How to Crawl Through a Ventilation Shaft

In a pinch, you can use a ventilation shaft for making an emergency exit from a large building. As long as you aren't given to claustrophobia, and don't end up in the boiler room by mistake, a ventilation shaft makes an excellent escape route.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Plan your route. Before entering the shaft, visualize where you are in the building and where you're headed. This visual map helps to orient you in the shaft.

2. Enter through the cover of a cold air return duct. The return air cover plates are usually larger. Hold a match or lighter up to the grate. If the flame is drawn into the grate, then you've found a cold air return.

3. Go into the shaft head first and go toward the back of the building. Most vent systems end in the basement or on the roof, and are usually at the back of the building. Figure out if you are closer to the basement or the roof and head that way.

4. Distribute your body weight evenly. As you move forward, keep some weight on your legs. Sliding, rather than crawling, prevents the joints in the sheet metal from breaking.

5. Orient yourself by peeking through grates. Looking through the grates you pass on the way can help you determine where you are.

6. Climb down any drops in the shaft. Do not jump. Place your back against one wall and your feet against the other and keep pressure on them at all times. Then lower one leg, followed by your back and then the other leg to descend.

7. Look for an exit in an empty room or closet. Make your escape from the shaft in a room that looks safe.