Chapter 15

Chapter 7 Ropes and Knots11IntroductionRope is one of the most important and routinely used tools in the fire service.In this chapter, you will learn:How to select the proper ropeThe proper uses of rope in fire serviceThe essential skill of knot tyingHow to properly inspect, maintain, and store rope2Rope Materials andTheir CharacteristicsVariety of materialsDifferent characteristicsEarliest ropes made of natural materialsLife safety lines3Natural MaterialsCategory includes:ManilaSisalCottonShare same poor characteristicsRotMildewAbrasion resistanceNatural deteriorationVery low strength-to-weight ratioLow shock load absorption capability4Type 1 manila rope.

55Synthetic MaterialsPrimary synthetic materials:NylonPolypropylenePolyethylenePolyesterRopes made of these are the rule rather than the exception.High strength-to-weight ratio6Brightly colored polyethylene rope floating on water.

77Construction Methods andTheir CharacteristicsConstruction techniques:Laid methodBraidedBraid-on-braidKernmantleTwo broad categories:StaticDynamic8Example of laid construction method.

99Example of kernmantle construction method with the outer kern cut and pulled back at the end, showing the inner mantle section.

1010Primary UsesFire service utilizationTwo classifications:UtilitySafetyFirefighter should be familiar with department standard rope use.11Firefighting and Rescue UsesStructural search and rescue guide ropesNFPA 1983Light useGeneral useTensile strength requirements12Fire Service KnotsEach service will have preferred methods and knots.Knots expected for various situationsSome knots introduced with switch to synthetic fibres13Terms Used for Ropeand KnotsSeparate and distinct parts of a rope:Working endStanding partRunning end14The three parts of a rope: working end, standing part, and running end.

1515Left to right: a round turn, a bight, and a loop. Take the loose end of the working end after tying the primary knot, and secure it by making a round turn around the standing knot and bringing the loose end through. Make a round turn in the standing portion of the rope, and slide the round turn down over the object being hoisted.

1616KnotsDressingSettingCommon knots:Half-hitch and overhand (safety) knotClove hitchBecket bend and double Becket bendBowline knot and figure-eight knotsRescue knot and water knot17(A) A loose and sloppy knot. (B) A knot properly dressed and set.

(A)(B)1818InspectionAll ropes must be inspected and properly maintained.Inspections should be a matter of department policy.Life safety rope found damaged must be removed from service.Ropes should be inspected along their entire length.19It is very important that rope is inspected as it is being put back into a rope bag.

2020Laid (Twisted)Firefighters should look and feel for:Foreign matterSlippery spotsVoids in centre fibresStiff or hard spots and soft spotsLaid ropes should be untwisted at random intervals.21It is important to twist apart a laid rope to inspect between strands.

2222BraidedShould be visually and tactilely inspected Inspecting inside is not possible.Strands appear on the surface.23Braid-on-BraidNo way to see inside braidPay attention to tactile inspection.Outside braid will sometimes slip over the inner braid.Outside braid represents 50 percent of strength.24KernmantleCannot see kern portion Tactile inspection is best and only way to discover damage.Key is to search for a different feel: Flat spotsVoidsBunchesStiffnessLimpness25MaintenanceNot difficultPlacing new rope into serviceCarefully adhere to manufacturers instructions.26CleaningFollow manufacturers instructions.Brush dirt off natural materials.Lose 50 percent of strength when wetDo not regain strength when drySynthetic materials can be cleaned:Hand washRope washerClothes washing machine27 A kernmantle rope can also be chained and washed in a front-loading washing machine.

2828DryingRope must be completely dried prior to storage.Different methodsLay flat to dryHang to dryUse clothing dryer with extreme caution.29The two most common methods of storing life safety ropes (bagged or coiled).

3030Rigging for HoistingOne of the primary usesSmaller rope can be utilizedCan be stored bagged or coiledTag/guide lines31Specific Tools and EquipmentAxePike polesHoselinesPower toolsLadders32Securing a Rope betweenTwo ObjectsNeed to secure a rope between two objects may ariseRope may be used as a barrier.Figure eight on a bight may be used to secure an anchor point.33Lessons LearnedRopes have many uses.Fire service uses ropes on a regular basis.Experience is the most effective teacher.Firefighters are encouraged to practice the basics learned.Maintenance of rope34