1. Chapter 15
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 and Their Characteristics
Constructed of a wide variety of materials
Each material has different characteristics
Earliest ropes were made of natural materials
The fire service has re-examined the type of rope materials being utilized as life safety lines

4. Natural Materials Materials that fall into this category
Manila, sisal, and cotton
Share same poor characteristics with regard to:
Rot
Mildew
Abrasion resistance
Natural deterioration
Low shock load absorption capability

5. Figure 15-2 Type 1 manila rope.

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

7. Figure 15-6 Brightly colored polyethylene rope floating on water.

8. Construction Methods and Their Characteristics
Natural fiber ropes dominating fire service were constructed using laid method
Modern ropes utilize a number of different construction techniques
Two broad categories:
Static
Dynamic

9. Laid (Twisted)
Most common type of construction for natural fiber ropes
Formed by twisting individual fibers together to form strands or bundles
Tends to accentuate spinning and twisting
Advantage is that all fibers are exposed
Easy to inspect
Exposed fibers also susceptible to damage

10. Figure 15-7 Example of laid construction method.

11. Braided Utilized predominantly with synthetic fibers
Formed by weaving small bundles of fibers together, much the same as braided hair
Smooth to touch, high flexibility
Does not accentuate spinning
Every fiber exposed to abrasion, sunlight, and physical damage

12. Braid-on-Braid Formed by braiding a sheath over a smaller braided core
Ropes of this kind are quite dynamic
Soft sheath more susceptible to damage from abrasion
Figure Example of braid-on-braid construction method.

13. Kernmantle Kern is a derivative of the term kernel
Mantle is defined as “anything that cloaks, envelops, covers, or conceals”
Kern carries vast majority of load
Can be dynamic or static depending on configuration of fibers of kern
Quite resistant to abrasion

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

15. Primary Uses Fire service utilizes ropes on a regular basis
Operations divided into two classifications:
Utility
Safety
Firefighter should be familiar with department standard rope use

16. Utility Rope used for utility purposes has no governing standards
Firefighters must take extra precautions when using utility rope
Firefighters should become familiar with common uses within their own department

17. Firefighting and Rescue Uses
Ropes for structural search and rescue guide ropes do not fall into category of life safety ropes
Ropes, harnesses, and hardware utilized anywhere there will be life supported must comply with NFPA 1983
NFPA 1983 categorizes life safety ropes as:
Light-use
General-use
NFPA 1983 also sets tensile strength requirements for each

18. Fire Service Knots Each service will have preferred methods and knots
Consult local protocol, policies or SOPs to find which knots expected for various situations
Some knots introduced with switch to synthetic fibers

19. Terms Used for Rope and Knots
Three separate and distinct parts of a rope:
Working end
Standing part
Running end
Firefighters need to know terms used to describe elements combined to form knots

20. Figure 15-12 The three parts of a rope: working end, standing part, and running end.

21. Figure 15-13 Left to right: a round turn, a bight, and a loop
Figure 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.

22. Knots
Dressing: make sure parts of the knot are lying in the proper orientation to other parts
Setting: make sure knot is snug in all directions
Most commonly used:
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

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

24. 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

25. Figure 15-16 It is very important that rope is inspected as it is being put back into a rope bag.

26. Laid (Twisted) Firefighters should look and feel for:
Foreign matter
Slippery spots
Voids in center fibers
Stiff or hard spots and soft spots
Laid ropes should be untwisted at random intervals to inspect between strands

27. Figure 15-18 It is important to twist apart a laid rope to inspect between strands.

28. Braided Should be visually and tactilely inspected as well
Inspecting inside is not possible
All strands appear on the surface somewhere along the rope

29. Braid-on-Braid
When inspecting braid-on-braid rope, there is no way to see the inside braided rope
Pay attention to tactile inspection
Watch and feel for damage
Outside braid will sometimes slip over the inner braid causing the rope to invert
Immediately remove from service
Outside braid represents 50 percent of strength

30. Kernmantle Cannot see kern portion
Represents 75 percent of total strength of rope
Tactile inspection is best and only way to discover damage to kern
Key is to search for a different feel
Flat spots, voids, bunches, stiffness, and limpness

31. Maintenance Maintenance of ropes is not difficult
Firefighter may be called on to assist with placing new rope into service
Carefully adhere to manufacturer's instructions

32. Cleaning Follow manufacturer's instructions
Brush dirt off natural materials; do not use water
Lose 50 percent of strength when wet
Do not regain strength when dry
Ropes manufactured from synthetic materials can be cleaned in a number of ways
Hand wash
Rope washer
Clothes washing machine

33. Figure 15-24 A kernmantle rope can also be “chained” and washed in a front-loading washing machine.

34. Drying Rope must be completely dried prior to storage
Different drying methods:
Lay flat to dry
Hang to dry
Use clothing dryer with extreme caution
Even a low temperature setting could surpass manufacturer’s recommendations

35. Storage Quick identification is important
Type
Length
Different material types, sizes, or colors of bags or tags can be used to differentiate
Each department needs to establish policy
Standard coiling
Utilization of special bags

36. Figure 15-27 The two most common methods of storing life safety ropes (bagged or coiled).

37. Rigging for Hoisting
One of the primary uses of rope on emergency scene
Much smaller rope can be utilized
Can be stored bagged or coiled
Some departments have policies governing the use of tag/guide lines

38. Specific Tools and Equipment
Small figure eight on a bight with half hitch up handle is easiest and quickest way to hoist an ax
Pike poles should be hoisted point up
Hoselines can be hoisted charged or uncharged
Power tools have closed handles or support pieces
Ladders are hoisted on regular basis

39. Securing a Rope between Two Objects
Need to secure a rope between two objects may arise at any emergency scene
Rope may be used as a barrier using one of two methods
Figure eight on a bight may be used to secure an anchor point

40. 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 is not difficult or complicated