1. FVCC Fire Rescue
ROPES AND KNOTS

2. LIFE SAFETY & UTILITY ROPE APPLICATIONS
TS 6–1
LIFE SAFETY & UTILITY ROPE APPLICATIONS
Life Safety
Used solely to support rescuers/victims
Must be synthetic, block creel, virgin fiber
May not be reused unless meets all reuse criteria
Utility
Used for any but life safety applications
May be synthetic or natural fiber
May be reused

3. CRITERIA FOR REUSING LIFE SAFETY ROPE
TS 6–2
CRITERIA FOR REUSING LIFE SAFETY ROPE
Has no visible damage
Has never been exposed to heat, flame, or abrasion
Has never been subjected to any impact load
Has never been exposed to harmful chemical liquids, solids, gases, mists, or vapors
Passes inspection before and after each use

4. Homework
Distinguish between life safety and utility rope applications. Mark “A” for life safety applications or “B” for utility rope applications.
1. __ Pulling someone from the water
2. __ SCBA guide rope
3. __ Tag line
4. __ Securing backpack assembly to confined space rescuer's harness when
rescuer cannot enter space wearing standard SCBA
5. __ Securing a victim in a Stokes basket
6. __ Cordoning off an area
7. __ Hanging a salvage cover to dry
8. __ Hoisting a tool or piece of equipment
9. __ Safety harness tie-in during confined space entry
10. __ Securing a charged hose to a ladder
11. __ Drying clothes
12. __ Lowering a victim from a building during training exercise
13. __ Rappelling
14. __ Roping off an area
15. __ Stabilizing a vehicle for extrication

5. ROPE TERMINOLOGY VS 6-1 Strand Fibers Yarns Sheath or Jacket Core Kern
Mantle

6. ROPE CONSTRUCTION Laid (Twisted) Braided Braid-on-Braid
VS 6-2
ROPE CONSTRUCTION
Laid (Twisted)
Braided
Braid-on-Braid
Static Kernmantle
Dynamic Kernmantle

7. Homework
Match rope materials to their descriptions. Write the correct letters on the blanks.
16. Strong, hard fiber from the abaca plant; type #1 best for rope and identified by a colored string twisted into the fibers; short, non-continuous strands provide poor tensile strength
17. Synthetic rope with three to three and one-half times the tensile strength of manila, but may lose up to 15 percent of its strength when wet; stretches under load so is not suitable for vehicle stabilization or similar applications
18. Synthetic fiber sometimes known as Dacron®; particularly suitable to high-strength, low-stretch applications such as vehicle stabilization; very susceptible to damage by alkalis
19. Very lightweight synthetic rope used for water rescue because it absorbs no water and floats; difficult fiber to secure into solid knots and hitches
a. Manila
b. Nylon
c. Polyethylene
d. Polyester

8. Homework
Match rope materials to their descriptions. Write the correct letters on the blanks.
20. Same synthetic fiber as that used in bulletproof vests; also known as Kevlar®; easily damaged by abrasion so must be sheathed in polyester or nylon; very difficult to knot
21. Soft, pliable natural fiber; generally white or light colored; most susceptible to physical abrasion and damage of all natural fiber ropes
22. New synthetic fiber with a high molecular weight; strongest of the synthetic rope fibers; also known as H. Spectra®
23. Very lightweight fiber from same synthetic family as polypropylene; surface has slick, oily feel; can be manufactured in bright colors for good visibility
a. Gel spun polyethylene
b. Cotton
c. Polypropylene
d. Aramid

9. NATURAL FIBER ROPE Types Used for many years
TS 6–3
NATURAL FIBER ROPE
Types
Manila
Sisal
Cotton
Used for many years
Is no longer accepted for life safety applications

10. SYNTHETIC ROPE Types Preferable to natural fiber rope
TS 6–4
SYNTHETIC ROPE
Types
Nylon
Polypropylene
Polyester
Polyethylene
Preferable to natural fiber rope
Excellent resistance to mildew and rotting
Excellent strength
Aramid
Gel spun polyethylene (H. Spectra®)

11. DYNAMIC (HIGH STRETCH) ROPE
TS 6–5
DYNAMIC (HIGH STRETCH) ROPE
Used when long falls are a possibility
Designed for high stretch without breaking
Not considered practical for hauling applications

12. STATIC (LOW STRETCH) ROPE
TS 6–6
STATIC (LOW STRETCH) ROPE
Preferred for rescues requiring raising and lowering heavy loads
Designed for low stretch without breaking
Used for hauling, rescue, rappelling, and where no falls are likely to occur or only very short falls are possible

13. LAID (TWISTED) ROPE CONSTRUCTION
TS 6–7
LAID (TWISTED) ROPE CONSTRUCTION
Constructed by twisting yarns together to form strands; three strands twisted together make final rope
Susceptible to abrasion and other types of physical damage

14. BRAIDED ROPE CONSTRUCTION
TS 6–8
BRAIDED ROPE CONSTRUCTION
Is constructed of uniformly intertwined strands
Reduces or eliminates twisting common to laid ropes
Is subject to direct abrasion and damage

15. BRAID-ON-BRAID (DOUBLE BRAID) ROPE CONSTRUCTION
TS 6–9
BRAID-ON-BRAID (DOUBLE BRAID) ROPE CONSTRUCTION
Is constructed with both a braided core and a braided sheath
Is very strong
Does not resist abrasion as well as kernmantle; sheath may slide along the inner core of the rope

16. KERNMANTLE ROPE CONSTRUCTION
TS 6–10
KERNMANTLE ROPE CONSTRUCTION
Has braided covering or sheath over main load-bearing strands
Comes in both dynamic and static types

17. Homework
Select facts about rope construction. Write the correct letters on the blanks.
23. What type of rope construction is illustrated above?
a. Laid b. Braided c. Braid-on-braid d. Kernmantle
24. Firefighter A says that static rope stretches very little.
Firefighter B says that dynamic lines stretch more than static lines under weight and shock loads.
Who is right?
a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B
25. Why is static rope preferred for rescue work?
a. Its elasticity absorbs the weight of a fall
b. It has a low stretch factor
c. It has a high stretch factor
d. It stretches more than dynamic rope under weight and shock loads

18. Homework
26. What statement below is true in regard to laid (twisted) rope construction? a. The tightness of the lay (twist) determines the rope’s properties. b. Generally six strands are twisted together to make the final rope. c. Twisted rope is resistant to abrasion and other types of physical damage. d. Twisted rope is difficult to inspect. 27. What type of rope construction is illustrated below? a. Laid b. Braided c. Braid-on-braid d. Kernmantle 28. Firefighter A says that braided rope eliminates the twisting common to laid ropes. Firefighter B says that braided rope is constructed mostly of natural fibers though some are made from synthetic fibers. Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

19. Homework
29. What type of rope construction is illustrated below? a. Laid b. Braided c. Braid-on-braid d. Kernmantle 30. How many strands are there generally in a laid rope? a. Seven b. Five c. Three d. Two 31. Which of the following ropes possesses half its strength in its sheath and the other half in its core? a. Laid b. Braided c. Braid-on-braid d. Kernmantle

20. Homework
32. Which type of rope construction is also called twisted construction? a. Kernmantle b. Braided c. Laid d. Woven 33. Which of the following ropes possesses three-quarters of its strength in its core and the remaining quarter in its sheath? a. Laid b. Braided c. Braid-on-braid d. Kernmantle 34. Which rope construction is most easily inspected, but also most susceptible to physical damage? a. Braided b. Laid

21. Homework
35. Which of the following is the most commonly used rescue rope? a. Dynamic braid-on-braid b. Static braid-on-braid c. Dynamic kernmantle d. Static kernmantle 36. What type of rope construction is illustrated below? a. Laid c. Braid-on-braid b. Braided d. Kernmantle

22. ROPE CARE & MAINTENANCE
TS 6–11
ROPE CARE & MAINTENANCE
Number or otherwise identify all ropes.
Inspect after each use.
Make periodic inspections.
Use approved inspection methods.
Immediately red-label rope damaged on scene.
Keep a rope logbook.
Remove used life safety rope from service per manufacturer’s criteria.

23. REASONS TO REMOVE ROPE FROM SERVICE
TS 6–12
REASONS TO REMOVE ROPE FROM SERVICE
Excessive sheath wear
Severely shock loaded
Overloaded
Chemically contaminated
Old
Lacks uniform diameter
Lacks uniform texture
Does not meet manufacturer’s criteria for reuse as life safety rope

24. GUIDELINES FOR INSPECTING ROPE
TS 6–13
GUIDELINES FOR INSPECTING ROPE
Inspect visually and tactilely after each use.
Remove damaged rope from service.
Inspect for flaws and damage specific to rope type.

25. INSPECTING LAID ROPE Look for . . .
TS 6–14
INSPECTING LAID ROPE
Look for . . .
Soft, crusty, stiff or brittle spots
Cuts
Nicks
Abrasions
Internal mildew

26. INSPECTING BRAIDED ROPE
TS 6–15
INSPECTING BRAIDED ROPE
Look for . . .
Heat sears
Nicks
Cuts
Excess or unusual fuzziness

27. INSPECTING BRAID-ON-BRAID ROPE
TS 6–16
INSPECTING BRAID-ON-BRAID ROPE
Look for . . .
Heat sears
Nicks
Cuts
Lumps that indicate core damage
Sliding sheath

28. INSPECTING KERNMANTLE ROPE
TS 6–17
INSPECTING KERNMANTLE ROPE
Look for . . .
Lumps
Depressions
Soft spots
Irregularities in shape or weave
Foul smells
Discoloration
Roughness
Abrasions
Fuzziness

29. MAINTAINING A ROPE LOGBOOK
TS 6–18
MAINTAINING A ROPE LOGBOOK
Start record with purchase of each piece of rescue rope.
Keep track of each use and the inspection/ maintenance records of the rope.
Keep log in waterproof envelope.e
The rope log is usually placed in a pocket sewn on the side of the rope’s storage bag.

30. CLEANING NATURAL FIBER ROPES
TS 6–19
CLEANING NATURAL FIBER ROPES
Do not use water; ropes cannot be cleaned effectively.
Wipe or gently brush to remove as much dirt and grit as possible.

31. CLEANING SYNTHETIC ROPE BY HAND
TS 6–20
CLEANING SYNTHETIC ROPE BY HAND
Use cool water and mild soap (no detergents, bleaches, or solvent-based cleaners).
Wipe with damp cloth that has been dipped in cool soapy water and then wrung out, or scrub gently with brush.
Rinse thoroughly.
Dry out of direct sunlight.

32. CLEANING SYNTHETIC ROPE IN ROPE WASHER
TS 6–21
CLEANING SYNTHETIC ROPE IN ROPE WASHER
Use cool water.
Feed through washer to remove larger particles of dirt.
Remove stubborn dirt by hand with cloth or scrub brush.
Dry thoroughly out of direct sunlight.

33. CLEANING SYNTHETIC ROPE IN CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE
TS 6–22
CLEANING SYNTHETIC ROPE IN CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE
Use a front-loading, tumbling-type machine without a plastic window.
Place rope in cloth bag in bird's-nest coil.
Wash and rinse in cool water for recommended period of time.
Use mild soaps (no detergents, bleaches, or solvent-based cleaners), and follow mfgr.’s directions.
Dry thoroughly out of direct sunlight.
Contact the rope mfg. for special cleaning problems.

34. ROPE DRYING METHODS Spread out on a hose rack out of sunlight
TS 6–23
ROPE DRYING METHODS
Spread out on a hose rack out of sunlight
Suspended in a hose tower
Loosely coiled in a hose dryer

35. LIFE SAFETY ROPE STORAGE
TS 6–24
LIFE SAFETY ROPE STORAGE
In clean, dry spaces that have adequate ventilation
Coiled
In bag
Best for kernmantle rope and other life safety rope
Allows easy carrying; keeps dirt and grime from rope

36. VS 6-3
COILING ROPE 1 2 3 4

37. VS 6-4
BAGGING ROPE

38. Homework
Select facts about rope cleaning and storage. Write the correct letters on the blanks.
37. How should natural fiber ropes be cleaned?
a. In cool water with a brush
b. By wiping or gently brushing
c. By coiling in a cloth bag and washing in a clothes washing machine
d. By feeding through a rope washer
38. Which of the following is not an approved method of drying rope?
a. Air drying
b. Drying in a hose tower or on hose racks
c. Drying in a clothes dryer
d. Looping over clothesline and drying in the sun
39. What water temperature should be selected when using a clothes washer to clean rope?
a. Warm b. Hot c. Cold d. Any of the above

39. Homework
40. What type of machine should be used for washing ropes in a clothes washing machine?
a. Front-loading b. Commercial c. Top-loading d. Heavy-duty
41. What type of cleaning agent should be used for cleaning rope?
a. Bleach b. Solvent-based cleaner
c. Soap d. Detergent
42. What should the water temperature be for cleaning a rope with a rope washer?
a. Warm b. Cold
c Hot d. Any of the above

40. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT KNOTS
The ability to tie knots is a vital part of fire and rescue operations.
Synthetic rope material has changed methods of selecting and tying knots:
Manila and other natural fiber ropes are no longer considered safe for life safety use.
Synthetic rope is slick and may slide under load, so it requires an overhand or half hitch safety knot on the working end.
The bends in knots weaken rope: outside fibers are stretched; inside fibers are bent or crushed.

41. DESIRABLE KNOT ELEMENTS
Easy to tie
Easy to identify
Easy to untie
Secure under load (not subject to slippage)
Tied with few abrupt bends
Strong enough for required job

42. ELEMENTS OF A KNOT I Underhand Loop Bight Loop Round Turn Overhand
VS 6-5
ELEMENTS OF A KNOT I
Underhand
Loop
Bight
Loop
Round
Turn
Overhand
Loop

43. VS 6-6
ELEMENTS OF A KNOT II
Working End
Standing Part
Running End

44. KNOT TERMS Working end — Used for forming knot
TS 6–27
KNOT TERMS
Working end — Used for forming knot
Standing part — Between working and running ends
Running end — Used to hoist, pull, belay, etc.
Bight — Loop that does not cross over itself
Loop — Side of bight crossed over or under standing part
Round turn — End of rope continued around top of loop until standing lengths are parallel

45. PRIMARY KNOT APPLICATIONS
TS 6–28a
PRIMARY KNOT APPLICATIONS
Overhand knot
A foundation knot for beginning other knots
A safety knot or backup to secure other knots (particularly those of synthetic rope) to prevent the working end from slipping back through the knot and causing it to fail
Half hitch
Hoisting tools
Stabilizing tall objects

46. PRIMARY KNOT APPLICATIONS (cont.)
TS 6–28b
PRIMARY KNOT APPLICATIONS (cont.)
Bowline — Various utility and life safety (rope rescue harness) applications
Clove hitch
Attaching ropes to objects
Hoisting (with overhand knot)
Figure-eight — Foundation knot for other knots in family
Figure-eight follow through — Joining ropes of equal diameters

47. PRIMARY KNOT APPLICATIONS (cont.)
TS 6–28c
PRIMARY KNOT APPLICATIONS (cont.)
Figure-eight on a bight — Securing a loop in middle or end of a rope for a safety line, safety harness, litter and rescue equipment, anchor lines
Double-loop figure-eight — Constructing a rope rescue harness
Becket bend (sheet bend)
Joining ropes of unequal diameter
Joining rope to chain

48. HALF HITCH & OVERHAND SAFETY
VS 6-7
HALF HITCH & OVERHAND SAFETY 1 2 3
Two Half Hitches
Overhand Safety

49. VS 6-8
BOWLINE 1 2 3 4

50. TS 6–29
BOWLINE KNOT
Is used to form a loop that will not constrict the object it is placed around
Is untied easily
Shares degree of acceptability in both life safety and utility applications

51. VS 6-9
CLOVE HITCH IN OPEN 1 2 3 4

52. CLOVE HITCH AROUND OBJECT
VS 6-10
CLOVE HITCH AROUND OBJECT 1 2 3

53. CLOVE HITCH Is easily formed of two half hitches
TS 6–30
CLOVE HITCH
Is easily formed of two half hitches
May be used with overhand safety knot for hoisting tools and equipment
May be formed anywhere on the rope
Withstands pull in either direction without slipping, when properly tied

54. FIGURE-EIGHT
VS 6-11 1 2 3 4

55. FIGURE-EIGHT FOLLOW THROUGH
VS 6-12
FIGURE-EIGHT FOLLOW THROUGH 1 3 2

56. FIGURE-EIGHT FOLLOW THROUGH AROUND OBJECT
VS 6-13
FIGURE-EIGHT FOLLOW THROUGH AROUND OBJECT 1 2 3 4

57. FIRGURE-EIGHT ON A BIGHT
VS 6-14
FIRGURE-EIGHT ON A BIGHT 1 2 3

58. DOUBLE-LOOP FIGURE-EIGHT
VS 6-15
DOUBLE-LOOP FIGURE-EIGHT 1 2 3 4

59. TS 6–31
FIGURE-EIGHT KNOT
Has replaced the bowline since the introduction of synthetic rope
Is not as likely as the bowline to damage the rope
Is stronger than the bowline
Is an easy knot to tie, untie, inspect, and keep neat

60. BECKET BEND OR SHEET BEND
VS 6-16
BECKET BEND OR SHEET BEND 1 2 3 4

61. BECKET BEND (SHEET BEND)
TS 6–32
BECKET BEND (SHEET BEND)
Is not likely to slip when the rope is wet
Is dependable and useful for fire service utility applications

62. VS 6-5
Homework
43.
46.
44.
47.
45.
a. Bight b. Loop c. Overhand Loop d. Round Turn e. Underhand Loop

63. Homework
48.
49.
Running End
Standing Part
Working End
50.

64. Homework
Match knots to their primary applications. Write the correct letters on the blanks.
51. __ Joining ropes of unequal diameters, joining rope to chain
52. __ Joining ropes of equal diameters
53. __ Securing a loop in a rope for a safety line, safety harness, litter and rescue equipment, anchor lines
54. __ Foundation knot for other knots in family
55. __ Safety backup
a. Overhand knot
b. Figure-eight
c. Becket bend or sheet bend
d. Figure-eight on a bight
e. Figure-eight follow through

65. Homework 56. Attaching ropes to objects; hoisting (with overhand knot)
57. Forming a loop that will not constrict the object it is placed around
58. Constructing rope rescue harnesses when webbing harness is unavailable
59. Hoisting tools; stabilizing tall objects
a. Bowline
b. Clove hitch
c. Half hitch
d. Double-loop figure-eight

66. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE HOISTING
TS 6–33
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE HOISTING
Plan carefully, and complete all preparations.
Ensure solid footing.
Choose an area clear of electrical hazards if possible.
Know that pressurized cylinders such as SCBA bottles and fire extinguishers should NOT be hoisted.

67. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS DURING HOISTING
TS 6–34a
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS DURING HOISTING
Use hand-over-hand method to control rope.
Use edge rollers to protect rope pulled over sharp edges.
Work in teams when working from heights.
Look to ensure all personnel are clear of hoisting area.
Use extreme caution if you must work near electrical hazards.

68. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS DURING HOISTING (cont.)
TS 6–34b
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS DURING HOISTING (cont.)
Secure nozzle handle on charged lines to prevent accidental discharge.
Use a tag line as necessary to prevent equipment from contacting building or other objects.
Secure knots with overhand safety knots as appropriate.

69. HOISTING A LADDER
VS 6-17 1 3 2

70. HOISTING A LADDER Use bowline or figure-eight on a bight.
TS 6–35
HOISTING A LADDER
Use bowline or figure-eight on a bight.
Place knot through two rungs of ladder about one-third down from top.
Place loop over top of ladder.

71. VS 6-18
HOISTING HOSELINES
Dry Line
Charged Line

72. HOISTING TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
VS 6-19
HOISTING TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Pike Pole
Portable Fan
Axe
Bowline
Half
Hitch
Half
Hitch
Half
Hitch
Working
End
Tag Line
Clove
Hitch
Clove
Hitch
Tag
Line