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Bailout kit question
ok, so I already asked something similar to this earlier but here goes:
I have a gemtor harness. however, when i went through the class, we focused on the harness and didn't discuss bailout kits as much. we pretty much just had a rope bag with a carabiner on one end, secured it, wrapped the clip on our harness, and bailed out.
basically my question is, "If I already have the harness, what do i really need in a bailout kit?"
for example, do i really need an 8 descender?
I have a gemtor harness. however, when i went through the class, we focused on the harness and didn't discuss bailout kits as much. we pretty much just had a rope bag with a carabiner on one end, secured it, wrapped the clip on our harness, and bailed out.
basically my question is, "If I already have the harness, what do i really need in a bailout kit?"
for example, do i really need an 8 descender?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by FF Matt Mullen on
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Adam,
That is a very good question and there is no perfect answer. Some people say yes to the 8-descender, but I say don't bother. I have taken a number of ropes classes, fire and tactical, and noticed you don't need. If the fast paced, "Oh no, I gotta go" moment of a bailout, you don't want to screw around with and 8 plate. And I have seen people who try and leave it set up in their harness, it doesn't work well.
I have a simple carabiner tied into my rope to anchor to something with. Then I have another carabiner clipped to my harness. In a bailout scenario I take the rope and clip it into my carabiner, then loop around the biner and clip in again. It's hard to explain, but if you look up how the army rappels with just a carabiner its the same way, no 8-plate. Hope this helps some.
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Permalink Reply by Adam Box on
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Thanks Matt. This is pretty much how we learned it in the class. Secure the rope, wrap your carabiner (on the harness), bail out. just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.
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Permalink Reply by Spanner 122 on
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What about a munter knot on your descending beener. It would certainly slow you down. You can actually control the speed if you can remember to keep your arm above it.
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Permalink Reply by FETC on
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Adam, the answer is yes. Why where a belt if you are not going to attach the rope/decender?
Look at the latest bail-out kits that are already pre-rigged with the 8 and a window hook already connected to your belt and protected under a nomex bag. I can be on the ground before you clip in a beaner or rope slide...
www.fetcservices.com
Look at products, the bag and contents can be added to any harness.
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Permalink Reply by Jason Brooks on
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I could not agree more. The pre-rigged systems are the way to go. The cylinder wrap is a last chance way to get out. It is not and should not be your primary means to exit a structure. If you let go, you are going to the ground hard. Even the eight will not meet the new standards. I am a fan of it as a less expensive option. But, the new standard says that you have to have a descending device that will stop if you let go. I only kow of about four of these on the market that are designed and tested for bailout. They are all relatively expensive as well. But, what is your safety worth. If you cannot afford the cadilac systems, then the personal 8 will be a much better option, especially if you are not a rope/knot guy. Being able to tie a munter hithc in the dark with gloves on is easy, if you know how to do it. If not, you will be in a world of hurt. Whatever system, system is not a bottle wrap, you choose to use, you had better be second nature with it and train with it regularly. To take a one or two day bailout class is not enough. Keep training and practice with it regularly.
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Thanks guys. I really appreciate your input. Maybe I'll just save up a little longer and go with a pre rigged system.
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Permalink Reply by Asst Chief Tim Cook on
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While I agree with the "gut" of this thread,the key question remains:Why are you leaving a perfectly good bldg to go swing on a rope?Short answer is things went bad.And shortly after that, the rope hooked to the hook on the windowsill is going to go bad.So you really DON'T want to be "hanging"around
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