Truck Ops FORMATTED PDF

EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW Daily Checks PPV Fans ○ Start them daily; make sure no trash or plastic is on the fan. Salvage Kits ○ Ensure that the proper tools are in the kit (normally staplers, utility knives, window plastic, and salvage plastic). ○ Make sure...

EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW Daily Checks PPV Fans ○ Start them daily; make sure no trash or plastic is on the fan. Salvage Kits ○ Ensure that the proper tools are in the kit (normally staplers, utility knives, window plastic, and salvage plastic). ○ Make sure the staple guns are loaded correctly and not jammed. Quartz Lights ○ Can be checked in conjunction with cord reels and extension cords to ensure they are working properly. ○ Check if the light will hold the position it is set to. Circular Saw ○ Ensure the blade is on correctly and the nuts are tight. ○ Check the blade and replace it if needed. ○ Start the saw and allow it to reach its operating temperature (about 5 minutes). Chain Saws ○ Make sure the chain is on correctly and has the correct tension. ○ Ensure the chain does not have too many missing teeth. ○ Start the saw and allow it to reach its operating temperature (about 5 minutes). ○ When left running, placing a towel under the saw can reduce vibrations and prevent damage over time. Portable Generators ○ Start it and place a load on it by using it to power a fan or light. ○ Ensure generators are started and stopped with no load. ○ The auto throttle function (if equipped) should be left off until the generator engine has warmed up. Ladders and Pike Poles ○ If pike poles are attached to the ladders, ensure the straps are tight. ○ Make sure the pike pole is closer to the door. Platform Ladder ○ Ensure there is a pike pole (8 ft. minimum) in the fly section and an axe in the bucket. ○ Check to ensure the emergency stop switch is disengaged. ○ Make sure the nozzles and water curtain are closed. Aerial Ladder (Tiller) ○ Ensure there is a pike pole (8 ft. minimum) and an axe at the tip. ○ Make sure the waterway is in rescue mode. ○ Ensure the waterway intakes are closed on both sides. Stihl MSA 220 C Chainsaw Identification and General Specifications Newest saw in the Division, designed to replace the electric corded Stihl chainsaws. Three basic components: 12" guide bar, chain, and battery pack. Electric motor driven. AP 300 S Battery Indicators: ○ 1 solid red LED: Battery is too hot/too cold. ○ 4 flashing red LEDs: Bad battery (faulty). ○ 3 solid red LEDs: Chainsaw is too hot. ○ 3 flashing red LEDs: Chainsaw malfunction (electronics/motor). Remove the battery when changing the chain or performing maintenance. When to Use Overhaul operations. RIT scenarios. Cutting plywood on vacant structures. Clearing trees or limbs for access. Anywhere internal combustion saws will not run. Stihl MS 046, 460, and 461R Chainsaws Identification and General Specifications 460/461R: 'R' refers to wraparound handle and larger starter grip. Three basic components: guide bar, chain, and powerhead. Two-stroke engine. Fuel mix ratio: 50:1 (2.6 fl oz. of oil to 1 gallon of gasoline). No more than 10% ethanol. 20" guide bar. 27 oz. fuel reservoir; 11 oz. bar oil reservoir. Weighs roughly 15 lbs (powerhead only). General Care and Maintenance Guidelines Fully choke the saw when disassembling for cleaning. Turn the guide bar over after each use to promote even wear (use a single-cut file to file down burrs if necessary). When starting the saw for morning checks, allow it to run for 2 to 5 minutes to reach the proper operating temperature. Stihl TS400 and 700 Series Circular Saw Identification and General Specifications Three basic components: arm, blade, and powerhead. Two-stroke engine. Fuel mix ratio: 50:1 (2.6 fl oz. of oil to 1 gallon of gasoline). No more than 10% ethanol; minimum 89 octane. Max spindle speed: 5,350 RPM. Weights range between 21 and 26 lbs. Blade Specifications 12-inch blades: Max cutting depth of 3.9". 14-inch blades: Max cutting depth of 4.9". Composite Blades: Come in metal or masonry types. ○ Inspect for chemical damage, deterioration, and fraying. DAX Blades: Cuts metal up to 3/16" thick; multipurpose blade with carbide cutting teeth. ○ Inspect for missing teeth, cracks, and fissures. Diamond Blade: Cuts metal and concrete. ○ Check for missing diamond bits, mushrooming on heads, and cracks or fissures. When to Use Roof ventilation. Cutting rebar and thicker metal. RIT scenarios. Masonry work. Garage doors. Vacant, boarded-up structures. Advantages of the TS700 The TS700 is the most powerful circular saw the Division currently has. Disadvantages of the TS700 Larger size results in more gyroscopic effect when cutting; outboard operations are not recommended. Weight and size make it difficult to handle in odd positions, such as cutting above the head. Fuel-Injected Saws: Stihl MS 500i Chainsaw and TS 500i Circular Saw Overview Newly acquired fuel-injected saws. Similar basic components as non-fuel-injected saws. Main differences are the injection system and electronics. MS 500i Chainsaw Information 20" bar, 72 drive links, 36 teeth. Displacement: 4.83 cu. in. Idle speed: 3,000 RPM. Max engine speed: 13,700 RPM. Starting Procedure Key fact: Press the manual fuel pump bulb 8 times. TS 500i Circular Saw Information 14-inch blade with a max cutting depth of 4.9". Displacement: 4.41 cu. in. Idle speed: 2,500 RPM. Max engine speed: 9,000 RPM. Spindle speed: 5,350 RPM. Fuel: 50:1 mixed ratio. Starting Procedure Key fact: Press the manual fuel pump bulb 7–10 times. Ground Ladders Overview Aluminum ground ladders manufactured by Duo-Safety Ladder Corporation. NFPA Ratings and Standards  Annual service testing of extension and roof ladders in October to ensure compliance with NFPA 1931 standards. Specifications for all extension and roof ladders: ○ Rungs load tested to 1,000 lbs. ○ Rung spacing of 14 inches. ○ Weight rating of 750 lbs with a 4:1 safety factor. ○ Minimum width between ladder beams: 16 inches. ○ Care and Maintenance Inspect the halyard after each use. If adjustments are necessary and the halyard is in good condition, it can be retied at the station. For broken or damaged halyards, take the ladder out of service and contact Tools and Equipment for replacement. Heat Sensor Labels Visual warning labels located on all aluminum ladders; four labels per ladder section. Labels turn black if exposed to heat greater than 300°F. Aluminum ladder material (6061-T6 alloy) loses at least 25% of its load capacity at 300°F. Honda Generator EU1000i/2000i Specifications EU1000i Engine: Honda GX100. Displacement: 3.01 cu. in. AC output: 120-volt, 1000-watt maximum, 900-watt rated. Indicator Lights Output Indicator Light (Green): Illuminated when operating normally and producing electrical power. Overload Indicator Light (Red): Illuminates if overloaded or short-circuited; after about four seconds, current shuts off and the green light turns off. Eco Throttle Switch When ON, engine speed lowers automatically when loads are reduced, turned off, or disconnected. Engine returns to proper speed when appliances are turned on or reconnected. Recommended to minimize fuel consumption and reduce noise when less than a full load is needed.  Should be turned OFF during incidents like working fires, where the electrical load frequently changes. Usage Guidelines Ensure the electrical rating of the appliance does not exceed that of the generator. Never exceed the generator's maximum power rating. Power levels between the rated and maximum amounts may be used for no more than 30 minutes. Honda Generator EB5000X/EM6500SX Specifications EB5000X Max power rating: 5.0 KVA for up to 30 minutes. Continuous operation rating: 4.5 KVA. Max output: 7,000 watts for up to 10 seconds. Weight: 212.3 lbs. Fuel tank: 6.21 gallons. Run time at half load: 10.5 hours. Run time at full load: 7.1 hours. Specifications EM6500SX Run time at half load: 9.8 hours. Features Auto Choke Control ○ Engine Control Module automatically controls throttle and choke when starting. ○ Choke does not need to be operated when starting. ○ Use choke only if the engine is hard to start using normal procedures. Voltage Selector Switch ○ Changes generator output to produce 120-volt only or 120/240-volt. AC Circuit Breaker ○ Automatically switches OFF if there is a short circuit, significant overload, or ground fault current detected by the GFCI. Auto Throttle System ○ When ON, engine speed is reduced when all loads are turned OFF or disconnected.Engine returns to rated speed when appliances are turned ON or reconnected. Intelligent Auto Voltage System (iAVR) ○ Built-in system that automatically regulates voltage. ○ Provides power in excess of the maximum rating for up to 10 seconds to start appliances requiring higher initial startup current. Adapters, Cords, and Lights Overview Various plug adapters are available on ladder trucks. Transition from 15-amp to 20-amp plugs on front-line trucks is ongoing. Adapters may still be needed for older plugs. 20-Amp Twist Lock Hubbell Connections and Adapters Common adapter: 20-amp Hubbell female to 3-prong straight blade male. Allows connection of a Ram Fan to residential receptacles without running a cord reel. New adapters enable connecting the 20-amp Ram Fan plug into a Honda 2000 generator. Cord Reels 200' Cord Reel with 4-Outlets ○ Common on most trucks. ○ Junction boxes can be 20-amp or 15-amp; verify before use. 200' Single Outlet Cord Reel ○ Not available on every truck. Cord Bags Common lengths: 25', 50', or 100'. Positive Pressure RAMFANS Electric Ramfan EV400 1.5 horsepower Power—has a dual current toggle switch with two settings: 15-amp or 20-amp. The 20-amp setting is for powering the fan from a GFCI 20-amp fire truck circuit; the 15-amp setting is for powering the fan from a 15-amp house circuit or a 2-kilowatt generator (Honda EU 2,000) 115 volts Air output with the 15-amp setting: 9,184 cfm Air output with the 20-amp setting: 11,381 cfm” GAS RAMFAN GX200 2.1 horsepower Run time—1 hour and 40 minutes  Impeller with 7 blades Air output—21,760 cfm Be aware that this fan produces CO” RAMFAN EFC150X (NEW RED BOX FAN) 1.5 horsepower Power: 115/230-volt AC, 50/60 hertz Output—4,459 cfm Weight—55 lbs” Battery Ramfan EX50Li.8 horsepower Should be plugged in when not in use Run time: DC—90 minutes (4 battery packs) DC—45 minutes (2 battery packs) DC—23 minutes (1 battery pack) AC—unlimited run time Air output: AC power—9,635 cfm DC power—10,120 cfm” Smoke Ejectors Supervisac P164SE (OLD RED BOX FAN) 1/3 horsepower Output—5,200 cfm Weight—49 lbs” SUPERVAC HF164E (YELLOW BOX FAN) 1.5 horsepower Output—9,620 cfm Weight—63 lbs” Considerations for Fans All the above fans are intrinsically safe. The yellow fan is designed as a confined space fan and can move a much larger amount of air. However, it is important to consider the watts required to do so. While a 2000-watt generator can run a fan for a short period of time, the on-board generator is a more suitable power source for the yellow box” Columbus Rope Bag Manufactured by Sterling Rope Co., Inc Classification: Escape Rope, Search rope, and personal escape rope Made of high strength, heat resistant nylon fiber Yellow Mainline Rope 200’ long 8 mm diameter Minimum breaking strength—3,484 pounds One end of the rope attaches to the inside of the mainline bag using a figure eight on a bight with an overhand safety to a locking carabiner. The locking carabiner is hooked to a webbing loop sewn to the inside of the bag. This carabiner is the only locking carabiner in the system. The other end of the rope is attached to a square non-locking carabiner using a figure eight on a bight with an overhand safety. This end also has the company ID Tag. Red Tagline Bags 4 total 30’ taglines—red rope 8 mm diameter Each tagline bag has a bent neck non-locking carabiner that can be attached to the four D-ring attachment points on the mainline bag when stored, or they can be clipped to a firefighter when deployed” Rabbit Tool and Hydra-Ram II Hurst Rabbit Tool Specifications 8,000 lbs of force Spreading distance—4” Weight—12 lbs Parts included: Rabbit tool 6’ hose Manual pump Pry bar Mallet Carrying bag with sling Tool should be checked under load” Hydra-Ram II Specifications 10,000 lbs of force Spreading distance—6” Length—15” The Hydra-Ram is the first patented one-piece integrated hydraulic forcible entry tool without hoses or auxiliary pumps Parts included: Tips—made of stainless steel with a tensile strength of 220,000 lbs Hydraulic piston Pump handle—138 lbs of pressure needed to create 10,000 lbs of lifting force Quarter turn spring-loaded valve The tool should be checked while under load Three-stage hydraulic system: 0-400 lbs—piston will move ¾” per pump 400-1,200 lbs—piston will move ¼” per pump Above 1,200 lbs—piston will move 1/8” per pump” Small Engine Maintenance - Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Engines Two-Stroke Engine Characteristics A "stroke" refers to how many stages (piston/crankshaft movements) an internal combustion engine needs to complete to finish a "power (working) stroke" Two-stroke (two-cycle) engines require firefighters to mix the oil with the gas in exact amounts; the oil acts as a lubricant for the crankcase In a two-stroke engine, the piston fires with every 360° rotation How 2-stroke engines work: Combines compression and exhaust on its upstroke, and intake and combustion on the downstroke, resulting in a high power-to-weight ratio. Four-Stroke Engine Characteristics Four-stroke engines have a separate reservoir for oil; no need to mix oil with fuel Piston fires with every 720° rotation These engines provide more torque at lower rpm but have a worse weight-to-power ratio compared to two-stroke engines How 4-stroke engines work: Separate oil reservoir with an internal oiling system ensures proper lubrication, making them more fuel-efficient How to Properly Mix Two-Stroke Fuel Within CFD, the Stihl High Performance two-cycle engine oil (orange bottle) is utilized  This is conventional oil, unlike the Stihl Ultra High Performance two-cycle engine oil (silver bottle), which is synthetic Ideal mix ratio: Use 2.6 fl. oz per gallon of gas. Example: For five gallons of mixed gas, use 13 fl. oz of oil to achieve a 50:1 mix ratio Fuel recommendations: Use premium high-octane fuel (minimum octane rating of 89 with no more than 10% ethanol; 90 or above is preferred by CFD)” K-100 Fuel Additive Overview K-100 is an all-in-one fuel treatment and stabilizer used for both two-cycle mixed gas and straight gas to maintain small engines Uses of K-100: Cleans injectors and carburetor jets Eliminates or reduces water in fuel Stabilizes fuel for up to two years Improves power and efficiency Lubricates the fuel system Reduces emissions Proper Use: Mix ½ ounce of K-100 per gallon of gas for regular use For longer-term storage, use a mix ratio of one ounce of K-100 per gallon of gas” Stihl Chainsaws Maintenance Chain Inspect the chain for wear and tear; no more than 3 teeth in a row or 5 total should be missing (72 links and 36 teeth total) Main Unit With the guide bar, sprocket cover, and chain removed, clean the saw's main unit using a rag; Simple Green may be used for tough grime Inspect the oil inlet hole, outlet channel, and bar groove to ensure they are clear of debris Check the oil quantity control setting on the bottom of the saw. CFD runs with the setting fully open Air Filter Before removing the carburetor box cover, ensure the saw is in the FULL choke position to prevent dirt from entering the carburetor Knock the filter out by tapping it on the ground or blowing it clear with compressed air. Use water and Dawn if deeper cleaning is needed Spark Plug Check the spark plug gap using a gap tool (.5mm) Fan Housing The red circle highlights the saw’s magneto, where the electrical charge is generated to fire the spark plug” Honda Generators Main Unit Clean any dirt and debris using a rag and Simple Green Ensure the control panel is undamaged Check that the Eco Throttle is turned off” Stihl Circular Saws Maintenance Blade Ensure replacement blades have the correct type, arbor size (20 mm), and spindle speed (5,350 RPM or higher) Inspect DAX blades for fissures, undercutting, and missing teeth Inspect composite blades for frayed edges, chemical stains, and uneven wear Main Unit Clean the main unit with a rag, preferably with an air hose instead of water to avoid wetting critical components Air Filter Set the saw to FULL choke before removing the air filter cover to prevent debris from entering the carburetor Unless cutting concrete or masonry materials, air filters should only need changing about once a year or as per manufacturer guidelines Both the auxiliary and primary air filters should be checked for damage and replaced together if needed Changing the Blade Confirm the new blade size (12” or 14”) is appropriate for the saw model Ensure the blade rating meets the saw’s max spindle speed (5,350 rpm for CFD Stihl saws) Verify the arbor size (20 mm)” Stihl Circular Saws - Blade and Maintenance Specifications Larger 25 mm Arbor: The 25 mm arbor requires the use of a spacer placed over the spindle before installing the new blade” Honda Generators - Full Maintenance Checklist Main Unit: Using a rag and Simple Green, wipe down the unit to clean any dirt and debris present. Ensure the control panel is free of any damage. Check to ensure the Eco Throttle is turned off. Fuel: Ensure the unit is filled with gasoline of at least 86% octane and no more than 10% ethanol. Air Filter: Remove the left side maintenance cover and locate the air cleaner cover. Remove the foam air filter and inspect it to see if it is dirty. If the filter is dirty, clean it using warm soapy water, rinse it, and allow it to dry fully. After cleaning, dip the dry air filter in clean engine oil, squeeze the excess oil out (do not twist the filter), and place the filter back into place. Oil: Remove the left side maintenance cover and locate the oil filler cap. Check the oil level; oil should reach the lip of the oil filler neck. If oil is below the limit, additional oil can be added directly into the oil filler neck (SAE 10W-30 oil preferred). Explanation: When referring to oil, "30" references the viscosity at 100°. The "W" references the viscosity of oil at low temperatures. The manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 6 months or after 100 hours of use.” Saw Operations - Reactive Forces and Safety Precautions Spring Pole: Definition: A tree limb under tension, which releases said tension after being cut.  Caution: This has the potential to seriously injure or kill the operator and those in close vicinity. Kickback: Identified as the most critical reactive force created by the chainsaw. Occurs as a result of the top ¼ of the tip of the chain/bar (known as the kickback zone) hitting another log, knot, car, pipe, or other foreign object, which then rapidly pivots the saw back onto the operator. Safeguards against kickback include the following: ○ Proper body positioning and stance. Pull In: Occurs when the chain grabs hold of the cutting material and pulls the operator toward the saw. This force is amplified when the saw is not operated at full speed. Can happen if the operator is stretching out from the end of an aerial or ground ladder, which may result in the operator being pulled off the ladder. Push Back: A very quick reactive force. Occurs when undercutting and the top of the bar stops or is pinched, causing the saw to be shot back forcefully at the operator. Plunge/Bore Cutting: This cut type involves using the tip of the saw to start the cut. Commonly used on roof ventilation but increases the risk of kickback exponentially. Ways to prevent kickback include: ○ Operating the saw at full throttle. ○ Starting the plunge/bore cut with the bottom of the chain/guide bar at a lower angle and then steepening the angle of the saw. Kerf Cut: A cut that matches the width of the bar. Firefighters should consider adding a felling wedge to their coat pockets or to the saw toolbox to help remove the saw when the bar gets pinched.” LADDER COMPANY APPARATUS OVERVIEW Platforms PLATFORMS OVERVIEW As of 2021, Columbus Fire currently has 12 platform ladders in its fleet, with 7 of these platforms serving as front-line apparatus. All the platforms in the fleet are mid-mount platforms built by Sutphen. All the front-line platforms are SPH models with 100 feet of vertical reach. The older model platforms are the SP model with 93 feet of vertical reach. The SP models are easily identifiable by the lower hanging bucket and the ground ladders stored on the flat surfaces on the outside of the truck. Positives About Platforms Have their own centrifugal pump; does not require an engine to flow water. Shorter length than tillers, made with lighter aluminum (corrosion-resistant ladder). Firefighters are able to ride in the bucket to the destination with equipment versus having to climb an aerial while carrying their equipment. Designed to allow operation from the bucket by one firefighter. Sutphen platforms have two nozzles instead of the one nozzle on tillers. The flow of water can be started and stopped by firefighters in the bucket. Hand wheel control valves are located inside the bucket with the operator. Has a gate-valve installed at the end of the waterway to make elevated standpipe operations easier for firefighters. The operator in the bucket can dial in the correct pressure if an in-line pressure gauge is used. Tip load does not change with the angle or extension of the ladder. The four-sided boom design of the aerial provides increased strength and durability to the aerial. Negatives About Platforms Bucket has a wider profile than the tiller tip, which makes it more difficult to fit through trees or other obstacles. Higher profile makes it harder to get under wires than a tiller. Larger turning radius requires a significant amount of space to make turns. Aerial is not designed for climbing; the high handrails are added per CFD orders to allow safer climbing. Wider jack spread than the tillers. Tougher to walk up the ladder with tools at low angles. The bumper swing is about 4½ feet past the tire tracks; the bucket would still extend above this another couple of feet past the bumper. When making turns, the driver must be extremely aware at all times where the bucket positioning is in relation to the truck.  Note: All CFD platforms have a 35-MPH wind rating. Tiller Review Buzzer Controls Always use the buzzer system when driving or tilling these trucks: 1. Stop 2. Go 3. Back-Up Although the headsets provide direct communication, members should be comfortable operating via the buzzer system in case the driver or tiller headsets fail. Pinning the Aerial Make sure the waterway is pinned in rescue mode during morning checks. Having the truck pinned to water mode could lead to the monitor obstructing the aerial positioning during victim rescue. Older tillers had an actual pin that was moved to change where the waterway was attached to. New Pierce tillers have a Quick-Lock Waterway. Turntable Controls Make sure to feather the controls when using the aerial ladder. First-generation Pierce aerial ladder controls are true hydraulic levers. Sudden stops with these levers will correlate to sudden stops in aerial movement, which will lead to more reaction at the tip. The newer aerials have controls similar to the platforms, where sudden stops are accounted for by allowing the aerial to drift slightly rather than stopping suddenly. Check Aerial When bedding the ladder, make sure it is fully retracted before lowering it below the tiller box. The aerial alignment indicators shown to the right help confirm to the operator at the turntable that all sections have retracted properly. Fifth Wheel Lockout Make sure the fifth wheel lock is disengaged on the Pierce aerials, and the lockout cylinders are up on the ALF ladders. Aerial Loading CFD Tillers and Platforms are designed in a way that they are meant to work with downward forces applied. This means that the aerial should remain unsupported and should not be set down onto a ledge, roof, etc. Most CFD tillers have a dry tip load of 750 lbs when the ladder is at max extension and max elevation; however, the American LaFrance tillers have a dry tip load of 1,000 lbs at max extension and max elevation. The Pierce tillers have a dry tip load of 750 lbs at max extension and max elevation. SHORT-JACKING It is important to remember that short-jacking is only to be done on the non-working side of the ladder truck. NEVER attempt to rotate the aerial to the short-jacked side. AMERICAN LAFRANCE 1. Place transmission in neutral. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Push in front wheel lock. 4. Turn on aerial power. 5. Turn on aerial PTO. 6. Check the passenger side for obstructions and chock the wheels. 7. Extend the outriggers. The ALF outrigger controls only operate one side at a time. The driver’s side compartment has a 5th lever which will operate the lockout cylinders for the aerial. 8. Place the ground pads as shown in the photo on the left. Ensure the handles are turned inward toward the truck. Having the handles turned outward away from the truck creates a potential tripping hazard. 9. It is important to remember that when the outriggers are short-jacked then lowered, the green Outrigger Deployed Indicator lights will not activate. 10. If the outriggers are fully extended, the green Outrigger Deployed Indicator Lights will come on when enough downward pressure is felt by the jack. 11. Lower the lockout cylinders. As mentioned previously, the driver’s side outrigger control box will contain the lockout cylinder control lever. The cylinders will drop at different rates. The override switch will need to be held during any attempted movement with the aerial; the controls will not operate without this due to the truck being short-jacked. PIERCE TILLER 1. Place the transmission in neutral. 2. Engage the parking brake. 3. Push in the front wheel lock. 4. Turn on the aerial master switch. 5. Check the passenger side for obstructions and chock the wheels. 6. Extend the stabilizers. The Pierce ladders allow the operator to visualize the passenger side stabilizer being extended. 7. Place the stabilizer jack pads. 8. Lower the stabilizers until the indicator lights come on for both stabilizers. The main difference between Pierce controls and ALF controls is that on a Pierce, the operator can run both the driver side and passenger side stabilizers from either side of the truck. Unlike the ALF stabilizers, the Pierce stabilizers do not have safety pins. Another feature that often goes unnoticed is that the stabilizer control panels are color-coded to the side of the truck the operator is on. Green represents the outrigger on the same side of the truck as the operator. 10. Raise the aerial. There should be no overrides needed for the Pierce tillers when they are short-jacked. The aerial should have an interlock that will prevent the operator from rotating beyond the center line to the short-jacked side of the truck. Sutphen-SPH100 Short-Jacking Steps Steps for short-jacking are as follows: 1. Place transmission in Neutral. 2. Engage the parking brake. 3. Engage PTO Lad/jack switch. 4. Check passenger side for obstructions; place the wheel chocks. 5. Extend the outrigger. CFD Sutphen platforms allow the operator to lower the outrigger while it is still fully retracted. The outrigger should always be extended as much as possible on the short-jacked side. Ideally, this distance would be far enough to allow access to the safety pin (18 inches of extension needed to access the safety pins). 6. With at least one outrigger fully extended and the other outrigger partially extended, place the jack pads and lower the jacks until the bulge is out of the front tires. 7. In a previous step, the operator lowered the outrigger jacks until the bulge was out of the front tires. Now, the operator should lower the rear jacks until the bulge returns to the front tires. 8. Lower the cab jacks.  9. Now that the outriggers and jacks are in place, the upper power switch can be turned on. The jacks can then be pinned. Raising the Aerial from the Bed If the operator attempts to raise the aerial while short-jacked, the aerial will not move. Short-jacked operations require the operator to override the truck’s interlocks through one of two options: Interlock Override Buttons Manual Valve Control Interlock Override Depending on the year the truck was manufactured, there may be a different number and location for the Interlock Override buttons. Older CFD ladder trucks had two override buttons: ○ Located at the outrigger controls. ○ Located at the turntable controls. Newer CFD ladders have three of these buttons: ○ Two buttons are in the same location as listed above. ○ A third button was added to the control panel in the bucket. Using the Interlock Override requires two personnel to raise the aerial from the bed. Old trucks require the buttons to be pressed simultaneously while the firefighter at the turntable operates the lever to raise the aerial. For newer trucks with three override buttons, at least two out of the three buttons would need to be pressed. One of the three buttons must be the override button located next to the outrigger controls. Manual Valve Control Directly below the turntable controls is a small access panel. Behind this panel are three control levers and a red override button to the left side of the compartment. When the operator needs to raise the ladder while short-jacked without a second firefighter readily available, they will need to access this panel. To raise the aerial while short-jacked, the operator must press and hold the red override button, then operate the turntable control to raise the aerial. Emergency Power Unit (EPU) Overview Every CFD ladder truck has a backup hydraulic motor to operate the aerial and outriggers, known as the Emergency Power Unit (EPU) or the Emergency Auxiliary Hydraulics. The purpose of this unit is to allow firefighters to operate the aerial and the outriggers if the vehicle’s engine or main PTO (Power Take Off) unit fails. The EPU motor is electronically powered and runs off of the truck's 12V battery system. Usage Guidelines: ○ These EPU/Auxiliary motors should be run during Monday checks and after every 10 hours of aerial use. ○ Remember that these motors are intended only for stowing the aerial and outriggers, and they will operate much slower than the primary hydraulic motor. ○ Prior to engaging the EPU, ensure the desired movement lever or button is engaged. American LaFrance EPU Operation The Emergency Power switch has power to it at all times, even when the truck’s ignition switch is off. Operating the EPU: 1. Select the desired motion by holding the corresponding motion control lever (e.g., Rear Jack In). 2. Push and hold the EMERGENCY POWER switch to activate the EPU motor. At this point, the firefighter should hear the EPU motor running. 3. To stop the motion, release the EMERGENCY POWER switch before releasing the motion control lever. 4. Repeat until the outrigger has been properly stowed.  If stowing an aerial without an EPU switch on the turntable, two firefighters will be required for the operation. If the ladder has been short-jacked and the aerial is still up, the Override switch will need to be operated also to bed the aerial with the EPU. Duty Cycle: The EPU on the ALF ladders can be operated for up to 2 minutes at a time. After 2 minutes of use, the EPU must be off for 7 minutes to prevent overheating Pierce EPU Operation On the Pierce aerials, the EPU switch is labeled as "Emergency Hydraulic Power." These switches are located within the outrigger control boxes and on the turntable. These switches operate the EPU motor on the truck similar to the other aerials. Operational Requirements: ○ These switches will not function unless the Battery, Ignition, Front Wheel Lock, Parking Brake, and Aerial PTO are all on/engaged. Duty Cycle: The EPU on the Pierce ladders can be operated for up to 30 minutes at a time. After 30 minutes of use, the EPU must be off for 30 minutes to prevent overheating Aerial/Stabilizer Emergency Power This Emergency Power Switch operates the same EPU motor as the Emergency Hydraulic Power switch discussed previously. However, the Emergency Power Switch would be used for a more significant failure of the truck’s systems. Usage Scenarios: ○ If the truck’s engine, primary hydraulic motor, and the electrical system to the outrigger/turntable controls have all failed. ○ The Emergency Hydraulic Power Switch is used when there is still electrical power to the controls. ○ The Emergency Power Switch is used when there is no electrical power to the controls and requires only the battery switch to be on. Duty Cycle: The EPU motor on CFD Pierce ladders is rated to run for 30 minutes of use. It should then be allowed 30 minutes of cooldown time. Scene lighting and generators On-Board Generators Some trucks require the truck’s fuel level to be above ½ for the generator to run. This is intended to prevent the generator from causing increased fuel consumption and emptying the primary fuel tank. These on-board generators can be powered by one of the following two ways: Diesel Driven PTO (Power Take Off) Driven PTO (Power Take Off) Driven Generators: Use power directly from the engine’s drivetrain to power a hydraulic motor in the generator. ○ Does not require a separate fuel source but is dependent on the ladder’s engine functioning properly. Operational Features: ○ Can be started and stopped in the cab. ○ Can be started and stopped while driving. The PTO-driven generators require the engine RPMs to be under 1100 RPM to engage the hydraulic motor. Drivers may engage the PTO HYD GEN button while driving. When idling up to the scene, the hydraulic generator will turn on once RPMs drop below 1100 RPM. Back-Up Generators There are two models of back-up generators firefighters may encounter: Honda EB 5000X Honda EM 6500SX Inspection and Maintenance: For any CFD ladder outfitted with a back-up generator, the back-up generator should be inspected as part of Monday checks. Transfer Switch: Moving power from the back-up generator to the truck requires the use of a transfer switch.  ○ Some transfer switches are located within the breaker box itself. ○ Others are completely separate in their own breaker box or have a standalone switch. Auxiliary Feed: To feed power from the backup generator into the truck, an auxiliary inlet is located in the backup generator compartment. ○ A short cord should be in the compartment with the back-up generator to connect it to the truck. Switching to the Back-Up Generator: 1. Turn off the breaker for the main generator by flipping the switch indicated. 2. Slide the locking device up to allow the auxiliary breaker to be flipped on. 3. Start the back-up generator. Remember that all backup generators have the capability of being pull-started. 4. Connect the backup generator to the truck using the short cord. 5. Turn on only the lights and receptacles that are needed to operate on the scene. Running Off the Back-Up Generator In a situation where the primary generator has failed, operators should familiarize themselves with operating off of the backup generator if their truck is equipped with one. Lighting Plan for a Structure Fire En Route to the Scene: Many companies will start their on-board generator while responding to the incident. ○ This ensures the on-board generator is working properly and notifies the crew of a mechanical failure prior to arrival. ○ Crew members could then use the back-up generator if an issue is discovered en route. Arrival on Scene: Cord Management: ○ Look to see where the hose line is going to be stretched. ○ Try to keep the cords away from the hose. Lighting Placement:  ○ 500-watt quartz lights can be placed in first-floor and second-floor windows away from hose lines. ○ If necessary to use the front door, keep lights and cords off to the side. Advantages of Quartz Lights: ○ Allow firefighters to string several lights together in succession. ○ Provide a large amount of lighting from a single power source. Safety Considerations: ○ Be mindful of the heat generated by CFD halogen bulb lighting. ○ A 500W halogen bulb can generate heat over 570°F. Tiller/OSV Firefighter Duties: ○ Can easily carry a 20’ or 24’ ladder and several lightweight battery lights. ○ Place lights in the backyard or back door, as well as in first-floor, upstairs, and basement windows. At Commercial Buildings: ○ The Tiller/OSV firefighter should open all doors and openings and place a light inside. ○ These lights serve as a great indicator of a way out for crews operating inside the building. FIREFIGHTER ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW Ladder Officer Responsibilities On the ladder company, the crew splits up into two teams, an inside team and an outside team, the majority of the time. However, on larger commercial buildings, the ladder officer may decide to keep the entire crew together to complete a task, rather than splitting into two teams. Prior to the Emergency Consider asking the crew what their game plan is for various scenarios, such as a VEIS scenario. Discussing possible scenarios before they happen will help the officer get on the same page as the crew, work more cohesively with them. Some simple rules for actions the outside team should take on a single/double, wood-frame, residential structure fire could include the following: Place ground ladders in the rescue position to windows on all four sides of the structure. Position the apparatus for roof ventilation, whether ventilation is currently needed or not. Determine the type(s) of ventilation that are needed. Control utilities as needed. Place lights as needed. Prepare for salvage and overhaul. Tool Selection The officer on the ladder will normally carry a Halligan, TIC, and a hook. It is important for the officer to be proficient at using all three tools. Halligan Thermal Imaging Camera ○ The FLIR TIC is the most common model used currently. Hook On-Scene Considerations The officer should be sizing up the building when arriving at the scene of a fire. Some of the things the officer should be considering upon arrival and throughout the remainder of the incident could include the following: Where is the fire located? Does the engine company know its location? It is the ladder company’s job to find the fire and let the engine company know where it is. Depending on the building size and layout, the ladder company may be able to find the seat of the fire more quickly by going ahead of the hose line and performing reconnaissance. At any point when going ahead of the hose line, the ladder company officer must keep a few things in mind: Always remember where the last known exit is. Listen to radio traffic; the Incident Commander may see fire conditions changing for the worse from the outside and relay that to interior companies. Know where the closest charged hose line is. If you have a gut feeling that you should start backing out, always go with your gut feeling. Always know what is going on above your head, especially in buildings with drop ceilings. Is it safe to search this structure? If so, where is the best place to begin the search? The ladder company officer will have to decide if conditions allow for an immediate search in an attempt to obtain an All Clear on the structure, or if it is necessary to wait for conditions to improve prior to committing the crew to the interior. Unless it is a defensive fire, it is the ladder company’s job to obtain an All Clear on the structure. Do not say “We have an all clear per the occupant.” Instead, just say “Occupant reports that everyone is out.” Is ventilation currently needed? Determine the type(s) of ventilation that are needed. What are the salvage and overhaul needs? After an All Clear has been given and the engine company has water on the fire, the Incident Commander will be counting on the ladder company to find and expose any hidden fire. Inside Firefighter Responsibilities The inside firefighter and the officer (depending on staffing) make up the interior team. The inside firefighter should come off the truck on the officer’s side. Forcible Entry One of the first tasks for the inside firefighter on many incidents is gaining access to the structure. After forcing the door, the inside firefighter will need to decide which tools to take into the structure, based on the needs of the situation. Search and Rescue At most residential fires, the inside firefighter will be teaming up with the officer and searching the structure for victims and for the location of the fire. A good guideline for the inside firefighter to follow is to stay in voice contact with the officer while searching. If a victim is found, the inside firefighter should size up the victim to determine if assistance is needed to remove the victim from the structure. Inform the officer of the location of the victim and any resources that are needed. Salvage and Overhaul After an All Clear on the structure is obtained, one of the next tasks that needs to be completed is searching for hidden fire. Ladder Driver Responsibilities Driving in Gear Driving in fire gear is a new concept to most firefighters at CFD. The primary benefit of driving in gear is that it allows the driver to immediately go to work when arriving on scene. SOP (01-04-01) states: “Minimum PPE to operate a pump or aerial device shall be helmet and utility gloves.” However, that same SOP states in the next line: “When working in the hazard zone, apparatus operators shall don full protective clothing for structural firefighting.” The SOP explicitly states that full PPE must be worn in the hazard zone. Driver Checks The driver is ultimately the person responsible for making sure the truck and its systems are checked in the morning. Inside the Cab Begin by turning on the battery and ignition and checking the gauges that can be checked without the truck’s motor running. At some point, the motor will need to be running to check some of the gauges. ○ Air pressure—If the motor is off and the air pressure is below 70 PSI, start the engine to ensure the pressure will build to 120 PSI. ○ Voltmeter—Reading should be between 13 and 14.4 when the motor is running. The minimum reading is 12.8 (which is when the load manager starts shedding accessories). ○ Fuel—Should be above a half tank. ○ DEF—Should be above a half tank. ○ Oil pressure—Normal operating range is 40-60 PSI (around 20 PSI at idle). ○ Engine temperature—190°F - 212°F. ○ Transmission temperature—160°F - 200°F. Check to ensure the Jake brake is on and the load manager is on. ○ Load Manager—Sheds unnecessary electrical components when activated. It will start with those items that draw the most current, such as the air conditioning or heater, followed by the next most demanding loads that are draining power from the electrical system. Lights Turn on all the lights. The parking brake needs to be released to get all the emergency lights (including the white flashing lights) to come on. Body Touch every tire as you walk around the truck to remind you to visually inspect it. Check the tire pressure weekly to ensure tires are inflated to the correct pressure. First Due Ladder Driver Responsibilities When arriving on scene, one of the most important responsibilities for the ladder driver is to spot the truck in the best position where it can be used effectively. The outside team will consist of the driver and the tiller/outside vent firefighter. Depending on staffing, the outside team’s tasks may vary. Residential House Fires The driver is responsible for throwing at least two ground ladders on buildings with two or more floors. The building layout and the fire location will dictate where the driver places these ground ladders. Next, the driver should determine if there are any forcible entry needs on the first floor besides the door that the first engine already made their entry into. The driver needs to decide if the vertical ventilation will be performed from the aerial, platform, or from ground ladders. Never turn on the positive pressure fan until interior companies say they are ready for it. Normally, interior companies will call for the fan after they have water on the fire. After placing lights and a fan as needed, the driver should proceed with other tasks. Apartment Building Fires The driver’s first task is throwing ground ladders, unless there is a victim that needs to be rescued using the aerial ladder or platform. If no one needs to be rescued, the driver should be laddering the fire apartment and the exposure apartments. While laddering the building, the driver should also be doing a size-up to determine what type of ventilation will be needed and if the interior companies need anything else done before ventilation is performed. Commercial Building Fires Commercial building fires are very different from routine residential fires. One of the ladder company’s primary objectives is to get the building opened up so crews can get inside, but more importantly, this allows crews to have multiple points of egress. CFD fans do not move enough air to effectively ventilate most commercial buildings. Some townships have big fans on trailers that the incident commander can call for to assist with ventilation in these large commercial structures. Depending on the size of the incident, the entire ladder company might be assigned a task at some commercial fires, instead of having the crew split into two teams. Tiller/Outside Vent Firefighter Tiller/OSV firefighters should assist the driver with positioning on emergency scenes. Before exiting the tiller cab, the tiller firefighter should communicate with the driver to ensure the apparatus is in its final spot and is positioned where it can be used most effectively. On-Scene Considerations The tiller/OSV firefighter should first take a ground ladder and attempt to place it in the rear (Charlie side) of the structure. During the trip to the rear, the tiller/OSV firefighter should be sizing up the structure. After placing the ground ladder in the rear, they should return to the truck for a second ladder. During this return trip, the tiller/OSV firefighter should complete a 360 of the structure by returning on the opposite side of the house from the first trip. Several size-up factors to consider when doing the 360 could include the following: Construction Type—Is this structure residential, commercial, or mixed-use? Basement—Does the structure have a basement? Victims—Are there any visible or reported victims? Forcible Entry—Are there any forcible entry needs? Utilities—Assess the status of utilities. Ventilation After placing a second ladder, and in some cases a third ladder, the tiller/OSV firefighter should be prepared to go to the roof with the driver for vertical ventilation as needed. Salvage Salvage is often one of the last considerations for first due Columbus ladder companies. One of the ways tiller/OSV firefighters can assist with salvage is by placing salvage covers near the entrance of the involved structure. SPOTTING THE TRUCK OVERVIEW General Run Type Considerations Fires and Fire Alarms When positioning ladder trucks on the scene of fires and fire alarms, drivers should position the ladder for rescue or ventilation the majority of the time. Gas Leaks, Service Runs, Water Responses, Vehicle Accidents, EMS Calls Positioning the trucks on these types of incidents varies a lot. Many times, drivers have the ability to reposition the truck on these types of incidents as necessary. Many of these runs will not require the use of the aerial ladder. Residential Structures—Three Stories or Less Houses: Position the ladder for vertical ventilation unless victim rescue using the aerial ladder is needed upon arrival. When positioning the ladder for vertical ventilation, pay attention to the pitch of the roof and the direction of the peak. Keep in mind that it is faster to throw a ground ladder to a second-story or third-story window for victim rescue than it is to set up the truck and move the aerial ladder or bucket to the window. Multi-Family Residential Structures: Try to determine what section or area of the building the fire is in; position the ladder close to that area of the building. Try to maximize the scrub area with access to windows on the second and third floors while still ensuring access to the roof for vertical ventilation if needed. Residential Structures—Four Stories or More Houses: Although houses with four stories or more are not very common in Columbus, some do exist. Firefighters should position the ladder for vertical ventilation. Commercial and Mixed-Use Structures Many commercial structures will have parapets; the height of these parapets can vary from several inches above the roofline to several feet above. Firefighters should remember that parapets are usually shorter near the edge or rear of the building; spotting the ladder to the roof in those locations will make it easier to transition from the aerial to the roof. CFD platforms have parapet ladders that do a great job of combating the taller parapets. Arrival Order First Due Truck Positioning A common saying in the fire service is that "The ladder gets the front of the building." This does not mean that firefighters should have the mindset that the ladder always needs to park directly in front of the structure. SOP 02-02-02 states that the first ladder will generally take the front of the structure, or a position that will be most suitable for the use of the aerial. On some structures, directly in front of the structure is one of the worst places the truck can be positioned. As firefighters on the first due ladder are pulling up to the scene, they should take the time to slow down and spot the truck for the best use of the aerial. Second Due Truck Positioning There are many things the driver of the second due truck should be considering while responding to a fire. One of the main things to consider is the direction the first due ladder will be coming from. If the decision is made to stay on the primary street, consider approaching the scene from the opposite direction the first ladder came from. Third Due Truck Positioning On most residential fires, the third due ladder company will be RIT and will not have an opportunity to position the truck anywhere close to the actual structure. If the ladder truck can be positioned close enough to the structure to use the aerial, firefighters should ensure they are parking the truck in the most logical position to actually use the aerial device if needed. At larger commercial buildings, especially with members of other companies operating on the roof, the third due truck should be quick to set up the ladder to the roof to give companies working on the roof an additional means of egress. On Scene Operations The Approach From the moment firefighters hear the dispatched address, they should be doing a mental size-up. Many firefighters know what type of structure it will be just from hearing the address. Some things to consider could include the following: Is it a commercial building with plenty of space to position the truck? Is it a tight residential street where cars are normally parked on both sides of the road? Is it a street where all the houses are set back 150 feet from the road? Is it a street in an apartment complex with limited access? Once the driver identifies which house or building it is, they should start slowing down and decide if they are positioning for ventilation or for rescue. The majority of the time, this decision depends on the type and height of the structure. One of the most common obstacles for the outriggers is parked cars, but other obstacles can include sewer drains, curbs, utility covers. One of the first obstacles firefighters have to overcome is the cab of the truck. Turning the cab of the truck in the opposite direction of the fire will sometimes increase the scrub area. Note: Nosing into any structure is something that should be avoided. On buildings under three stories, shooting the stick over the cab might not allow for roof access due to the cab being in the way. When drivers are spotting the truck, they are really positioning the turntable. The location of the turntable determines the scrub area. The dual axles on the tillers can be used as a reference since the turntable sits between them. Once the driver reaches the desired location and is ready to park in that spot, there are a few additional factors that need to be considered: Can the outrigger(s) fully extend on the working side? Flight path—are there any obstacles in the flight path to the structure? Is this the best place to position to be able to work from the aerial or bucket? Are there any data or phone lines that the ladder will need to tuck under? If so, is the turntable close enough to the curb? Tip Placement on Tiller Ladders Tip placement depends on multiple factors. The type of incident and the task needing to be performed are the two major factors in tip placement. Vertical Ventilation (Peaked Roofs): Firefighters should try to position the aerial to make it safer for them on the roof. Some ways to accomplish this include firefighters cutting from the stick or with the stick backing them. Roof Access (Flat Roofs): Roof size, building height, parking access, height of parapets, and the incident type will all play a role in tip placement. During a fire, firefighters want to ensure the tip of the ladder is visible for firefighters on the roof, and that mounting and dismounting the ladder is possible for a firefighter in full PPE and SCBA. ○ Tip Level or Slightly Above the Roofline/Parapet: This is an option for small flat roofs that are not very high, when the aerial is at a lower angle (30° or less). Disadvantages: Cannot always see the aerial ladder in a smoky environment because not much of it is showing above the roofline. Advantages: Firefighters do not have to climb over the beam of the aerial to dismount from the aerial. ○ Tip Extended Eight Feet or More Over the Roof Line: This is an option for larger flat roofs and/or when the aerial is at an angle greater than 30°. Disadvantages: Firefighters cannot just walk off the tip to dismount the aerial. Advantages: More of the aerial is visible from anywhere on the roof. When mounting and dismounting, firefighters have more of the aerial to grab to assist them during the transition from the roof to the aerial. ○ Squaring the Corner: This is an option on any flat roof where the truck can be positioned at the corner of the building. It is a very similar concept to the option shown previously, extending the tip eight feet or more. The only difference is the aerial is riding the corner of the building.  Disadvantages: Requires a significant amount of skill to position the turntable in the correct spot to have the aerial close enough to the side of the building. Advantages: Allows the aerial ladder to be seen easily by firefighters working on the roof, and it is easier for firefighters to transition from the aerial to the roof than with the option shown previously. Bucket Placement on Platform Ladders The incident type, the task needing to be performed, and the amount of space available are the three major factors in bucket placement. Vertical Ventilation (Peaked Roofs): Firefighters should try to position the bucket to make it possible to cut from the bucket or with the bucket behind them. Roof Access (Flat Roofs): Position the bucket to make it easy to get in and out of the bucket. Use the parapet ladder if needed. Positioning for Victim Rescue When approaching a victim with an aerial ladder or platform, approach from above if possible. If the approach is made from below, the victim may try to jump onto the aerial. Tiller Victim Rescue: Tip placement for a victim rescue can change significantly depending on the situation; use common sense. If the victim is conscious, try to place the tip in a location that allows the victim to easily transition from their location. Platform Victim Rescue: Try to square up the bucket with the objective. Try to get as close as possible to the victim’s location to ensure there is very little space between the bucket and the building. Defensive Fire Operations A defensive fire is either a defensive operation upon arrival or a transition to a defensive operation from an offensive attack. Defensive on Arrival: When arriving on the scene of a fire that is going to be a defensive operation, the driver should be thinking about multiple different factors: ○ Can the ladder truck stay out of the collapse zone and still be effective? The collapse zone is 1½ times the height of the building.  ○ Can the ladder truck be positioned on a corner and still be effective? Positioning on a corner should provide some protection if the walls of the building were to collapse. ○ Are there any doors or windows where the nozzle could be pointed in at an upward angle to flow water into the structure from underneath the roof? ○ Has the fire burned through the roof yet? Notes Nosing into any structure is something that should be avoided. On buildings under three stories, shooting the stick over the cab might not allow for roof access due to the cab being in the way. Tip Level or Slightly Above the Roofline/Parapet: This is an option for small flat roofs that are not very high, when the aerial is at a lower angle (30° or less). ○ Disadvantages: Cannot always see the aerial ladder in a smoky environment because not much of it is showing above the roofline. ○ Advantages: Firefighters do not have to climb over the beam of the aerial to dismount from the aerial. Squaring the Corner: This is an option on any flat roof where the truck can be positioned at the corner of the building. ○ Disadvantages: Requires a significant amount of skill to position the turntable in the correct spot to have the aerial close enough to the side of the building. ○ Advantages: Allows the aerial ladder to be seen easily by firefighters working on the roof, and it is easier for firefighters to transition from the aerial to the roof than with the option shown previously. the roof.” LADDERING THE STRUCTURE OVEVIEW Laddering The Structure Ground Ladder Usage Ground ladders are used by Columbus firefighters for a variety of tasks: Gaining Access: Above ground and, in some cases, below grade, to perform tasks. Egress Points: Providing multiple points of egress from areas where the normal means of egress are compromised. Stable Platforms: Offering a stable working platform to perform tasks such as vertical ventilation from a roof ladder or overhauling soffit from an extension ladder on a two-story structure. Station-Level Maintenance Station-level maintenance that can be performed by company personnel consists of: Halyard Replacement General Cleaning Lubrication Before The Emergency Open vs. Closed Halyards Halyards can be set up two different ways on CFD ground ladders: 1. Open System: The halyard is tied to the bottom rung of the bed section, then goes up over the pulley with the remaining slack hanging down to be tied off. ○ This slack can be tied off using a clove hitch and overhand safety. ○ In theory, if the dogs and pawls assemblies fail, this halyard slack being tied off will serve as extra safety to keep the fly section from moving. 2. Closed System: Also known as the running or chasing halyard tie. ○ In this system, the halyard slack comes down from the pulley and is tied to the bottom rung of the fly section, instead of the bed section. ○ No slack in the halyard needs to be tied off; however, the disadvantage is the lack of a safety mechanism if the dogs and pawls fail. A closed halyard system is advantageous for companies on the street—it keeps the halyard from interfering with fireground operations and does not require tying off like an open halyard system. Setting Up The Truck For Success Balance Point Marking When marking the balance point, ensure the marking spans from rung to rung on the beams on both sides of the ladder. Firefighters should be able to clearly see the balance point while pulling the ladder off the truck. On the Scene Ground Ladder Placement The primary objective for ground ladder placement to windows is to provide egress for interior companies. Firegrounds where no victims are present at windows should still have ground ladders placed; this provides interior crews with a means of entry and egress. Ideally, first arriving ladder companies should strive to place ground ladders on all four sides of the structure. Note: When firefighters arrive at a fire, they should put ladders on all sides of the building. Even if there are no people trapped inside, the ladders help firefighters get in and out of the building. The first firefighters to arrive should try to put ladders on all four sides of the building. Commercial structures may have very few windows but may need initial ladders placed for roof access. Rescue Position The importance of proper ground ladder placement at an upper-story window, known as the Rescue Position, cannot be emphasized enough. Rescue Position: The ladder is placed at an approximately 70°-75° climbing angle with the tip of the ladder below the windowsill. This placement prevents the tip of the ladder’s fly section and any rungs from hindering a firefighter from rapidly escaping through that window. According to SOP 01-03-20 Rescue Factors, the priority for victims needing to be rescued is as follows: 1. The Most Severely Threatened 2. The Largest Number of Victims 3. The Remainder of the Fire Area 4. Exposures Ventilation Position Ventilation Position: The ladder is placed on the windward side of the window at a 70°-75° angle with the tip of the ladder even with the top of the window. This allows the venting firefighter to break and clear the window, with the byproducts of combustion ventilating away from them. Ladder Orientation Duo-Safety states that their extension ladders are 4% stronger with the fly section out and the bed section toward the building. FORCIBLE ENTRY OVERVIEW Conventional Forcible Entry Forcible Entry Fundamentals Knowing fire prevention, building construction, your first due district, training, staffing, and observing the structure and conditions while pulling up on scene are all basic components of successful forcible entry. Initial Size Up Location of Entry and Prioritization Showing up with initial companies involves a lot of moving parts. Each company may have a different task while attempting to work in unison with one another. Part of the ladder company’s job will often be to force entry to provide access for the initial attack line to get to the fire. However, if there are known victims trapped behind a window, door, or other security feature, the priority may shift to life safety and rescue of the trapped individual. By doing a proper size-up, firefighters can recognize where the highest need is, enter there first, and work from there. When multiple obstacles need to be forced (metal bars, rear door and front door, garage, etc.), firefighters must be able to prioritize based upon the incident’s needs. Sizing Up An Individual Door Door Construction Residential Doors: Wood framing is very common on exterior residential doors, and it is generally forced more readily by conventional methods. Commercial Doors: Commercial doors may vary greatly in design and construction. The metal door in a metal frame (metal on metal) is commonly encountered. These types of doors will generally require greater amounts of energy when being forced by conventional means. These doors are often encountered in less frequently used doorways on commercial structures. Crews may want to consider the use of power tools rather than conventional forcible entry. Aluminum Frame Glass Doors: These are more common at main entryways on various storefronts. Identifying Door Features Hinges: Hinges are one of the first things a firefighter preparing to force the door can look at to know which way the door will open. If the hinges are visible, the door opens toward you. If the hinges are not visible, the door opens away from you.  Carriage Bolts: One of the most common indicators of additional security devices on a door is visible flat or round bolt heads on the exterior of a door; this is generally indicative of a carriage bolt. Carriage bolts indicate to the firefighter that there are likely additional locks installed on the other side of the door. ○ Definition: A carriage bolt (also called coach bolt or round-head square-neck bolt). Drop Bars: A set of vertical or stacked bolt heads parallel to each other on the outside of the door is generally indicative of a drop bar. Single bolt heads parallel to one another may be another variation of a security bar. Other variations may include bolts in a triangle-shaped pattern or four bolts in a square pattern. Sliding Bolts: A tight bolt pattern of four bolts that are close to the door edge with no pattern mirroring this on the other side of the door is a strong indicator of a possible sliding bolt installed on the door and jamb. Latch Guard: A latch guard is another common piece of hardware found on doors. It is a simple metal plate intended to prevent access or tampering with the door’s latch. Puck Locks: Puck locks are becoming more common because they hide the shackle to protect it from being cut with bolt cutters. Forcible Entry Tools Halligan Tool: Columbus Fire has a variety of manufacturers of Halligan tools; the most common Halligan is the Pro-Bar. ○ Maximus Rex Bar: This Halligan variant has a modified adz with a “Rex” tool built into it. This modification can be used to pull residential and commercial Key-in-Knob lock cylinders for through-the-lock techniques. This allows the Maximus Rex Halligan to be used similarly to a K-tool; however, it will generally not be as effective at pulling locks as a true K-tool. Mechanical Advantage: ○ Outward Swinging Doors: Gapping the door with the adz (2 inches wide) provides a 15:1 mechanical advantage (30-inch Pro-Bar length divided by 2-inch adz). Applying 100 pounds of force up or down on the fork end will translate to roughly 1,500 pounds of gapping force with the adz at the door. ○ Inward Swinging Doors: Gapping the door using the adz provides the same 15:1 mechanical advantage. Many residential doors can be forced by this alone. After gapping the door with the adz, drive the forks to the end of the crotch mark. Flathead Axe: ○ Length: 30 to 36 inches. ○ Head Weight: 6 to 8 pounds. ○ Material: Steel head with fiberglass or wood handle. ○ Functions: Striking, capturing progress when gapping, chopping, door chock. Denver Tool: ○ Head Weight: 6.5 to 8.5 pounds. ○ Material: Fiberglass yellow handles with high carbon treated steel ends. ○ Functions: Prying, pike pole, axe, sledgehammer, battering ram.  Sledgehammer: ○ Length: 30 to 36 inches. ○ Head Weight: 8, 10, 12, or 16 pounds. ○ Material: Typically a fiberglass handle. ○ Functions: Striking, battering ram. Hydra-Ram II: ○ Spreading Distance: 6 inches. ○ Spreading Power: 10,000 pounds of force. ○ Purchase Point Required: Less than 1/4 inch. ○ Functions: Forcing inward swinging doors or crushing outward swinging doors to expose the locking mechanism. Rabbit Tool: ○ Spreading Distance: 4 inches. ○ Spreading Power: 8,000 pounds. ○ Purchase Point Required: 1/4 inch. ○ Functions: Forcing interior swinging doors or crushing outward swinging doors to expose the locking mechanism. NY Hook: ○ Length: 4 to 6 feet. ○ Material: Steel. ○ Functions: Prying, striking, pulling material (e.g., drywall), chisel end. Steel hooks are preferred over fiberglass hooks because steel hooks are more durable. Battering Rams: ○ Length: 30 inches. ○ Weight: 40 pounds. ○ Material: Steel. K-Tool: Although generally not used at active scenes such as working fires, the K-tool is a good option for through-the-lock considerations when less destructive methods of forcible entry are desired. The K-tool can be an effective option for locks commonly found on commercial storefronts, such as mortise or rim lock cylinders. Circular Saws Circular saws are perhaps the fastest, least strenuous, and most powerful tools for forcible entry. CFD has a variety of saw sizes and blades. Blade Types: ○ Dax Blades: Dax blades have carbide tips and are effective for flat roof operations, garage door panels, and metal fencing. The carbide tips are wider than other blades, creating a wider kerf that minimizes binding. According to the manufacturer, some of the uses for the Dax blade include cutting metals up to 3/16 inch thick and flat roof materials. ○ Composite Blades: These are inexpensive blades great for all-around forcible entry use. Composite blades do wear down quickly when cutting multiple  obstacles on the fireground. Some uses for composite blades include ferrous metals (metals that contain iron components) and concrete/masonry. ○ Diamond Blades: These are multi-purpose blades that may cut slower on certain metals compared to a composite blade, but they are much more durable. Diamond blades may be directionally dependent; firefighters must ensure they are installed correctly. Materials that diamond blades can be used on include all metals and masonry. Blade Sizes: Columbus Fire carries both 12-inch and 14-inch blades. Blade Guard: Blade guards divert debris away from firefighters while they cut an object. During forcible entry, blade guards can also turn into an obstruction when attempting to plunge the saw into an objective. These guards can be adjusted approximately 3.5 inches to make it more ergonomically convenient to cut. Gyroscopic Effect: When performing any cutting operation, firefighters should operate the saw at full RPMs. Doing so naturally creates what is known as a gyroscopic effect on the saw. This effect is minimized when the saw is in an in-board (blade toward the center) orientation, and it is exaggerated when the saw is in an out-board (blade on the outside) orientation. ○ In-Board: Most circular saws are oriented to the in-board position, especially on larger, more powerful saws. This is primarily due to the gyroscopic effect of the larger saws. In-board orientation will generally be easier to handle when performing flat roof ventilation, allowing operators to place the saw onto the roof and rock it forward into the material being cut. ○ Out-Board: Although most saws on Columbus Fire are oriented to the in-board position, rescue and ladder companies will often orient one of their saws to the out-board position. Blades in the out-board position are often found on the smaller and less powerful 400 or 500 series saws. Orienting the blade to the out-board position gives firefighters more versatility without compromising the saw’s basic functions. Out-board oriented blades can sit flush up against the floor, wall, or door to cut obstacles that may otherwise have been more difficult to access. ○ When the saw is up against an object (such as a hallway wall), the gyroscopic effect is minimized. Restricted space, drop pins, and carriage bolts are just a few of the obstacles where an out-board oriented saw may have an advantage over an in-board saw. Forcible Entry Techniques Commands: The commands should only be given by the firefighter controlling the Halligan; the firefighter with the striking tool follows the commands. The commands to be used are: ○ HIT: Firefighter controlling the striking tool performs one strike on the Halligan. ○ DRIVE: Firefighter controlling the striking tool performs continuous strikes to the Halligan until the STOP command is given.  ○ STOP: Tells the firefighter striking the Halligan to stop driving the Halligan or to standby while the other firefighter adjusts the Halligan or goes to force the door. Gapping the Door: To gap the door, work the adz into the stop on the doorframe approximately six inches above or below the lock. If there are two locks close together, go between them. Basic Steps: ○ Try Before You Pry: Trying the door first is common sense, but do not make the mistake of forgetting to do so in the heat of the moment. ○ Shock the Door: Shock forcefully up and down the door. Shocking hard enough may force the door open. While shocking, observe any flex, or lack thereof, in the door. ○ Set the Tool: This involves driving the Halligan forks into the gap to spread the door away from the frame. Position the forks approximately six inches above or below the lock cylinder. Place the forks (bevel to the door) and angle the Halligan to work around the doorstop. It is important to "walk the Halligan" around the doorstop and frame. The tool is SET once the crotch of the forks is roughly equal with the inside of the doorstop. This should ensure the forks are past the frame and will not slip off when forcing. ○ Force the Door: If the firefighter forces the Halligan all the way until it bumps against the door and the door locks are still engaged, an axe can be placed behind the Halligan to increase the distance of spreading capability. Additional Techniques: ○ Shocking an Outward Swinging Door: Shocking an outward swinging door can be helpful for creating a purchase point on commercial metal doors where the seam is too tight to gain access for gapping. ○ Gapping with the Adz: Once the adz is driven into the seam, residential doors can be gapped at this point by working the opposite end of the Halligan (fork end) up and down. ○ Driving the Adz: Prior to gapping the door, the adz should be driven until it meets the doorstop. This is more important on a metal door because attempting to gap the door prior to this point could lead to "skinning" the outer portion of the door. ○ Marrying Halligans: Two Halligans can be married together at their forks to increase the mechanical advantage of the tools. Overcoming Obstacles Carriage Bolts: ○ Circular Saws: When carriage bolts are encountered, one of the fastest ways to defeat carriage bolt secured locking devices is by using a circular saw. ○ Kerf Cuts: Making kerf cuts over the bolts can quickly remove them.  ○ Shaving Bolt Heads: A circular saw can also be used to shave the head off the bolt. This may be a better choice if crews encounter a backing plate behind the bolt heads that would make kerf cutting more difficult. Drop Bars: ○ NY Hook and Drop Bars: If firefighters are able to gain access to the drop bar itself through conventional means, then it may be possible to slide a tool through the opening. A small opening may be just enough to allow a firefighter to slide in a NY Hook or axe, allowing them to strike or lift the bar from the hinges. Tighter Seams: ○ For doors with tighter seams, firefighters can consider flipping the forks initially (bevel to the jamb) when driving the Halligan to work around the jamb and create a gap (especially for commercial metal-on-metal doors). This progress can be captured with an axe or wedge, allowing the forks to then be flipped back to bevel toward the door to force. Padlocks and Security Devices Case-Hardened Locks: The shackle of the padlock is often made of a case-hardened steel (sometimes identifiable on the shackle). Bolt cutters will have a difficult time cutting these shackles; firefighters can consider cutting the chain or using another method. Attacking the Hasp: Firefighters should not get locked in on the lock itself; consider looking at the hasp mechanism. Crews may find it easier to attack the attachment plate instead of the padlock itself. Shackle Padlocks: ○ Using the Irons: Multiple options are available for defeating residential or commercial shackle padlocks. The goal is to dislodge the shackle from the body by force. This can be accomplished by straddling the shackle with the forks and using the striking tool to hit downward on top of the forks. Another option is to place the pick end of the Halligan inside the shackle. ○ Cutting the Lock: A circular saw with a metal cutting blade can be used to cut through the lock body. Once the keyway location is identified, make a cut perpendicular to the keyway about 3/4 of the lock body away from the keyway. ○ Cutting Around the Lock: The security gate made of thinner gauge metal can be quickly cut using a circular saw. Using a triangle cut will free the gate from the lock, allowing it to swing free. ○ Pipe Wrench: This is another option if companies carry a large enough pipe wrench and the lock is exposed (no metal sheath). Grip the lock with the pipe wrench and twist it to break the lock from the hasp. Security Bars and Grates Leverage: Firefighters can utilize leverage by using prying tools to get behind the bars and pry outward. This will often defeat the screws themselves by stripping them out or breaking them.  Force: Another option is to utilize force by directly attacking the screws themselves. This can be done with striking tools, the Halligan (adz or forks), or NY Hook (chisel end). The NY Hook provides an added advantage for taller or hard-to-reach windows. By attacking the screws directly, firefighters can shear the screw heads off or cause the building material (e.g., masonry) around the screws to fail. Storm Doors Halligan Method: When using a Halligan, the adz end can be placed between the jamb and the door; the firefighter can then pry up or down, dislodging the bolt. If the gap is too tight, drive the adz in with a striking tool. Another option for some styles of doors is a baseball swing. Striking Tool and Wedge: A striking tool can be partnered with a Halligan to force the storm door using conventional Irons techniques. A good option for a single firefighter is using a wedge to drive a gap into the door to release the deadbolt. Another option could be to attack the building material housing the deadbolt. Garage Doors Teepee Cut: When rapid entry is needed, a teepee cut is often effective. This method only requires two cuts. Be sure to exaggerate the overlap across cuts to ensure the material is cut all the way through. The teepee cut is generally less physically taxing than the square cut, and it can be advantageous when multiple fireground tasks need to be performed (such as multiple doors needing cut). This method also works well for firefighters of any height, allowing them to perform a taller cut. ○ Note: Smoke will often remain in the compartment when a teepee cut is used. Square Cut: A square cut is typically larger than a teepee cut; however, it can be slower. This type of cut provides additional benefits. In addition to providing better ventilation, a large square cut provides more room to place an aerial or bucket at ground level. Metal Hardware Considerations: Metal hardware or heavier gauge metal will generally be found near the edge of the garage door frames for the door rollers or along the seams where the panels are joined. Some doors have a quarter-turn handle lock in the middle of the door that may cause extra metal hardware to be encountered. Cutting Technique: To do a teepee cut, find the approximate center of the garage door. Start at the top and create a 45-degree cut toward the bottom of the door. The second cut is just a repeat of the first cut on the opposite side of the door. Crews can consider not overlapping the cuts initially if they are concerned about creating a hole too early. Commercial Roll-Up Doors Types: ○ Rolled Steel Doors: Rolled steel doors are found throughout the city. They are often used to protect entire storefronts from theft or are installed as an alternative to panel-style doors. Rolled steel doors can be identified by their recessed seams  (slats) horizontally across the door and by the rivets at the end of these slats (generally every other slat). ○ Sheet Curtain Steel Doors: Another type of roll-up door that has become more common is the sheet curtain steel door. These will look similar to rolled steel doors but will require different techniques to be used. These are frequently encountered at storage facilities or in newer commercial buildings. Forcible Entry Methods: ○ Rolled Steel Doors: Use a circular saw to cut one large slit down the center of the door, all the way down through the T-bar at the bottom of the door. Once the cut is completed, grab an individual slat near the top of the cut with a gloved hand and pull across the cut. The goal is to pull one of the slats out. If unsuccessful with the single cut method, consider using a teepee or square cut. Be prepared to use a second saw. ○ Sheet Curtain Steel Doors: Since there are no slats to be pulled, crews will need to use either a teepee or a square cut as shown previously. Firefighters that encounter sheet curtain or rolled steel doors may not have to attack the doors at all. External locks (padlocks) are frequently used to secure these doors. Breaching Block Walls Breaching block walls should be at minimum a two-firefighter task. Heavy steel battering rams are very effective for forcing block walls. Sledgehammers are also an option, but they can be extremely strenuous. Method One—Pyramid: ○ Firefighters can strike through the hollow cavity of the block at about waist height and work downward to create a pyramid shape. ○ A pyramid shape maintains the integrity of the building and still creates a big enough area for a firefighter to crawl out. Method Two—L Shape: ○ Firefighters can start at approximately waist height and work straight down. ○ Next, start working in a horizontal direction near the floor to create an outline of the desired hole. ○ After the L shape is complete, hit in the upper corner opposite of the L shape. Keep working back toward the upper part of the L shape until the whole portion of the wall has fallen. Reinforcements: ○ Some block walls may contain truss-style stainless steel joint reinforcement wiring. The most common size is usually 9 gauge, which can be cut using cable cutters.  ○ It is a good practice to have a circular saw on standby in anticipation of encountering reinforcements such as rebar or other steel wiring. Other Forcible Entry Considerations Large Occupancies—Strip Malls Strip malls can be just a few businesses in length, or they can span an entire block. In regards to forcible entry, initial companies arriving on scene should consider the following: Doors may not be addressed in the rear. Ensure the location and initial actions are well communicated. If going to the rear, it may be beneficial to count units to take note of how many businesses are in the incident. This can help firefighters prioritize forcible entry more effectively. Long strip malls with no address in the rear can be cause for confusion, resulting in a delay of entry/exit for fire attack companies. Multiple security measures are usually utilized when securing a rear door; a proper size-up and appropriate tool selection is crucial. Consider hydraulic tools and circular saws. Vacant Structures Plywood: Plywood covers are the most common obstacle encountered at vacant structures in Columbus. A chainsaw is the most efficient tool when attempting to remove these quickly. Depending on how the plywood is fastened, making parallel cuts inside the screws provides a fast opening over a window or door. One cut down the middle allows a firefighter to peel back the sheets until the wood or screws fail. If this does not work, cutting an "X" or "cross" to subdivide the panel can make it easier for the plywood to be removed. Vacant Protection Systems (VPS): Vacant Protection Systems are a more secure method of preventing entry into a vacant structure. Although this is beneficial to the owner, it can be more challenging for firefighters. These coverings will most likely require a 14-inch circular saw to plunge through the 14-gauge steel cover and cut the support bar on the other side of the window. Search and Rescue OVERVIEW Search And Rescue Size Up Factors Size-Up Factors for Primary Search Size-up factors specific to performing a primary search could include the following: Known life hazard vs. potential life hazard Occupant accountability/survivability Number, location, and condition of victims Building construction Size and extent of the fire Hazards to search crews Established water source Available equipment/staffing Firefighter experience levels Rescue Efforts Prioritization Rescue efforts should be performed in the following order: 1. The most severely threatened 2. The largest number (groups) 3. The remainder of the fire area 4. Exposures VEIS Usage VEIS was used for 21% of the first 2,000 rescues recorded by the Firefighter Rescue Survey. Ladder Placement for VEIS If a ladder is used to a second-floor window, the ladder should be as close to a 75° angle as possible. There may be instances on a split-level home where a 75° angle with the ladder is not possible. After ensuring the ladder is properly placed, the VEIS firefighter has ascended the ladder while wearing full PPE and SCBA. This firefighter has chosen to use a New York style Z hook to clear the window, as a fiberglass hook tends to bounce off a traditional window sash. Second Firefighter Responsibilities in VEIS The second firefighter involved in the VEIS search has several responsibilities. Ideally, this firefighter will have a TIC (Thermal Imaging Camera) to:  Scan the ceiling to check the heat levels and ensure the room is tenable. Scan the room with the TIC to check for victims. Stay oriented at the window and remain in verbal contact with the interior firefighter. Factors in Choosing Victim Removal Techniques Firefighters could consider some of the following factors when deciding what technique to use for victim removal: Size of the victim Current fire conditions Amount of staffing available to help Distance to the nearest exit Victim Removal In 82% of those rescues, a "dirty drag" was used to remove the victim. "Dirty drag" means that firefighters removed the victim by dragging them without using webbing or tools. Webbing drags were used in 3% of those rescues. Headfirst Drag For a headfirst drag, the rescuer will sit the victim up and reach both arms around the victim’s torso. The rescuer can either grasp both of the victim’s wrists or grasp their own wrist to completely encircle the victim’s torso. Feetfirst Drag For a feetfirst drag, the rescuer will lift both of the victim’s legs and either place both legs over one shoulder or put one leg over each shoulder. The rescuer will then reach both arms around the victim’s legs and interlock their hands. The goal is to lock out the victim’s knees. Webbing Drag To do a webbing drag, the rescuer would first package the victim by using a girth hitch. The girth hitch should be as high and tight in the victim’s armpits as possible. If the girth hitch is not tight at the beginning, it can loosen and slip off over the victim’s head during the drag. The rescuer should make sure not to pull the weight of the victim on top of their back foot, causing them to have to reset before pulling again. For heavier victims, the rescuer can choose to drag with two hands grasping the webbing. In this case, the rescuer will face toward the victim in a three-point stance. Once ready to move, the rescuer will extend their front leg while pulling the victim toward them in a rowing motion. This technique tends to be slower than dragging with one hand, but it works better for large victims. Tool Drag Another option is the tool drag. The rescuer slides a hand tool under the victim’s arms and grasps the tool just outside the victim’s armpits. The rescuer is again in a three-point stance and extends their front leg while pulling the victim toward them in a rowing motion. This technique has several disadvantages: ○ It can be difficult to fit the tool through a doorway. ○ The tool tends to slide out from under the victim’s arms. Removing Victims Down a Ground Ladder When removing victims down a ground ladder, it can be beneficial to have a second ladder beside the first ladder to allow a second rescuer to help manage the victim’s weight. This is especially helpful if the victim is large. One rescuer can have both arms under the victim’s torso and still grasp the beams of the ladder with both hands to maintain control while descending. The second rescuer can have one arm under the victim’s waist and the other arm between the victim’s legs, also grasping both ladder beams while descending. Search Rope Depolyment Rope Bag Identification and Features The new 200-foot yellow rope bags used by the Division have the apparatus designation printed on the rope bag itself: Rescues—Blue lettering Ladders—Red lettering Engines—Green lettering The end of the rope also has an ID tag on it by the carabiner. Rope Distance Markers The rope has knots every 50 feet that firefighters can use as distance markers: One knot at 50 feet Two knots about 4 to 6 inches apart at 100 feet Three knots about 4 to 6 inches apart at 150 feet These distance marker knots can help firefighters gauge where they are at on the way out also. Best Practices at Distance Markers It would be a good practice for crews to take the following steps every time they come to a distance marker knot:  Pop a ceiling tile overhead (if present) to ensure there is no fire above or behind firefighters. Check each firefighter’s air levels. Perform a PAR (Personnel Accountability Report). Accountability and Equipment Management Using a numbering system for accountability can be a good option, especially for floating officers and RIT Teams made up of multiple crews. If multiple crews are married together for rope deployment, keeping one TIC at the front of the group and a second TIC at the back of the group can be a good option. Rope Deployment in Commercial Structures For commercial structures, it is generally a best practice to tie off the rope to an anchor outside the structure prior to entry, even if there is moderate visibility inside. If there are no usable anchor points outside, driving a tool into the ground and anchoring the rope to that tool could be an option. In some buildings, such as high-rises, it will not be possible to tie off to an anchor outside the structure.