Rescue 42

Objectives To provide an understanding of the following Specifications Use Maintenance Safety

Specifications Composite Struts Steel Struts Length 1 Pin 2 Pins 3’ 10,000 18,000 4’ 15,000 5’ 11,000 6’ 8,000 7’ 5,000 8’ 4,000 Steel Struts Struts 1 Pin 2 Pins Shorts 5,000 7,000 Longs 6,000 Full extension, all in pounds

Specifications Steel Struts Ratchet Straps Steel construction Length 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 3 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 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