Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout306.030 - California Mountain Company (CMC) ClutchEffective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/13/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (3) Date: 07/13/2024 Page 1 of 15 300 Training and Equipment Manual SECTION 306.030 CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN COMPANY (CMC) CLUTCH PURPOSE This policy outlines the use and operation of the (CMC) Clutch utilized by the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department). APPLICATION The (CMC) Clutch is utilized by FFD personnel during rope rescue operations. The (CMC) Clutch can be utilized as a descent control device, belay device, and pulley. OPERATIONAL POLICY All rigging shall be safety checked before moving a victim/rescuer/stokes litter (load). All rigging shall be built to avoid entanglement. During any rope rescue evolution, use sound rigging practices such as locking all carabiners, so the locks rotate into the downward/locked position. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE This section intentionally left blank. PROCESS Before Each Use: Verify that the rope is correctly installed, and that the device is working properly. Fresno City Fire Department Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 2 of 15 Parts: Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 3 of 15 Nomenclature of Symbols: Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 4 of 15 Installing the Rope: 1. Open the side plate by activating the side plate release latch 2 times (Figure 1). 2. Move the control handle to the standby position (Figure 2). 3. Load the rope according to the diagram marked on the device (Figure 3). 4. Close the side plate and secure the device to an appropriate attachment point or anchor with a locking connector (Figure 4). Note: Loading the rope incorrectly could cause imminent risk of injury or death. (Figure 1) (Figure 2) (Figure 3) Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 5 of 15 (Figure 4) Usage on Anchor: In tight clearance or overhead rigging situations, an extra carabiner is recommended to improve ergonomics by redirecting the rope and/or improving alignment of rope into the device (Figure 5). An extra carabiner may also be used to increase friction on the free end of the rope for heavy load applications. (Figure 5) Function Test: Before each use, verify that the rope is correctly installed, and that the device is working properly. The (CMC) Clutch must be properly rigged prior to use. Always use a backup safety system when performing this test. 1. Move the control handle to the standby position and give a quick pull on the anchor/load side of the rope. When rigged correctly, the clutch will lock up (Figure 6). Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 6 of 15 2. Gradually apply a load to the device (rope taut, handle in standby position). While firmly gripping the brake side of the rope, gradually move the control handle to release position to allow rope through the device (Figure 7). a. Descent is possible = rope correctly installed. b. Descent is not possible = check the installation of the rope. 3. When the control handle is released, the CLUTCH should lock up and hold the rope (Figure 8). 4. Pull rope through the device as if using it to haul. Audible clicking sound should be noticeable (Figure 9). Note: Do not allow anything to interfere with the operation of the device or its components (Sheave, Control Handle, etc.). Any constraint on the device may negate the braking function. (Figure 6) Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 7 of 15 (Figure 7) (Figure 8) Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 8 of 15 (Figure 9) Securing/Tie-Off: In the case where a secure tie-off is necessary, it is recommended to secure the system by tying off the free end of the rope around the load/tension side of the rope with an appropriate tie-off method (Figure 10). Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 9 of 15 (Figure 10) Rescue System Belaying: The (CMC) Clutch has been third party tested and certified to meet the impact force and system extension requirements of NFPA 1983 (2017 ED) belay device (auxiliary equipment). Tensioned Belay of a Lowering System: Firmly grip the brake side of the rope and bring it back toward the anchor, parallel to the load end. Use the control handle to match the speed of the main line. If there is a sudden change in speed or tension on the rope running through the (CMC) Clutch, the belayer must immediately let go of the control handle while maintaining a firm grip on the braking side of the rope to ensure the braking mechanism activates and arrests the load in the shortest distance possible (Figure 11). Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 10 of 15 (Figure 11) Belay of a raising system: Simply pull the rope hand over hand through the device, always keeping a firm grip on the braking side. Hauling: To build a simple or compound mechanical advantage systems, add an appropriate rope grab (Prussik, Gibbs) and traveling pulley to the working rope (Figure 12), and if desired, a second change of direction pulley to the becket of the CLUTCH (Figure 13). Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 11 of 15 (Figure 12) Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 12 of 15 (Figure 13) Descent/Lowering: Avoid slack in the line between the user and the anchor point. Firmly grip the braking side of the rope and gradually pull on the control handle to adjust the descent speed. For loads between 66 pounds and 440 pounds, limit the speed to 2 meters per second. For loads over 440 pounds, limit the speed to below .5 meters per second. Speed can be monitoring the flecking pattern on the rope passing through the device. For heavy load and long descents, it is advisable to limit the lowering speed to minimize heat buildup in the device. Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 13 of 15 To stop the descent, let go of the control handle. If the control handle is pulled too far in a panic situation, the device locks the rope. To continue the descent, first reset the control handle to the standby position. Always tie a stopper knot at the end of the line to create a bottom end stop (Figure 14). (Figure 14) Ascending: Attach the (CMC) clutch to the harness with the control handle in the standby position. For greater efficiency, take up slack as you stand up, using the rope grab. Never allow slack between the rope grab and (CMC) clutch (Figure 15). Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 14 of 15 (Figure 15) Work Position: Attach the (CMC) clutch directly to your harness using a locking carabiner. Lanyards or extensions should not be used to connect the (CMC) clutch to your harness. After stopping at the desired location, to switch to hands free work position, lock the (CMC) clutch by moving the handle to the standby or stop position. To unlock the device and continue descent, firmly grip the braking side of the rope, and gradually move the control handle to the release position. Periodic checks and inspections: A periodic check should be performed during rope inspection and again after any exceptional events that may occur during use of product to ensure product safety for users. Inspection process can be found at CMC Harkin CLUTCH Inspection. Any questions on inspections should be directed to the USAR team with a phone call to the station, followed up with an email to include all parties involved, USAR coordinator and special operations battalion chief. Effective Date: June 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/14/2022 Section 306.030 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/14/2024 Page 15 of 15 A device must be retired when: It has been subject to a major fall (or load). It fails to pass inspection. There is any doubt as to its condition or reliability. Its full usage history is not known. When it becomes obsolete due to change in legislation, standards, technique, or incompatibility with other equipment. INFORMATION CMC/Harkin Clutch User Manual CMC Harkin Clutch Inspection Videos: Before use inspection and function test Lowering and hauling Ascending and descending DEFINITION Safety Check: After attachments are made and prior to any operational movement. Ensures all parts of the system are properly assembled, tied, and secured. Should be performed by a member who has not constructed that component. CROSS REFERENCES This section intentionally left blank.