Example: Firefighter Escape Kit

Firefighter Escape Systems can be grouped into two main categories. Each system has advantages and disadvantages. Both require some type of rope or webbing, an approved Harness or Escape Belt and components that allow connection to a substantial object and that will attach the system to the firefighter.

	INDEPENDENT SYSTEM An Independent System may or may not be a "certified system". It does require the user to have a separate Class I or II Seat Harness or an Escape Belt that will function with the escape system.
	INTERGRATED SYSTEM An Integrated System uses a converted SCBA waist strap as the Harness or Escape Belt – making it all inclusive. To further define "inclusive", it contains rope (or webbing), a friction device and a carabiner or hook for anchoring. An Intergrated System will generally reduce weight and bulk for the user.

Important Information About "Certified Systems"

Firefighter escape systems should be certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or similar qualified testing agency to the NFPA 1983 Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services, 2006 Edition. Every firefighter escape system, life safety belt and harness should should be throughly tested and certified.

Many companies state that their product meets or exceeds the NFPA Standards without going through the lengthy and expensive task of having the product certified or holding ISO Certifications. NFPA 1983-2006 standard section 4.1.4 states: “No manufacturer shall claim compliance with portions or segments of the requirements of the standard and shall not use the NFPA name or the name or identification of the standard, NFPA 1983, in any statements about their respective products unless the products are certified as compliant to the standard”.

NFPA 1983-2006 Standard section 4.5.3 states; “The manufacturer shall be registered to ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems--requirements”.

Accept no substitutions. If the product does not have a certification label with a third party symbol, you should ask for the test results. You might find that the product you are looking at is not really Certified and does not meet the Standards of the NFPA.

The "Old" FDNY Personal Escape System

This unit was the first Personal Escape System used by the FDNY. This system was used in conjunction with the Gemtor 541 Class II Harness. It used 8-strand rope, a double locking carabiner and a metal "stop plate". This is not a NFPA Certifed system.

Drop Bags

Ropoe "Drop Bags" are very popular on the West Coast. They usually contain between 40' and 75' of rope and a carabiner. In most cases this unit is equipped with NFPA Certified components, but is not an NFPA Certified system.

Personal Escape Kits

This style kit is a pouch style and attaches to your web gear or belt with webbing belt loops. The bag is constructed of a mesh front and Cordura sides and back. These style kits usually include (2) aluminum "D" locking carabiners, a rescue 8 friction device and 40-50' of 8mm personal escape rope. Usually the components are NFPA certified, but is not a certified system.

Firefighter Escape Systems

This unit is an NFPA Certified System, when used in conjunction with the required class I or class II harness. These style systems usually include (2) NFPA carabiners, a NFPA friction device and 40-50' of NFPA rope or webbing, usually with fire resistive characteristics.

1. Why would I purchase the Crosby Anchor Hook versus purchasing the other hooks available on the market?
Because the Crosby Hook is the only anchor hook that meets the requirement of NFPA 1983 (2006 edition) - Standard on Fire Service Life Safety Rope and System Components, for Light-use Auxiliary Equipment. Consumers also receive the benefit knowing that the FDNY has thorough testing and has recorded countless hours of use with this device.

2. Why should my fire department purchase a "Certified System" versus a non-certified system?
Non-certified systems have not been tested and do not meet any NFPA standard. Your fire department may assume the burden of liability.

3. If a product claims to meet NFPA standards, but does not have a third party testing label, is it considered a "Certified System"?
No. NFPA requires testing be done by third party organizations such as UL or SEI.

4. What are the risks of using a firefighter escape system that is not certified and has not gone through the "Manner of Function" test?
Aside from liability risks, the user may also find that certain components will not work with other compents and were not designed to work in conjunction with one another. Even though components may be NFPA certified, the liklihood of unit failure is greater.

5. Will a Certified Escape System maintain its NFPA certification when used with any NFPA Certified Class I or Class II harness?
No. In order for the certified system to maintain its certification, the unit must be used with the harness (or harnesses) that it has received its certification(s) with.

6. Should my fire department receive bailout / escape system training prior to placing the bailout system(s) into use?
Yes! With the Petzl EXO System, it is mandatory that end-users receiving training by an Authorized Trainer prior to a dealer delivering the units. For any system, training is a very important part of the process. There are many aspects to firefighter escape that require instruction, awareness and training. For details, click here.