The specifics of the work of firefighters is that very often they have to act at high altitudes. In addition to fulfilling its immediate task of saving people, putting out fires and eliminating the source of fire, a firefighter must also worry about his own safety. For this purpose, special equipment such as a belt, rope, cable and fire carbines are attached to the equipment of each rescuer.
The purpose of the carbines
Fire carabiners are designed to insure the rescuer when moving along vertical surfaces during fire fighting 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, mainly pear-shaped. These products have a peculiar design that allows you to evenly distribute the load. Fire carbines consist of the following elements:
- power hook;
- shutter;
- swivel;
- castle connection;
- couplings (contactor);
- work area.
Carabiners used in mountaineering and construction have different shapes and weights. Pear shape and weight not exceeding 0.45 grams - these are standard indicators that a firearm carbine should have. The photo below presents the design features of this rescue vehicle.
Specifications
- In the manufacturing process of fire carbines, carbon steel is used. Special equipment used in sports are made of titanium or aluminum. A product made from these alloys is very light. Moreover, it does not exceed the strength and durability of a fire rifle.
- Sizes of fire rescue equipment vary from 5 to 14 mm. They depend on what diameter the wire has in cross section.
- The length is from 4 to 20 cm.
- The width of the shutter varies from 0.5 to 0.38 cm.
- The weight of the fire carbine is not more than 0.35 kg.
- Zinc coating. Prevents corrosive processes.
Principle of operation
Fire carbines are attached with special holders to the belt worn by the lifeguard. Further, with special means, he fastens himself 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 contact other objects while exerting a force load on it.
- When passing the cable, it is recommended to ensure that it does not come into contact with the shutter.
- When operating a firearm, the rescuer must control the working part — the place where the main load is concentrated.
- Before operation, it is recommended to test the firearm at a low height.
- 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 checked?
Fire carbines are inspected once a year. A 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 provides for the use of a dynamometer - a device that records the readings of the loads on the carbine. Before starting the test, a beam or cantilever structure is constructed. Fire belts and carbines attached to them are tested on it. Having put on a belt on a design, cargo is attached to carbines. The weight should not exceed 350 kilograms. The test is designed for five minutes. Work is recommended to be performed smoothly. With constant dynamometer readings, the test of the contactors begins by tightening the coupling.
The amount of effort applied to closing and opening the shutter is also determined. For this, carbines are installed in a horizontal position. The shutter should be on top. Its opening is carried out no more than three times. Thus, testing should give three indications of the effort spent. According to them, the arithmetic average is calculated, which should not exceed thirty kilograms.
When testing fire carbines, their resistance to high temperatures and water is determined. Tested products are labeled and considered ready for use.