Ladder, Belt and Harness Flashcards
Work Positioning Belt (Ladder Belt)
Used by firefighters when climbing or working from stick aerial ladders. The belt is used as a travel restraint system that prevents the user from reaching a hazardous situation in which a vertical free-fall is possible.
Limitations of work positioning belt
Max user weight of 310 lbs.
Do not lean into belt.
Remove if subjected to impact forces or extreme uses.
Ladder belt inspection
Inspect the belt before use, after extended storage, and annually. Harnesses should be tagged and returned to Equipment & Supplies for a replacement if the manufactured date is more than 10 years old. Life safety soft goods will not remain in service for more than 10 years on the CFD.
Maintenance and Storage
Clean the belt with water and mild detergent solution. Wipe off hardware with a clean, dry cloth, and hang the belt to dry. Do not force-dry the belt with heat.
Store the belt in a cool, dry, clean apparatus locker in the provided bag.
Yates Voyager Harness
Used by firefighters when working in or on operating aerial devices. The harness is used as part of a fall protection system that can be used to prevent the user from reaching a hazardous situation where a significant vertical free-fall is possible. This harness is also part of a system to capture a user who has experienced a vertical fall.
Limitations
Max weight of 310 lbs.
How many d-rings connectors
There are 5 different D-rings most commonly used to make connections on the class 3 rescue harness. Main connection centred on waist, secondary is located at sternum, dorsal located at mid back, then 2 sides of waist belt used for work positioning and travel only (where fall potential does not exist). Ensure the front screw link is securely tightened before use.
Yates Harness Inspection
Inspect the belt before use, after extended storage, and annually. Harnesses should be tagged and returned to Equipment & Supplies for a replacement if the manufactured date is more than 10 years old. Life safety soft goods will not remain in service for more than 10 years on the CFD.
Maintenance and Storage
Clean the harness with warm water and mild detergent solution. Wipe off the harness with a clean, dry cloth. Hang the harness to dry; do not force-dry the harness with heat.
Store the harness in a cool, dry, clean environment out of direct sunlight.
Harness Suspension Syndrome (HSS)
A state of cardiovascular collapse. It is caused mainly by the pooling of blood in the lower extremities, as a result of occlusion of the veins by the harness. This reduction in circulating blood compromises cardiac output and arterial pressure. It also lowers the quantity and quality of oxygenated blood flowing to the brain. Lower oxygen levels to the brain often result in altered levels of consciousness.
Hazard of HSS
An overabundance of blood may suddenly rush back into circulation. If this happens, it may result in an acute overload of the right ventricle of the heart and subsequent heart failure. There is also the possibility of an increase in toxins in the pooled blood, resulting in detrimental effects on the heart if these toxins are released.
Symptoms of HSS
- Faintness
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweating
- Paleness
- Hot flashes
- Increased pulse rate and blood pressure, followed by low pulse rate and decreased
blood pressure - Altered levels of consciousness
- Visual disturbances
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Unconsciousness
Treatment of HSS
Provide high-flow oxygen. If the patient is conscious, make verbal contact, and encourage the patient to keep his or her legs moving or to at least flex his or her leg muscles while the rescue is being performed. Once the patient is removed from the situation, loosen and remove all restrictive belts, harnesses, and clothing. Never lay the patient down in a horizontal position (recovery position) after the rescue. A horizontal position increases the likelihood of the right ventricle being overloaded and can, therefore, result in heart failure. The ideal position for the patient is one that keeps the upper body elevated, such as in a seating, squatting or crouching position.
