ROPES KNOTS Utility Rope References MFRI FFI Verdugo

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

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