Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Maps produced by the National Flood Insurance Program, under the auspices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), that illustrate geographic areas that are subject to flooding.

3.3.67 Flotation Aids. Devices that provide supplemental flotation for persons in the water but do not meet U.S. Coast Guard performance criteria such as breaking strength of the thread used in sewing the device, the usable life of the flotation materials including compressibility factors, the colors and fading potential of certain dyes used in the fabrication of the device, and the strength and breaking force required for buckles and tie straps.

3.3.68* General Area. Sometimes called the “warm zone,” an area surrounding the incident site (e.g., collapsed structure or trench) that has a size proportional to the size and nature of the incident.

3.3.69 Hardware. A type of auxiliary equipment that includes but is not limited to ascent devices, carabiners, descent control devices, pulleys, rings, and snap-links. [1983:1.3]

3.3.70 Harness. See definition 3.3.93, Life Safety Harness.

3.3.71 Hauling System. A rope system generally constructed from life safety rope, pulleys, and other rope rescue system components capable of lifting or moving a load across a given area.

3.3.72 Hazard Mitigation. Activities taken to isolate, eliminate, or reduce the degree of risk to life and property from hazards, either before, during, or after an incident.

3.3.73* Hazardous Atmosphere for Confined Space. Any atmosphere that can expose personnel to the risk of death, incapacitation, injury, acute illness, or impairment of the ability to self-rescue.

3.3.74 Hazardous Atmospheres. Any atmosphere that can expose personnel to the risk of death, incapacitation, injury, acute illness, or impairment of ability to self-rescue.

3.3.75 Hazardous Material. A substance (solid, liquid, or gas) that when released is capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property.

3.3.76 Heavy Construction Type. Construction that utilizes masonry, steel, and concrete in various combinations, including tilt-up, steel frame with infill, concrete moment resisting frame, concrete shearwall, unreinforced masonry infill in concrete frame, and precast concrete. (See Annex D.)

3.3.77 Heavy Equipment. Typically, construction equipment that can include but is not limited to backhoes, trac hoes, grade-alls, and cranes.

3.3.78 Heavy Load. Any load over 3175.15 kg (7000 lb).

3.3.79 Heavy Structural Collapse. Collapse of heavy construction–type buildings that require special tools and training to gain access into the building.

3.3.80 High Angle. An environment in which the load is predominately supported by the rope rescue system.

3.3.81 Highline System. A system of using rope suspended between two points for movement of persons or equipment, including systems capable of movement between points of equal or unequal height.

3.3.82 Hitch. A knot that attaches to or wraps around an object, and when the object is removed, the knot will fall apart.

3.3.83 Hydrology. Effect of water, its movement and mechanics, in relation to bodies of water.

3.3.84 Incident Management System. An organized system of roles, responsibilities, and standard operating procedures used to manage emergency operations, often referred to as incident command system (ICS).

3.3.85 Incident Termination. The procedure necessary to return the scene of an emergency to a state of safety following a rescue through elimination or isolation of hazards, so that rescue personnel and equipment can be removed from the scene and returned to a state of readiness.

3.3.86 Incline Plane. A lifting method that provides mechanical advantage by distributing the work required to lift a load over a distance along an incline rather than straight up and down.

3.3.87* Isolation. The process by which an area is rendered safe through mitigation of dangerous energy forms.

3.3.88* Isolation System. An arrangement of devices, including isolation devices, applied with specific techniques, that collectively serve to isolate a victim of a trench or excavation emergency from the surrounding product (e.g., soil, gravel, sand).

3.3.89 Job Performance Requirement. A statement that describes a specific job task, lists the items necessary to complete the task, and defines measurable or observable outcomes and evaluation areas for the specific task.

3.3.90* Knot. A fastening, including bights, bends, and hitches, made by tying together lengths of rope or webbing in a prescribed way.

3.3.91 Laser Target. A square or rectangular plastic device used in conjunction with a laser instrument to set the line and grade of pipe.

3.3.92 Levers. Tools that have a relationship of load/fulcrum/force to create mechanical advantage and move a load.

3.3.93 Life Safety Harness. A system component; an arrangement of materials secured about the body used to support a person during fire service rescue.

3.3.94 Life Safety Rope. Rope dedicated solely for the purpose of supporting people during rescue, fire fighting, other emergency operations, or during training evolutions.

3.3.95 Lifting Tools. Hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, or manual tools that can lift heavy loads.

3.3.96 Light Frame Construction. Structures that have framework made out of wood or other lightweight materials. (See Annex D.)

3.3.97 Line Ascending. A means of safely traveling up a fixed line with the use of one or more ascent devices.

3.3.98 Lip (Trench Lip). The area 2 ft horizontal and 2 ft vertical (0.61 m 0.61 m) from the top edge of the trench face.

3.3.99 Lip Collapse. A collapse of the trench lip, usually subsequent to surcharge loading, impact damage from the excavating bucket, and/or inherent cohesive properties of the soil type.

3.3.100 Lip-In. See definition 3.3.99, Lip Collapse.

3.3.101 Litter. A transfer device designed to support a victim during movement.

3.3.102 Load Stabilization. The process of preventing a load from shifting in any direction.

3.3.103 Load Test. A method of preloading a rope rescue system to ensure all components are set properly to sustain the expected load; generally performed by multiple personnel to exert force on the system at the load attachment point in the manner of function before life loading.

3.3.104 Locating Devices. Devices utilized to locate victims in rescue incidents and structural components, including but not limited to voice, seismic, video, K-9, and fiber optic.

3.3.105 Loop. An element of a knot created by forming a complete circle in a rope.

3.3.106 Low Angle. Refers to an environment in which the load is predominately supported by itself and not the rope rescue system (e.g., flat land or mild sloping surface).

3.3.107 Lowering System. A rope rescue system used to lower a load under control. Lowering systems should incorporate a mechanism to prevent the uncontrolled descent of the load during the lowering operation. This mechanism should reduce the need for excessive force to control the lower.

3.3.108 Maintenance Kits. Items required for maintenance and inspection that include, but are not limited to, the following: manufacturer product specifications; preventive maintenance checklists; periodic logbook records; inventory equipment lists; appropriate fluids, parts, and hardware; and testing instruments as required.

3.3.109 Marking Systems. Various systems used to mark hazards, victim location, and pertinent structural information. (See Annex E.)

3.3.110 Maximum Working Load. Weight supported by the life safety rope and system components that must not be exceeded.

3.3.111 Mechanical Advantage (M/A). A force created through mechanical means, including but not limited to, a system of levers, gearing, or ropes and pulleys; usually creating an output force greater than the input force and expressed in terms of a ratio of output force to input force.

3.3.112 Mechanical Advantage System.

3.3.112.1 Compound Rope Mechanical Advantage System. A combination of individual rope mechanical advantage systems created by stacking the load end of one rope mechanical advantage system onto the haul line of another or others to multiply the forces created by the individual system(s).

3.3.112.2* Simple Rope Mechanical Advantage System. A rope mechanical advantage system containing a single rope and one or more moving pulleys (or similar devices), all traveling at the same speed and in the same direction, attached directly or indirectly to the load.

3.3.113 Member. A person performing the duties and responsibilities of an emergency response organization on a full-time or part-time basis, with or without compensation.

3.3.114 Mode of Transmission. The physical means of entry of a hazardous material into the human body, including inhalation, absorption, injection, and ingestion.

3.3.115 MSDS. Material safety data sheets.

3.3.116 Nonintersecting Trench. See 3.3.210.2.

3.3.117 One-Call Utility Location Service. A service from which contractors, emergency service personnel, and others can obtain information on the location and type of underground utilities in an area.

3.3.118 Packaging. The process of securing a victim in a transfer device, with regard to existing and potential injuries or illness, so as to prevent further harm during movement.

3.3.119 Parbuckling. A technique for moving a load utilizing a simple 2:1 mechanical advantage system in which the load is placed inside a bight formed in a length of rope, webbing, tarpaulin, blanket, netting, and so forth that creates the mechanical advantage, rather than being attached to the outside of the bight with ancillary rope rescue hardware.

3.3.120 Permit-Required Confined Space. See definition 3.3.26, Confined Space.

3.3.121 Personal Escape. See definition 3.3.160, Self -Rescue.

3.3.122* Personal Flotation Device (PFD). A device manufactured in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard specifications that provides supplemental flotation for persons in the water.

3.3.123* Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The equipment provided to shield or isolate a person from the chemical, physical, or thermal hazards that can be encountered at a specific rescue incident.

3.3.123.1* Water Rescue Personal Protective Equipment. Personal equipment required to protect rescuers from physical dangers posed by exposure to in-water hazards and also those hazards that are associated with the climate and the adjacent area.

3.3.124* Pneumatic Struts. Pneumatic or gas-filled tube and piston assemblies in vehicles or machinery.

3.3.125 Postbriefing. At the termination of an incident, after breakdown and cleanup has occurred, reviews the effectiveness of strategies, tactics, equipment, and personnel at an incident, as well as provides an opportunity to detect the presence of critical incident stress syndrome.

3.3.126 Prebriefing. At the beginning of an incident, after size-up information has been assessed, given to the rescue team to provide assignments, select and notify of strategy and tactics to be performed, and state the mission objective.

3.3.127 Pre-entry Medical Exam. A baseline medical evaluation of the rescue entrants performed immediately prior to a rescue entry.

3.3.128* Pre-incident Plan. A written document resulting from the gathering of general and detailed data to be used by responding personnel for determining resources and additions necessary to mitigate anticipated emergencies at a specific facility.

3.3.129* Protective System. A method of protecting employees from cave-ins, from material that could fall or roll from an excavation face or into an excavation, or from the collapse of adjacent structures.

3.3.130 Public Safety Diving. Underwater diving related to team operations and training, performed by any member, group, or agency of a community or a government-recognized public safety diving or water rescue team.

3.3.131* Rapid Intervention Crew/Company (RIC). A minimum of two fully equipped personnel on site, in a ready state, for immediate rescue of disoriented, injured, lost, or trapped rescue personnel.

3.3.132 Reach/Extension Device. Any device for water rescue that can be extended to a person in the water so that he or she can grasp it and be pulled to safety without physically contacting the rescuer.

3.3.133 Recovery. Nonemergency operations taken by responders to retrieve property or remains of victims.

3.3.134 Redundant Air System. An independent secondary underwater breathing system (i.e., a pony bottle with first and second stage, or a pony bottle supplying a bail-out block).

3.3.135* Registered Licensed Professional Engineer. A person who is registered as a professional engineer in the state where the work is to be performed.

3.3.136 Requisite Equipment. Specific tools and equipment that are critical to performing a specific type of technical rescue.

3.3.137 Rescue Area. Sometimes called the “hot,” “danger,” or “collapse” zone, an area surrounding the incident site (e.g., collapsed structure or trench) that has a size proportional to the hazards that exist.

3.3.138 Rescue Attendant. See definition 3.3.7, Attendant.

3.3.139 Rescue Entrant. See definition 3.3.8, Authorized Entrant.

3.3.140 Rescue Service. The rescue team designated for confined space rescue by the AHJ.

3.3.141* Rescue Team. A combination of rescue-trained individuals who are equipped and available to respond to and perform technical rescues.

3.3.142 Rescue Technician. A person who is trained to perform or direct the technical rescue.

3.3.143* Retrieval Equipment (Retrieval System). Combinations of rescue equipment used for nonentry (external) rescue of persons from confined spaces.

3.3.144 Rigging. The process of building a system to move or stabilize a load.

3.3.145 Rigging Systems. Systems used to move people or loads that can be configured with rope, wire rope, or cable and utilize different means, both mechanical and manual, to move the load.

3.3.146 Risk–Benefit Analysis. An assessment of the risk to rescuers versus the benefits that can be derived from their intended actions.

3.3.147 Rope. See definition 3.3.94, Life Safety Rope.

3.3.148 Rope Rescue Equipment. Components used to build rope rescue systems, including life safety rope, life safety harnesses, and auxiliary rope rescue equipment.

3.3.149 Rope Rescue System. A system composed of rope rescue equipment and an appropriate anchor system intended for use in the rescue of a subject.

3.3.150 Safe Zone. In a trench, the area that projects 0.61 m (2 ft) in all directions around an installed cross brace or wale that is a component of an existing approved shoring system.

3.3.151 Safetied (Safety Knot). A securement of loose rope end issuing from a completed knot, usually fashioned by tying the loose end around another section of rope to form a knot. The means by which the loose end is prevented from slipping through the primary knot.

3.3.152 Scene Security. The means used to prevent or restrict entry to the scene of a rescue incident, either during or following the emergency.

3.3.153 Screw Jack. Shoring system component made of sections of threaded bar stock that are incorporated with lengths of pipe or wood.

3.3.154 SCUBA. Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

3.3.155 Search Functions. General area search, reconnaissance, victim location identification, and hazard identification or flagging.

3.3.156 Search Measures.

3.3.156.1* Active Search Measures. This phase of search measures includes those that are formalized and coordinated with other agencies.

3.3.156.2* Passive Search Measures. Search efforts that do not require active searching by the rescuers.

3.3.157 Search Parameters. The defined search area and scope.

3.3.158* Secondary Collapse. Causes or conditions that could contribute to a subsequent collapse in a building.

3.3.159 Security Measures. See definition 3.3.152, Scene Security.

3.3.160 Self-Rescue. Escaping or exiting a hazardous area under one’s own power.

3.3.161 Sheeting or Sheathing. A component of a shoring system with a large surface area supported by the uprights and cross-bracing of the shoring system that is used to retain the earth in position when loose or running soils are encountered.

3.3.162 Sheeting and Shoring.

3.3.162.1 Supplemental Sheeting and Shoring. Sheeting and shoring operations that involve the use of commercial sheeting/shoring systems and/or isolation devices or that involve cutting and placement of sheeting and shoring when greater than 0.61 m (2 ft) of shoring exists below the bottom of the strongback. [1670:1.3]

3.3.162.2 Traditional Sheeting and Shoring. The use of 1.22 m 2.44 m (4 ft 8 ft) sheet panels, with a strongback attachment, supplemented by a variety of conventional hydraulic, screw, and/or pneumatic shoring options.

3.3.163* Shield or Shield System. An engineered structure that is able to withstand the forces imposed on it by a cave-in and thereby protect persons within the structures.

3.3.164 Shore-Based Rescue. Any technique or procedure that provides a means for extracting a person from the water that does not require any member of the rescue team to leave the safety of the shore.

3.3.165 Shoring System. A system that supports unstable surfaces by placing a tension member between an unstable surface and base.

3.3.166 Shoring Team. The group of individuals, with established communications and leadership, assigned to construct, move, place, and manage the shoring or shoring system inside the space, trench, or excavation.

3.3.167 Sides. See definition 3.3.62, Face.

3.3.168* Signaling Device. Any resource that provides a distinct and predictable display, noise, or sensation that can be used to communicate a predetermined message or to attract the attention of other persons as desired by the initiator of the signal.

3.3.169 Site Operations. The activities to be undertaken at a specific site to manage the rescue efforts.

3.3.170 Size-Up. The ongoing observation and evaluation of factors that are used to develop strategic goals and tactical objectives.

3.3.171 Sloping System. A protecting system that uses inclined excavating to form sides that are inclined away from the excavation so as to prevent cave-in; the angle of incline required to prevent a cave-in varies with the differences in such factors as soil type, environmental conditions of exposure, and application of surcharge loads.

3.3.172 Slough-In. A type of collapse characterized by an interior portion of the trench wall spalling out and potentially leaving an overhanging ledge or void that needs to be filled.

3.3.173 Software. A flexible fabric component of rope rescue equipment.

3.3.174 Soldier Shoring or Skip Shoring. A shoring system that employs a series of uprights spaced at intervals with the exposed soil of the trench wall showing.

3.3.175 Span of Control. The maximum number of personnel or activities that can be effectively controlled by one individual (usually three to seven).

3.3.176 Specialized Equipment. Equipment that is unique to the rescue incident and made available.

3.3.177* Specialized Teams. Emergency response teams with specific skills and equipment that can be needed on the scene.

3.3.178 Spoil Pile (Spoil). A pile of excavated soil next to the excavation or trench.

3.3.179 Stabilization Points. Key points where stabilization devices can be installed on a vehicle or machine to keep the vehicle or object from moving during rescue operations.

3.3.180 Stabilization System. See definition 3.3.37, Cribbing.

3.3.181 Steel Cutting Tools. Hand tools, circular saw, exothermic torch, oxyacetylene torch, and plasma cutter.

3.3.182 Stiffbacks. See definition 3.3.214, Trench Upright.

3.3.183 Strongbacks. See definition 3.3.214, Trench Upright.

3.3.184 Structural Load Calculations. Load calculations based on the weight per cubic foot of construction materials such as concrete, steel, and wood.

3.3.185 Structural Support System. See definition 3.3.165, Shoring System.

3.3.186 Strut. The tensioned member placed between two opposing surfaces.

3.3.187 Subterranean Rescue. Extraction from any environment natural or manmade that exists below grade as an enclosed environment with limited means of access or egress, including caves, tunnels, and mines.

3.3.188 Superimposed Load. See definition 3.3.190, Surcharge Load.

3.3.189 Support System. A structure such as underpinning, bracing, or shoring that provides support to an adjacent structure, underground installation, or the sides of an excavation.

3.3.190 Surcharge Load. Any weight in the proximity of the trench that increases instability or the likelihood of secondary cave-in.

3.3.191 Surface. A base that is secure and conducive to supporting and stabilizing a vehicle or object.

3.3.192 Surface Encumbrance. A natural or manmade structural object adjacent to or in the immediate vicinity of an excavation or trench.

3.3.193 Surface Water Rescue. Rescue of a victim who is afloat on the surface of a body of water.

3.3.194 Swift Water. Water moving at a rate greater than 1 knot [1.85 km/hr (1.15 mph or 1.69 ft/sec)].

3.3.195* Swim. To propel oneself through water by means of purposeful body movements and positioning.

3.3.196* Swim Aids. Items of personal equipment that augment the individual rescuer’s ability to propel through water.

3.3.197* System Safety Check. A method involving three components — physical or usual check, load test, and audible or visual confirmation — that evaluates the safe assembly of a rescue system.

3.3.198* Tabulated Data. Any set of site-specific design data used by a professional engineer to design a protective system at a particular location.

3.3.199 Task. An essential step of a work operation required to complete the performance of a duty.

3.3.200 Team. See definition 3.3.32, Confined Space Rescue Team.

3.3.201 Technical Rescue. The application of special knowledge, skills, and equipment to safely resolve unique or complex rescue situations.

3.3.202 Throw Bag. A water rescue system that includes 15.24 m to 22.86 m (50 ft to 75 ft) of water rescue rope, an appropriately sized bag, and a closed-cell foam float.

3.3.203 Tidal Water. Ocean water or bodies of water that are connected to oceans that either experience a twice daily rise and fall of their surface caused by the gravitational pull of the moon or experience a corresponding ebb and flow of water in response to the tides. Due to the connection to the ocean, all tidal water has some degree of salinity, which nontidal water lacks.

3.3.204 Tide Tables. Schedule of predicted rise and fall of the surface of tidal waters above or below a mean water level at predictable times of each day of the year.

3.3.205 Toe. The point where the trench wall meets the floor of the trench.

3.3.206* Tool Kit. Equipment available to the rescuer as defined in this document.

3.3.207 Traffic Control. The direction or management of vehicle traffic such that scene safety is maintained and rescue operations can proceed without interruption.

3.3.208 Traffic Control Devices. Ancillary equipment/resources used at the rescue scene to facilitate traffic control such as flares, barricades, traffic cones, or barrier tape.

3.3.209 Transfer Device. Equipment used to package and allow removal of a victim from a specific rescue environment.

3.3.210* Trench (Trench Excavation). An excavation, narrow in relation to its length, made below the surface of the earth.

3.3.210.1* Intersecting Trench. A trench where multiple trench cuts or legs converge at a single point.

3.3.210.2 Nonintersecting Trench. A trench cut in a straight or nearly straight line with no crossing or converging trench legs or cuts.

3.3.211 Trench Box. See definition 3.3.163, Shield or Shield System.

3.3.212 Trench Emergency. Any failure of hazard control or monitoring equipment or other event(s) inside or outside a trench or excavation that could endanger entrants within the trench or excavation.

3.3.213 Trench Floor. The bottom of the trench.

3.3.214 Trench Upright. A vertical support member that spans the distance between the toe of the trench and the trench lip to collect and distribute the tension from the opposing wall over a large area.

3.3.215 Triage. The sorting of casualties at an emergency according to the nature and severity of their injuries.

3.3.216 Triage Tag. A tag used in the classification of casualties according to the nature and severity of their injuries.

3.3.217 Two-Person Load. 272 kg (600 lb).

3.3.218 Upright. See definition 3.3.214, Trench Upright.

3.3.219 Victim Management. The manner of treatment given to those requiring rescue assistance.

3.3.220 Victim Removal System. Those systems used to move a victim to a safe location.

3.3.221 Wales. Also called walers or stringers; horizontal members of a shoring system placed parallel to the excavation face whose sides bear against the vertical members of a shoring system or earth.

3.3.222 Water-Bound Victim. A victim that is in the water needing assistance.

3.3.223* Watercraft. Manned vessels that are propelled across the surface of a body of water by means of oars, paddles, water jets, propellers, towlines, or air cushions and are used to transport personnel and equipment while keeping their occupants out of the water.

3.3.224* Watercraft Conveyance. Devices intended for the purpose of transporting, moving, lifting, or lowering watercraft that may be required to be operated prior to and at the conclusion of every watercraft deployment.

3.3.225 Water Rescue Rope. Rope that floats, has adequate strength for anticipated use, is not weakened to the point of inadequacy for the task by saturation or immersion in water, and is of sufficient diameter to be gripped by bare wet hands.

3.3.226 Watermanship Skills. Capabilities that include swimming, surface diving, treading water, and staying afloat with a reasonable degree of comfort appropriate to the required task.

3.3.227 Wedges and Shims. See definition 3.3.37, Cribbing.

Chapter 4 – Rescue Technician

4.1* General Requirements.

Because technical rescue is inherently dangerous and rescue technicians are frequently required to perform rigorous activities in adverse conditions, regional and national safety standards shall be included in agency policies and procedures. Rescue technicians shall complete all activities in the safest possible manner and shall follow national, federal, state, provincial, and local safety standards as they apply to the rescue technician.

4.2* Entrance Requirements.

Before beginning training activities or engaging in rescue incidents, the following requirements shall be complied with:

(1) Age requirement established by the AHJ

(2) Medical requirements established by the AHJ

(3) Minimum physical fitness as required by the AHJ

(4) Emergency medical care performance capabilities for entry-level personnel developed and validated by the AHJ

(5) Minimum educational requirements established by the AHJ

(6) Minimum requirements for hazardous material incident and contact control training for entry-level personnel, validated by the AHJ

4.3* Minimum Requirements.

For certification, the rescue technician shall perform all of the job performance requirements in Chapter 5 and all job performance requirements listed in at least one of the specialty areas (Chapters 6 through 14).

Chapter 5 Job Performance Requirements

5.1 General Requirements.

The job performance requirements defined in Sections 5.2 through 5.5 shall be met prior to certification as a rescue technician.

5.2 Site Operations.

5.2.1 Identify the needed support resources, given a specific type of rescue incident, so that a resource cache is managed, scene lighting is provided for the tasks to be undertaken, environmental concerns are managed, personnel rehabilitation is facilitated, and the support operation facilitates rescue operational objectives.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Equipment organization and tracking methods, lighting resource type(s), shelter and thermal control options, and rehab criteria.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to track equipment inventory, identify lighting resources and structures for shelter and thermal protection, select rehab areas, and manage personnel rotations.

5.2.2 Size up a rescue incident, given background information and applicable reference materials, so that the type of rescue is determined, the number of victims is identified, the last reported location of all victims is established, witnesses are identified and interviewed, resource needs are assessed, search parameters are identified, and information required to develop an incident action plan is obtained.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Types of reference materials and their uses, availability and capability of the resources, elements of an action plan and related information, relationship of size-up to the incident management system, and information gathering techniques and how that information is used in the size-up process.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to read technical rescue reference materials, gather information, relay information, and use information gathering sources.

5.2.3 Manage incident hazards, given scene control barriers, personal protective equipment, requisite equipment, and available specialized resources, so that all hazards are identified, resource application fits the operational requirements, hazard isolation is considered, risks to rescuers and victims are minimized, and rescue time constraints are taken into account.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Resource capabilities and limitations, types and nature of incident hazards, equipment types and their use, isolation terminology, methods, equipment and implementation, operational requirement concerns, common types of rescuer and victim risk, risk–benefit analysis methods and practices, and types of technical references.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to identify resource capabilities and limitations, identify incident hazards, assess victim viability (risk–benefit), utilize technical references, place scene control barriers, and operate control and mitigation equipment.

5.2.4 Manage resources in a rescue incident, given incident information, a means of communication, resources, tactical worksheets, personnel accountability protocol, applicable references, and standard operating procedures, so that references are utilized, personnel are accounted for, deployed resources achieve desired objectives, incident actions are documented, rescue efforts are coordinated, the command structure is established, task assignments are communicated and monitored, and actions are consistent with applicable regulations.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Incident management system, tactical worksheet application and purposes, accountability protocols, resource types and deployment methods, documentation methods and requirements, availability, capabilities, and limitations of rescuers and other resources, communication problems and needs, communications requirements, methods, and means, types of tasks and assignment responsibilities, policies and procedures of the agency, and technical references related to the type of rescue incident.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to implement an incident management system, complete tactical worksheets, use reference materials, evaluate incident information, match resources to operational needs, operate communications equipment, manage incident communications, and communicate in a manner so that objectives are met.

5.2.5 Conduct a search, given hazard-specific personal protective equipment, equipment pertinent to search mission, an incident location, and victim investigative information, so that search parameters are established, victim profile is established, the entry and exit of all people either involved in the search or already within the search area are questioned and the information is updated and relayed to command, the personnel assignments match their expertise, all victims are located as quickly as possible, applicable technical rescue concerns are managed, risks to searchers are minimized, and all searchers are accounted for.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Local policies and procedures and how to operate in the site-specific search environment.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to enter, maneuver in, and exit the search environment and provide for and perform self-escape/rescue.

5.2.6* Perform ground support operations for helicopter activities, given a rescue scenario/incident, helicopter, operational plans, personal protective equipment, requisite equipment, and available specialized resources, so that rescue personnel are aware of the operational characteristics of the aircraft and demonstrate operational proficiency in establishing and securing landing zones and communicating with aircraft personnel until the assignment is complete.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Ground support operations relating to helicopter use and deployment, operation plans for helicopter service activities, type-specific personal protective equipment, aircraft familiarization and hazard areas specific to helicopter, scene control and landing zone requirements, aircraft safety systems, and communications protocols.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to provide ground support operations, review standard operating procedures for helicopter operations, use personal protective equipment, establish and control landing zones, and communicate with aircrews.

5.2.7 Terminate the incident, given isolation barriers and specialized teams and equipment so that all personnel are accounted for and removed from the scene, hazards are mitigated, further entry is denied, the victim is transported to the definitive care facility, rescue personnel are returned to a state of readiness, appropriate reporting and documentation of the incident is completed, and a critique and critical incident stress debriefing is conducted with rescue personnel.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: How to identify and mitigate a scene, forms for documentation, resources for critical incident stress debriefing, and local medical transportation protocol.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to provide scene security, complete reporting documentation of the incident, and apply local medical transportation protocol.

5.3 Victim Management.

5.3.1 Access a victim, given tool kits, personal protective equipment, and other equipment designed to allow physical approach to the victim, so that hazards are managed, the rescuer can approach the victim, the access point is determined, the means of access is maintained and stabilized, and an escape route is identified.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Recognition of and methods to manage potential hazards within the rescue environment, methods and means to gain access, use of personal protective equipment and tool kit(s) used to gain access to the victim, and factors used to identify escape routes.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to manage hazards, use provided tools, use personal protective equipment, and choose safe entry and escape routes and techniques and tools (specific to the rescue environment) to make access to the victim.

5.3.2 Assess a victim, given personal protective equipment to include protection from airborne and bloodborne pathogens and a basic first aid kit, so that required resources can be identified and obtained, injuries are identified, risks to rescuers are minimized, victim viability is established, and treatment priorities are established.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Victim assessment procedures, universal precautions for infectious disease, emergency medical care, criteria related to mechanisms of injuries, issues relating to protocol, and types of resources and availability.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to use personal protective clothing, use personal protective equipment, follow established assessment procedures, relate mechanism of injury to assessment, and evaluate scene hazards.

5.3.3 Stabilize the victim, given a basic first aid kit, so that the victim’s airway is established and maintained, ventilation is provided as required, circulation is maintained, severe bleeding is controlled, spinal immobilization precautions are taken, and the victim is treated for shock.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Emergency medical care and uses for personal protective equipment.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to initiate emergency medical care and use personal protective equipment.

5.3.4 Triage victims, given triage tags and local protocol, so that rescue versus recovery factors are assessed, triage decisions reflect resource capabilities, severity of injuries is determined, and victim care and rescue priorities are established in accordance with local protocol.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Types and systems of triage according to local protocol, resource availability, methods to determine injury severity, ways to manage resources, and prioritization requirements.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to use triage materials, techniques, and resources and to categorize victims properly.

5.3.5* Package an ill or injured victim, given a basic first aid kit and other specialized equipment, so that environmental conditions are assessed, illnesses or injuries are managed, and the potential for further injury is minimized.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Effects of environmental conditions on packaging, emergency medical care, packaging equipment and methods, ways to minimize additional injuries, immobilization techniques, and application of victim personal protective equipment.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to select and apply packaging equipment, protect a victim, immobilize injuries, and apply personal protective equipment to a victim.

5.3.6 Move a victim in a low-angle environment, given victim transport equipment, litters, other specialized equipment, and victim removal systems specific to the rescue environment, so that the victim is moved without undue further injuries, risks to rescuers are minimized, the integrity of the victim’s securement within the transfer device is established and maintained, the means of attachment to the rope rescue system is maintained, and the victim is removed from the hazard.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Types of transport equipment and removal systems, selection factors with regard to specific rescue environments, methods to reduce and prevent further injuries, types of risks to rescuers, ways to establish and maintain victim securement, transport techniques, rope rigging applications and methods, and types of specialized equipment and their uses.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to secure a victim to transport equipment, assemble and operate environment-specific victim removal systems, and choose an incident-specific transport device.

5.3.7 Transfer a victim to emergency medical services (EMS), given local medical protocols, so that all pertinent information is passed from rescuer to EMS provider, and the victim can be transported to a medical care facility.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Medical protocols for victim transfer, uses for checklists, triage tags or report forms utilized for this purpose by the AHJ, risks, laws and liabilities related to victim transfer, and information needs of the EMS provider.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to report victim condition and history to the EMS provider and to complete reports and checklists, and verbal communications skills.

5.4 Maintenance.

5.4.1* Inspect and maintain hazard-specific personal protective equipment, given clothing or equipment for the protection of the rescuers, including respiratory protection, cleaning and sanitation supplies, maintenance logs or records, and such tools and resources as are indicated by the manufacturer’s guidelines for assembly or disassembly of components during repair or maintenance, so that damage, defects, and wear are identified and reported or repaired, equipment functions as designed, and preventive maintenance has been performed and documented consistent with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Functions, construction, and operation of personal protective equipment; use of record-keeping systems of the AHJ; requirements and procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and infectious disease control; use of provided assembly and disassembly tools; manufacturer and department recommendations; pre-use inspection procedures; and ways to determine operational readiness.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to identify wear and damage indicators for personal protective equipment; evaluate operational readiness of personal protective equipment; complete logs and records; use cleaning equipment, supplies, and reference materials; and select and use tools specific to the task.

5.4.2* Inspect and maintain rescue equipment, given maintenance logs and records, tools, and resources as indicated by the manufacturer’s guidelines, an equipment replacement protocol, and organizational standard operating procedure, so that the operational status of equipment is verified and documented, all components are checked for operation, deficiencies are repaired or reported as indicated by standard operating procedure, and items subject to replacement protocol are correctly disposed of and changed.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Functions and operations of rescue equipment, use of record-keeping systems, manufacturer and organizational care and maintenance requirements, selection and use of maintenance tools, replacement protocol and procedures, disposal methods, and organizational standard operating procedures.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to identify wear and damage indicators for rescue equipment, evaluate operation readiness of equipment, complete logs and records, and select and use maintenance tools.

5.5 Ropes/Rigging.

5.5.1 Tie knots, bends, and hitches, given ropes and webbing, so that the knots are dressed, recognizable, and back up as required.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Knot efficiency, knot utilization, rope construction, and rope terminology.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to tie representative knots, bends, or hitches for the following purposes:

(1) End of line loop

(2) Midline loop

(3) Securing rope around desired objects

(4) Joining rope or webbing ends together

(5) Gripping rope

5.5.2 Construct a single-point anchor system, given life safety rope, edge protection, and other auxiliary rope rescue equipment, so that the chosen anchor system fits the incident needs, meets or exceeds the expected load, and does not interfere with rescue operations, the critical angle is not exceeded, an efficient anchor point is chosen, the need for redundant anchor points is assessed and used as required, the anchor system is inspected and loaded prior to being placed into service, and the integrity of the system is maintained throughout the operation.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Application of knots, rigging principles, anchor selection criteria, system safety check procedures, rope construction, and rope rescue equipment applications and limitations.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to select rope and equipment; tie knots; rig systems; evaluate anchor points for required strength, location, and surface contour; and perform a system safety check.

5.5.3 Construct a simple rope mechanical advantage system, given life safety rope, carabiners, pulleys, rope grab devices, and auxiliary rope rescue equipment, so that the system constructed can accommodate the load, is efficient, and is connected to an anchor system and the load.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Principles of mechanical advantage, capabilities and limitations of various simple rope mechanical advantage systems, application of knots, rigging principles, and system safety check procedures.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to select rope and equipment, tie knots, choose and rig systems, attach the mechanical advantage system to the anchor system and load, and perform a system safety check.

5.5.4 Direct a team in the operation of a simple rope mechanical advantage system, given rescue personnel, an established rope rescue system incorporating a simple rope mechanical advantage system, a load to be moved, and an anchor system, so that the movement is controlled, the load can be held in place when needed, operating methods do not stress the system to the point of failure, commands are used to direct the operation, and potential problems are identified, communicated, and managed.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Principles of mechanical advantage, capabilities and limitations of various simple rope mechanical advantage systems, proper operation of simple rope mechanical advantage systems, personnel assignments, and operational commands.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to direct personnel effectively, use operational commands, analyze system efficiency, identify safety concerns, and perform system safety check.

5.5.5 Construct a lowering system, given an anchor system, life safety rope(s), descent control device, and auxiliary rope rescue equipment, so that the system can accommodate the load, is efficient, is capable of controlling the descent, is capable of holding the load in place or lowering with minimal effort over the required distance, and is connected to an anchor system and the load.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Capabilities and limitations of various descent control devices, capabilities and limitations of various lowering systems, application of knots, rigging principles, and system safety check procedures.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to tie knots, perform rigging, attach to descent control device, anchor system, and load, and perform a system safety check.

5.5.6 Direct a lowering operation, given rescue personnel, an established lowering system, and a load to be moved, so that the movement is controlled, the load can be held in place when needed, operating methods do not stress the system to the point of failure, rope commands are used to direct the operation, and potential problems are identified, communicated, and managed.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Application and use of descent control devices, capabilities and limitations of various lowering systems, operation of lowering systems, personnel assignments, and operational commands.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to direct personnel, use operational commands, analyze system efficiency, manage movement of the load, identify safety concerns, and perform a system safety check.

5.5.7 Construct a belay system, given life safety rope, anchor systems, personal protective equipment, and rope rescue equipment, so that the system is capable of arresting a fall, a fall will not result in system failure, the system is not loaded unless actuated, actuation of the system will not injure or render the belayer ineffective, the belayer is not rigged into the equipment components of the system, and the system is suitable to the site and is connected to an anchor system and the load.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Principles of belay systems, capabilities and limitations of various belay devices, application of knots, rigging principles, and system safety check procedures.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to select a system, tie knots, perform rigging, attach to anchor system and load, don and use task-specific personal protective equipment, and perform a system safety check.

5.5.8 Operate a belay system during a lowering or raising operation, given an operating lowering or hauling system, a belay system, and a load, so that the belay line is not loaded during operation of the primary rope rescue system, the belay system is prepared for actuation at all times during the operation, the belayer is attentive at all times during the operation, the load’s position is continually monitored, and the belayer moves rope through the belay device as designed.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Application and use of belay devices, proper operation of belay systems in conjunction with normal lowering and hauling operations, and operational commands.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to tend a belay system as designed, tie approved knots, assess system effectiveness, properly attach a belay line to a belay device, don and use task-specific personal protective equipment, perform a system safety check, and manage and communicate belay system status effectively.

5.5.9 Belay a falling load, given a belay system and a dropped load, so that the belay line is not taut until the load is falling, the belay device is actuated when the load falls, the fall is arrested, the belayer utilizes the belay system as designed, and the belayer is not injured or rendered ineffective during actuation of the belay system.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Application and use of belay devices, effective emergency operation of belay devices to arrest falls, personal protective equipment, and operating procedures.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to operate a belay system as designed, tie approved knots, use task-specific personal protective equipment, recognize and arrest a falling load, and communicate belay system actuation.

5.5.10 Conduct a system safety check, given a rope rescue system and rescue personnel, so that a physical/visual check of the system is made to ensure proper rigging, a load test is performed prior to life-loading the system, and verbal confirmation of these actions is announced and acknowledged before life-loading the rope rescue system.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: System safety check procedures, construction and operation of rope rescue systems and their individual components, personal protective equipment, equipment inspection criteria, signs of equipment damage, principles of rigging, and equipment replacement criteria.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to apply and use personal protective equipment, inspect rope rescue system components for damage, assess a rope rescue system for configuration, secure equipment components, inspect all rigging, and perform a system safety check.

Chapter 6 Rope Rescue

6.1 General Requirements.

The job performance requirements defined in 6.1.1 through 6.1.10 shall be met prior to certification in rope rescue.

6.1.1 Construct a multiple-point anchor system, given life safety rope and other auxiliary rope rescue equipment, so that the chosen anchor system fits the incident needs, the system strength meets or exceeds the expected load and does not interfere with rescue operations, equipment is visually inspected prior to being put in service, the critical angle is not exceeded, the nearest anchor point that will support the load is chosen, the anchor system is system safety checked prior to being placed into service, the integrity of the system is maintained throughout the operation, and weight will be distributed between more than one anchor point.

(A)* Requisite Knowledge: Critical angles and effects and risks of exceeding the critical angle, safety issues in choosing anchor points, system safety check methods that allow for visual and physical assessment of system components, methods to evaluate the system during operations, integrity concerns, weight distribution issues and methods, knots and applications, selection and inspection criteria for hardware and software, formulas needed to calculate safety factors for load distribution, and the concepts of static loads versus dynamic loads.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to determine incident needs as related to choosing anchor systems, select effective knots, calculate expected loads, evaluate incident operations as related to interference concerns and set-up, choose anchor points, perform system safety check, and evaluate system components for compromised integrity.

6.1.2 Construct a compound rope mechanical advantage system, given a load, an anchor system, life safety rope, carabiners, pulleys, rope grab devices, and rope rescue equipment, so that the system constructed accommodates the load, reduces the force required to lift the load, operational interference is factored and minimized, the system is efficient, a system safety check is completed, and the system is connected to an anchor system and the load.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Determination of incident needs as related to choosing compound rope systems, the elements of efficient design for compound rope systems, knot selection, methods for reducing excessive force to system components, evaluation of incident operations as related to interference concerns and set-up, rope commands, rigging principles, system safety check procedures, and methods of evaluating system components for compromised integrity.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to determine incident needs as related to choosing compound rope systems, select effective knots, calculate expected loads, evaluate incident operations as related to interference concerns and set-up, perform system safety check, and evaluate system components for compromised integrity.

6.1.3 Construct a fixed rope system, given an anchor system, life safety rope, and rope rescue equipment, so that the system constructed can accommodate the load, is efficient, and is connected to an anchor system and the load, and a system safety check is performed, and the results meet the incident requirements for descending or ascending operations.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Knot selection, calculating expected loads, incident evaluation operations as related to interference concerns and set-up, rigging principles, system safety check procedures, and methods of evaluating system components for compromised integrity.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to select effective knots, calculate expected loads, use rigging principles, evaluate incident operations as related to interference concerns and set-up, perform system safety check, and evaluate system components for compromised integrity.

6.1.4 Direct the operation of a compound rope mechanical advantage system, given a rope rescue system incorporating a compound rope mechanical advantage system and a load to be moved, so that a system safety check is performed; the movement is controlled; the load can be held in place when needed; operating methods do not stress the system to the point of failure; operational commands are clearly communicated; and potential problems are identified, communicated, and managed.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Methods to determine incident needs, types of interference concerns, rope commands, system safety check protocol, procedures for continued evaluation of system components for compromised integrity, common personnel assignments and duties, common and critical commands, methods for controlling a load’s movement, system stress issues during operations, and management methods for common problems.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to determine incident needs, evaluate incident operations as related to interference concerns, complete a system safety check, continually evaluate system components for compromised integrity, direct personnel effectively, communicate commands, analyze system efficiency, manage load movement, and identify concerns.

6.1.5 Complete an assignment while suspended from a rope rescue system, given a rope rescue system, an assignment, life-safety harnesses, litters, bridles, and specialized equipment necessary for the environment, so that risks to victims and rescuers are minimized, the means of attachment to the rope rescue system is secure, selected specialized equipment facilitates efficient rescuer movement, and specialized equipment does not unduly increase risks to rescuers or victims.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Task-specific selection criteria for life-safety harnesses, personal protective equipment selection criteria, variations in litter design and intended purpose, rigging principles, techniques and practices for high-angle environments, and common hazards posed by improper maneuvering and harnessing.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to select and use rescuer harness and personal protective equipment for common environments, attach the life safety harness to the rope rescue system, maneuver around existing environment and system-specific obstacles, perform work while suspended from the rope rescue system, and evaluate surroundings for potential hazards.

6.1.6 Move a victim in a high-angle or vertical environment, given a rope rescue system, victim transfer devices, and specialized equipment necessary for the environment, so that risks to victims and rescuers are minimized, undesirable victim movement within the transfer device is minimized, the means of attachment to the rope rescue system is maintained, the victim is removed from the hazard, selected specialized equipment facilitates efficient victim movement, and the victim can be transported to the local EMS provider.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Task-specific selection criteria for patient transfer devices, various carrying techniques, personal protective equipment selection criteria, design characteristics and intended purpose of various transfer devices, rigging principles, methods to minimize common environmental hazards and hazards created in high-angle environments.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to choose patient transfer devices, select and use personal protective equipment appropriate to the conditions, attach a transfer device to the rope rescue system, reduce hazards for rescuers and victims, and determine specialized equipment needs for victim movement.

6.1.7 Direct a team in the construction of a highline system, given rescue personnel, life safety rope, rope rescue equipment, and suitable anchor system capable of supporting the load, so that personnel assignments are made and clearly communicated, the system constructed can accommodate the load, tension applied within the system will not exceed the rated capacity of any of its component parts, system safety check is performed, movement on the system is efficient, and loads can be held in place or moved with minimal effort over the desired distance.

(A) Requisite Knowledge: Determination of incident needs as related to operation of highline systems, capabilities and limitations of various highline systems (including capacity ratings), incident site evaluation as related to interference concerns and obstacle negotiation, rigging principles, system safety check protocol, common personnel assignments and duties, common and critical operational commands, and common highline problems and ways to minimize these problems during construction.

(B) Requisite Skills: The ability to determine incident needs as related to construction of highline systems, evaluate an incident site as related to interference concerns and setup, identify the obstacles or voids to be negotiated with the highline, select a highline system for defined task, perform system safety checks, use rigging principles, and communicate with personnel effectively. <