1. Who can train my fire department in the use and operation of the Gemtor harness?
Although some competitors advertise "Authorized Gemtor Trainer", "Preferred Gemtor Trainer" or "Gemtor recognized trainer", the fact is there is no such thing! Training is offered by many "qualified" trainers, including All Hands Fire Equipment and our cooperative training company, First Due Training. To schedule Gemtor Harness Training, call toll-free (888) 681-1009 or email us at sales@allhandsfire.com
2. Where can I receive training for my Gemtor 541 or Gemtor 541NYC Harness?
All Hands Fire Equipment and our cooperative training company, First Due Training, are both Qualified Trainers for the Gemtor Harness. Our program is both lecture/Powerpoint and hands-on and is performed at your fire station, fire academy or venue of choice. For further information or to schedule a class, please call (888) 681-1009.
3. What is the "life
expentacy" of the Gemtor harness?
The manufacturer recognizes no specific life expentancy. However, the harness
should be
inspected before each use. If the harness
or its components show any sign of excessive
wear or deterioration, it should be removed
from service and destroyed. (Also see #4
below.)
4. Are there any
fire service "standards" that define how long these harnesses
should be in service?
No. There
is a "voluntary" ANSI standard,
which states that the life expectancy of
a harness shall be 5 years from the date
of first use and 6 years from date manufacture. ANSI does have standards for the industrial workplace/workers.
5. How can I inspect
my Gemtor Harness?
A visual
inspection is required before each use.
You are checking
for mildew, wear, damage, and other
deterioration. Buckles, D-rings, snap hooks
and thimbles shall not be distorted or
have any sharp edges, burrs, cracks, worn
parts
or corrosion. All webbing shall be free
of frayed or broken fiber, pulled stitches,
tears, abrasions, mold, burns or discoloration.
Defective components shall be removed from
service.
6. Does the Gemtor Harness come with a warranty?
Gemtor, Inc. provides a warranty against manufacturer defects. The warranty excludes excessive wear and misuse.
7. Is the Gemtor Harness compatable with the Petzl EXO Personal Escape System?
Yes. The Petzl EXO was designed to be compatible and function together with the Gemtor 541NYC harness.
8. Is the Gemtor Harness compatible with other escape systems, like the RIT P.R.E.S.S. System?
Yes. RIT Rescue & Escape Systems does design the P.R.E.S.S. system to function together with the Gemtor 541NYC Harness.
9. What is the benefit to having loops sewn into my bunker pants?
Loops keep the Gemtor harness in place while the turnout pants are stowed. During the turnout pants donning phase, loops ensure the the pants go on quick and easy. It also keeps leg loops and waist straps in their correct positions and provides easy accessibility to the connection points. For more information, click here.
10. The Gemtor 541NYC and the Gemtor harness seen on New York City firefighters are different colors. Are they the same harness?
Yes. At the request of the New York City Fire Department, Gemtor, Inc. provides New York City with a different color combination as is offered to everyone else. These harnesses are different in color, but are the same harnesses in design and configuration.
11. What is the strength of the Gemtor harness and harness webbing?
Drop tests performed by the New York City Fire Department have recorded strengths of the Gemtor 541 harness at over 11,000 lbs. The Gemtor 541 Class II Harness is rated for a 600 lbs. load. The strength of the nylon webbing is 9,800 lbs.
12. What is the construction and strength of the Gemtor 541NYC Pompier Hook?
The ProSeries XL Pompier Hook is made exclusively for Gemtor. It is rated at 9,000 lbs. MBS 40kN G (General Use rating) and meets NFPA 1983-2006
Additional questions
pertaining to the Gemtor Harnesses can be
directed to the manufacturer, GEMTOR at (800)
405-9048.
