ASTM F1768-97(2020)

Standard Guide for Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Whistle signals are a simple and effective means of communication between rescuers and those operating a rope-raising or rope-lowering system. They may be used as a primary means of communication or as a backup when radios fail or when ambient noise makes them unintelligible.  
3.2 These same signals can be used in non-rescue situations, for example, by persons rappelling in caves.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the methodology for the use of whistles as a means of communication during rope rescue operations.  
1.2 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 13.340.99 - Other protective equipment
• Technical Committee: F32 - Search and Rescue
• Drafting Committee: F32.02 - Management and Operations

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1768-97(2014) - Standard Guide for Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM F2954-19 - Standard Guide for Training for Intermediate Rope Rescuer Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM F3145-15(2022) - Standard Guide for Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Technician Basic
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM F2955-19 - Standard Guide for Training for Advanced Rope Rescuer Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM F2752-19 - Standard Guide for Training for Basic Rope Rescuer Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM F3048-13(2022) - Standard Guide for Swiftwater/Flood Search and Rescue Operations
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020

Overview

ASTM F1768-97(2020): Standard Guide for Using Whistle Signals During Rope Rescue Operations is an essential guideline developed by ASTM International. It provides practical methodologies for the use of whistles as effective communication tools during rope rescue operations. This standard outlines clear whistle signal patterns intended to enhance operational safety and efficiency, especially in challenging environments where other forms of communication, such as radios, may be unreliable due to ambient noise or technical failure.

Developed following internationally recognized principles on standardization, ASTM F1768-97(2020) supports both professional rescuers and recreational users by detailing best practices for whistle use in a variety of rope-based scenarios.

Key Topics

• Whistle Signal Methodology: The guide describes standardized whistle blasts to communicate specific commands:
  • 1 Long Blast: Stop all movement until further instructions are received.
  • 2 Short Blasts: Indicate movement or require moving something or someone up.
  • 3 Short Blasts: Indicate movement or require moving something or someone down.
  • 4 Short Blasts: Signal that the rope is free, and can be used for the next operation.
  • Continuous Blast: Emergency call for help, requiring immediate attention.
• Signal Clarity: Emphasizes using signals with sufficient volume and clarity to overcome ambient noise and cover necessary distances.
• Backup Communication: Whistle signals serve as a primary or secondary means of communication in environments where radio or verbal communication fails.
• Universal Application: These whistle signal patterns can be used with any audible signaling device, such as gas or vehicle horns, ensuring broad adaptability.
• Non-Rescue Situations: Beyond rope rescue, guidelines are applicable to activities like caving or recreational rappelling.

Applications

ASTM F1768-97(2020) has broad applications in rescue and recreational environments where rope systems are in use:

• Emergency Rope Rescue Operations: Provides life-saving communication protocols for technical rescue teams managing rope access or evacuation scenarios.
• Caving and Outdoor Adventure: Improves safety and coordination for groups engaged in rappelling or spelunking, especially where visibility is limited.
• Industrial Rope Access: Offers clear signaling for maintenance crews working at heights, ensuring precise communication on job sites.
• Backup Communication: Serves as a fail-safe for rescue teams relying on radios in noisy or unreliable environments.
• Training and Safety Protocols: Used to develop standard operating procedures and training programs, and promotes consistency across teams and scenarios.

Related Standards

Professionals utilizing ASTM F1768-97(2020) may also benefit from referencing the following related standards:

• NFPA 1983: Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services
• ASTM F32 Series: Additional guides and test methods for search and rescue operations
• ISO Technical Committee 94: Standards related to personal safety - protection against falls from height
• EN 341, EN 1891: European standards for rescue equipment and low stretch kernmantle ropes

By adopting ASTM F1768-97(2020), organizations and individuals reinforce effective communication, maximize rope rescue safety, and align operations with internationally recognized guidelines. This standard is crucial for fostering operational readiness, minimizing risks, and ensuring the safety of both rescuers and those being rescued during rope-based activities.

Standards Content (Sample)

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
...