Chapter 7 - Ropes and Knots

Question 1

Life safety rope

Answer 1

Designed to be used only for rescue and other emergency ops. Used to raise, lower or support FF during training. Should not be used for utility purposes.

Question 2

NFPA 1983

Answer 2

Only rope of block creel construction using continuous filament virgin fibre for load bearing elements is suitable for life safety applications. Rope made of any other material or construction must not be used to support FF or victims.
- block creel construction: method of manufacturing rope without any knots or splices; a continuous strand of fibre runs the entire length of the ropes core

Question 3

Maintaining accurate rope logs ensures that life safety ropes remain a reliable source of protection for rescuers and victims.

Answer 3

Remove life safety rope from service if subjected to impact load, fails inspection, has been used only as utility rope or is marked for destruction.

Question 4

Utility rope

Answer 4

Can be used to hoist equipment, secure unstable objects, or cordon off an area. Downgraded life safety rope may be used as utility rope if in good condition still.

Question 5

Synthetic fibres

Answer 5

Used to construct both life safety and utility rope. Synthetic rope will melt when exposed to heat.

Question 6

Natural fibres

Answer 6

Only permitted for utility rope. Natural fibre rope loses its strength when it gets wet and rots rapidly. Prone to mold and mildew.

Question 7

Kernmantle rope

Answer 7

Is a jacketed synthetic rope composed of a braided covering or sheath (mantle) over a core (kern) of the main load bearing strands.
- core is made of high strength fibres (usually nylon) which accounts for 75% of the total strength of the rope
- the sheath provides the rest and protects the core from abrasion and contamination
- used for life safety rope!
- Melting point: 204°c (400°F)

Question 8

Dynamic rope

Answer 8

Used when long falls are a possibility. Designed to stretch without breaking.

Question 9

Static rope

Answer 9

Used for most rope rescue ops. Designed for low stretch without breaking. Must not elongate more than 10% when tested under a load equal to 10% of its breaking strength. Used for rescue, rappelling and hoisting and when falls are not likely to occur or only very short falls.

Question 10

Laid ropes

Answer 10

Constructed by twisting fibres together to form strands, then twisting the strands (usually 3) together to make the final rope. Used exclusively for utility ropes.
- 15% weaker when wet
- no heat rating
- Can absorb up to 50% of its weight in water

Question 11

Braided rope

Answer 11

Constructed by uniformly intertwining strands of rope together in a diagonally overlapping patter. Most commonly used as utility rope.

Question 12

Braid on braid rope

Answer 12

Consists of a braided core enclosed in a braided sheath. Half strength in its sheath and other half in its core. Does not resist abrasion as well as kernmantle rope. Used often for utility rope.

Question 13

Inspecting rope

Answer 13

After each use and inspect unused rope at least once a year. Document in rope log.
- natural fibre ropes deteriorate with age

Question 14

Maintaining rope

Answer 14

• Avoid abrasion and unnecessary wear
• Avoid sharp angles, bends and knots
• Protect ends from damage
• Avoid sustained loads
• Avoid rust
• Prevent contact with chemicals
• Reverse ends of the rope periodically
• Do not walk on rope

Question 15

Cleaning rope

Answer 15

Use a stiff bristled brush to remove loose surface debris and grime.

Question 16

Rope log

Answer 16

Includes; product label, identification label, and manufactures instructions, info regarding purchase date, use, maintenance and inspection, incidents that result in impact loading

Question 17

Webbing

Answer 17

Used in conjunction with rope for both life safety and utility applications.

Question 18

Flat webbing

Answer 18

Constructed of a single layer of material that resembles a car seat belt. Mainly used for straps and harnesses.

Question 19

Tubular webbing

Answer 19

Commonly used for rescue ops. Easier to tie. 2 types; edge stitched and spiral weave (preferred for rescue ops).

Question 20

Knots

Answer 20

Join ropes and webbing together, attach ropes and webbing to people and objects, and form ropes and webbing into loops.

Question 21

3 parts of a rope

Answer 21

Working end- used to tie the knot or hitch
Running part- free end that is used for hoisting or pulling
Standing part- Section between working end and running part

Question 22

Dressing

Answer 22

Tighten knots until snug. Slack removed. Tie overhand safety knot in the tail of the working end.

Question 23

Names for the bends that a rope undergoes when tying a knot or hitch

Answer 23

Bight, loop and round turn.

Question 24

Overhand safety knot

Answer 24

Eliminates the danger of the running end of the rope slipping back through the knot and causing the knot to fail.

Question 25

Clove hitch

Answer 25

Used to attach a rope to an object such as a pole, post, or hoseline. Not appropriate for life safety applications.

Question 26

Figure eight

Answer 26

Can be used as a stopper knot so that the rope will not pass through a rescue pulley or the grommet of a rope bag.

Question 27

Water knot

Answer 27

Preferred knot for joining 2 pieces of webbing or the ends of the same piece when a loop is needed.

Question 28

Tag line

Answer 28

Are non load bearing and help prevent tools from spinning or snagging while being hoisted.

Question 29

Never use utility rope during rescue ops.

Answer 29

True

Question 30

Types of Ropes Used by the CFD

Answer 30

1. Work Rope (Laid Rope): Constructed by twisting fibers together to form strands; then twisting the strands together to make the final rope.
2. Water Rescue Rope (Double Braided Rope): Constructed by uniformly intertwining strands of rope together in a diagonally overlapping pattern.
3. Life Safety Rope – (Kernmantle Rope): A jacketed synthetic rope comprised of a braided covering (mantle) over a core (kern) of the main load-bearing strands. The kern accounts for 75% of the total strength of the rope. The CFD uses 12.5 mm Static Life Safety Kernmantle rope rated at 40 kN or 9,900lbs.

Question 31

Figure-8 Stopper Knot

Answer 31

Once the rope is in the bag, tie a figure 8 stopper on the tag end so the rope is easy to retrieve.

Question 32

Type of Webbing Used by the CFD

Answer 32

The CFD uses a 25 mm spiral weave nylon webbing consisting of material woven into a tube without seams. Tubular webbing is commonly used for rescue applications because of its relative strength (17 kN), resistance to abrasion, and mild shock absorption qualities. Tubular webbing can be used in various applications, including securing patients, creating a hasty harness, and self-rescue maneuvers.
- The CFD personal issue webbing is 7.5 m (24.25’) in length and is meant to be stored in a loop. A loop is the most functional, versatile and more easily untied than tied on the fireground. This piece of life safety equipment is life-cycled every 5 years and uses a colour that is distinct from webbing used amongst the technical rescue teams.

Question 33

Knot construction entails 3 finishing steps:

Answer 33

1. Dress the Knot: Align and straighten the rope or webbing so it flows smoothly through turns and bights.
2. Set the Knot: To reduce slippage under load, hand-tighten each leg of the rope or webbing where it enters and exits the knot.
3. Safety the Knot: Tie an overhand safety knot on all running ends of the rope or webbing for extra safety and surety.

Question 34

Bowline

Answer 34

Creates a bight at the end of a line. Used to secure the end of a rope to an object or anchor point; used for hoisting equipment and/or tools.

Question 35

Inline Butterfly

Answer 35

A mid-line, multi-directional knot; can be made in a rope without access to either end. This is a distinct advantage when working with long life safety ropes.

Question 36

Munter Hitch

Answer 36

A friction hitch that uses the same principles as a rappel device. Allows a load to be lowered or belayed under control.

Question 37

Handcuff Hitch

Answer 37

Used in rescue situations to remove a person from a dangerous environment (e.g., confined space). Can also be used to bind the hands or feet of a combative patient.

Question 38

Double Fisherman’s Bend

Answer 38

Used to join ropes or cordage together regardless of whether the ropes or cordage are of equal size.

Question 39

Hasty Harness

Answer 39

• Package a patient for removal from a dangerous environment
• Self-rescue

Question 40

Note

Answer 40

Ensure ladder tips are pointed away from the structure while hoisting, and towards the structure when lowering

Question 41

CFD Approved Bend

Answer 41

Double Fisherman’s Bend: Used to join ropes or cordage together regardless of whether the ropes or cordage are of equal size.
Water Knot (Ring Bend)

Question 42

CFD Approved Hitches

Answer 42

Clove hitch
1/2 hitch
munters hitch