RopesIntermediate

SFFMA Objectives: 28-02.01 – 28-02.036Hrs received

SFFMA Objectives 28-02.01 Trainee, given the proper rope, shall demonstrate the bight, loop, round

turn, and half hitch as used in tying knots and hitches. 28-02.03 Trainee shall demonstrate the technique of inspection, cleaning,

maintaining, storage, safety procedures, and reasons for placing a rope out of service. 28-02.02 Trainee, using an approved knot, shall hoist any selected forcible entry tool,

ground ladder, or appliance to a height of at least 20': A. a 1½ inch or 1¾ inch dry hose with nozzle attached B. a 2½ inch or 3 inch dry hose with nozzle attached C. a 1½ inch or 1¾ inch charged hose D. an axe E. a 6' or 8' pike pole F. a single 14' or 16' (wall) ladder G. a 10' collapsible ladder H. a 14' combination ladder I. working as a member of a team, a 24' extension ladder J. a 15 lb. CO2 fire extinguisher K. a 20 lb. dry chemical fire extinguisher L. an electric smoke ejector M. a pair of bolt cutters

Firefighter I

Knot CharacteristicsTo be suitable for rescue, must be easy to tie

and untie, be secure under load, reduce rope’s strength minimally

Rope’s strength reduced whenever bentBight, loop, round turn — Bends in ropeKnots, hitches formed by combining bending

elements

7–3

Firefighter I

Knot ElementsBight — Formed by bending rope back on

itself while keeping sides parallel

7–4

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Knot ElementsLoop — Made by crossing side of bight over

standing part

7–5

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Knot ElementsRound turn — Consists of further bending

one side of loop

7–6

Firefighter I

Commonly Used KnotsHalf-hitch

Particularly useful in stabilizing tall objects being hoisted; always used with another knot or hitch

Formed by making round turn around objectSeveral can be applied in succession if

required

7–7

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Removing Life-Safety Rope From ServiceLife-safety rope that fails to pass inspection

or has been impact loaded should be destroyed immediately

Destroy = Altered in such a manner that it cannot be mistaken for life-safety rope

7–8

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Removing Life-Safety Rope From ServiceRope subjected to impact loading must

have entry made in log because there is no way to determine by inspection if it has been impact loaded

7–9

Firefighter I

General Rope Maintenance GuidelinesInspect all types after each useUnused should be inspected at least annuallyInspect visually and by touchInspect for foreign objects; if found, take out

of serviceAll inspections documented in log

7–10

Firefighter I

Types of Rope — MaintenanceKernmantle ropeLaid ropeBraided ropeBraid-on-braid rope

7–11

Firefighter I

Maintaining Rope LogWhen rescue rope

is purchased, it must be permanently identified

Record must be started and kept throughout rope’s working life

7–12

Firefighter I

Cleaning RopeMethods vary by

manufacturer; contact for specific instructions

Natural fibersSynthetic fibers

7–13

Firefighter I

General Rope Storage ConsiderationsCan be stored in coils or rope bagsShould be stored in clean, dry spaces with

adequate ventilationNot exposed to chemical contaminantsNot stored in same space with gasoline-

powered tools, spare fuel

7–14

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Bagging RopeBest method for life-safety rope is to place in

storage bagBag makes rope easy to transport, protects

rope from contaminationAdvantage of storing synthetic rope in bag is

that rope can be deployed quickly

7–15

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Bagging RopeWeight of the rope

inside bag carries it toward target and rope pays out as bag travels through air

Bag may have drawstring and shoulder straps for ease in carrying

7–16

Firefighter I

Coiling/Uncoiling RopeCoiling necessary so rope may be placed into

service with minimum delay important in fire service

Improperly coiled rope may become tangled and fail to uncoil

7–17

Firefighter I

Using Rope for HoistingOne of most common uses

of rope in fire service — Raise or lower tools and pieces of equipment from one elevation to another

7–18

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Using Rope for HoistingThorough knowledge of knots, hitches makes

this a safe, efficient practiceAnything with closed-type D-ring handle can

be raised, lowered with bowline or figure-eight bend

Hoisting pressurized cylinders not recommended

7–19

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Using Rope for HoistingUsing proper knots, securing procedures

helps prevent dropping of equipmentSeparate guideline may be tied to any of

these pieces of equipment; objects may also be tied in center of rope

7–20

Firefighter I

Hoisting Safety — GeneralHave solid footing, make

necessary preparations beforehand

Use hand-over-hand methodUse edge roller or paddingWork in teams

7–21

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Hoisting Safety — GeneralLook to ensure all personnel clear of hoisting

areaAvoid hoisting operations near electrical

hazardsSecure nozzles of charged hoselinesUse guideline to help control object being

hoisted

7–22

Firefighter I

Hoisting SafetyHoisting

AxePike poleLadderHoselinesPortable fansPower saw

7–23

Practical ExerciseInstructor will choose separate items for each firefighterFirefighter using an approved knot, shall hoist any

selected forcible entry tool, ground ladder, or appliance to a height of at least 20': a 1½ inch or 1¾ inch dry hose with nozzle attached a 2½ inch or 3 inch dry hose with nozzle attached a 1½ inch or 1¾ inch charged hose an axe a 6' or 8' pike pole a single 14' or 16' (wall) ladder a 15 lb. CO2 fire extinguisher a pair of bolt cutters