3.8 Ropes and Knots

Question 1

Becket Bend

Answer 1

AKA “Sheet Bend”

• Joins two ropes of unequal, or similar, size

>> How to Tie a Sheet Bend

Question 2

Bowline

Answer 2

• form a fixed loop at the end of a rope
• secure the end of a rope to an object or anchor point
• used for rescue or hoisting tools

>> How to tie a Bowline on AnimatedKnots.com

Question 3

Butterfly

Answer 3

• used to form a fixed loop in the middle of a rope.
• can be loaded in multiple directions

>> Alpine Butterfly Loop on AnimatedKnots.com

Question 4

Clove Hitch

Answer 4

Used to tie off a rope to a round object (ex: tying off the halyard on an extension ladder.)

>> How to Tie a Clove Hitch on AnimatedKnots.com

Question 5

Double Fisherman’s Knot

Answer 5

Used to connect two ropes of equal length/ create prussik cords

>> Double Fisherman’s Bend on Animated Knots

Question 6

Figure 8

Answer 6

>> How to tie a Figure 8 Knot

• used to splice or tie together two ropes of near equal size.
• used to form a lifting eye in a piece of rope or even two pieces of rope.

Question 7

Figure 8 Follow-Through

Answer 7

• creates a secure loop in rope, usually tied around an object.
• can be tied to a ring, a carabiner, or your own harness.
• great way to join two pieces of rope together.

>> Figure 8 Follow-Through on Animated Knots

Question 8

Figure 8 on a Bight

Answer 8

• used for creating a strong loop without having to use the tail ends of your rope.
• Great for attaching things to a rope by a carabiner through the loop.

>> How to tie a figure eight knot on a bight

Question 9

Half Hitch

Answer 9

• used in conjunction with the bowline or clove hitch to secure a tool for hoisting

Form a bight in the rope & place the bight over the tool with the standing part on the bottom of the loop

Question 10

Handcuff Knot

Answer 10

• used to rescue people from narrow spaces by pulling them by the wrists. However, it is mainly avoided and used only as a last option due to the risk of harming the victim.

>> How to Tie a Handcuff Knot

Question 11

Hoisting a Charged Hose Line

Answer 11

1. Make sure that the nozzle is completely closed and secure.
2. Tie a clove hitch around the hose, 1’ or 2’ behind the nozzle.
3. Make a bight in the rope.
4. Pass the bight through the nozzle handle (bale) and slip the bight over the nozzle tip. This creates a half hitch that will help keep the nozzle closed while the hose is being raised.

>> Hoisting a charged hoseline

Question 12

Hoisting an Uncharged hose line

Answer 12

1. Fold about 3’ of hose back on itself and place the nozzle on top of the hose.
2. Tie a half hitch and slip it over the nozzle. Move the half hitch along the hose and secure it about 6“ from the fold.
3. Tie a clove hitch near the end of the rope, wrapping the rope around both the nozzle and the hose.
4. Prepare to hoist the hose line with the fold at the top and the nozzle pointing down.

>> Hoisting an uncharged hoseline

Question 13

Hoisting a hook

Answer 13

1. Form a clove hitch on the end opposite the hook
2. Form a half hitch on the point end by forming a bight and placing it under the hook (longer pike poles may need more than one half hitch)

>> How to hoist a pike pole

Question 14

How do you tie a fan (smoke ejector) for hoisting?

Answer 14

1. Pass the working end rope through both handles
2. Proceed to tie the bowline
3. Attach a tag line for better control

>> How to hoist a smoke ejector

Question 15

How do you tie a flathead axe for hoisting?

Answer 15

1. Form a bowline and pass it over the axe handle or form a clove hitch on the handle near the head
2. Pass the standing part under the axe head
3. Form a half hitch on the end of the axe handle by forming a bight and placing it on the handle

Question 16

How do you tie a roof ladder to be hoisted?

Answer 16

1. Tie a figure eight on a bight or (or a bowline) to make a loop 3’ or 4’ in diameter.
2. Pass the rope between the rungs of the ladder, three or four rungs from the top. Pull the loop under the rungs toward the top of the ladder.
3. Place the loop around the top of the ladder
4. Remove the slack from the rope and allow the loop to slide down the ladder.

>> How to Hoist a Straight (Roof) Ladder

Question 17

Water Knot

Answer 17

• Used to join two pieces of webbing

>> How to tie a water knot

Question 18

What are the types and uses of rope?

Answer 18

1. webbing -
   used for creating anchors and lashings, or for packaging patients and rescuers; typically constructed from the same material as synthetic rope
2. utility -
   Rope designed for any use except rescue; can be used to hoist equipment, secure unstable objects, or cordon off an area
3. life safety -
   Rope designed exclusively for rescue and other emergency operations.

Question 19

What’s the difference between a figure 8 on a bight and a figure 8 follow-through?

Answer 19

A figure 8 follow through is tied at the end of the rope around a fixed point, such as the hard points of the harness.

A figure 8 on a bight is tied in the middle of the rope and clipped to the belay loop or other fixed point with a carabiner.

Question 20

How do you clean & maintain life safety rope?

Answer 20

The cleaning procedure shall be as follows:

(1) Remove as much debris, dirt, and mud as possible at the scene.
(2) Rinse off any excess dirt with a hose.
(3) Soak the rope or webbing for about 30 minutes in a plastic tub of water with nondetergent soap added.
(4) Rinse the rope or webbing by pulling it through a rope washing device twice.
(5) Hang the rope or webbing in a cool, shady place to dry.

Question 21

How do you store life safety rope?

Answer 21

• Rope should be kept in a cool, clean, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
• Rope shall be kept off of the floor and never stored on dirt or concrete floors without ventilation underneath.