Department of the Army 1 August 2014 Fourth Brigade United ... · Senior Army Instructor/Army...

FOURTH BRIGADE RAPPELLING SOP

Department of the Army 1 August 2014 Fourth Brigade United States Army Cadet Command Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28310-5000

Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps

FOURTH BRIGADE JROTC RAPPELLING STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

PROPONENT: The proponent of this publication is the Fourth Brigade, US Army Cadet Command. Comments should be sent directly to Fourth Brigade, US Army Cadet Command, ATTN: ATCC-DDJ, Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28310-5000. APPENDIX A: Glossary/Equipment Specifications B: Cadet Command Rappel Site Checklist C: Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet D: Rappel Certification/Recertification Checklist E: 4th Bde Unit Level Rappelling Procedures DISTRIBUTION: All JROTC programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and Delaware. This document is available on the Fourth Brigade Web site at: http://www.ajrotc.us


1. References. a. CCR 145-2, Organization, Administration, Operation, Training and Support. b. CCR 385-10, Cadet Command Safety Program. c. TC 21-24, Rappelling. 2. Purpose. To provide a safe environment to conduct rappel training. 3. Summary. Rappel training is a school activity, approved by school officials. JROTC units are allowed to conduct rappel training events for JROTC cadets and participating students only upon the approval of the local school district sponsoring the event. The approval authority for rappelling events is the school district operating through their duly appointed representatives, such as the sponsoring school’s principal or the school district’s superintendent. Rappel training is considered medium risk training and cannot be mitigated any lower. Units are required to submit their Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (DRAW) to Fourth Brigade for approval prior to conducting any rappel training. School principals will sign as the reviewer on all risk assessments related to rappel training conducted at school by Rappel Safety Officers (RSO). Senior ROTC program cadre will not conduct rappel training for JROTC at any time even if otherwise "approved" by the school principal and the school agrees to cover liability. Only JROTC personnel who have been certified by Fourth Brigade will conduct rappel training at school sponsored events. JROTC cadre will no longer conduct rappelling for visiting educators during their visits to JCLC. 4. Requirements. The following requirements will be adhered to when conducting rappel training with cadets and students. a. Rappel training will be limited to basic, individual, hip-seat rappels only. Only figure eight hook-ups are authorized. (Snap-link hook-ups are no longer authorized). Swiss seats are not authorized. All cadets must use an approved Rappel Harness (see specifications in Appendix A). No Australian rappels are allowed. b. Rappel training can be conducted on buildings, established towers, or field sites which have been approved as a result of a safety inspection conducted by the school district’s safety office or qualified safety officer of that site utilizing the Cadet Command Rappelling Checklist 385A (Appendix B). Rappel site inspections are an annual requirement. c. Units must submit a Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (DRAW) to Fourth Brigade for approval prior to conducting rappel training with cadets or students.

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d. Rappel training will only be conducted by Brigade certified Rappel Safety Officers (RSO). Fourth Brigade will certify individuals who meet one of the following criteria:

(1) Certification as a Rappel Master at an Army school or special unit training. Attendance at a school such as Ranger School, Special Forces or Air Assault School alone is not sufficient. If instructors have these qualifications and can demonstrate these skills they can attend a one day Brigade Recertification course. These instructors will have to pass all requirements in order to be Brigade certified. These courses are held during the normal rappel certification courses which are conducted yearly. (2) Any instructor who completes one of the Fourth Brigade Rappel Certification courses which certifies them as a Rappel Safety Officer to conduct Rappel training. This training can only be conducted by Brigade certified Rappel Master Trainers with oversight of the brigade headquarters. e. For Rappel Master/RSO to maintain currency with their rappel certification they must perform duties as a Rappel Master/RSO every six months. Rappel Master/RSO must execute four critical tasks every six months which will to be witnessed and certified by another RSO in the form of a signed memorandum.

(1) Rigging Tower (2) Knots (3) Rappel Master Personnel Inspection (4) Hooking up a rappeller Note: A memorandum for record showing these critical tasks will be signed by the witnessing RSO and be maintained at the school. f. Only cadre who are Brigade Certified RSO’s may be responsible for setting up the rappelling site, inspecting equipment, "hooking up" rappellers, and supervising their descent. g. Rappel Master Trainer (Train the Trainer) must be US Army Rappel Master Certified and hand selected by brigade. All Rappel Master Trainers must be on orders from Brigade. 5. Procedures. To ensure compliance with the above requirements, those programs conducting rappel training will adhere to the following procedures:

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a. Fourth Brigade. (1) Review and Approve Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheets for units desiring to conduct rappel training. (2) Maintain file copy of rappel tower safety inspections, Rappel Master Trainer or Rappel Safety Officer Certifications, and Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheets. (3) Verify Brigade training certifications with proof of currency. (4) Schedule initial Rappel Safety Officer/Recertification training IAW 4th Brigades Rappel POI and TC-21-24 annually. (5) Schedule Rappel Master Trainers train-up/cross training annually (IAW TC-21-24). Send selected Rappel Master Trainers to a U.S. Army Rappel Master Course or equivalent civilian course every five years to stay current on updates and changes. b. Senior Army Instructor/Army Instructor. (1) As a minimum, approved sites will be inspected annually by competent safety or structural engineering professionals to ensure structures or sites have not degraded making them unsafe for use. A written record of the inspection will remain on file with the unit having operational control of the site, as well as a copy on file at Fourth Brigade. Additionally, a certified rappel master/RSO will inspect the site immediately prior to each use. Cadre must carefully monitor the site, equipment, and training procedures throughout each rappel training exercise. Skid or "helicopter-style" rappels are authorized only from a fixed tower (not from airborne helicopters). Australian or other advanced rappels are not authorized. Submit annually, with the Master Training Schedule, the following documents: Request to conduct rappel training, the annual safety inspection of the site or tower, and Composite Risk Management Worksheet. (See Appendix B for checklist)

(2) Submit a copy of the instructor RSO Certification Certificate (Good for 5 years) to Fourth Brigade. Individuals who are not rappel master certified may request training by submitting a memo to Fourth Brigade, Attn: Mr. Anderson or Mr. Perry. RSO certification training will be conducted annually. (3) Complete a Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet and forward to Fourth Brigade for approval. (See Appendix C) (4) Maintain a file copy of both the annual safety inspection, the instructors rappel certification certificate, and risk assessment checklist.

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(5) While rappelling, RSO/Rappel Master Trainers, and cadets will wear an approved protective helmet, harness, leather gloves, full ACU uniform. Cadets will not wear load-carrying equipment (LCE) or carry weapons while rappelling. All RSO/Rappel Master Trainers must wear an approved rappel harness and be hooked into the tower at all times. (6) Prior to making their first rappel from a height of more than ten feet, cadets will be required to rappel from a height of less than ten feet and/or on an incline. The purpose of this preliminary rappel is to introduce new rappellers to proper position and braking techniques and build their confidence accordingly in those techniques before rappelling from a significant height. (7) Only cadre/adult (adult 21 years or older) trained by a certified RSO will act as belay safety while conducting rappel training. Belays will wear eye protection, helmet and no gloves. No cadets will function as a safety belay person. (8) To successfully operate each rappel lane from an approved tower or site, at least two Brigade Certified Rappel Master/RSO’s are required. One certified RSO will be responsible for hooking up cadets on the tower; the other Brigade RSO will be in a position to supervise the safety of the overall rappel operation. All Rappel training must have medical personnel (minimum CLS) on site to include dedicated evacuation vehicle. Additionally, RSO should have all documentation present during training to include: Tower Safety Inspection, Approved Risk Assessment and Rappel Certifications.


GLOSSARY

Rappel Master Trainer: Cadre who received rappel certification training at an approved Army school and certified by the Brigade.

Rappel Safety Officer (RSO): Cadre who received rappel certification training from an approved Fourth Brigade Rappel Master Trainer.

DA For 5752-R: Rope Log (Usage and History). Annotated each time ropes are inspected.

Snaplink: Snaplinks are used to join equipment, rope and people into a functioning system. Only locking snaplinks can be used in 4th Bde.

- D-Shaped Snaplinks. These snaplinks are stronger than the oval type because the shape directs the largest part of the load to be applied to the longer, stronger side opposite the gate.

- Oval Snaplinks. Both sides of an oval bear the strain equally under load weight.

- Locking Snaplinks. Locking snaplinks have a locking mechanism with a threaded sleeve on the gate.

Rope: Most important items of equipment for the rappeller. Minimum tensile strength for an 11-mm rope for military use is 4500 lbs. 2 Types:

- Static Rope – Consist of an inner core and an outer sheath. Easiest to work with, less friction. Mainly used for rappelling.

- Dynamic Rope – Three strands are twisted into a climbing rope of a specific diameter. Easiest to inspect. Mainly used for climbing.

-Rappel Packet Request: Packet put together by the unit desiring to conduct rappel training. Packet sent to Fourth Brigade for approval 30 days out. Packet includes the following items:

Tower Inspection – Tower inspection Checklist is conducted by the RSO (Annex B). Additionally, must include annual structural inspection of the tower (Owner of tower is responsible for this inspection).

Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (DRAW) – DD Form 2977 With Principals signature as reviewer

Rappel Master/RSO Certification Certificate – Not over 5 years old.

Statement of Currency – Statement for record by the Rappel Master/RSO that he/she has conducted rappel training in the past 6 months.

Belay Safety: Cadre certified to conduct rappel training responsible for supervising and training belay personnel (No Cadets). Must be at least 21 years of age.


4th Brigade Rappelling Equipment Specifications 1. Rappel Harness. Rappel harnesses must be manufactured out of heavy duty nylon webbing and forged steel hardware with an integrated steel D-ring attachment point. Harnesses utilizing two integrated web loops through which a carabineer is threaded to form the attachment point are not authorized. As a minimum, each harness must meet the following specifications: • Waist and leg loops made of heavy duty 2 inch wide nylon webbing • Steel buckles for securing waist and leg loops

i. Double pass steel waist adjuster buckle ii. Cam adjustable or double pass steel leg loop buckles

• Steel D-ring front attachment point with a minimum of 5000 lbs breaking strength

• Adjustable leg loops. • Rear leg adjuster straps • Reinforced stitching

2. Harness Attachment Carabineers. Rappel harnesses may be attached directly to a Figure 8 Descender using steel locking “D” or modified “D” shaped carabineers (direct Carabineer/rope hook-ups are not authorized). Carabineers must have a positive screw type

Waist Loop Double pass adjuster buckle

Steel D-ring attachment point

Adjustable leg loops

Cam adjustable leg buckle

Reinforced Stitching

Rear leg adjuster strap


locking mechanism – wire gate locking mechanisms are not authorized for use. All carabineers must meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Non-locking carabineers are not authorized for use. As a minimum, each carabineer will meet the following specifications: • Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.2 inches (107 x 55 mm) • Gate opening: .5 inches (13 mm) • Major axis breaking strength: 27 kN ( 6,000 foot pounds (lbf) • Gate opening strength: 9 kN (2,025 lbf) 3. Rappel Rope Anchor Attachment Carabineers. Rappel ropes may only be attached to anchor points using steel locking “D” or modified “D” steel carabineers. Carabineers must have a positive screw type locking mechanism. Aluminum carabineers and wire gate locking mechanisms are not authorized for use. All carabineers must meet NFPA standards. As a minimum, each carabineer will meet the following specifications: • Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.7 in (113 x 68 mm) • Gate opening: .86 in (22 mm) • Major axis breaking strength: 65 kN (14,000 lbf) • Gate opening strength: 24 kN (5,000 lbf) 4. Figure 8 Descenders. Figure 8 descenders may be made of either aluminum or steel (Recommend using steel only). Both Rescue 8 descenders and Standard 8 descenders are authorized. Rescue 8 descenders are recommended as they have “ears” that aid in locking off and reducing the possibility of a possum rappeller. All Figure 8 Descenders must meet NFPA standards and, as a minimum, the following specifications: • Strength: 10,000 lbf • WLL: 1,000 lbs (Working Load Limit) 5. Rappel Ropes. All rappelling will be done using static nylon kernmantle ropes. Static kernmantle ropes provide high resistance to abrasion and low stretch and low spin attributes. 3-strand (braided or “twisted”)

Rescue 8 Descender Standard 8 Descender


nylon ropes are not authorized for use. Rappel ropes will have both the outer kernmantle covering and internal fibers made of nylon. Combination ropes consisting of an outer nylon kernmantle covering and internal polyester fiber are not authorized for use as they have 10% less strength than nylon and only ½ the shock absorbing capacity as well as a “slippery” feel in use. As a minimum, all rappelling ropes will meet the following specifications: • NFPA 1983 standards • Diameter: 7/16 inch (11 mm) • NFPA Tensile Strength: 27 kN (6,000 lbf) • WLL: 525 lbs • NFPA 300 lb Elongation: 2.9 % • Length: 150 feet 6. Helmets. All Helmets must meet the following guidelines: • Must be UIAA-, CE-, or ASTM- quality climbing helmets,

designed to protect a climber from falling objects and swinging impacts, must be used.

• They must have a chin strap that is secured when in use by participants.

• A distinctive color should be used for the helmets of staff members which will help provide immediate identification.

• Any helmet that has been exposed to impact should be inspected 7. Gloves. All rappel gloves will be constructed from heavy high quality leather and be reinforced across the palm and thumb area for protection from rope friction. Standard black Army gloves without reinforcement are not authorized for use.

FOURTH BRIGADE RAPPELLING SOP APPENDIX B

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CADET COMMAND HEADQUARTERS

RAPPEL SITE

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

NAME AND LOCATION OF TOWER ____________________________________________________________ DATE OF TOWER CONSTRUCTION________________________________________________

BUILT BY ___________________________________________________

OWNED BY ___________________________________________________ LAST DATE OF ANY MAJOR MODIFICATIONS_______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ (If applicable, list modification, and by whom performed, in addition to date; otherwise list Not Applicable.)

DATE OF PREVIOUS INSPECTION__________________________________________________

NAME, TITLE, ORGANIZATION OF PREVIOUS INSPECTION ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

IS COPY OF PREVIOUS INSPECTION AVAILABLE?__________________


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TOWER INSPECTION CRITERIA ITEM YES NO N/A

1. Is the tower structurally sound? Do structural support members appear serviceable, free from deterioration, breaks, or damage?

2. Are there any signs of insect infestation?

3. Are bolts that connect structural members or support cables serviceable and properly connected/tightened?

4. Are stairs or ladders firmly attached to the tower?

5. Do stairs/fixed ladders comply with OSHA standards?

6. Are all areas marked in yellow that pose a potential trip hazard or head hazard?

7. Are the tower platform and all rappel rope stations accessible without having to climb over any obstacles (guard rails, support cables, etc.)?

8. Is the tower deck free of slip/trip hazards such as water, protruding nails/bolts/splinters, loose equipment, etc?

9. Are the tower deck and any open areas (above 4’) guarded with guard rails?

10. Are all guard rails a minimum of 42” high and capable of withstanding a side force of 200 lbs?

11. Are toe boards or similar barriers installed in all areas where personnel could pass underneath?

12. Do all tower rope stations have primary and secondary anchor points?

13. Are all anchor points in serviceable condition and free of corrosion, sharp edges, burrs, or grooves that could cut or damage ropes?

14. Have all anchor points been load tested to insure that they will accommodate a dead load weight of at least 5000 pounds each?


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TOWER INSPECTION CRITERIA

ITEM YES NO N/A

15. Is the rappel wall face area free of protruding nails, bolts, or splinters?

16. Is the rappel wall face area free of broken, loose, decayed, or missing boards?

17. Is padding material in place on all edges that ropes and/or personnel cross?

18. Is the edge padding in good condition and securely fastened?

19. Is the edge padding free from protruding nails, bolts, or other fasteners that could fray or cut ropes or injure rappellers?

20. Are all structural areas of the tower properly padded that a rappeller might contact during rappel operations?

21. Is the structural padding in serviceable condition, securely fastened, and free from protruding nails, bolts, or fasteners?

22. Is the landing area free of obstructions and hazards?

23. Does the landing area extend an uninterrupted distance of 15 feet from the tower base and at least 2 feet beyond the width of the base with cushioning material in the event of a fall?

24. Is the landing area adequately cushioned in case of a fall (24 inches of non-compressed wood chips, mulch, or sawdust; 12 inches of commercially produced shredded rubber; or safety pads that offer similar fall protection)?

25. Has the cushioning material in the landing area been loosened up prior to use and, if large numbers of students are rappelling, are procedures in place and equipment available to loosen it up again during training?

PHYSICAL SECURITY AND FIRE PROTECTION CRITERIA


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ITEM YES NO N/A

26. Is there a positive locking device on the ladder/ steps or a locked fence around the tower that denies unauthorized access to the tower?

27. Is there a prominently displayed warning sign that discourages unauthorized use of the tower (eg: WARNING: OFF LIMITS TO UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL)?

28. Are NO SMOKING signs posted at the tower to preclude potential ignition of cushioning materials?

RISK MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING CONSIDERATIONS

ITEM YES NO N/A

29. Is there a current Risk Management Worksheet on file and available on-site?

30. Has the Risk Management Worksheet been reviewed, approved, and signed at the appropriate level?

31. Is the tower within one hour of an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) facility?

RISK MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING CONSIDERATIONS

ITEM YES NO N/A

32. Are certified Combat Lifesaver (CLS) or medical personnel and a dedicated medical vehicle on site to render emergency medical aid and evacuation, if required?

33. Is training conducted in accordance with TC 21-24 and TSP No. 1?

34. Is there a current Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) available that delineates requirements for instructors, students, support personnel, and other requirements?

35. Are properly “certified” instructors available to conduct rappel training?

(IF NO, DO NOT CONDUCT RAPPEL TRAINING!)

Name(s):

Location and date of certification:

ROPES AND EQUIPMENT ITEM YES NO N/A


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36. Are rappel ropes serviceable and properly inspected and stored?

37. Are rope inspections and usage properly documented on DA Form 5752-R, Rope Log (Usage and History)?

38. Are snap links serviceable (No excessive rust, sharp edges, improper gate opening and closing, excessive pin movement, missing pins, etc.)?

39. Are properly sized, serviceable, heavy leather gloves and protective headgear available for rappellers?

COMMENTS/OTHER 40.

Name, Title, Organization, and Phone No. of Inspector(s):

Signature of Inspector:

Date of Inspection:

Name:

Title:

Organization:

Phone No:

Local Point of Contact:

Organization:

Phone No:

FOURTH BRIGADE RAPPELLING SOP APPENDIX C

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FOURTH BRIGADE RAPPELLING SOP APPENDIX D

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NAME: _______________________________________________________________ UNIT: ________________________________________________________________ DATE: _____________________________________ CERTIFIED BY: (PRINT/ SIGNATURE/ DATE))___________________________________________________________________ 1. The following publications are applicable: CCR 145-2, CCR 385-10, TC 21-24, and 4th Brigade Rappelling SOP dated 30 November 2012. 2. Rappel Safety Officers (RSOs) will be certified/recertified IAW the checklist below. Certification is based on a “GO” or “NO GO” basis. All tasks must be denoted as a “GO” before certification is requested. It is not necessary to complete all of the tasks in order. Original of this certification checklist will be filled with 4th Brigade. A copy will be kept and filled by the certifying Rappel Safety Officer Master Instructor for a period of 5 years.

Rappel Safety Officer (RSO) Qualification Skills Skill 1: KNOTS (Conditions for all knots: RSO Candidate is provided a rope and sufficient time to complete the task. Note: Directions on how to tie all knots are found in Appendix E to the 4th Brigade Rappel SOP – Unit Level Rappelling Procedures)

Task Standards Evaluation

Bends (Joining Knots) Square Knot Double Sheet Bend

a.) There are two interlocking bights b.) The running end and the standing part are on the same side of the bight formed by the other rope c.) The running ends are parallel to and on the same side of the standing ends with an overhand safety knot correctly tied in place. a.) A single bight is formed on the end of one rope. b.) Running end passes through the bight and forms 2 loops around both ropes of the original bight c.) Running end of rope does not exit through the

GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO

U.S. Army 4 th Brigade JROTC Rappel Safety Officer

Cert i f icat ion/Recert i f icat ion Checklist


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Anchor Knots

(End of Rope Only) Bowline Knot

Mid-Line/Anchor Knots

(Used as Either Middle or end of Rope)

Directional Figure Eight Bowline-On-A-Bight

Double Bowline-On-A-Bight

Specialty Knots

Prusik Hitch (Middle and End of Rope) Figure Eight Loop

original bight c.) Ends of rope exit knot opposite each other with 4-inch pigtails. a.) The bight is locked in place by a loop b.) The short portion of the bight is on the inside and on the loop around the anchor (or inside the fixed loop) c.) An overhand safety knot is tied with the running around the fixed loop and dressed down to the knot a.) The loop should be large enough to accept a carabiner but no larger than a helmet-size loop b.) The standing end (tail) and bight must be together. c.) The figure eight is tied tightly d.) The bight in the knot faces back toward the near side a.) There are two fixed loops that will not slip b.) There are no twists in the knot c.) A double loop is held in place by a bight a.) There are four fixed loops that will not slip b.) There are no twists in the knot c.) The four loops are held in place by two bights a.) There are four wraps with a locking bar b.) The locking bar faces you c.) The knot is tight and dressed down with no ropes crossed or twisted d.) The knot contains an overhand or bowline knot to prevent slipping. a.) The loop is the desired size b.) The ropes in the loop are parallel and do not cross over each other. c.) The knot is tightly dressed

GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO

Skill 2 - Rappel Master Rappeller Inspection (RMRI) (Conditions: RSO Candidate (RSOC) is provided a Rappeller in harness, gloves, and helmet and correctly inspects the Rappeller, to include identification of up to two errors in the rappelling gear, and sufficient time to complete the task.)



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Inspect the Rappeller

(Rappel Master Rappeller Inspection

(RMRI))

a.) RSOC has the Rappeller approach and announces his/ her brake hand, holding hands palm outward at eye level. b.) Inspects the gloves for serviceability (no holes, cuts, tears, etc) c.) Inspects the helmet for serviceability and fit d.) Inspects the Rappeller from the head to the waist to ensure there are no hazards that would damage the equipment or harm the Rappeller. e.) Inspects the rappel harness: 1. Ensures the waist web strap is snug and the web loop is centered on the rappeller’s mid-section. 2. Ensures the waist web strap has been re-fed through the buckle so that the end of the web loop is facing towards the rappeller’s back. 3. Ensures the end of the waist web strap is tied off with an overhand knot immediately behind the belt buckle. Any excess webbing is tucked into a pocket. 4. Ensures a locking carabiner is attached directly to the metal loop on the front of the harness and NOT around any part of the harness webbing. 5. Ensures the carabiner gate is up and opens easily down and away from the Rappeller. 6. Tugs on the leg straps to ensure they are snug. 7. Tells the Rappeller to squat, checks to ensure the leg straps between the legs are not twisted or crossed. 8. Tells the Rappeller “Stand, turn, bend and place your brake hand on your head” 9. Traces down the brake hand side all the way to the boot to ensure there is nothing that will obstruct the brake hand or presents a potentially hazardous situation. 10. Checks the rear of the waist web strap and leg loops to ensure they are not twisted or crossed and are tight. 11. Advises the Rappeller the seat is good and is ready to proceed with the hook up. 12. RSOC correctly identifies deficiencies in the rappeller’s equipment (if applicable).

GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO NA


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Skill 3 - Rappel Site Operations (Conditions: RSO Candidate is provided a rappelling site (tower or wall), safety equipment, sufficient rappel rope and carabineers to establish primary and recovery rappel lanes, and sufficient time to complete the tasks.)

Task Standards Evaluation Tower Set-up Operations

a.) RSOC visually checks the wall surface for sharp edges, broken boards, or hazardous conditions (Cadet Command Rappel Tower Checklist) b.) RSOC mounts the tower, ties off a safety rope and hooks himself/ herself in c.). RSOC visually checks the wall from the top down for sharp edges, broken boards, or hazardous conditions d.) Ensures edge padding is in place on all edges that ropes contact, is secure, and free from objects that could fray or cut ropes or injure rappellers (Cadet Command Rappel Tower Checklist) e.) Locates the anchor points and tests for solidness. Anchor points must be independent of each other f.) Places two locking carabiners in each anchor point so the gates are opposite (form an “X” when opened) e.) Rigs the rope for one primary and two secondary anchors. The anchor knots are tied as a bowline on a bight or other approved anchor knot. The loop of the anchor knots will be placed into the carabineers at the anchor, ensuring the gates are closed and the locking mechanism is engaged. One carabineer is rotated, ensuring the gates are on opposite sides. f.) RSOC checks the edge and the wall from the top down, ensuring there is at least 10 feet of rope on the ground. g.) RSOC correctly installs a recovery line i.) RSOC has another RMC or Instructor re-check all hook-ups and anchor points. h.) RSOC ensures each rope installed is ridden by the installer before training begins (“You rigged it, You ride it”)

GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO

Skill 4 - Rappelling Procedures (Conditions: RSO Candidate is provided two rappellers in harness, gloves, and helmet and, sequentially (1) correctly inspects 1st Rappeller and hooks up to the rope using a carabiner as the descender, correctly positions the Rappeller and ensures correct belay, and rappels him/her


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while talking through the rappel actions, and (2) follows the same procedures for the 2nd Rappeller with the exception of using a Figure Eight Descender instead of a carabiner to descend. Sub-Skill 1 – Inspect the Rappeller (Conditions: RSOC is provided a Rappeller with a rappel harness properly worn with a correctly positioned carabiner and sufficient time to complete the task)

Task Standards Evaluation Inspect the Rappeller

RSOC correctly inspects the Rappeller prior to hooking up to the rope.

Rappeller 1 GO/ NO GO

Rappeller 2 GO/ NO GO

Sub-Skill 2 – Hook the Rappeller to the Rope (Conditions: RSOC is provided a Rappeller with a rappel harness properly worn with a correctly positioned carabiner and sufficient time to complete the task)

Task Standards Evaluation Hook the Rappeller to the rope

Rappeller 1 – Carabiner Hookup (not authorized for 4th brigade JROTC rappeling operations) a.) The Rappeller is positioned so the brake hand is toward the edge of the tower. b.) The rope is laid into the carabiner. c.) Slack is pulled through the carabiner toward the anchor point and a round turn is placed around the shaft (bottom) of the carabiner so the rope is placed through the gate. (“From the anchor point, to the anchor point”) d.) The lock on the carabiner is moved to the lock position Rappeller 2 –Figure Eight Descender Hookup a.) The Rappeller is positioned so the brake hand is toward the edge of the tower. b.) RSOC makes a bight in the rope and, without twisting the bight, passes the bight through the large eye and then over the small eye onto the neck of the descender. c.) The small eye is placed into the locking carabiner and the carabiner is locked.

Rappeller 1 GO/ NO GO GO/ NO GO GO/ NO GO GO/ NO GO

Rappeller 2 GO/ NO GO GO/ NO GO GO/ NO GO


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Sub-Skill 3 – Belay the Rappeller (Conditions: RSOC is provided a Rappeller with a rappel harness properly worn with a correctly positioned carabiner, a Belay person on the ground below the Rappeller and sufficient time to complete the task)

Task Standards Evaluation Belay the Rappeller

a.) Ensure the belay is standing directly below the Rappeller or slightly out from the wall. b.) The belay is wearing a helmet. c.) The belay is not wearing gloves d.) the belay has his/ her hands raised, rope held loosely in his/ her hands and his/ her eyes are on the Rappeller

GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO

Sub-Skill 4 – Rappel the Rappeller (Conditions: RSOC is provided a Rappeller with a rappel

harness properly worn with a correctly positioned carabiner, a Belay person on the ground below the Rappeller and sufficient time to complete the task)

Task Standards Evaluation Rappel the Rappeller

a.) Places the tail side of the rope in the rappeller’s brake hand and positions the brake hand in the brake position. b.) Places the rappeller’s guide hand on the anchor side of the rope with the elbow extended and locked. Ensures the rope slides freely through the guide hand. c.) Backs the rappeller to the edge of the wall, has the rappeller look over their brake shoulder and give the command “LANE NUMBER __, ON RAPPEL.” Waits to hear the reply “LANE NUMBER __, ON BELAY” before continuing the rappel. d.) Talks the rappel onto the wall and into an L-shape with the feet shoulder-width apart, legs straight, and buttocks parallel to the ground. Ensures the rappellers back is straight. e.) Has rappeller look over the brake shoulder and, ensuring the guide hand remains extended with elbow locked, talks the rappel through the rappel. f.) At the completion of the rappel, waits to hear the commands of “LANE NUMBER __, OFF RAPPEL” and “LANE NUMBER __, OFF BELAY” prior to calling the next rappeller to be rappelled.

GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO GO NO GO


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Skill 5 – Rappeller Recovery Procedures (Conditions: Given a hung up rappeller, the RSO Candidate will (1) rappel down to an appropriate position next to the hung rappeller, (2) correctly tie off using a French Leg Wrap, and (3) free the rappeller to continue his/her decent.) Sub-Skill 1 – Calm and Reach the Hung Up Rappeller (Conditions: RSOC is provided a hung up rappeller and sufficient time to complete the task)

Task Standards Evaluation Calm and Reach the Hung Up Rappeller

a.) RSOC instructs the Belayer to maintain tension on the rappel rope. b.) Makes verbal contact with the hung up rappeller and attempts to determine the nature of the problem. c.) Lowers the Rescue Line so it is next to the hung up rappeller. d.) Correctly hooks up self to the Rescue Line and has the hookup inspected by another RSO. e.) Rappels down to a point slightly above the hung rappeller but within easy reach of the obstruction on the rappellers equipment.

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Sub-Skill 2 – French Leg Wrap (Conditions: RSOC has rappelled down and stopped at a point just above the hung up rappller and provided sufficient time to complete the task)


Tie a French Leg Wrap

a.) RSOC places his guide hand next to their brake hand to take the belay and slides the break hand up the rope until it is directly under the snaplink or figure 8 decender. b.) Reaches between legs with non-brake hand and pull rope forward between legs. c.) Passes the rope outward to the brake side of the rope and wraps it around the upper thigh five times. d.) Wraps are as high on the thigh as possible and dressed. e.) Drapes the rope that is hanging down from the leg wrap across their chest and over the shoulder that is opposite of the leg with the rope wrapped around it and then down their back. f.) After visually checking to see that the wrap is correctly done, releases their brake hand.

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Sub-Skill 3 – Free Rappeller and Complete Decent (Conditions: RSOC is correctly tied into a French Leg Wrap and provided sufficient time to complete the task)


Free a Hung Up Rappeller

Use an Accender or Prussik Knot

RSOC Completes Rappel

a.) RSOC clips the rescue rope and the rappellers rope together using a snaplink above the obstruction. b.) Attempts to free the rappeller. a.) RSOC attaches an accender or prussik knot on the hung rappellers rope with a leg loop attached. b.) Leg loop is placed where rappeller can step into. c.) Directs rappeller to step into leg loop. Adjusts position of leg loop so rappeller can raise themselves up. d.) Directs Belayer to ease up on the belay while directing the rappeller to raise themselves up. e.) Frees rappeller f.) Directs rappeller to complete the rappel. a.) Unattaches accender or prussik knot from rappellers rope. b.) Unties the French Leg Wrap. 1) Moves one hand directly under the rappel device and grips with a secure brake hand grip. 2) Removes the French Leg Wrap procedure backwards. c.) Safely complete the rappel..

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Department of the Army 1 August 2014 Fourth Brigade United ... · Senior Army Instructor/Army...

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Transcript of Department of the Army 1 August 2014 Fourth Brigade United ... · Senior Army Instructor/Army...