Ropes & Knots Firefighting Ropes
Transcript of 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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Requirements
IFSTA Chapter 7-
Ropes & Knots
CFA Rescue
Technician Core
Slide 3
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
2 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 5
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
TYPES OF ROPE
Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue
Ropes & Knots
Slide 8
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
3 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 9
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Synthetic Ropes
The Good
• High strength
• Lightweight
• Low water absorption
• Easy to clean
The Bad
• Susceptible to heat & UV
• Easily damaged by edges
4 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 12
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
ROPE CONSTRUCTION
Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue
Ropes & Knots
Slide 13
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
5 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 16
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
6 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 18
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
NFPA 1983
Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue
Ropes & Knots
Slide 19
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
7 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 22
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
8 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 26
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue
Ropes & Knots
Slide 28
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
9 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 29
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
10 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 33
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
11 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 35
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
KNOT TERMINOLOGY
Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue
Ropes & Knots
Slide 36
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
12 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 39
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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%
13 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 42
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
KNOTS
Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue
Ropes & Knots
Slide 43
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Knot Tying
Perishable Skill
When used for life safety,
knots must be perfect
Slide 45
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
14 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 46
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Overhand Safety Knot
Slide 47
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Clove Hitch
Slide 49
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Half Hitch
Always used with
other knots
Supports most of the weight
when hoisting an object
15 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 50
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Bowline
Forms a secure loop in
the working end of a rope
Used for utility
purposes only
Slide 51
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Bowline
Slide 52
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Becket (Sheet) Bend
16 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 54
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Figure 8
Used as a “stopper” knot
Also used as a
foundation other knots
Slide 55
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Figure 8
Slide 56
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Figure 8 on a Bight
17 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 58
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Figure 8 Follow Through
Used when the working
end must be passed
through or around an object
Slide 59
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Figure 8 Follow Through
Slide 60
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Figure 8 Follow Through
Slide 61
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Figure 8 Bend
Used to join 2 ropes
of equal diameter
18 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 62
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Figure 8 Bend
Slide 63
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Figure 8 Bend
Slide 64
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Double Loop Figure 8
Used when two
loops are needed
Often used in
anchoring applications
Slide 65
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Double Loop Figure 8
19 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 66
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Double Loop Figure 8
Slide 67
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Double Loop Figure 8
Slide 68
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Butterfly Knot
Provides an attachment
point mid-line
Can be loaded
in any direction
Slide 69
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Butterfly Knot
20 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 70
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Butterfly Knot
Slide 71
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Butterfly Knot
Slide 72
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Double Fisherman’s Knot
Also called a
barrel knot
Used to build
a prusik
Must be loaded in line with the knot
Slide 73
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Double Fisherman’s Knot
21 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 74
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Double Fisherman’s Knot
Slide 75
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Double Fisherman’s Knot
Slide 76
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Double Fisherman’s Knot
Slide 77
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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
22 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 78
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Munter Hitch
Slide 79
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Munter Hitch
Slide 80
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Water Knot (Bend)
Only knot tied
in webbing
Used to join the
ends of webbing
Slide 81
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Water Knot (Bend)
23 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 82
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Water Knot (Bend)
Slide 83
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Water Knot (Bend)
Slide 84
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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.
24 of 24 Revision: 092216
The Connecticut Fire Academy
Recruit Firefighter Program
Presentation Instructor Notes
Unit 10.1
Chapter 10
Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 85
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Personal Hasty Harness
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Personal Hasty Harness
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.
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.
Slide 87
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
Personal Hasty Harness
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
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program