Rigging For Confined Space Operations

by Michael Donahue
Created: July 13, 2010

Figure 8: A break bar rack can be used for hauling, but it only provides one direction of travel. A "piggybacked" system will also be needed.
Figure 8: A break bar rack can be used for hauling, but it only provides one direction of travel. A "piggybacked" system will also be needed.
Figure 7: The vertical movement can be either a 4:1 or 5:1 mechanical advantage system haul system.
Figure 7: The vertical movement can be either a 4:1 or 5:1 mechanical advantage system haul system.
Figure 6: Another technique that can be utilized is tieing off to the steps inside the vertical entrance to keep the forces aligned and prevent the tripod from falling over.
Figure 6: Another technique that can be utilized is tieing off to the steps inside the vertical entrance to keep the forces aligned and prevent the tripod from falling over.
Figure 5: Using a simple rigging solution, such as a Halligan tool positioned in the manhole, can prevent the tripod from moving.
Figure 5: Using a simple rigging solution, such as a Halligan tool positioned in the manhole, can prevent the tripod from moving.
Figure 4: When a tripod is used as an overhead anchor you must keep the force from your system to generate inside the footprint of the tripod so it is not pulled over.
Figure 4: When a tripod is used as an overhead anchor you must keep the force from your system to generate inside the footprint of the tripod so it is not pulled over.
Figure 3: A tripod is considered a mobile overhead anchor, but caution should be used when it's deployed.
Figure 3: A tripod is considered a mobile overhead anchor, but caution should be used when it's deployed.
Figure 2: A load sharing anchor utilizing two sections of one-inch webbing from two I-beams. The angle needs to be between 45 and 60 degrees.
Figure 2: A load sharing anchor utilizing two sections of one-inch webbing from two I-beams. The angle needs to be between 45 and 60 degrees.
Figure 1: A single point anchor system utilizing one-inch tubular webbing around an I-beam.
Figure 1: A single point anchor system utilizing one-inch tubular webbing around an I-beam.

The more you train on rigging configurations for confined space operations the more tricks you'll pick up. The bottom line however should be to keep your systems simple and well organized and that principle begins the moment you tie your first knot.

Stay safe and stay progressive.

See Mike Donahue Live: Mike will be teaching "Rope Rescue Made Simple" an eight-hour hands-on class on July 20 and 21 at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore. Mike will be a panelist on "The Buzz on Technical Rescue" podcast on July 22 at 8:30 a.m. in Room 313.

MICHAEL R. DONAHUE is a 13-year veteran of the fire service is assigned to Rescue Company 1 in Elizabeth, NJ. Mike is the owner and founder of Progressive Rescue, a company dedicated to further firefighter's in all aspect of the job. He holds the title of rescue specialist with New Jersey's Urban Search and Rescue Team (NJ-TF1) and he is actively teaching at Middlesex and Somerset fire academies and the Middlesex County College as their Fire Science Program Coordinator. You can reach Michael by e-mail at progressiverescue@gmail.com.

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