ASTM F1768-97(2020)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1768 − 97 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Guide for
Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1768; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Procedure
4.1 Using a whistle device, or method, with enough volume
1.1 This guide covers the methodology for the use of
to be audible over ambient noise and for the distances
whistles as a means of communication during rope rescue
involved, use the following pattern of whistle blasts to signal
operations.
the required action:
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1.1 Stop, 1 Long Whistle Blast—Used to stop all move-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ment until further instructions.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1.2 Up, 2 Short Whistle Blasts—Means something or
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
somebody is moving up or requires to be moved up. On
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
horizontal systems it would indicate movement of the load
towards the anchor or hauling system.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.3 Down, 3 Short Whistle Blasts—Means something or
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
somebody is moving down or requires to be moved down. On
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
horizontal systems it would indicate movement of the load
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
away from the anchor or hauling system. It has an opposite
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
field of use to Up.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.4 Rope Free, 4 Short Whistle Blasts—Used at the end
of a climb, rappel, raise, or lower to communicate that one is
2. Terminology
off the rope, has found a safe position, and that the rope can be
2.1 There are no terms in this guide that require new or
used by the next person or for the next operation.
other than dictionary definitions.
4.1.5 Help, Continuous Blast—A general emergency call.
Its use may indicate different actions depending upon the
3. Significance and Use system in use at the time. For example, during a rappel, it
would include the need for a bottom belay. The signal alerts
3.1 Whistle signals are a simple and effective means of
others to come to the aid and, if n
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