ASTM F1766-97a

Standard Guide for Ice Awis Self-Rescue Technique

SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the self-rescue technique on ice utilizing the ice awl.  
1.2 This guide is one of a series of self-rescue techniques for the ice rescuer.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Jun-1997
• Technical Committee: F32 - Search and Rescue
• Drafting Committee: F32.02 - Management and Operations

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM F1766-97a(2002) - Standard Guide for Ice Awis Self-Rescue Technique
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1997

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: F 1766 – 97a
Standard Guide for
Ice Awls Self-Rescue Technique
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1766; 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 utilizing ice awls as a self rescue technique on ice.
3.2 All persons who are identified as ice rescuers shall meet
1.1 This guide covers the self-rescue technique on ice
the requirements of this guide.
utilizing the ice awl.
3.3 This guide will assist government agencies; state, local
1.2 This guide is one of a series of self-rescue techniques for
or regional organizations; fire departments; rescue teams; and
the ice rescuer.
others who are responsible for establishing a minimum perfor-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
mance for personnel who respond to ice emergencies.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.4 This guide is not intended to be used in isolation, but as
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
a component guide acknowledging many skills and techniques
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
needed to respond at a cold water and ice emergency.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.5 An ice rescuer shall be wearing an immersion suit,
2. Terminology drysuit with PFD, or equivalent cold-water protection and
buoyancy to perform these rescues.
2.1 Definitions:
2.1.1 drysuit, n—a protective suit that encompasses the
4. Procedure
wearer, prohibiting water from entering.
4.1 Upon initial immersion in cold water, the rescuer should
2.1.2 ice awls, n—a device used for rescue on ice consisting
cover the mouth and nose to prevent the aspiration of water.
of a sharp spike with a handle.
4.2 The rescuer should move to the edge of the opening in
2.1.3 immersion suit, n—a device designed to provide cold
the ice.
water protection and buoyancy by one person in cold water
4.3 Grasp the ice awls placing one in each hand.
emergencies.
4.4 Reach forward onto the ice and strike downward driving
2.1.3.1 Discussion—These devices should conform to stan-
the point of the ice awl into the ice.
dards set by the appropriate national regulatory authority, that
4.5 Allow feet and legs to float up behind you to the surface,
is, the U.S. Coast Guard in the United States.
so that you are floating horizonta
...