ASTM F2752-19

4.1 This guide establishes a minimum standard for training rope rescuers in regard to their general, field, and rope rescue specific knowledge and skills. A person trained to this guide is a Basic Rope Rescuer.

4.2 Basic Rope Rescue endorsement is not an indication that a person possesses adequate field skills or knowledge to make mission-critical decisions. Endorsed Basic Rope personnel are qualified to work primarily in terrain with limited exposure and fall hazard potential.

4.3 This guide by itself is not a complete training document. It is only an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating a Basic Rope Rescuer. It may, however, be used in the development of, or as part of, a complete training document or program.

4.4 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards, it does not imply that a Basic Rope Rescuer is a “trainee,” “probationary,” or other similar term member of an AHJ.

4.5 Because technical rope rescue is inherently dangerous, and rope rescuers are frequently required to perform rigorous activities in adverse conditions, regional and national safety standards shall be included in agency policies and procedures. Personnel endorsed as Basic Rope Rescuers shall complete all activities based on an analysis of risk versus benefit, and shall follow all applicable national, federal, state, provincial, and local safety standards.

4.6 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training a Basic Rope Rescuer. Likewise, this guide can be used to evaluate an existing training program to see if it meets the requirements of this guide.

4.7 The knowledge and skills defined in the following sections are not presented in any particular order and do not represent a training sequence.

4.8 Except where a physical skill needs to be shown, it is up to the AHJ to determine the best way to evaluate a person’s knowledge. This may be by written exam, oral exam, demonstration, or by some combination of the three.

1.1 This guide, in conjunction with, and as an add-on to, Guide F2751 (or equivalent for other environments) defines the basic training required for a person who participates in rope rescue as part of a larger rescue duty.

1.2 An Endorsed Basic Rope Rescuer endorsement applies only to rescues on the surface of the land; additional endorsements are required to perform this level of rope rescue in other environments. This guide alone does not define the minimum training requirements for rescuing in partially or fully collapsed structures, in or on water, in confined spaces, or underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels).

1.3 A Basic Rope Rescuer is required to have knowledge and skill sets pertaining to the basic roped evacuation and carryout components of rescue. Only basic knots, rigging, and other patient transport skills are required of a Basic Rope Rescuer.

1.4 A Basic Rope Rescuer may be a member of a Rope Rescue Team or Rope Rescue Task Force or Group, as defined in Classification F1993.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.