ASTM F1768-97(2002)

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Designation:F1768–97 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Guide for
Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1768; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4.1.1 Stop, 1 Long Whistle Blast—Used to stop all move-
ment until further instructions.
1.1 This guide covers the methodology for the use of
4.1.2 Up, 2 Short Whistle Blasts—Means something or
whistles as a means of communication during rope rescue
somebody is moving up or requires to be moved up. On
operations.
horizontal systems it would indicate movement of the load
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
towards the anchor or hauling system.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1.3 Down, 3 Short Whistle Blasts—Means something or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
somebody is moving down or requires to be moved down. On
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
horizontal systems it would indicate movement of the load
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
away from the anchor or hauling system. It has an opposite
2. Terminology
field of use to Up.
4.1.4 Rope Free, 4 Short Whistle Blasts—Used at the end
2.1 There are no terms in this guide that require new or
of a climb, rappel, raise, or lower to communicate that one is
other than dictionary definitions.
off the rope, has found a safe position, and that the rope can be
3. Significance and Use
used by the next person or for the next operation.
4.1.5 Help, Continuous Blast—A general emergency call.
3.1 Whistle signals are a simple and effective means of
Its use may indicate different actions depending upon the
communication between rescuers and those operating a rope-
system in use at the time. For example, during a rappel, it
raising or rope-lowering system. They may be used as a
would include the need for a bottom belay. The signal alerts
primary means of communication or as a backup when radios
others to come to the aid and, if necessary, work quickly and
fail or when ambient noise makes them unintelligible.
safely to effect a rescue.
3.2 These same signals ca
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