The specifics of the work of firefighters is that very often they have to operate at high altitudes. In addition to fulfilling his immediate task - saving people, extinguishing the fire and eliminating the source of ignition, the firefighter must also worry about his own safety. For this purpose, special equipment such as a belt, a rope, a cable and fire carbines are included with the equipment of each rescuer.
Purpose of carbines
Fire carbines are designed to insure the rescuer when he moves along vertical surfaces during fire extinguishing and rescue operations. These special equipment perform a similar task in the activities of climbers, athletes and builders.
What is the equipment?
Fire carbines are special devices, mostly pear-shaped. These products have a unique design that allowsdistribute loads evenly. Fire carbines consist of the following elements:
- power hook;
- shutter;
- swivel joint;
- lock connection;
- coupling (contact switch);
- work area.
Carabiners used in mountaineering and construction differ in different shapes and weights. A pear-shaped shape and a mass not exceeding 0.45 grams are the standard indicators that a firefighter's carbine should have. The photo below shows the design features of this survival craft.
Features
- The carbon steel is used in the manufacturing process of fire carbines. Special equipment used in sports are made of titanium or aluminum. The product made from these alloys is very light. At the same time, it does not exceed the strength and durability of a fireman's carbine.
- Dimensions of self-rescue fire equipment vary from 5mm to 14mm. They depend on the cross-sectional diameter of the wire.
- The length is between 4 and 20 cm.
- Shutter width varies from 0.5 to 0.38 cm.
- The weight of the fire carbine is no more than 0.35 kg.
- Zinc coating. Prevents corrosive processes.
Working principle
Fire carbines are attached with special holders to the belt that the rescuer puts on. Further, with special means, he is fastened to the cable. The design of fire carbines is adapted to work with various types of cables. Despite the versatility of the equipment, its operation requires the following rules:
- It is undesirable for a fire carbine to come into contact with other objects during the application of a power load to it.
- When passing the cable, it is recommended to ensure that it does not come into contact with the shutter.
- When operating a fire carbine, the rescuer must control the working part - the place where the main load is concentrated.
- Before operation, the fire carbine is recommended to be tested at low altitude.
- If there is at least one minor defect in the equipment, this product is considered unsuitable for use. It is not recommended to repair it yourself.
How are funds verified?
Fire carbines are tested once a year. The carbine is considered ready for use if it can withstand static loads of at least 350 kg for three minutes. To check the equipment, a special technique has been developed that involves the use of a dynamometer - a device that records the load readings on the carbine. Before testing, a beam or cantilever structure is constructed. Fire belts and carbines attached to them are tested on it. Putting a belt on the structure, a load is attached to the carabiners. The weight must not exceed 350 kilograms. The test is designed for five minutes. Work is recommended to be done smoothly. When the dynamometer readings remain unchanged, the contactors are checked by tightening the coupling.
The amount of effort applied to the closing and opening of the shutter is also determined. To do this, the carabiners are installed in a horizontal position. The shutter must be on top. Its opening is carried out no more than three times. Thus, testing should give three indications of the effort expended. They calculate the arithmetic mean, which should not exceed thirty kilograms.
When testing fire carbines, their resistance to high temperature and water is determined. Tested products are labeled and considered ready for use.
