Ropes & Knots Firefighting Ropes

1 of 24 Revision: 092216

The Connecticut Fire Academy

Recruit Firefighter Program

Presentation Instructor Notes

Unit 10.1

Chapter 10

Firefighter Ropes & Knots

Slide 1

Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program

Ropes & Knots

1

Slide 2


Requirements

IFSTA Chapter 7-

Ropes & Knots

CFA Rescue

Technician Core

Slide 3


Common Rope Uses

Raising and lowering toolsRescue

•When hoisting tools, they must be tied securely

but be able to be untied quickly

•Rope rescue requires a high degree of training

and competence

•Rope rescue requires special ropes designed for

rescue

Slide 4


Firefighting Ropes

• Vary in material & construction

• Certain ropes are preferred due to their

properties

• Firefighters must be able to select the

appropriate rope & knot for the task

•Natural fiber ropes were widely used for

firefighting and rescue





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 5


Rope Categories

Utility

• Used for-

– Hoisting tools

– Securing hoselines

– Extending ladders

Life Safety

• Used any time a person

will be supported by the

rope

•Life safety rope will be discussed in later slides

•Life safety uses are not limited to the high angle

environment

•Low angle rescues also submit heavy loads to the

ropes

Slide 6


Rope Rescue

High angle rescue is always

a 2 rope operation

One line is used

as the main line

The second line is

called a belay line

Slide 7


TYPES OF ROPE

Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue

Ropes & Knots

Slide 8


Natural Fiber Ropes

• Used for utility purposes

• Made of short, overlapping fibers

• Manila, sisal, and cotton

• No longer acceptable for life safety!

•Their type of construction exposes the fibers to

wear

•Fibers are held together by friction alone

•This was the primary life safety rope used until

the mid-1980’s





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 9


Natural Fiber Ropes

The Good

• Easy to tie & untie

• Inexpensive

• Lightweight

The Bad

• Rot, mold & mildew

• Low abrasion resistance

• Absorbs water

• Low shock absorption

• Difficult to dry

They can absorb 50% of their weight in water

Commonly used on ladder halyards, drop ropes,

utility ropes

Slide 10


Synthetic Ropes

• High strength to weight ratio

• Common ropes used today

Materials

• Nylon

• Polypropylene

• Polyethylene

• Polyester

Nylon ropes absorb high shock loads well

Most common used for rescue

Style of construction can minimize or maximize

this shock absorption

Polypropylene ropes are not as strong but they

float

Most commonly used for water & ice rescue

Polyethylene ropes are very high strength

Pound for pound is stronger than steel

Polyester ropes have extremely low stretch but not

as strong as nylon

Commonly used for highline rescue

Slide 11


Synthetic Ropes

The Good

• High strength

• Lightweight

• Low water absorption

• Easy to clean

The Bad

• Susceptible to heat & UV

• Easily damaged by edges





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 12


ROPE CONSTRUCTION


Ropes & Knots

Slide 13


Laid / Twisted Rope

Natural fiber ropes

Fibers are twisted

into bundles

Bundles are twisted

to form the rope

Accentuates spinning under load

Most common type of construction for natural

fiber ropes

All fibers are exposed which is good for

inspection, but also exposes each fiber to damage

Slide 14


Braided Rope

Used mostly with

synthetic fibers

Small bundles of fiber

are woven together

No twisting effect when loaded

High flexibility

Smooth feel

Every fiber is exposed at some point throughout

the length of the rope

Slide 15


Braid on Braid Rope

Braided sheath over

a braided core

Sheath can slide

over the core

Approximately 50% of the strength in the core

and 50% in the sheath

Soft sheath very susceptible to damage

Lots of stretch





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 16


Kernmantle Rope

Braided sheath over

a twisted coreUsed for life

safety ropes

Kern- core

Mantle- sheath

This is the standard for rescue rope construction

75-80% strength in the core, 20-25% in the mantle

High abrasion resistance

Dynamic vs. static discussed on next slide

Slide 17


Kernmantle Categories

Static

• Low stretch (up to 10%)

• Core bundles are straight

Dynamic

• High stretch (up to 40%)

• Core bundles are twisted

Static ropes are preferred for most fire service

applications

Rope stretch in mechanical advantage systems is

not desired

Properly constructed rope systems will never

allow for more than a few inches of slack,

negating the need for a “stretchy” rope to absorb

shock loading

Dynamic ropes are used when the load will be

above the anchor and there is a risk of a fall

Lead climbing

Polyester static ropes stretch as little as 2% at

ninety percent of rope failure





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 18


NFPA 1983


Ropes & Knots

Slide 19


NFPA 1983

Standard on Life Safety

Rope and Equipment for

Emergency Services

First published in

response to a LODD

Ropes broken into

4 categories

In June of 1980 a firefighter was lowered from a

roof to rescue another firefighter in distress at a

window. Once the distressed firefighter’s weight

was applied to the rope, it broke sending both of

them to their death 7 stories below.

This standard categorizes rope into 4 classes of

life safety rope

Establishes manufacture, care, and testing

standards for the rope and rope rescue equipment

Life safety ropes can never be used for utility

purposes or they must be downgraded to utility

rope

Slide 20


Requirements of 1983

Virgin fiber

Block-creel

construction

Continuous fiber

In order to maintain strength, each fiber must be

continuous throughout the rope

The materials used must be virgin. No recycled

materials allowed

Slide 21


1983 Safety Factor

Rescue ropes must maintain

a 15:1 safety factor

Breaking strength

depends on its use

Rescuers are

considered to be

300lbs each

The high safety factor takes into account the

strength lost in knots, moisture, and light

abrasions

The various breaking strengths are discussed in

the following slides





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 22


Light Use

Typically 3/8” to 7/16”

Minimum breaking

strength 4,500 lbs

Safe working

load of 300lbs

(1 Rescuer)

Often has applications in confined space due to

limitations of the number of rescuers / victims that

can fit through the opening or be suspended by the

tripod

Slide 23


General Use

Typically ½” diameter

Minimum breaking

strength 9,000 lbs

Safe working

load of 600lbs

(2 Rescuers)

This is the most common size rope used in the fire

service

Slide 24


Throw Line

Typically 5/16” to 3/8” diameter

Minimum breaking

strength 3,000 lbs

Safe working

load of 200lbs

Strength is less because they are only used in a

horizontal pull to retrieve rescuers and victims

from water and ice

Slide 25


Personal Escape Rope

Typically 3/8” diameter

1 person use

Minimum breaking

strength of 3,000lbs

Typically high heat and abrasion resistance

Kevlar or similar fibers

One time use only if used for bailout





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 26


Utility Rope

Never used to

support a person

Not regulated by

NFPA 1983Often downgraded

life safety rope

Used for lifting and lowering tools, securing

hoselines, extending ladders

Slide 27


CARE & MAINTENANCE


Ropes & Knots

Slide 28


Rope Care

Protect from

sharp edges

Protect from prolonged

sunlight exposure

Never step on life

safety ropes

Never step on a rope

Never allow ropes to rub against each other

Avoid heat, chemicals, or flames





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 29


Rope Cleaning

Mild detergent

for excessively

dirty ropes

Warm water and

a hose washer

Air dry out

of sunlight

Rope must be stored dry

Never bleach rope

Commercial washing machines can be used but-

It must be a front loading washer

It must have a glass front door

Rope must be bagged or daisy chained

Slide 30


Rope Inspection

NFPA 1983

requires inspection-

• After each use

• Monthly

Visual and touch

inspection

Look for-

Blowouts

Excessive fraying

Cuts

Debris

Burns

Contamination

Feel for-

Soft spots

Hard spots

Debris

“Slick” spots (heat damage)

Slide 31


Failed Rope

Rope that fails inspection

must be downgraded or

destroyed

Even if there are no signs of excessive wear or

damage, if the inspector loses confidence in the

rope, it should be taken out of service

Slide 32


Rope Storage

Rescue ropes should

be bagged

Store out of sunlight

and away from fuels

Do not place heavy objects on top of the ropes

when stored in compartments

Ropes may be marked with an “A” end and a “B”

end

This allows firefighters to keep track of and rotate

the ends of the rope that are used





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 33


Rope Bundle

Optional storage method

Rescue and utility ropes can be stored in this

manner

Deployment can be difficult due to tangles &

untying the bundle

Slide 34


Rope Logs

All use and inspection

must be documented

Log should include

Rope lot, manufacturer, date placed in service,

color, size, and ID

Date of use or inspection

Incident type

Exposure or estimated loading (number of

rescuers / victims supported)

Name of inspecting person

Overall condition





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 35


KNOT TERMINOLOGY


Ropes & Knots

Slide 36


Knots vs. Hitches

Knot- manipulation in

the rope forming a

fixed point

Hitch- used to attach a

rope to an object

Knots hold their form even when not attached to

anything

Hitches fall apart if not attached to an object

Slide 37


Rope Ends & Parts

Working End- end

used in forming knots

Running End- end used

for lifting or pulling

Standing Part- part between the

working end and running end

Slide 38


Terminology

A round turn is a loop with parallel ends

A bight reverses direction to form a “U”

A loop makes a circle in the rope





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 39


Terminology

Bend Splice

Whip Anchor Point

A bend is a knot that joins two ropes together

A splice is a method of weaving two ropes

together

A whip is a special wrapping of thread to prevent

a rope from unraveling

An anchor point is an immovable object

Slide 40


Knot Selection

Chosen based on-

• Rope

• Function

• Strength

“Good” knot qualities-

• Easy to tie and untie

• Low strength loss

• Easy to identify

There are several knots that can perform the same

function but the firefighter must choose the one

that is best suited for the rope and its function

Ex- a bowline vs. 8 on a bight

Slide 41


Strength Loss

• Bowline - 33%

• Figure 8 Bight - 20%

• Figure 8 follow through - 19%

• Double loop 8 - 18%

• Figure 8 bend - 19%

• Double fisherman's knot - 21%





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 42


KNOTS


Ropes & Knots

Slide 43


Knot Tying

Learn ONE way and do

it the same every time

Knots must be dressed

to be correct

Learn to tie without gloves,

but practice with gloves

Slide 44


Knot Tying

Perishable Skill

When used for life safety,

knots must be perfect

Slide 45


Overhand Safety Knot

Used to prevent

loosening or untying

Alone as a stopper

Around the

main rope

All knots tied in the academy will have a safety

knot except for the butterfly, half hitch, water

knot, and double fisherman’s knot





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 46


Overhand Safety Knot

Slide 47


Clove Hitch

Utility purposes only

Used to attach a

rope to an object

When tying a clove hitch, make sure that the rope

does not pull backwards against the knot causing

it to loosen. The rope should continue with the

“flow” of the knot

Slide 48


Clove Hitch

Slide 49


Half Hitch

Always used with

other knots

Supports most of the weight

when hoisting an object





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 50


Bowline

Forms a secure loop in

the working end of a rope

Used for utility

purposes only

Slide 51


Bowline

Slide 52


Becket (Sheet) Bend

Used to join 2 ropes

of different diameter

Used to join a

rope and a chain

The smaller rope forms the knot

When tying to chain, the link of the chain forms

the bight

Slide 53


Becket (Sheet) Bend





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 54


Figure 8

Used as a “stopper” knot

Also used as a

foundation other knots

Slide 55


Figure 8

Slide 56


Figure 8 on a Bight

Creates a fixed loop

at the end of a rope

Loop should only be

as big as needed

Slide 57


Figure 8 on a Bight





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 58


Figure 8 Follow Through

Used when the working

end must be passed

through or around an object

Slide 59



Slide 60



Slide 61


Figure 8 Bend

Used to join 2 ropes

of equal diameter





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 62


Figure 8 Bend

Slide 63


Figure 8 Bend

Slide 64


Double Loop Figure 8

Used when two

loops are needed

Often used in

anchoring applications

Slide 65







Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 66



Slide 67



Slide 68


Butterfly Knot

Provides an attachment

point mid-line

Can be loaded

in any direction

Slide 69


Butterfly Knot





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 70


Butterfly Knot

Slide 71


Butterfly Knot

Slide 72


Double Fisherman’s Knot

Also called a

barrel knot

Used to build

a prusik

Must be loaded in line with the knot

Slide 73







Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 74



Slide 75



Slide 76



Slide 77


Munter Hitch

A running knot used for

belay / releasing tension

No longer used for belay because it is not positive

capture

Only supports a 1 person load in this

configuration





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 78


Munter Hitch

Slide 79


Munter Hitch

Slide 80


Water Knot (Bend)

Only knot tied

in webbing

Used to join the

ends of webbing

Slide 81


Water Knot (Bend)





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 82


Water Knot (Bend)

Slide 83


Water Knot (Bend)

Slide 84


Personal Hasty Harness

Hold webbing in a wide circle behind

you with the knot in the middle of

your back centered along your

spine. The side of the webbing circle

parallel to the knot should be resting

on the back of your knees.

Bring the ends of the webbing

around to your front on both sides

so that you have a loop on your right

and left. Bring the looped ends

together into one hand.

Start with at least 20’-22’ of webbing and adjust

the length as you go through the steps, if

necessary, to fit your body. Tie the ends of the

webbing together with a water knot. Make sure

the knot is fixed and doesn’t loosen when pressure

is applied.

Hold the webbing in a wide circle behind you

with the knot in the middle of your back centered

along your spine. The side of the webbing circle

parallel to the knot should be resting on the back

of your knees.

Bring the ends of the webbing around to your

front on both sides so that you have a loop on

your right and left. Bring the looped ends together

into one hand.





Unit 10.1

Chapter 10


Slide 85



Pull the lower band of the webbing

that is accessible between your legs

up and in front of you. Pass the

looped ends of the webbing through

loop coming up between your legs.

Pass your right arm through the

right looped end of the webbing and

the left arm through the left loop.

Make sure the webbing is up around

your shoulders.

Start with at least 20’ of webbing and adjust the

length as you go through the steps, if necessary, to

fit your body. Tie the ends of the webbing

together with a water knot. Make sure the knot is

fixed and doesn’t loosen when pressure is applied.

Hold the webbing in a wide circle behind you

with the knot in the middle of your back centered

along your spine. The side of the webbing circle

parallel to the knot should be resting on the back

of your knees.

Bring the ends of the webbing around to your

front on both sides so that you have a loop on

your right and left. Bring the looped ends together

into one hand.

Slide 86



Pull the lower band of the webbing

that is accessible between your legs

up and in front of you. Pass the

looped ends of the webbing through


Pass your right arm through the

right looped end of the webbing and

the left arm through the left loop.

Make sure the webbing is up around

your shoulders.

Pull the lower band of the webbing that is

accessible between your legs up and in front of

you. Pass the looped ends of the webbing through


Pass your right arm through the right looped end

of the webbing and the left arm through the left

loop. Make sure the webbing is up around your

shoulders.

Slide 87



Connect the loops of webbing

around your arms with a carabineer.

The carabineer should be behind

you, across your shoulders.

Pull the band of webbing horizontally

across your abdomen and hook a

carabineer around it. Lock the

carabineer around the webbing. Turn

the carabineer to twist up any slack in

the harness. Move the webbing around

and keep twisting until the strap is tight

around your waist. Once tight clip the

carabineer back to the center web.

Connect the loops of webbing around your arms

with a carabineer. The carabineer should be

behind you, across your shoulders.

Pull the band of webbing horizontally across your

abdomen and hook a carabineer around it. Lock

the carabineer around the webbing. Turn the

carabineer to twist up any slack in the harness.

Move the webbing around and keep twisting until

the strap is tight around your waist. Once tight

clip the carabineer back to the center web.

Slide 88


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