Firefighter Escape Systems are quickly becoming an essential part of a firefighters personal protective equipment (PPE). Like all safety equipment, it does require routine inspection. One issue that we see during inspection is that the end caps of the rope dislodge and come off. This requires immediate attention!
In cases where the cap is removed (whether intentional or not) at the hook end, and especially in cases where the system has a stitched termination, immediately apply a replacement cap or other means of capturing the weave and preventing it from fraying. In a case where the fray propagates into the stitching, the entire escape system should be taken out of service.
When replacing the cap, making repairs or choosing to take a system out of service, always consult with the manufacturer for recommendations and/or replacement. DC
