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Ropes and Knots 1

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Introduction Rope 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 rope The proper uses of rope in fire service The essential skill of knot tying How to properly inspect, maintain, and store rope 2

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Rope Materials and Their Characteristics Variety of materials Different characteristics Earliest ropes made of natural materials Life safety lines 3

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Natural Materials Category includes: Manila Sisal Cotton Share same poor characteristics Rot Mildew Abrasion resistance Natural deterioration Very low strength-to-weight ratio Low shock load absorption capability 4

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Type 1 manila rope. 5

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Synthetic Materials Primary synthetic materials: Nylon Polypropylene Polyethylene Polyester Ropes made of these are the rule rather than the exception. High strength-to-weight ratio 6

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Brightly colored polyethylene rope floating on water. 7

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Construction Methods and Their Characteristics Construction techniques: Laid method Braided Braid-on-braid Kernmantle Two broad categories: Static Dynamic 8

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Example of laid construction method. 9

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Example of kernmantle construction method with the outer kern cut and pulled back at the end, showing the inner mantle section. 10

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Primary Uses Fire service utilization Two classifications: Utility Safety Firefighter should be familiar with department standard rope use. 11

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Firefighting and Rescue Uses Structural search and rescue guide ropes NFPA 1983 Light use General use Tensile strength requirements 12

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Fire Service Knots Each service will have preferred methods and knots. Knots expected for various situations Some knots introduced with switch to synthetic fibres 13

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Terms Used for Rope and Knots Separate and distinct parts of a rope: Working end Standing part Running end 14

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The three parts of a rope: working end, standing part, and running end. 15

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Left 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. 16

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Knots Dressing Setting Common knots: Half-hitch and overhand (safety) knot Clove hitch Becket bend and double Becket bend Bowline knot and figure-eight knots Rescue knot and water knot 17

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(A) A loose and sloppy knot. (B) A knot properly dressed and set. (A) (B) 18

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Inspection All 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. 19

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It is very important that rope is inspected as it is being put back into a rope bag. 20

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Laid (Twisted) Firefighters should look and feel for: Foreign matter Slippery spots Voids in centre fibres Stiff or hard spots and soft spots Laid ropes should be untwisted at random intervals. 21

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It is important to twist apart a laid rope to inspect between strands. 22

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Braided Should be visually and tactilely inspected Inspecting inside is not possible. Strands appear on the surface. 23

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Braid-on-Braid No way to see inside braid Pay attention to tactile inspection. Outside braid will sometimes slip over the inner braid. Outside braid represents 50 percent of strength. 24

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Kernmantle Cannot see kern portion Tactile inspection is best and only way to discover damage. Key is to search for a different feel: Flat spots Voids Bunches Stiffness Limpness 25

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Maintenance Not difficult Placing new rope into service Carefully adhere to manufacturers instructions. 26

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Cleaning Follow manufacturers instructions. Brush dirt off natural materials. Lose 50 percent of strength when wet Do not regain strength when dry Synthetic materials can be cleaned: Hand wash Rope washer Clothes washing machine 27

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A kernmantle rope can also be chained and washed in a front-loading washing machine. 28

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Drying Rope must be completely dried prior to storage. Different methods Lay flat to dry Hang to dry Use clothing dryer with extreme caution. 29

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The two most common methods of storing life safety ropes (bagged or coiled). 30

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Rigging for Hoisting One of the primary uses Smaller rope can be utilized Can be stored bagged or coiled Tag/guide lines 31

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Specific Tools and Equipment Axe Pike poles Hoselines Power tools Ladders 32

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Securing a Rope between Two Object s Need to secure a rope between two objects may arise Rope may be used as a barrier. Figure eight on a bight may be used to secure an anchor point. 33

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Lessons Learned Ropes 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 rope 34