Rescue 42
Objectives
• To provide an understanding of the
following
– Specifications
– Use
– Maintenance
– Safety
Specifications
Composite Struts
Length
1 Pin
2 Pins
3’
10,000
18,000
4’
10,000
15,000
5’
10,000
11,000
6’
8,000
8,000
7’
5,000
5,000
8’
4,000
4,000
Steel Struts
Struts
1 Pin
2 Pins
Shorts
5,000
7,000
Longs
5,000
6,000
Full extension, all in pounds
Specifications
• Ratchet Straps
– 3,335 Lb working Load
– 10,000 Lb. test load
– 27’ in length
• Composite Struts
– Kevlar construction
– Length
• Shorts 26”-67”
• Longs 38”-103”
– Minimum 2:1 safety factor
• Steel Struts
– Steel construction
– Length
• Shorts 18”-47”
• Longs 36”-101”
– Minimum 2:1 safety
factor
Specifications
Accessories
• All accessories have a minimum 2:1 safety factor
– Hook Cluster: 5,000 lbs.
– Cinch Ring: 5,000 lbs.
– Combi-Head
• Piercing Point (1” from tip): 4,000 lbs.
• Chain Slot: 6,600 lbs.
– A-Frame Head: 5,000 lbs.
Specifications
Accessories
• Screw Jack Head: 5,000 lbs.
• Tripod Head: 10,000 lbs.
• 20’ 3/8” Chain: 6,600 lbs.
• Strut Jack: 8000 lbs.
Strut Components
• Combi-Head
• Strut Pins
• Strut Tubes
• Base Pin
• Base Plate
Basic Strut Operation
•
•
To extend a strut
– Remove both strut pins
• If you need to extend the top extension
portion you need to pull bottom strut pin as well
• If only extending the bottom extension you
only need to pull bottom strut pin
– Extend to desired length and pin
– Extend top portion if only using one section
Struts have an interlock to prevent over extension
– If extended too hard or fast the interlock will release
• Indicated by orange line
• Never pin a strut with orange line showing
• If this happens reinsert tube until interlock clicks
• Metal struts do not have a orange line
Strap Operation
Tensioning
• Hook fixed length to strut
• Hook long length to vehicle or other strut
• Pull slack out of long length of strap
• Operate handle to roll strap around drum
– Must have 3 raps min. around drum
• Tighten to desired tension
• Lock handle
Strap Operation
Releasing
• Drum free Method
– Sudden full release of load
– Rotate handle back 180 degrees until
lock tabs drops into drum free slot
• Controlled Method
– Pull handle trigger to unlock and move
into 45 degree position
– Insert strut pin or screw driver in small hole
on the bottom of the strap until tool engages
detent on drum lock slider
– Rotate handle back slightly to take weight off
of drum lock slider
– Push drum lock slider back with tool
– Lower handle and release tool
– Repeat one click at a time until load is released
Strut Basics
• Struts should be used at a 45 to 70 degree angle
• Struts shall always be used with a base and tip
• Struts maybe tightened in place with: straps,
pulling tool, strut jack or screw jack head
• When placing struts plan ahead for patient
extrication
• Tighten straps when all struts are in place
• Do not over tighten straps, you may lift the load
• May double pin struts to increase load ratings
– At base plate and struts
Use
Vehicle on Its Side
• 4 strut
– 2 struts on bottom of vehicle
• 1 at hood and 1 at trunk
– 2 struts on top side opposing
other struts
– Attach straps from base plate to
base plate
• Or base plate to vehicle
• 3 strut
– 1 strut on bottom
• Strap attached at trunk
• Passed through base plate
• Attach at hood
– 1 strut on top at trunk
– 1 strut on top at hood
• Both have straps attached to
vehicle
Use
Vehicle on it’s Roof
• 2 struts
– Under the trunk or
against the “C” pillar
– Attach bases with
strap
• 4 struts
– 2 under trunk
– 2 under hood or as
pictured
– Attach straps base to
base or base to
vehicle
Use
Vehicle on it’s roof
• 1 strut
– 1 strut under trunk
– Attach chain as shown
– Attach strap from “C” post
to “C” post with strap
woven through base plate
• Chain saddle
– Place 2 straps at the rear
near the “C” post
– Saddle chain under hood
and attach to chain grabs
on strut tips
– Attach strap between base
plates
– Attach strap on each side
of chain around the wheel
well
Use
A-Frame Head
• Used to lift or support odd
shaped loads you are
unable to get directly
below and for stabilizing
loads from above
Use
Tripod Head
• Used as a high point for a rope system for such
rescues as a bellow grade confined space
rescue
Use
Screw Jack Head
• Used when pining struts don’t allow enough fine tuning
to stabilize a load or a strap can not be used
– Utilize pickets at base and screw jack as head
Use
Combi-Head
• Standard head on struts with
versatile options
• Chain grab/slot
– Stabilize 3/8” Rescue 42 chain
• Point allows penetration into
sheet metal
• Slot will fit 2x lumber
• Slots to enable toe nailing
lumber in place
Use
Clinch Ring/Hook Cluster
• Clinch ring
– To attach a strap around anchor/load
• Hook cluster
– Used to attach strap where standard hook won’t work
Use
Strut Jack
• Used to lift loads by extending jack
Use
Spike Foot
•
•
•
•
Attaches to bottom of a strut in place of a standard base
Not used with a strap so the screw jack may be needed
Use base pin only
Can be used in conjunction with a O-Plate
Maintenance
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Visually inspect for damage
Store in dry area and dry off if struts or accessories become wet
Straps maybe cleaned with mild soap and water
Lightly oil ratchet straps
Paint scratches on powder coated parts with a rust prohibiting paint
Clean off burrs with a file
If struts become dirty or don’t slide smoothly
– Slide the inner tubes out of the bottom after removing base
– Clean with a mild soap and water solution
– Lightly coat inner tubes with WD-40 or with auto wax if needed
– Replace inner tubes from the top make sure the pin holes are
aligned
– Insure interlock spring stays in its channel to prevent it from
bending
Safety
•
•
•
•
•
•
Never exceed working load
Never side load a strut
Never use a damaged strut, strap or accessory
Never use without a base or tip
Do not use for lifting overhead
Never use a pin or strap that is not designed for
a Rescue 42
• Do not put fingers in strut holes
• Do not allow strut to slide in or out uncontrolled
Safety
• Never over extend a strut (orange line composite
only)
• Never carry or lift a unpinned strut
• Never operate a strut without all pins or pins
unlocked
• Avoid sliding straps across glass or sharp objects
• Tuck loose ends of straps out of paths of travel
• Never attach a strap back onto itself without using
a clinch ring
• Never use a normal pin in the primary base pin
hole
Reference
Electronic Reference
Rescue 42: Innovative tools and struts for extrication
and heavy rescue. (1998-2009)
Retrieved 7-2-2009, from http://www.Rescue42.com