entry into such a compartment to perform a job that canbe done quickly (such as to close a valve, secure a fan,or de-energize a circuit). However, they provide onlylimited protection against smoke. The length of timeyou can remain in a smoke-filled compartmentdepends on the type of smoke and its concentration.The most important thing to remember aboutprotective masks is that they do not manufacture orsupply oxygen. They merely filter the air as it passesthrough the canister.LifelinesThe lifeline is a steel-wire cable, 50 feet long.Each end is equipped with a strong hook that closeswith a snap catch. The line is very pliable and will slidefreely around obstructions. See figure 3–25.Lifelines are used as a precautionary measure toaid in the rescue of persons wearing rescue breathingapparatus, hose masks, or similar equipment. Rescue,if necessary should be accomplished by having anotherperson equipped with a breathing apparatus follow thelifeline to the person being rescued, rather than byattempting to drag the person out. Attempts to drag aperson from a space may result in fouling the lifelineon some obstruction or in parting the harness, in whichcase it would still be necessary to send a rescue personinto the space.An important point to remember is that a strickenperson must never be hauled by a lifeline attached tothe waist. The victim may be dragged along the deck ashort distance, but his weight must never be suspendedon a line attached to the waist. If not wearing a harnessof some kind, pass the line around the chest under thearmpits and fasten it in front or in back.When tending a lifeline, you must wear gloves tobe able to handle the line properly. Play out the linecarefully to keep it from fouling. Try to keep thelifeline in contact with grounded metal; do not allow itto come in contact with any energized electricalequipment.Detection DevicesThe detection devices used to test the atmospherein closed or poorly ventilated spaces include theoxygen indicator, for detecting oxygen deficiency;combustible-gas indicators, for determining theconcentration of explosive vapors; and toxic-gasindicators, such as the carbon monoxide indicator,for finding the concentration of certain poisonousgases. The devices are extremely valuable and shouldbe used whenever necessary. However, they MUSTBE USED ONLY AS DIRECTED. Improperoperation of these devices may lead to false assurancesof safety or, worse yet, to an increase in the actualdanger of the situation. For example, the use of a flamesafety lamp in a compartment filled with acetylene orhydrogen could cause a violent explosion.RESCUE PROCEDURESLEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize thephases of rescue operations and the stages ofextrication.If you are faced with the problem of rescuing aperson threatened by fire, explosive or poisonousgases, or some other emergency, do not take any actionuntil you have had time to determine the extent of thedanger and your ability to cope with it. In a largenumber of accidents, the rescuer rushes in andbecomes the second victim. Do not take unnecessarychances! Do not attempt any rescue that needlesslyendangers your own life!Phases of Rescue OperationsIn disasters where there are multiple patients (as inexplosions or ship collisions), rescue operationsshould be performed in phases. These rescue phasesapply only to extrication operations.The first phase is to remove lightly pinnedcasualties, such as those who can be freed by liftingboxes or removing a small amount of debris.3-14Figure 3–25.—Steel wire lifeline.
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