ROPES & KNOTS

Utility Rope
References

 MFRI FFI
 Verdugo Fire Academy – Ropes, Knots and Hitches presentation
 Knots 101
Requirements

 Computer with MS Power Point program

 Projector for laptop
 Length of Utility Rope
 Firefighting Gloves
Objectives

 Describe the difference between Life Safety and Utility Rope

 Describe and demonstrate how to clean and inspect rope
 Describe and demonstrate how to clean and inspect rope
 Describe and demonstrate how to clean and inspect rope
ROPE

Basics
Basics

 Two types of Rope used in the Fire Service

 Life Safety
 Used ONLY for supporting people
 Use for both training and actual emergencies when supporting people

 Utility
 Used for training
 Teaching FF skills
 Used for all other functions that do not involve supporting people
 Hoisting tools
 Securing unstable objects
 Cordoning of areas

 This drill will focus on Utility rope use for knots and hoisting tools.
Basics

 Utility Rope
 Current ropes mostly synthetic material
 Nylon
 Polyester
 Polypropylene
 Polyethylene
 Advantages over Natural Fiber
 Stronger
 More resistant to rotting and mildew
 More resistant to melting and burning
 Easier to wash and dry
 Less absorbent
 Disadvantages
 Highly susceptible to abrasions and cutting
 Damaged by ultraviolet light, acids and alkalis
Parts of a Rope

 Identify the working end of your rope

 Used in forming knots

 Identify the standing end

 Between working and running end

 Identify the working end

 Part used for hoisting or pulling
ROPE MAINTENANCE
Care

 Protect from sharp and abrasive surfaces

 Protect from heat, chemicals and flame
 Never step on a rope
 Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for storage and care
Cleaning
Use mild soap and water for
synthetic rope
Use mesh bag to hold rope is
using front load washer
No bleach
Allow to air dry
Not in direct sunlight
Do not use a dryer

Do not store wet

Inspection

 Do a regular visual inspection

 After use
 After cleaning

 Look for
 Cuts
 Abrasions
 Breaks in fibers
 Run through fingers SLOWLY while doing visual inspection
 Place a slight bit of tension on rope

 Retire Utility Rope when damaged

Storage

 Store in Rope bag

 Do not place heavy items on rope
 Keep away from fuels
 Keep away from fumes of oils, gasoline and hydraulic fluid
 Keep away from sunlight
 Keep away from temperature extremes
KNOTS
Bends
Clove Hitch
Figure Eight
Figure Eight on a Bight
Half Hitch
Overhand Safety
Bowline Knot
Practice Makes Perfect

 Put on your FF gloves

 Practice tying each knot with gloves on
 Check each others knots
 Don’t forget your safety!
HOISTING TOOLS
Axe with figure 8 on a bight
Hoisting an Axe with Clove Hitch
Hoisting a Pipe Pole using clove and half hitch
Hoisting a ladder
Practice Hoisting Tools

 Obtain an axe, pipe pole and roof ladder

 Donn Firefighting Helmet, Firefighting gloves and safety glasses
 Make sure each participant is wearing safety shoes (steel toes or Bunker pants with
boots)
 Practice hoisting tools.
Wrap up

 Rope use and knots are an important part of the fire service
 Be able to tie knots with gloves on
 Knots need to be second nature
 Continue to practice and hone your rope and knot skills