Operations Manual - PES. (2017)

Question 1

Operations Manual Update 17-01, Standard Instruction 14 Personal Protective Equipment Section 02 Personal Escape System

Personal Escape System (PES) Use:

Answer 1

A. Firefighter is cutoff from other means of egress (stairs, fire
escapes, ladders, etc.) and conditions warrant an emergency
bailout via PES.

b. Firefighter is low on air and unable to locate a normal means of egress.
c. Firefighter is low on air and to exit the structure would require the
firefighter to go back into the IDLH.
d. Fire conditions are deteriorating with no sign of control and emergency egress is necessary.

Question 2

Post PES Deployment Procedures:

Answer 2

1. Once firefighter(s) are safe from the bailout, immediately notify the incident commander.
2. Upon return to quarters, all of the deployed PES equipment needs to be inspected for damage.
3. The deployed PES is out of service until the rope officer inspects the rope. Contact Logistics or the battalion chief for a replacement PES.

Question 3

PES Deployment Procedures:

Answer 3

1. Follow the SDFD mayday policy and call a mayday.
2. Isolate space and control flow path by closing doors between the escaping firefighter(s) and fire.
3. Firefighter opens or clears window of glass. If possible provide chafe protection for escape rope.
4. Firefighter selects an anchor (remote or sill), deploys the PES and bails out.

Question 4

Care and Maintenance of PES:

Answer 4

1. Personnel will inspect the system quarterly, after exposure to heat (interior fire attack operations), or any other suspected damage. Battalion chiefs will inspect the systems during PPE inspection.
2. All of the PES components can be washed.
3. Use lukewarm water only to wash the PES components. Do not use detergent or extractor chemicals.
4. Always dry out any wet or damp PES component before repacking.
5. Air dry the rope out of direct sunlight as UV rays will damage the rope.

Question 5

PES Training:

Frontline PES bags shall not be used for _____________________ in any manner where the systems will be loaded with the weight of the user.

Answer 5

Practice deployments