RESCUE HARNESS

The rescue harness consists of nylon webbing shoulder straps, riser straps, back strap, an adjustable chest strap, and a lifting strap (fig. 5-19). The end of the lifting strap, equipped with a gated D-ring, adapter assembly, release assembly, and parachute harness triangle link are stowed in a pouch on the front of the harness.

A handle on the pouch allows for ease of accessibility of the gated D-ring during rescue operations. Right and left pocket assemblies are located at each junction of the riser and lifting strap. The left pocket is designed to hold one Mk 13, Mod 0 marine smoke and illumination signal and the right pocket is designed to hold the other Mk 13, Mod 0 marine smoke and illumination signal and the suspension line cutter. A knife scabbard is attached to the left side of the lifting strap.

The rescue harness is designed specifically to be worn by the rescue swimmer, providing him maximum mobility and a means for performing rescue operations in the water.

Maintenance

The aircrewman's responsibility for maintenance of the harness is limited to freshwater wash after usage. Repairs or other maintenance actions required are performed by intermediatelevel maintenance or above unless otherwise specified.

Preflight Inspection

The rescue harness preflight inspection is accomplished prior to each flight, and at intervals not to exceed 14 days. This inspection is made by the aircrewman. To perform a preflight inspection, examine the following:

1. Fabric and webbing for cuts, tears, open seams, and loose or broken stitching

2. Signs of contamination, such as stains and discoloration

Calendar Inspection

The calendar inspection is performed by organizational-level maintenance or above upon issue before placing the rescue harness in service and every 90 days thereafter. To perform the calendar inspection, proceed as follows:

1. Service life check. The service life of the rescue harness is 7 years from the date it was placed in service or 8 1/2 years from the date of fabrication, whichever occurs first. When an assembly reaches its

Figure 5-19.-Rescue harness.

service life limit, it is removed from service and scrapped. To perform a service life check, proceed as follows:

a. When a rescue harness is placed in service, the start of service date is stenciled on the inside of the chest strap.

b. When an in-service rescue harness lacks a start service date, service life expires 7 years from date of manufacture.

c. The date of manufacture is located on the inside of the chest strap. 2. Contamination inspection. To inspect a rescue harness for acid or alkaline contamination, proceed as follows:

CAUTION

ENSURE THE AREA TO BE TESTED IS ISOLATED FROM ANY SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION THAT MAY RESULT IN ERRONEOUS READINGS.

a. Dampen the suspected area with distilled water.

b. Place a piece of full-range test paper on the dampened area. Compare it to the color standard provided with the paper. The color it changes to indicates the approximate pH reading and which specific short-range test paper to use.

c. Place the short-range test paper on the dampened area. Its color indicates the pH factor of the affected area.

d. If acid contamination is found, the assembly must be considered nonrepairable and scrapped.

e. If alkaline contamination is found, rinse the assembly in cool, fresh water until a safe reading is obtained. All fabric and webbing must then be carefully inspected for any sign of deterioration.

3. Visual inspection. To inspect the rescue harness, examine the following:

a. Harness webbing for cuts, tears, fraying, deterioration, and security of stitching.

b. Front pouch and right and left pockets for cuts, tears, fraying, deterioration, and security of stitching.

c. Gated D-ring and all other hardware for corrosion, distortion, sharp edges, security of attachment, and ease of operation.

d. Hook and pile tape fasteners for condition and proper mating.

Cleaning

Clean the rescue harness as often as necessary to remove perspiration stains, dirt, and other stains that may degrade performance of the assembly. To clean a rescue harness, proceed as follows:

1. Wrap all metal fittings in heavy flannel cloth.

CAUTION

DO NOT SCRUB RESCUE HARNESS.

2. Soak the assembly in cool, fresh water for 2 to 3 hours to loosen any set stains.

3. Drain this water and immerse the harness in a tub of fresh water (not over 120F). Gently agitate by hand.

4. After 5 to 10 minutes of agitating, repeat step 3.

5. Petroleum and other stubborn stains may be removed by repeated applications of a mild soap and water solution. Each application must be followed by a rinse in cool, fresh water.

Figure 5-20.-Rescue hook.

6. Hang the rescue harness on a wooden hanger until dry.