WAC 296-305-05005   Rope rescue operations.  (1) Fire departments engaged in rope rescue operations shall comply with the requirements of this section and WAC 296-305-02019.

     (2) Employees engaged in rope rescue operations shall be properly trained and qualified by the employer to perform such activities.

     (3) Employers shall establish standard operational procedures for rope rescue activities and training.

     (4) When engaged in rope activities, employees shall be provided and wear either structural firefighting helmets and gloves, or helmets that meet ANSI Standard Z89.1, 1986 edition, Class A and B; gloves.

     (5) Records shall be maintained of inspections and repairs made to rope rescue equipment.

     (a) Equipment shall be inspected after purchase and prior to placing in service, after each use, and at least semi-annually.

     (b) Harnesses shall be inspected for worn or broken stitching, rivets worn out of holes, and damage from abrasion, cuts, or chemicals.

     (c) Descending/ascending hardware shall be inspected for wear, cracks, distortion, sharp edges, and ease of operation.

     (d) Equipment showing damage or wear that can affect employee safety, shall be either repaired prior to further use or retired.

     (6) The manufacturer's recommended shelf life of rescue ropes shall be followed. If no shelf life is specified, ropes greater than six years old, whether used or not, shall be taken out of service or destroyed.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and[49.17].060 . 96-11-067, § 296-305-05005, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]