This document provides an overview of rope rescue set-up and anchoring principles for the Newport Fire Department. It discusses important considerations for selecting strong anchors, including structural steel, reinforced concrete, heavy machinery, and natural anchors. Examples of poor anchor choices are also given. The document reviews techniques for setting up self-equalizing anchor systems and picket systems using multiple stakes. It provides step-by-step instructions for constructing an anchor plate for connecting rope to the anchor point and establishing a lowering system using a rack, load release, prussik knots, and munter or haul systems to raise and lower victims.

1. Rope Rescue
Set-Up Review
Newport Fire Department

2. Overview
1. Anchoring/Picket System
2. Anchor Plate

3. Anchoring PrincipalsAnchoring Principals
1.1. Anchors are the foundation of the rope rescueAnchors are the foundation of the rope rescue
system.system.
2.2. The actual physical strength and capacity ofThe actual physical strength and capacity of
an anchor is generally unknown. What wean anchor is generally unknown. What we
determine to be “bombproof” is really adetermine to be “bombproof” is really a
judgment based on knowledge, training, andjudgment based on knowledge, training, and
experience.experience.

4. Good AnchorsGood Anchors
1. Structural Steel (Properly1. Structural Steel (Properly
connected to a structure)connected to a structure)
2. Reinforced Concrete2. Reinforced Concrete
3. Bulk Masonry3. Bulk Masonry
4. Heavy Machinery4. Heavy Machinery
(Cranes, Bulldozer, etc.)(Cranes, Bulldozer, etc.)
5. Fire Apparatus5. Fire Apparatus
6. Natural Anchors6. Natural Anchors
(Big *#^&%ing Rock(Big *#^&%ing Rock
/ Big LIVE rooted/ Big LIVE rooted
tree)tree)
7. HVAC Units (If7. HVAC Units (If
properly secured toproperly secured to
the structure)the structure)
8. Pickets8. Pickets

5. Bad AnchorsBad Anchors
1.1. Insulated PipeInsulated Pipe
2.2. Cast Iron Pipe (StandCast Iron Pipe (Stand
pipes and Sprinkler risers)pipes and Sprinkler risers)
3.3. Masonry Without BulkMasonry Without Bulk
4.4. Concrete Block WallsConcrete Block Walls
5.5. ChimneysChimneys
6.6. Exhaust DuctsExhaust Ducts
1.1. Hand RailsHand Rails
2.2. Stair TreadsStair Treads
3.3. Ladder RungsLadder Rungs
4.4. Wood FramedWood Framed
WallsWalls
5.5. Corroded MetalCorroded Metal
6.6. Round RocksRound Rocks
7.7. Trees with shallowTrees with shallow
rootsroots

6. Self-EqualizingSelf-Equalizing
Helps to transfer weight of the load.Helps to transfer weight of the load.
If one anchor fails thereIf one anchor fails there willwill be a shockbe a shock
load.load.
Always try to keep the “self-equalizer” asAlways try to keep the “self-equalizer” as
short as possible keeping in mind theshort as possible keeping in mind the
“critical angles”.“critical angles”.

7. Self-Equalizing
Twist in line prevents webbing from sliding through

8. Self-EqualizingSelf-Equalizing
Self-Equalizer

9. Angle Leg Tension
170° 1150 %
150° 200 %
120° 100 %
90° 70 %
0° 50 %
Critical AnglesCritical Angles

10. PicketPicket Systems
Simple Picket System
Windlass

11. Picket Systems
1. Picket systems are usually made up of three or1. Picket systems are usually made up of three or
more evenly spaced stakes driven into themore evenly spaced stakes driven into the
ground or snow.ground or snow.
2. The stakes should be positioned in a straight2. The stakes should be positioned in a straight
line away from the intended rappelling orline away from the intended rappelling or
lowering point.lowering point.
3. They should be spaced approximately one3. They should be spaced approximately one
stake length apart.stake length apart.

12. Picket Systems
4. After the stakes are driven to the ground,4. After the stakes are driven to the ground,
secure a length of rope or webbing to thesecure a length of rope or webbing to the
base of the picket farthest from the loadbase of the picket farthest from the load
and then take 3 to 6 turns around the top ofand then take 3 to 6 turns around the top of
the next closest picket, ending with a clovethe next closest picket, ending with a clove
hitch on either picket.hitch on either picket.
5. Repeat this lashing from the base of each5. Repeat this lashing from the base of each
picket to the top of the next closest picketpicket to the top of the next closest picket
to the load.to the load.

13. Picket SystemsPicket Systems
6. Next place a shorter stake (a CROW-BAR works6. Next place a shorter stake (a CROW-BAR works
well) between the the lashings and twist until all ofwell) between the the lashings and twist until all of
the slack is out and you are starting to put tension onthe slack is out and you are starting to put tension on
the forward picket. (Windlass)the forward picket. (Windlass)
7. Repeat the tensioning process to subsequent7. Repeat the tensioning process to subsequent
lashings, working toward the load.lashings, working toward the load.
8. The short stakes used for tensioning should be8. The short stakes used for tensioning should be
driven into the ground a short distance to securedriven into the ground a short distance to secure
them.them.

14. Anchor plateAnchor plate
* Used to connect the system to the
anchor itself
Webbing connects to
“bombproof” anchor

15. Anchor plate set-up
Load
release
always in
the
system
Munter Hitch Rack Load Release Haul

16. RackRack
• Used to lower responder to the victim

17. Load ReleaseLoad Release
• Used to release weight of rescuer/victim when
prussik knots “lock” onto safety rope
• Always in the system (safety)

18. Rack & Load ReleaseRack & Load Release

19. Prussick linesPrussick lines
• Attach from safety line to load release (always connected in
system
Line connects to rescuer using
“Figure 8”

20. Completed Lowering Setup

21. Raise VictimRaise Victim
• Remove the rack from the system
• Add a munter hitch to the system
(opposite side of pulley)
• Add the haul (5:1) pulley system

22. Munter Hitch
• Add to the carabineer (far left side on
anchor plate)
1
2
3

23. Munter – second view
3

24. Haul System completed

25. Practical Application
Go put it all together…