When using a strut and buttress tension system, firefighters must ensure all parts have a safety margin that is:

In a strut and buttress tension system, the concept of a safety margin is critical to ensuring the stability and effectiveness of the setup. When securing an object or structure, it's essential that the components of the system can handle not just the weight being secured but also additional forces that may act upon it, such as dynamic loads or unexpected stresses.

Having a safety margin that exceeds the weight being secured accounts for these variables and provides a buffer against failure. This means that all components—struts, buttresses, and the tensioning lines—are rated to handle more than just the static weight they are supporting. This principle enhances safety and reliability in emergency situations, where equipment and methods need to perform as expected without risking failure that could lead to injury or further structural compromise.

Thus, ensuring that the safety margin is greater than the weight being secured is vital in the context of fire fighting and rescue operations, as it helps maintain the integrity of the rescue efforts.