LIMITATIONS OF HOOK AND LINE
The following limitations should be considered when using H&L equipment:
• Length of pulling line – is it long enough?
• Load-bearing capacity of the weakest link / point.
• Route of the pulling line – will it move freely?
• Ability to safely attach H&L equipment?
• Sufficient H&L equipment for the task?
ׁ HINT. H&L is very much a skills-based technique, which requires proficiency to maximise its potential. It is essential for IEDD operators to routinely practice H&L techniques to maximise its capabilities.
STEP 1 – PLANNING AND PREPARATION
The IEDD operator should plan H&L procedures before leaving the CP. This will minimise the time inside the danger area and ensure the right equipment is taken over. During any plan, the IEDD operator should always consider what are the most likely, and the worst case, scenarios and formulate a plan which covers both eventualities.
ׁ HINT. When inexperienced with using H&L equipment, it may aid the IEDD operator to draw out their plan, specifically the use of pulleys, blocks and tackles to gain optimum purchase on the item they intend to interact with.
During each stage of H&L employment, the IEDD operator should aim to achieve as much as is practicably possible without overstretching and causing failure. Whenever possible, preparation of H&L equipment should be conducted in the safety of the CP. This will minimise time in the danger area and simplify H&L placement.
ׁ HINT. Keep it simple. H&L is most effective and less prone to failure when its use is kept simple.
The H&L system is only as strong as its weakest link. Whilst it is unlikely the IEDD operator will know the exact weight of the object to be moved, they should make an assessment and ensure it is within the load-bearing capacity of the weakest piece of H&L equipment being used. For example, if a main charge weighs approximately 20 kg and the H&L rope has a pulling capacity of 150 kg, yet the karabiner being used to attach the rope to the main charge only has a capacity of 15 kg, then the H&L system has a weak point. In this situation the karabiner will break, making it necessary to conduct a further manual approach. H&L equipment should not be knowingly used to fail and the IEDD operator should plan effectively to ensure repeatable success.
ׁ HINT. Using multiple lines can increase productivity during H&L procedures. This can be further multiplied by the use of ‘lazy lines’. These are additional lines attached to multiple target objects, with one main line attached to all of them and pulled simultaneously.
IEDD techniques and procedures
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