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Chapter 7

Chapter 7. Ropes and Knots. 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

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Chapter 7

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  1. Chapter 7 Ropes and Knots

  2. 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

  3. Rope Materials andTheir Characteristics • Variety of materials • Different characteristics • Earliest ropes made of natural materials • Life safety lines

  4. 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

  5. Type 1 manila rope.

  6. 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

  7. Brightly colored polyethylene rope floating on water.

  8. Construction Methods andTheir Characteristics • Construction techniques: • Laid method • Braided • Braid-on-braid • Kernmantle • Two broad categories: • Static • Dynamic

  9. Example of laid construction method.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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

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

  19. 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.

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

  21. 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.

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

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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

  26. Maintenance • Not difficult • Placing new rope into service • Carefully adhere to manufacturer’s instructions.

  27. Cleaning • Follow manufacturer’s 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

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

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

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

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

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

  33. Securing a Rope betweenTwo Objects • 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.

  34. 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

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