Fire carbines: description, photo

The specifics of the work of firefighters is that they often have to operate at high altitudes. In addition to carrying out its immediate task of saving people, extinguishing the fire and eliminating the source of fire, the fireman must also worry about his own safety. For this purpose, special equipment such as a belt, a rope, a rope and fire carbines are attached to the equipment of each rescuer.

Purpose of carbines

Firefighting carbines are designed to insure the rescuer when he moves over vertical surfaces during fire extinguishing and rescue operations. Similar task these special means carry out and in activity of climbers, sportsmen and builders.

What is the equipment?

Firefighting carbines are special devices, mainly of a pear-shaped form. These products have a unique design that allows you to evenly distribute the load. Firefighting carbines consist of the following elements:

• Power hook;
• The shutter;
• Articulated joint;
• Locking connection;
• A coupling (contactor);
• Work site.

Carbines used in mountaineering and construction, differ in different shape and weight. Pear-shaped form and mass, not exceeding 0.45 grams, are standard indicators that a firefighter's carbine should have. The photo below represents the features of the construction of this rescue device.

Characteristics

• In the process of making fire carbines, carbon steel is used. Special means used in sports are made of titanium or aluminum. The product made from these alloys is very light. In this case, it does not exceed the strength and durability of a firefighter.
• The size of self-rescue firefighters varies from 5 to 14 mm. They depend on the diameter of the wire in the 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 corrosion processes.

Principle of operation

Firefighting carbines are attached by means of special holders to the belt, which is worn by the rescuer. Then he uses special tools to attach himself to the rope. The design of firefighters 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 the firefighter to come into contact with other objects while exerting a power load on him.
• When passing the cable, it is recommended that you ensure that the cable does not come into contact with the bolt.
• When operating a fire-fighting carbine, the rescuer must monitor the working part - the place of concentration of the main load.
• Before operation, it is recommended to test the fire carbine at low altitude.
• If there is at least one minor defect in the equipment, this product is considered unfit for use. It is not recommended to repair it on your own.

How are the funds checked?

Firefighters 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 test the equipment, a special technique has been developed that provides for the use of a dynamometer, a device that records the load readings for the carbine. Before the testing begins a beam or cantilever construction is constructed. Fire belts and attached carbines are tested on it. Putting a belt on the construction, attach the load to the carbines. Weight in this case should not exceed 350 kilograms. The test is scheduled for five minutes. It is recommended to perform work smoothly. At constant dynamometer parameters, the check of the contactors begins by tightening the coupling.

The magnitude of the forces 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 at the top. It is opened no more than three times. Thus, testing should give three indications on the efforts spent. The average arithmetic value is calculated from them, which should not exceed thirty kilograms.

When testing firefighting carbines, their resistance to high temperatures and water is determined. The tested products are labeled and are considered ready for use.