CHAPTER 15 ROPES AND KNOTS Copyright© 2000. Delmar is a division of Thomson Learning.

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ROPES AND KNOTS

Copyright© 2000. Delmar is a division of Thomson Learning.

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Objectives 1 of 2

• Identify the different materials that fire service rope is constructed from.

• Describe the difference between life safety rope and utility rope.

• Define basic rope terminology.

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Objectives 2 of 2

• Identify basic knots used in the fire service• Describe the proper methods of inspection,

maintenance, and storage of ropes.• Describe methods of rigging basic equipment to be

hoisted.

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Introduction

• Rope is one of the most important and routinely used tools in the fire service.

• Firefighters need to know about what ropes are used, knot tying, rope inspection, and storage of ropes.

CHAPTER

15Rope Materials and Their

Characteristics 1 of 2

• Rope characteristics will determine specific applications.

• NFPA 1983 standard for ropes used in the fire service.• Natural materials

• Manila.• Sisal.• Cotton.

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Manila Rope

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15Rope Materials and Their

Characteristics 2 of 2

• Synthetic materials:• Nylon.• Polypropylene.• Polyethylene.• Polyester.

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Polyethylene Rope

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15Construction Methods and Their

Characteristics

• Rope categories:• Dynamic.• Static.

• Rope construction:• Laid (twisted).• Braided.• Braid-on-braid.• Kernmantle.

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Primary Uses

• Utility.• Firefighting and rescue.

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Utility Rope Uses

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Life Safety Rope

• Ropes, harnesses, and hardware must comply with NFPA 1983.

• NFPA 1983 categorizes ropes and sets strength requirements.

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Rope Nomenclature

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Knots

• Half hitch.• Overhand (safety).• Clove hitch in the open.• Clove hitch around an

object.• Becket bend.• Double becket bend.

• Bowline.• Figure eight.• Follow-through figure

eight.• Figure eight on a bight.• Rescue.• Water.

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Inspection• Ropes must be inspected and properly maintained.• All life safety rope inspections should be logged.• Ropes must be individually identified.• Damaged rope should be removed immediately.• Training ropes should be inspected after every use.

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Inspecting Rope

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Maintenance

• Ropes must be properly maintained.• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.• Natural fibers limited to brushing off.• Synthetic materials can be washed.• Ropes must be dried prior to use.• Ropes can be stored in coils or rope bags.

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Rope Storage

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Rigging for Hoisting

• One of the primary uses of rope is for hoisting.• Clove hitch, figure eight, and bowline are most often

used for hoisting.• Tag line may also be used.

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WRAP-UP

• This is only basic rope information.• Knot tying and rope use should be practiced regularly.• Proper maintenance and inspection is essential.