The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.

1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 1
Ropes & Knots

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Slide 2
Requirements

IFSTA Chapter 7- CFA Rescue

Ropes & Knots Technician Core

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Slide 3
Common Rope Uses
•When hoisting tools, they must be tied securely
but be able to be untied quickly
Rescue Raising and lowering tools •Rope rescue requires a high degree of training
and competence
•Rope rescue requires special ropes designed for
rescue

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Slide 4
Firefighting Ropes
•Natural fiber ropes were widely used for
firefighting and rescue
• 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
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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 5
Rope Categories
•Life safety rope will be discussed in later slides
•Life safety uses are not limited to the high angle
Utility Life Safety environment
• Used for-
– Hoisting tools
• Used any time a person
will be supported by the •Low angle rescues also submit heavy loads to the
– Securing hoselines rope
– Extending ladders ropes

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Slide 6
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

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Slide 7

Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue

Ropes & Knots

TYPES OF ROPE

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Slide 8
Natural Fiber Ropes
•Their type of construction exposes the fibers to
wear
• Used for utility purposes •Fibers are held together by friction alone
• Made of short, overlapping fibers •This was the primary life safety rope used until
• Manila, sisal, and cotton
the mid-1980’s

• No longer acceptable for life safety!

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 9 They can absorb 50% of their weight in water
Natural Fiber Ropes

The Good The Bad Commonly used on ladder halyards, drop ropes,
• Easy to tie & untie • Rot, mold & mildew utility ropes
• Inexpensive • Low abrasion resistance
• Lightweight • Absorbs water
• Low shock absorption
• Difficult to dry

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Slide 10 Nylon ropes absorb high shock loads well

Synthetic Ropes

• High strength to weight ratio Most common used for rescue

• Common ropes used today
Style of construction can minimize or maximize
Materials
• Nylon this shock absorption
• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Polyester Polypropylene ropes are not as strong but they
float
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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
Synthetic Ropes

The Good The Bad

• High strength • Susceptible to heat & UV
• Lightweight • Easily damaged by edges
• Low water absorption
• Easy to clean

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 12

Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue

Ropes & Knots

ROPE CONSTRUCTION

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Slide 13 Accentuates spinning under load

Laid / Twisted Rope

Natural fiber ropes Most common type of construction for natural

Fibers are twisted
into bundles
fiber ropes

All fibers are exposed which is good for

inspection, but also exposes each fiber to damage
Bundles are twisted
to form the rope

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Slide 14 No twisting effect when loaded

Braided Rope
Used mostly with
synthetic fibers
High flexibility

Smooth feel

Every fiber is exposed at some point throughout

Small bundles of fiber
are woven together the length of the rope
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Slide 15 Approximately 50% of the strength in the core

Braid on Braid Rope
and 50% in the sheath
Sheath can slide
over the core
Soft sheath very susceptible to damage

Lots of stretch
Braided sheath over
a braided core

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 16 This is the standard for rescue rope construction
Kernmantle Rope
75-80% strength in the core, 20-25% in the mantle
Braided sheath over Used for life
a twisted core safety ropes
High abrasion resistance

Dynamic vs. static discussed on next slide

Kern- core
Mantle- sheath

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Slide 17 Static ropes are preferred for most fire service

Kernmantle Categories
applications
Static Dynamic
• Low stretch (up to 10%) • High stretch (up to 40%) Rope stretch in mechanical advantage systems is
• Core bundles are straight • Core bundles are twisted
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
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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

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 18

Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue

Ropes & Knots

NFPA 1983

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Slide 19 In June of 1980 a firefighter was lowered from a

NFPA 1983
roof to rescue another firefighter in distress at a
First published in window. Once the distressed firefighter’s weight
response to a LODD
Standard on Life Safety was applied to the rope, it broke sending both of
Rope and Equipment for
Emergency Services them to their death 7 stories below.

Ropes broken into

This standard categorizes rope into 4 classes of
4 categories life safety rope
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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 In order to maintain strength, each fiber must be

Requirements of 1983
continuous throughout the rope
Virgin fiber

Block-creel The materials used must be virgin. No recycled

construction materials allowed

Continuous fiber

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Slide 21 The high safety factor takes into account the

1983 Safety Factor
strength lost in knots, moisture, and light
Rescue ropes must maintain abrasions
a 15:1 safety factor
Breaking strength
depends on its use The various breaking strengths are discussed in
the following slides
Rescuers are
considered to be
300lbs each

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 22 Often has applications in confined space due to
Light Use
limitations of the number of rescuers / victims that
Typically 3/8” to 7/16” can fit through the opening or be suspended by the
Safe working tripod
load of 300lbs
(1 Rescuer)

Minimum breaking
strength 4,500 lbs

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Slide 23 This is the most common size rope used in the fire
General Use
service
Typically ½” diameter
Safe working
load of 600lbs
(2 Rescuers)

Minimum breaking
strength 9,000 lbs

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Slide 24 Strength is less because they are only used in a

Throw Line
horizontal pull to retrieve rescuers and victims
Typically 5/16” to 3/8” diameter from water and ice

Safe working
load of 200lbs

Minimum breaking
strength 3,000 lbs

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Slide 25 Typically high heat and abrasion resistance

Personal Escape Rope

1 person use
Kevlar or similar fibers
Typically 3/8” diameter
One time use only if used for bailout

Minimum breaking
strength of 3,000lbs

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 26 Used for lifting and lowering tools, securing
Utility Rope
hoselines, extending ladders

Never used to
support a person

Often downgraded Not regulated by

life safety rope NFPA 1983

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Slide 27

Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue

Ropes & Knots

CARE & MAINTENANCE

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Slide 28 Never step on a rope

Rope Care

Protect from Never allow ropes to rub against each other

sharp edges

Protect from prolonged Avoid heat, chemicals, or flames

sunlight exposure

Never step on life

safety ropes

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 29 Rope must be stored dry
Rope Cleaning
Mild detergent Air dry out Never bleach rope
for excessively of sunlight
dirty ropes
Commercial washing machines can be used but-

Warm water and It must be a front loading washer

a hose washer

It must have a glass front door

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Rope must be bagged or daisy chained

Slide 30 Look for-

Rope Inspection
Blowouts
NFPA 1983 Excessive fraying
requires inspection-
• After each use Cuts
• Monthly Debris
Burns
Visual and touch
inspection
Contamination
Feel for-
Soft spots
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Hard spots
Debris
“Slick” spots (heat damage)

Slide 31 Even if there are no signs of excessive wear or

Failed Rope
damage, if the inspector loses confidence in the
rope, it should be taken out of service
Rope that fails inspection
must be downgraded or
destroyed

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Slide 32 Do not place heavy objects on top of the ropes

Rope Storage
when stored in compartments
Store out of sunlight
and away from fuels
Ropes may be marked with an “A” end and a “B”
end

Rescue ropes should

This allows firefighters to keep track of and rotate
be bagged the ends of the rope that are used
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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 33 Rescue and utility ropes can be stored in this
Rope Bundle
manner
Optional storage method
Deployment can be difficult due to tangles &
untying the bundle

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Slide 34 Log should include

Rope Logs
Rope lot, manufacturer, date placed in service,
All use and inspection color, size, and ID
must be documented
Date of use or inspection
Incident type
Exposure or estimated loading (number of
rescuers / victims supported)
Name of inspecting person
Overall condition
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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 35

Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue

Ropes & Knots

KNOT TERMINOLOGY

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Slide 36 Knots hold their form even when not attached to

Knots vs. Hitches
anything
Knot- manipulation in
the rope forming a
fixed point Hitches fall apart if not attached to an object

Hitch- used to attach a

rope to an object

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Slide 37
Rope Ends & Parts
Working End- end
used in forming knots
Standing Part- part between the
working end and running end

Running End- end used

for lifting or pulling

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Slide 38 A round turn is a loop with parallel ends

Terminology

A bight reverses direction to form a “U”

A loop makes a circle in the rope

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 39 A bend is a knot that joins two ropes together
Terminology

A splice is a method of weaving two ropes

together
Bend Splice
A whip is a special wrapping of thread to prevent
a rope from unraveling
Whip Anchor Point
An anchor point is an immovable object
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Slide 40 There are several knots that can perform the same
Knot Selection
function but the firefighter must choose the one
Chosen based on- that is best suited for the rope and its function
• Rope
• Function
• Strength Ex- a bowline vs. 8 on a bight
“Good” knot qualities-
• Easy to tie and untie
• Low strength loss
• Easy to identify

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Slide 41
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%

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 42

Introduction to Firefighting and Rescue

Ropes & Knots

KNOTS

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Slide 43
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

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Slide 44
Knot Tying

Perishable Skill

When used for life safety,

knots must be perfect

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Slide 45 All knots tied in the academy will have a safety

Overhand Safety Knot
knot except for the butterfly, half hitch, water
Used to prevent
Around the
knot, and double fisherman’s knot
loosening or untying
main rope

Alone as a stopper

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 46
Overhand Safety Knot

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Slide 47 When tying a clove hitch, make sure that the rope
Clove Hitch
does not pull backwards against the knot causing
Utility purposes only it to loosen. The rope should continue with the
“flow” of the knot

Used to attach a
rope to an object

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Slide 48
Clove Hitch

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Slide 49
Half Hitch

Always used with

other knots

Supports most of the weight

when hoisting an object

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Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 50
Bowline
Forms a secure loop in
the working end of a rope

Used for utility

purposes only

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Slide 51
Bowline

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Slide 52 The smaller rope forms the knot

Becket (Sheet) Bend

When tying to chain, the link of the chain forms

Used to join 2 ropes
the bight
of different diameter

Used to join a
rope and a chain

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Slide 53
Becket (Sheet) Bend

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 54
Figure 8

Used as a “stopper” knot

Also used as a
foundation other knots

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Slide 55
Figure 8

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Slide 56
Figure 8 on a Bight

Creates a fixed loop

at the end of a rope

Loop should only be

as big as needed

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Slide 57
Figure 8 on a Bight

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Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 58
Figure 8 Follow Through

Used when the working

end must be passed
through or around an object

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Slide 59
Figure 8 Follow Through

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Slide 60
Figure 8 Follow Through

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Slide 61
Figure 8 Bend

Used to join 2 ropes

of equal diameter

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 62
Figure 8 Bend

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Slide 63
Figure 8 Bend

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Slide 64
Double Loop Figure 8
Used when two
loops are needed

Often used in
anchoring applications
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Slide 65
Double Loop Figure 8

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 66
Double Loop Figure 8

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Slide 67
Double Loop Figure 8

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Slide 68
Butterfly Knot

Provides an attachment
point mid-line

Can be loaded
in any direction

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Slide 69
Butterfly Knot

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 70
Butterfly Knot

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Slide 71
Butterfly Knot

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Slide 72 Must be loaded in line with the knot

Double Fisherman’s Knot

Also called a
barrel knot

Used to build
a prusik

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Slide 73
Double Fisherman’s Knot

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 74
Double Fisherman’s Knot

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Slide 75
Double Fisherman’s Knot

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Slide 76
Double Fisherman’s Knot

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Slide 77 No longer used for belay because it is not positive

Munter Hitch
capture
A running knot used for
Only supports a 1 person load in this
belay / releasing tension configuration

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 78
Munter Hitch

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Slide 79
Munter Hitch

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Slide 80
Water Knot (Bend)

Only knot tied

in webbing

Used to join the

ends of webbing

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Slide 81
Water Knot (Bend)

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 82
Water Knot (Bend)

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Slide 83
Water Knot (Bend)

Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program

Slide 84 Start with at least 20’-22’ of webbing and adjust

Personal Hasty Harness
the length as you go through the steps, if
Bring the ends of the webbing
around to your front on both sides
so that you have a loop on your right
necessary, to fit your body. Tie the ends of the
and left. Bring the looped ends
together into one hand. webbing together with a water knot. Make sure
the knot is fixed and doesn’t loosen when pressure
is applied.
Hold webbing in a wide circle behind
you with the knot in the middle of
your back centered along your
Hold the webbing in a wide circle behind you
spine. The side of the webbing circle
parallel to the knot should be resting with the knot in the middle of your back centered
on the back of your knees.
along your spine. The side of the webbing circle
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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.

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 The Connecticut Fire Academy Unit 10.1
Recruit Firefighter Program Chapter 10
Presentation Instructor Notes Firefighter Ropes & Knots
Slide 85 Start with at least 20’ of webbing and adjust the
Personal Hasty Harness
length as you go through the steps, if necessary, to
Pass your right arm through the
right looped end of the webbing and
the left arm through the left loop.
fit your body. Tie the ends of the webbing
Make sure the webbing is up around
your shoulders. 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
Pull the lower band of the webbing
that is accessible between your legs
up and in front of you. Pass the
with the knot in the middle of your back centered
looped ends of the webbing through
loop coming up between your legs. along your spine. The side of the webbing circle
parallel to the knot should be resting on the back
Connecticut Fire Academy – Recruit Program
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 Pull the lower band of the webbing that is

Personal Hasty Harness
accessible between your legs up and in front of
Pass your right arm through the
right looped end of the webbing and
the left arm through the left loop.
you. Pass the looped ends of the webbing through
Make sure the webbing is up around
your shoulders. 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
Pull the lower band of the webbing
that is accessible between your legs
up and in front of you. Pass the
loop. Make sure the webbing is up around your
looped ends of the webbing through
loop coming up between your legs. shoulders.
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Slide 87 Connect the loops of webbing around your arms

Personal Hasty Harness
with a carabineer. The carabineer should be
Pull the band of webbing horizontally
across your abdomen and hook a
carabineer around it. Lock the
behind you, across your shoulders.
carabineer around the webbing. Turn
the carabineer to twist up any slack in
the harness. Move the webbing around
Pull the band of webbing horizontally across your
and keep twisting until the strap is tight
around your waist. Once tight clip the
abdomen and hook a carabineer around it. Lock
carabineer back to the center web.
the carabineer around the webbing. Turn the
Connect the loops of webbing
around your arms with a carabineer.
The carabineer should be behind
carabineer to twist up any slack in the harness.
you, across your shoulders.
Move the webbing around and keep twisting until
the strap is tight around your waist. Once tight
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clip the carabineer back to the center web.

Slide 88

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