ASTM_F_1766_-_97a_2014.pdf

Designation:F176697a(Reapproved 2014)Standard Guide forIce Awls Self-Rescue Technique1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1766;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This guide covers the self-rescue technique on iceutilizing the ice awl.1.2 This guide is one of a series of self-rescue techniques forthe ice rescuer.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions:2.1.1 drysuit,na protective suit that encompasses thewearer,prohibiting water from entering.2.1.2 ice awls,na device used for rescue on ice consistingof a sharp spike with a handle.2.1.3 immersion suit,na device designed to provide coldwater protection and buoyancy by one person in cold wateremergencies.2.1.3.1 DiscussionThese devices should conform to stan-dards set by the appropriate national regulatory authority,thatis,the U.S.Coast Guard in the United States.2.1.4 personal flotation device,PFD,n a buoyant devicesuitable for use by one person in water emergencies.2.1.4.1 DiscussionThese devices should conform to stan-dards set by the appropriate national regulatory authority,thatis,the U.S.Coast Guard in the United States.3.Significance and Use3.1 This guide establishes a recommended procedure forutilizing ice awls as a self rescue technique on ice.3.2 All persons who are identified as ice rescuers shall meetthe requirements of this guide.3.3 This guide will assist government agencies;state,localor regional organizations;fire departments;rescue teams;andothers who are responsible for establishing a minimum perfor-mance for personnel who respond to ice emergencies.3.4 This guide is not intended to be used in isolation,but asa component guide acknowledging many skills and techniquesneeded to respond at a cold water and ice emergency.3.5 An ice rescuer shall be wearing an immersion suit,drysuit with PFD,or equivalent cold-water protection andbuoyancy to perform these rescues.4.Procedure4.1 Upon initial immersion in cold water,the rescuer shouldcover the mouth and nose to prevent the aspiration of water.4.2 The rescuer should move to the edge of the opening inthe ice.4.3 Grasp the ice awls placing one in each hand.4.4 Reach forward onto the ice and strike downward drivingthe point of the ice awl into the ice.4.5 Allow feet and legs to float up behind you to the surface,so that you are floating horizontally on the surface of the water.4.6 While pulling yourself forward onto the ice utilizing theice awls,keep your horizontal position and add a strong flutterkick.4.7 Ice conditions may not support the rescuer.It may benecessary to continue alternately stabbing and continuouslykicking to reach stronger ice.4.8 Once in a supportive ice,the rescuer should not standup.4.9 Roll to safety in the direction of shore or safer ice.5.Keywords5.1 ice;ice awls;ice rescue;ice rescuer;water;waterrescue;water rescuer1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search andRescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.02 on Management andOperations.Current edition approved March 1,2014.Published March 2014.Originallyapproved in 1997.Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F1766 97a(2007).DOI:10.1520/F1766-97AR14.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard.Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights,and the riskof infringement of such rights,are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif not revised,either reapproved or withdrawn.Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standardsand should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters.Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of theresponsible technical committee,which you may attend.If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you shouldmake your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards,at the address shown below.This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959,United States.Individual reprints(single or multiple copies)of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the aboveaddress or at 610-832-9585(phon