6. Criteria for re-use
Requires rope log
Designates options for
rope removed from service
NFPA® 1983 sets requirements and
regulations for life safety rope.
8–5
7. While NFPA® does not regulate utility
rope it should be inspected regularly.
8–6
9. - Resistance to water,
mildew, mold,
rotting, shrinkage,
ultraviolet (UV) light
- Long lifespan
- Strong/lightweight
- Easy maintenance
- Melts when
exposed to heat
Synthetic fiber ropes are made from a
variety of materials and have many
advantages and disadvantages.
8–8
10. - Resistant to
sunlight
- Does not melt
- Holds knot
firmly
- Mildew/mold
- Exposure to
chemicals
- Burns in
contact with
flame, embers
Natural fiber ropes have distinct
advantages and disadvantages.
8–9
11. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the differences in the
characteristics of life safety and
utility rope?
8–10
13. Kernmantle rope is made of
synthetic material and consists of
two main components.
8–12
Braided
covering or
sheath
(mantle)
Core (kern)
of main load-
bearing
strands
14. Kernmantle rope can be either
dynamic or static and should be
used in different circumstances.
8–13
Dynamic rope
Static rope
15. Laid (twisted) rope can be either
synthetic or natural and is used only
for utility rope.
8–14
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Easy to inspect
- Abrasion,
physical
damage
- Damage
affects strength
16. Braided rope is less likely to twist
than laid rope, but is still vulnerable.
8–15
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21. Document in rope log
Inspect visually, by touch
Glass
shards
Metal
shavings
Splinters
Foreign
objects
All rope must be inspected after use
or at least once a year.
8–20
22. Soft spots
May signal core
damage
If sheath damaged,
core likely as well
If in doubt, remove
from service
Other signs
Shape, weave
Smells
Discoloration
Roughness
Abrasions
Fuzziness
Some is normal
Remove from service
if excessive
Inspect kernmantle rope by
applying slight tension and feeling
for irregularities.
8–21
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23. 1. Remove
mildew
2. Clean
Rope
3. Re-
inspect
Untwist synthetic laid rope so each
strand can be inspected.
8–22
Look for:
• Soft, crust, brittle spots
• Stretching
• Cuts, nicks, abrasions
• Chemical abrasions
• Dirt, grease, other flaws
25. Chemical Damage
Brittle,
ruptured fibers
Dark red,
brown spots
Salt
incrustation
Swollen
Pulley,
metallic
devices
Rust spots
Reduced
holding
power
Heavy greasy
material
Remove natural fiber laid rope at
manufacturer’s end of service period.
8–24
26. 1. Remove
rope from
service
2. Clean 3. Re-inspect
4. Dry,
ventilate
storage area
before
returning
Ensure that rot does not spread
to new rope.
8–25
28. Heat sears, nicks, cuts
Lumps indicate core damage
Shrinking diameter may indicate break
Examine sheath for wear
If sheath slides on core:
• Cut off end, remove excess, seal end
Inspect braid-on-braid rope visually
and by touch.
8–27
30. Chafing, dragging over rough surfaces
Constant vibration while in storage
Compression when stored tightly
Avoid abrasion and unnecessary
wear while using any type of rope.
8–29
31. Avoid sharp angles and bends, which
can reduce rope strength up to 50%.
8–30
33. Synthetic fiber holds better than natural
fiber
Can break below load limit after long
periods of time
Never exceed load limit and never more
than two days
Avoid exposing rope to sustained
loads.
8–32
34. Inspectextent
If stain is minor,
strength should not be
diminished
Keep in service
If stain is halfway
through rope, strength
may be reduced
Remove from service,
destroy
Avoid exposing rope to rust, which can
weaken rope within one or two weeks.
8–33
36. Reverse ends of the rope periodically
to ensure an even wear.
8–35
37. Do not walk on rope, which can
weaken it by bruising and grinding
dirt into the strands.
8–36
38. 1. Visually inspect
for soil and other
contamination
2. Use stiff brush
to remove
Cleaning rope involves two basic steps.
8–37
39. By hand
Rope washing
device
Washing machine
Do not use bleaches or strong cleaners
on synthetic fiber rope; wash in warm
water and mild detergent.
8–38
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40. Do:
• Spread on hose
drying rack
• Suspend in hose
tower
• Coil loosely in hose
dryer
Do Not:
• Place near heat
source
• Let dry in direct
sunlight
Dry synthetic fiber rope immediately
after washing and rinsing.
8–39
41. Wipe or gently brush natural fiber
rope, but do NOT use water.
8–40
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42. All life safety rope must be
permanently identified with a rope log
once purchased.
8–41
Mark ends
• With unit number and
service start date
• Print on label, seal to ends
with liquid compound
Log is kept for
working life
(Cont.)
43. All life safety rope must be
permanently identified with a rope log
once purchased.
8–42
Records dates every use,
maintenance, inspection
Info helps determine when
to remove from service
Log is kept in waterproof
envelope in pocket on side of
bag
44. - Clean, dry,
unheated area
- Freely circulating
air
- Protect from
weather, direct
sunlight, chemicals,
fumes, vapors
- Keep in separate
compartment from
fuels
Follow these general guidelines for
storing rope.
8–43
45. Storing ropes in a bag provides
several advantages.
8–44
Easy to transport
Protects against
contamination, abrasion
Can be easily marked,
with rope log attached
May be dropped, thrown
to be deployed quickly
48. Made from same
material as
synthetic rope
Life safety
webbing must be
NFPA® compliant
Webbing comes as either flat or tubular
in either spiral or chain weave.
8–47
53. Follow same
guidelines as
synthetic fiber
rope
Always follow
manufacturer’s
instructions
Webbing care and maintenance
procedures are similar to rope.
8–52
54. Webbing is stored in several ways.
8–53
Carried in protective coat
pocket
Rolled or daisy-chained
Kept in bags
Carried in apparatus
55. Describe parts of a rope and
considerations in tying a knot.
Learning Objective 5
8–54
57. Knots play a critical part in fire fighting
and are made up of three parts.
8–56
Working end
Standing part
Running part
58. Overhand safety
knot
Clove hitch
Tighten all knots, remove all slack after
tying (dressing), and use safety knots
to ensure safety.
8–57
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59. Easy to tie
Secure under
load
Reduce rope
strength as little
as possible,
avoid tight bends
All knots tied by firefighters follow
these basic principles.
8–58
60. Bight Loop Round turn
Three bends are created when tying
a knot or hitch.
8–59
63. Overhand safety knot
• Used as a safety measure
Bowline
• Easily tied and untied
Firefighters use several types of
knots for a variety of reasons.
8–62
(Cont.)
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64. Half-hitch
•Used to stabilize long objects while
hoisting, combined with other knots
Clove hitch
•Attach rope to object, not used in
life safety
Firefighters use several types of
knots for a variety of reasons.
8–63
(Cont.)
65. Handcuff (Rescue)
• Used to secure victim’s hands,
feet
Figure-Eight
• Can be used as stopper knot
Firefighters use several types of
knots for a variety of reasons.
8–64
(Cont.)
66. Figure-Eight bend
• Used to tie together two ropes
of equal diameter
Figure-Eight on bight
• Used to tie closed loop
Firefighters use several types of
knots for a variety of reasons.
8–65
(Cont.)
67. Figure-Eight follow through
• Used for securing objects
Becket bend
• Used joining unequal diameter
rope or chain, not life safety
Firefighters use several types of
knots for a variety of reasons.
8–66
(Cont.)
68. Water knot
• Used for joining two pieces of
webbing, tendency to slip
Firefighters use several types of
knots for a variety of reasons.
8–67
69. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the three main elements of
a knot that can be combined to
create knots and hitches?
8–68
70. Select commonly used rope
hardware for specific applications.
Learning Objective 8
8–69
72. Rescue (life
safety rope
only)
Hoist tools,
equipment
Barrier to
control zone
Search line Stabilization
Ropes and webbing have five main
uses at emergency incidents.
8–71
Never exceed the load ability of a rope.
74. Hoisting SCBA
prohibited by
OSHA
Use proper
knots, securing
procedures
Control or tag
line may be
used
Always keep safety first when
hoisting tools and equipment.
8–73
75. Carabiners
Pulleys
Carabiners and pulleys are the most
common type of rope equipment used
in hoisting.
8–74
Connects rope to
mechanical gear
Creates mechanical
advantage
77. Follow these general safety
guidelines when hoisting.
8–76
Make sure balanced
and firmly on ground
before starting
Use hand-over-hand
to maintain control
Use edge roller or
padding to protect rope
(Cont.)
78. Follow these general safety
guidelines when hoisting.
8–77
Use pulley system
for heavy objects
Work in teams when
working from heights
Clear personnel of
hoisting area (Cont.)
79. Follow these general safety
guidelines when hoisting.
8–78
Avoid hoisting near
electrical hazards
Secure nozzles of
charged hoselines
Use tag line to
control object
Hand carry if safer
81. Firefighters must learn to hoist
several types of equipment.
8–80
(Cont.)
- Often fastest
and safest
- Dry hoseline
safer than
charged
Ladder Dry hoseline
82. Firefighters must learn to hoist
several types of equipment.
8–81
(Cont.)
- Knot and
tagline through
closed handle
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Rotary saw
83. REVIEW QUESTION
What are three safety guidelines
that must be used when hoisting
tools or equipment?
8–82
84. Utility rope has traditionally been
used for control zone perimeters.
8–83
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85. Search lines help firefighters stay in
contact and provide a physical means
of finding an exit.
8–84 CourtesyofShadCooper/WyomingStateFireMarshal’sOffice
86. Utility rope is used to stabilize
objects and prevent vehicles from
falling or rolling over.
8–85
1. Tie to strong,
stationary object
2. Tie to vehicle
87. Ensure rope, webbing, anchors
strong enough to bear weight
Tighten knots, have safety knots
in place
Ensure all attachment points
secure, will not pull free
Ensure personnel are clear in case
line snaps, breaks
Before stabilizing any object, be sure
to complete the following.
8–86
88. • Firefighters use rope and webbing to
hoist tools and equipment, stabilize
objects, designate control zones,
perform rescues, and escape from life-
threatening situations.
Summary
8–87
89. • To use them safely and effectively, you
must know the various types of ropes,
their applications, and how to tie a
variety of knots quickly and correctly.
• Finally, you must know how to inspect,
clean, maintain, and store ropes and
webbing so that they are ready for use
when needed.
Summary
8–88
90. Inspect, clean, and store a rope.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-1.
Learning Objective 10
8–89
91. Tie an overhand knot.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-2.
Learning Objective 11
8–90
92. Tie a bowline knot.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-3.
Learning Objective 12
8–91
93. Tie a clove hitch.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-4.
Learning Objective 13
8–92
94. Tie a clove hitch around an object.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-5.
Learning Objective 14
8–93
95. Tie a handcuff (rescue) knot.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-6.
Learning Objective 15
8–94
96. Tie a figure-eight knot.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-7.
Learning Objective 16
8–95
97. Tie a figure-eight bend.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-8.
Learning Objective 17
8–96
98. Tie a figure-eight on a bight.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-9.
Learning Objective 18
8–97
99. Tie a figure-eight follow through.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-10.
Learning Objective 19
8–98
100. Tie a Becket bend.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-11.
Learning Objective 20
8–99
101. Tie a water knot.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-12.
Learning Objective 21
8–100
102. Hoist an axe.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-13.
Learning Objective 22
8–101
103. Hoist a pike pole.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-14.
Learning Objective 23
8–102
104. Hoist a roof ladder.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-15.
Learning Objective 24
8–103
105. Hoist a dry hoseline.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-16.
Learning Objective 25
8–104
106. Hoist a charged hoseline.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-17.
Learning Objective 26
8–105
107. Hoist a power saw.
This objective is measured in Skill
Sheet 8-I-18.
Learning Objective 27
8–106
