Why is care and maintenance emphasized in NFPA 1855?

Care and maintenance are emphasized in NFPA 1855 primarily to ensure that protective gear remains functional and safe for use in various rescue scenarios. This standard highlights the importance of regularly inspecting, cleaning, and properly storing equipment to prevent deterioration that can compromise its integrity and functionality. Protective gear, such as ropes, harnesses, and other rescue tools, must be maintained according to established guidelines to guarantee that they can perform effectively when needed in high-risk situations.

The idea is that any lapse in care could lead to equipment failure, endangering the rescuers and individuals in distress. Thus, NFPA 1855 places a strong emphasis on these practices as a foundational aspect of maintaining safety standards within rope rescue operations.