Escape Kits, Systems and Components
Sterling Rope pioneered the development of escape systems that allow rapid egress and selfrescue. Our escape systems are designed around our proven ropes and optimized for use with our intuitive F4™ device. Only Sterling offers kit options that can be configured to handle a wide range of scenarios and budgets.
Here we help you to: • Discover our full line of escape kits and systems • Identify the components that make up a system, learn how to select the options that fit your needs • Obtain a list of training resources that will help ensure proper deployment and use in the field
Bailout: Rigging a Remote Anchor
Equipment Advice and Training
When it comes to exiting an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environment, many factors need to be assessed. One primary bailout consideration is the choice of anchor. Though conditions may force the use of a sill anchor, the preferred option is to locate a suitably substantial object for remote anchor placement. In most cases, the closer to the exit point, the better. After an anchor is located, knowing how to secure the rope becomes paramount. Pictured are three options for connecting the rope.
Use of life-safety equipment requires proper training, and this is especially critical with escape systems. Realistic training is the only way to prepare for a maneuver which will be performed under the most extreme and stressful circumstances, when other options have been exhausted. When selecting a trainer, a safe learning environment supersedes all other priorities. Top instructors not only have extensive experience with vertical rope work, but they also teach escape methods with backup safety protocols always in place for students. Sterling Rope offers its own on-site training center complete with classroom, two-story training area for bailout instruction, and other amenities. We’ve also partnered with the best training firms in North America to create a network of expert trainers who can help you and your department get the most out of your escape systems. Please contact us for more information.
Kits and Systems
The terms “kit” and “system” are used to describe different types of bundled equipment groups assembled by Sterling Rope.
Systems
Kits
A system is a collection of components, certified end-to-end to the NFPA 1983 Standard for Escape Systems,
A kit is a collection of individually certified components combined to perform together.
which means the entire system is tested from the anchor point to the harness attachment point.
All components of Sterling Rope kits are certified as individual components to the NFPA 1983: 2012 standard.
Sterling Rope offers several certified systems, all feature FireTech™ and SafeTech™ ropes.
Sterling Anchors, escape ropes, F4 Descent Device, Bolt Escape Belt™ and Safe-D™ Carabiner are UL®/3rd party certified.
By choosing a Sterling Rope kit or system, you can also be certain that the components will perform flawlessly together. Regardless of what type of solution you choose, Sterling’s options provide certified, reliable means of escape and an extra measure of safety. At Sterling Rope, we offer a variety of pre-selected configurations, including six certified systems. These have been designed to address the safety needs of various fire departments around the globe. However, you also have the ability to build your own kit to meet the needs of your department.
Our kits and systems are normally composed of four distinct items: Anchors, Ropes, Descent Control Devices and Storage/Carrying bags.
Good A knot can be used with any connector or hook.
Sterling Rope is a certified ISO 9001 company.
Better A hook with a hitching slot, such as the Lightning™ Hook, can easily be secured by feeding a bight of rope through the handle and passing it back over the hook itself. Very secure and faster than a knot.
Best The Lightning GT™ features a unique gated slot on the back side of the hook that allows the rope to be quickly wrapped around the handle two or more times for a secure lock-off. No need to work with extra rope, pass over the device, or tie any knots. Simply click, click and go.
$1.00 of each F4 sold is donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Fund.
The opposite side of this brochure lists Sterling’s component offerings, specifications and suggested usage for each. The NFPA has developed specific standards for all components used in escape systems. All Sterling Rope Components are certified to the latest requirements. We have included this data for reference as well.
Sterling Rope Company, Inc. 26 Morin Street Biddeford, ME 04005-4413 U.S.A. sterlingrope.com (800) 788-ROPE
Descent Control Devices
Ropes
Anchors
The heart of any escape system is the rope.
Hooks have become a popular choice for anchors because they can be placed remotely or secured at a window sill in situations where a remote anchor is not feasible. Sterling’s Lightning™ Hook and Lightning GT™ Hook feature a hitching slot or wire gate for secure and fast remote anchoring. At less than 8 oz. they are precision machined from aircraft grade aluminum for exceptional strength. The Crosby Hook is a steel anchor hook with no hitching slot.
FireTech™ The official rope of the FDNY has the longest burn-through time, a good choice when you may not be able to reach the ground or a lower story. Certified NFPA 1983:2012 Fire Escape Rope.
System Attachments
Storage
The escape kit requires a secure anchor to the firefigher’s body. Escape harnesses must be lightweight, not create additional snag hazard and easy to integrate into a firefighter’s turnout gear.
Firefighters must keep their escape systems within reach in the event of an emergency, but otherwise not have them interfere with normal firefighting operations. Sterling’s three storage configurations allow kits to connect to a harness and be carried in ready-to-use mode. Each of these options store 50' of rope, an anchor hook and descent device.
Escape Kit Pocket Bag
NFPA 1983:2012 Requirements for Escape Anchors:
Integrates with any turnout’s existing hook and loop closure. High abrasion and wear areas are lined with ultra-durable Orca fabric to prevent damage to turnout gear from hooks and descenders. Also functions as a hip-mounted bag.
Must have a minimum tensile strength of 13.5 kN/3034 lbs.
EscapeTech™ Features a softer hand that allows it to pack easily and pay through the system quickly. Certified NFPA 1983: 2012 Fire Escape Rope.
Crosby Hook The original portable anchor hook designed for the FDNY PSS. This forged alloy steel hook facilitates anchoring at the window or point of egress.
SafeTech™ Designed to bridge the gap between FireTech and EscapeTech—a good, multipurpose rope. Certified NFPA 1983:2012 Fire Escape Rope.
MBS Rating (lbs/kN) 5,000/22.2
Lightning Hook/ Lightning GT Hook
8 mm PER
Rope
Diameter (mm)
MBS Rating (kN)
Elong. @ 300 lbs (%)
Weight (lbs/100')
Sheath Fibers
Core Fibers
An economical escape rope option. Certified NFPA 1983:2012 Escape Rope.
FireTech
7.5
25.5
0.8
1.5
Technora™
Technora
EscapeTech
7.5
17.4
4.4
1.4
Technora
Nylon
SafeTech
8.0
19.5
6.8
1.4
Technora
Nylon
8 mm PER
8.0
15.5
5.3
1.5
Nylon
Nylon
Lightning
Weighing less than 8 ounces, the aluminum Lightning Hooks offer a functional design with either a hitching slot or innovative wire gate for secure and rapid remote anchoring. The design of the Lightning Hooks helps take the guesswork out of the most fundamental step creating a failsafe anchor.
Bolt Escape Belt™
F4™ Device Designed to allow easy horizontal movement and a controlled vertical descent. The auto-locking feature allows for a hands free exit from the structure, while the slim profile keeps the F4 out of the way during regular operations. Performs optimally for right or left-handed user. Certified to NFPA 1983:2012. MBS Rating (lbs/kN) 3,035 / 13.5
Made in U.S.A.
tensile strength of 13.5 kN. Elongation of at least 1% at 10% of the
Designed for low-profile kit storage at the hip. Able to be stowed left or right-handed.
NFPA Certification: Escape
NFPA 1983:2012 Requirements for Descent Control Devices: Minimum MBS of 13.5 kN. Must not require more than 20 pounds of force to pay out rope. Impact force when dropped shall not exceed 8 kN.
SAFE-D™ Carabiner Rated NFPA 1983:2012, these rugged aluminum carabiners are the critical junction between the harness and the descent device.
MBS. Diameter no smaller than 7.5 mm and no larger than 9.5 mm. Sewn eyes shall have a minimum breaking strength of at least 85% of the strength of the rope, OR shall have an MBS of not less than 13.5 kN. Fiber cannot melt at less than 400º F:
Tech Extension Lanyard™ An extension device between the carabiner and the F4 Device to allow the system to be stowed. Available in 7" and 9."
Mercury™ Lumbar Bag Available in right and left-handed designs. Constructed with tear away flap and extended handle for ease in deployment.
NFPA 1983:2012 Requirements for Fire Escape Ropes: The ropes must hold for 5 minutes at 725º F or 400º C and must hold for 30 seconds at 1112º F or 600º C.
F4-50™ Bag
Weight (oz) 6.0
MBS Rating (lbs/kN) 3,035/13.5
NFPA 1983:2012 Requirements for Escape Ropes: Minimum
Our low-profile, Kevlar escape belt integrates easily and securely with any turnout. It’s comfortable to wear dayto-day and also functions as a ladder belt. Certified to NFPA 1983:2012 as a Heat Resistant Escape Belt.
Lightning GT © 2016, Sterling Rope Company, Inc.