07a - Ropes and Knots - IG

0 - Ropes and Knots
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II
UNIT OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this unit of study, the student should be able to:
1. Explain the difference between life safety and utility rope.
2. Describe the various materials from which rope is constructed.
3. Describe the types of construction used for fire service rope.
4. Demonstrate the techniques for inspecting rope.
5. Demonstrate the proper cleaning, maintenance, and storage of rope.
6. Describe the method of marking a rope to remove it from service.
7. Identify the parts of the knot and explain their applications.
8. Demonstrate tying each of the following knots:
a. Overhand safety
b. Figure-eight on a bight
c. Becket or sheet bend
d. Bowline
e. Clove hitch
f. Half hitch
9. Demonstrate using an appropriate knot and rope to hoist tools and equipment.
Ropes and Knots - 1
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
NFPA STANDARDS
Successful completion of the information in this section is necessary to fulfill the
requirements of the following sections of NFPA 1001-2008:
Fire Fighter I Standard

5.1.1 General Knowledge Requirements. The organization of the fire department; the
role of the Fire Fighter I in the organization; the mission of fire service; the fire
departments standard operating procedures (SOPs) and rules and regulations as they
apply to the Fire Fighter I; the role of other agencies as they relate to the fire
department; aspects of the fire departments member assistance program; the
importance of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle to the performance of the duties
of a fire fighter; the critical aspects of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department
Occupational Safety and Health Program, as they apply to the Fire Fighter I; knot
types and usage; the difference between life safety and utility rope; reasons for placing
rope out of service; the types of knots to use for given tools, ropes, or situations;
hoisting methods for tools and equipment; and using rope to support response
activities.
5.1.2 General Skill Requirements. The ability to don personal protective clothing
within 1 minute; doff personal protective clothing and prepare for reuse; hoist tools
and equipment using ropes and the correct knot; and locate information in departmental
documents and standard or code materials.
5.5.1 Clean and check ladders, ventilation equipment, SCBA, ropes, salvage
equipment, and hand tools, given cleaning tools, cleaning supplies, and an assignment,
so that equipment is clean and maintained according to manufacturers or departmental
guidelines, maintenance is recorded, and equipment is placed in a ready state or
reported otherwise. (A) Requisite Knowledge. Types of cleaning methods for various
tools and equipment, correct use of cleaning solvents, and manufacturers or
departmental guidelines for cleaning equipment and tools.
(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to select correct tools for various parts and pieces of
equipment, follow guidelines, and complete recording and reporting procedures.
2 - Ropes and Knots
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
Material in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual
I. Fire Service Ropes and Knots (Essentials p. 263)

A. The fire service has depended on the use of ropes since
its beginnings
B. Ropes are useful for:
1. Hoisting equipment
2. Gaining access
3. Rescuing people
4. Stabilizing equipment and vehicles
C. Life safety rope
1. Used to support rescuers and victims
2. Must be constructed of continuous filament fiber

3. Must conform to NFPA 1983, Standard on Fire
Service Life Safety Rope and System Components
4. Life safety rope must be used only for supporting

people during rescue, fire fighting, or other emergency operations, or during training
5. Manufacturers must supply information on use

criteria, inspection procedures, and criteria on
removing life safety rope from service which
include:
a. Not visibly damaged
b. No signs of abrasions or heat damage
c. Not been impact loaded from a sudden stop with
a falling load
Ropes and Knots - 3
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
d. Not exposed to any chemicals

e. Pass inspection by a qualified person before and
after each use
6. Life safety ropes which fails an inspection or been

impact loaded must immediately be changed in one
these manners:
a. Altered so it cannot be mistaken for life-safety
rope and inadvertently used again
b. Disposed of entirely
c. Have the manufacturer's label removed
d. Cut into shorter lengths
e. Clearly marked as utility rope
D. Utility rope
1. For all uses except life safety, such as hoisting
and securing items
2. No standards for utility line applications
E. Webbing
1. Webbing is often used with ropes
2. Most webbing is made from the same materials as
synthetic rope and requires the same care
3. One-inch webbing is the most common webbing

used in the fire service
4. Webbing may be of solid flat design or a tubular
design
4 - Ropes and Knots
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
II. Rope Materials and Construction

A. Materials used for ropes
1. Natural fibers
a. Not acceptable for life safety ropes
b. Can be used for utility purposes
c. Most natural fibers ropes are made of:

(1) Sisal
(2) Manila
(3) Cotton
2. Synthetic fibers
a. Used for life-safety applications
b. Excellent resistance to mildew and rotting
c. Excellent strength and easy to maintain
d. May have continuous fibers running the entire

rope length
e. Synthetic materials commonly used:

(1) Nylon
(2) Polyester
(3) Polyethylene
(4) Polypropylene
Ropes and Knots - 5
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
(5) Kevlar Aramid

(6) Spectra polyethylene
(a) Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE)
(b) Rated best for strength and abrasion
resistance
B. Types of rope construction
1. For life-safety applications, rope will be:
a. Dynamic
(1) Designed to stretch without breaking
(2) Used when long falls are a possibility
(3) Not practical for rescue or hauling operations because of its elasticity
b. Static
(1) Designed for low stretch without breaking
6 - Ropes and Knots
(2) Used for most rope-rescue situations where

falls are not likely or very short falls are
possible
(3) Must not elongate more than 10% when

tested to a load equal to 10% of its breaking strength
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
c. NFPA 1983 requirements for life safety rope:

(1) Light-use rope
(a) Intended for the weight of one person
(b) 4,500 pounds minimum breaking strength
(c) 300 pound maximum safe working load
limit
(d) Between 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch in diameter
(2) General-use rope

(a) Intended for the weight of two people
limit
(3) Throwline rope

(a) Used to tether rescuers during water
rescue or to throw to a victim in the
water
limit
Ropes and Knots - 7
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
(4) Escape rope

(a) Not considered either life-safety or
utility rope
(b) Must meet the same requirements as
throwline
(c) Intended for one-time use and then
destroyed
2. Kernmantle - jacketed rope

a. Constructed of a braided covering or sheath
(mantle) over a core (kern) of the main load
bearing strands
b. The core runs parallel to the covering increasing

its strength
c. The kern accounts for about 75% of the rope's

strength
d. The mantle provides the rest of the rope's
strength and protects the core from abrasion and
contamination
e. Low-stretch kernmantle is the most common
rescue rope used
f. High-stretch kernmantle is used typically for
recreational rock climbing
3. Laid (twisted) rope

a. Constructed by twisting yarns together to form
strands
8 - Ropes and Knots
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
b. Most vulnerable to physical damage by abrasion

because all load-bearing strands are exposed
c. Used as utility rope
4. Braided rope
a. Constructed by intertwining strands together
b. Can be subject to direct abrasion and damage
c. Used as utility rope
5. Braid-on-braid (double braid) rope

a. Constructed with a braided core and a braided
jacket
b. Considered strong due to each braid taking half

of a load
c. Does not resist abrasion as well as kernmantle

rope
d. Outer sheath may slide along inner core
C. Factors affecting rope strength

1. Knots, kinks, and bends
2. Cuts and abrasions
3. Chemical contact
4. Sunlight and ultraviolet light
5. Overloads
6. Heat
Ropes and Knots - 9
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
7. Mold and mildew (natural fiber ropes)

8. Moisture (natural fiber ropes)
III. Rope Inspection, Cleaning, and Storage

(Essentials p. 269)
A. Inspection
1. Inspect all ropes after each use and annually
2. Follow manufacturer's recommendations
3. Label or identify all ropes
4. Keep a maintenance log
5. Inspect ropes visually and by touch
6. Inspect all ropes for:

a. Foreign materials in rope
b. Cuts and abrasions
c. Chemical damage
d. Heat damage
7. Kernmantle rope inspection

a. Damage may not be obvious
10- Ropes and Knots
b. Put a slight tension on rope and feel for lumps,

depressions, or soft spots
c. Outer sheath damage may indicate core damage
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
d. The core can be damaged without visible

damage to the sheath
e. Check for irregularities in the shape or weave
f. If there is any doubt about a kernmantle rope's

integrity, it should be downgraded to utility rope
status
8. Synthetic laid rope inspection

a. Check externally and untwist and check internally for:
(1) Soft, crusty, stiff, or brittle spots
(2) Cuts, nicks, or abrasions
(3) Chemical damage
(4) Dirt or grease
b. Mildewed rope should be cleaned and reinspected

9. Braided rope inspection
a. Check for unusual fuzziness
b. Feel for mushy spots and deformities
10. Braid-on-braid rope inspection

a. Check for sheath sliding on core
b. Feel for lumps that indicate core damage
Ropes and Knots - 11
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
B. Removing rope from service

1. Chemical contamination
2. Age
3. Uneven diameter or texture
4. Excessive sheath wear
5. Life safety rope which has been subjected to

impact loads or overloaded
C. Maintain a rope log

1. New rescue rope should be marked on the ends with
an identification number and the date it was placed
in service
2. A record (log) should be made and kept throughout

the rope's life
3. The dates of each use and inspection should be

entered into the rope log
4. The log helps determine when a rope should be

retired
D. Cleaning rope
1. Natural fiber
a. Do not use water
b. Wipe or gently brush
2. Synthetic fibers
a. Follow manufacturer's directions
12- Ropes and Knots
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
b. Clean with cool water and mild soap

c. Avoid bleach and harsh detergents
d. Methods for cleaning synthetic rope
(1) Hand wash
(2) Rope washer
(3) Clothes washer should be used for a more
thorough cleaning
e. Dry all ropes thoroughly and out of direct

sunlight
E. Rope storage
1. Rescue rope should be stored in spaces that are
clean and dry with adequate ventilation
a. Rope should not be exposed to chemical contaminants or fumes
b. Should not be stored with gasoline-powered
tools or fuel
2. Rope bag
a. Rope bags are best for storing life-safety ropes
b. Rope can be quickly deployed by holding the

rope end and throwing or dropping the bag
c. The rope's weight carries the bag toward the

target as the rope plays out
d. Knots, kinks, and bends should be removed

when storing rope
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
3. Coiling a rope for storage

a. Coiled rope must be capable of being placed in
service with a minimum of delay
b. Improperly coiled rope may tangle and fail to
uncoil
IV. Knots (Essentials p. 274)

A. Knots are used to connect ropes or webbing, form
loops, and attach ropes or webbing or objects
B. Improperly tied knots are hazardous to rescuers and
victims
C. Instructions for tying knots include understanding the
terms for the parts of a rope:
1. Running part: free end used for hoisting and pulling
2. Working end: used to form knot and tie to the

object to be raised, lowered, or stabilized
3. Standing part: between running and working end
D. All knots should be "dressed" after being tied: tightened until snug with no slack
E. Knots can sometimes loosen or fail from repeated
loading and unloading
1. A safety knot should be tied in the tail of the

working end to prevent slippage
2. Safety knots include the single- and double-overhand knots
14- Ropes and Knots
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
F. Practice is the key to competence and confidence in

tying fire service knots
G. Elements of a knot
1. A fire service knot must be easy to tie and untie and
be secure under load
2. A rope's strength is reduced to the degree it is bent
a. The tighter the bend, the more strength lost
b. Some knots create tighter bends
3. Knots and hitches are formed using these bends:

a. Bight - formed by bending the rope back on
itself while keeping the sides parallel
b. Loop - made by crossing the side of the bight

over the standing part
c. Round turn - further bending the sides of a loop
H. Overhand safety knot

1. Used for added safety with any knot
2. Eliminates danger of end slipping back through knot
Knot animation
I. Bowline
1. One of the most important fire service knots
2. Will not constrict object it is placed around
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
3. Easily untied
Knot animation
J. Half-hitch
1. Always used in conjunction with other knots
2. Used to stabilize tall objects being hoisted
3. Formed by making a round turn around an object
a. The rope's standing part is passed under the

round turn on the side opposite the intended
direction of the pull
b. Several half-hitches can be applied in succession if required
Knot animation
K. Clove hitch
1. Consists of two half hitches
16- Ropes and Knots
2. Used to attach rope to poles, posts, hose and to

hoist round objects
3. Not suitable for life safety uses
4. Can be formed anywhere in a rope
5. Can withstand a steady pull in either direction

without slipping
6. Should be backed with an overhand safety knot
Knot animation
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
L. Figure-eight family of knots on a bight

1. Figure-eight
a. Foundation for the group of figure eights
b. Can be used as a "stopper" knot so a rope will

not pass through the grommet of rope bag or a
rescue pulley
Knot animation
2. Figure-eight bend
a. Also known as the "Flemish Bend"
b. Used on life-safety rope to tie ropes of equal
diameter together
Knot animation
3. Figure-eight on a bight
a. Used to tie a closed loop in the end of a rope
b. Tied by forming a bight at each end of a rope
and then tying a simple figure-eight with the
bight in the double part of the rope
Knot animation
4. Figure-eight follow through

a. Used to secure a rope around an object
b. A single figure-eight is tied and then the end of
the rope is wrapped around an object and
follows back through the single figure-eight
Knot animation
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
M. Becket or sheet bend

1. Used for joining two ropes of unequal diameters
or joining a rope with a chain
2. Unlikely to slip with wet rope
3. Not suitable for life safety work
Knot animation
N. Water knot
1. Preferred knot for joining two pieces of webbing or
the ends of one piece when a loop in needed
Knot animation
V. Rope Hardware
A. Numerous hardware items are used with ropes and
webbing, primarily in rope rescue
B. Carabiner: a metal snap link used to connect elements
of a rescue system together
C. Figure-eight plate (descender): used for rappelling or
as a friction brake in lowering systems
D. Brake bar rack (descender): used for rappelling or as a
friction brake
E. Ascender: used to ascend a vertical rope
F. Pulleys: used in rescue systems to change the direction
of pull or create mechanical advantage
18- Ropes and Knots
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
VI. Hoisting Equipment

A. The most common use of ropes is to raise or lower
tools and equipment from one level to another
B. Pressurized cylinders, such as SCBA bottles or fire
extinguishers should not be hoisted by rope
C. A tagline or guideline should be tied to the piece of
equipment to prevent the equipment from contacting the
building when being raised
D. Hoisting Safety
1. Always have a solid footing
2. Use hand-over-hand to keep control of the rope
3. Protect rope from sharp edges with an edge roller

or padding
4. Work in teams for fire fighter safety
5. Make sure area is clear of personnel and electrical

hazards before hoisting any equipment
6. If hoisting a charged hoseline, secure nozzles from

accidentally opening
7. Always remember to use a tagline to control the

object hoisted
E. Pike pole
1. A clove-hitch is placed near the end of the handle
with a half hitch near the middle and another half
hitch around the head
2. Pike poles should be hoisted with the head upward
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
F. Axe
1. A clove hitch is tied near the axe head and the
working end of the rope is looped around the head
and back up the handle
2. A half hitch is tied on the handle a few inches above
the clove hitch
3. A second half hitch is tied near the end of the handle
G. Ground ladder
1. A bowline or a figure-eight on a bight is tied and
slipped through the first two rungs of the ladder
2. After pulling the loop through, slip it over the top of
the ladder
H. Hoseline
1. Dry
a. Fold the nozzle end of the hoseline back over
the rest of the hose for about four feet
b. Tie a clove hitch and an overhand safety knot

over the nozzle and hose it is against
c. Secure the doubled end with a half hitch about

12-inches from the loop end
2. Charged
a. Tie a clove hitch and an overhand safety knot
around the hose about one-foot below the nozzle
20- Ropes and Knots
b. Tie a half hitch through the nozzle handle and

nozzle to allow the rope to hold the nozzle shut
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
I. Smoke ejector: tie a bowline or figure-eight on a bight

around two connecting rods between the front and back
plates
J. Power saw
1. Secure the rope to saw's handle with a figure-eight
on a bight or bowline
2. Leave enough excess running end so it can be a
tagline
VII. Rescue Rope and Harness

A. Sometimes the only method to get to a victim above or
below grade may be the use of ropes and rope systems
B. Rope rescue is a technical skill requiring specialized
training and should not be attempted by untrained
personnel
C. Rescue rope and harnesses are used to protect rescuers
and victims and accomplish these rescues safely
D. Rescue harnesses
1. Ladder belts are not approved as a harness and
considered only as positioning devices on ladders
and for emergency escape
2. Class I harness
a. Also known as a "seat harness"
b. Fastens around the waist and around the thighs
or under the buttocks
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
TEACHING OUTLINE
SLIDES
c. Intended for emergency escape for up to 300

pounds
3. Class II harness
a. Fastens exactly like a Class I harness
b. Rated for up to 600 pounds
c. The label must be checked to determine if it is a

Class I or Class II harness
4. Class III harness
a. Also known as a "full body harness"
b. Fastens around the waist, around the thighs or
under the buttocks, and over the shoulders
c. Rated for up to 600 pounds
VIII. Ropes and Knots Summary

A. Rope is one of the oldest tools in the fire service
B. Ropes are used to stabilize vehicles and equipment,
hoist and lower tools and equipment, and rescue victims
C. Fire fighters must be proficient in quickly and correctly
tying the appropriate knot for the task or their safety can
be at risk as well the condition of other equipment
being used
D. Continual practice is the key to competence and confidence in mastering fire service knots
22- Ropes and Knots
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
ROPES AND KNOTS QUIZ

Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________________
1. To qualify as a utility line, a rope __________.

a. must be constructed of continuous monofilament fiber
b. can be used to support rescuers and victims
c. meet all appropriate NFPA and OSHA standards
d. is suitable for all uses except life safety
2. _____________________ is not an approved method for drying rope.
a. Air drying
b. Drying in hose tower or on hose racks
c. Drying on pavement in the sun
d. Drying in a clothes dryer
3. Natural fiber ropes should be cleaned __________.
a. in cool water with a brush
b. by wiping or gently brushing
c. by coiling in a cloth bag and washing in a clothes washing machine
d. by feeding through a rope washer
4. Which of the following knots must always used in conjunction with other knots?
a. Figure of eight on a bight
b. Bowline
c. Figure of eight
d. Half hitch
5. Which of the following knots is used to join ropes of unequal diameters?
b. Clove hitch
c. Figure of eight
d. Half hitch
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
ROPES AND KNOTS QUIZ

6. Which of the following knots is easy to tie and will not constrict object it is placed
around?
b. Bowline
c. Figure of eight
d. Half hitch
7. Which of the following is intended to support the weight of two people in lifesafety situations?
a. Light-use rope
b. General-use rope
c. Throwline
d. Escape rope
Identify the knot elements pictured below using the following terms:
a. Bowline
d. Bight
g. Figure of eight
b. Running end
e. Standing part
h. Becket
c. Loop
f. Round turn
i. Working end
8. _____
9. _____
10. _____
24- Ropes and Knots
ROPES AND KNOTS

MISSOURI DIVISION
OF
INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE
PRACTICAL SKILLS
These Lead Instructor Practical Skills are designed to provide the Lead
Instructor for a Fire Fighter I and II course with a more detailed overview
of the practical skills required of all students.
The appropriate skills from NFPA 1001-2008 are listed at the front of each
skill's section. Although the skills from NFPA 1001-2008 are written as Job
Performance Requirements, these have been divided into individual skill
elements. This is to allow for consistency in the evaluation of each skill
element.
Students must successfully complete each step of each practical skill during
the practical skills evaluation portion of a Fire Fighter I and II course. At
the time of a Fire Fighter I and II Certification Examination, the skill steps
have been prioritized to allow a student to miss a predetermined number of
steps.
26- Ropes and Knots
MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY
FIRE FIGHTER I & II
PRACTICAL SKILLS
Ropes and Knots

Successful completion of the practical skills in this section are necessary to fulfill
the requirements of the following sections of NFPA 1001-2008:
Fire Fighter I Standard
5.1.2 General Skill Requirements. The ability to don personal protective clothing within 1
minute; doff personal protective clothing and prepare for reuse; hoist tools and equipment using
ropes and the correct knot; and locate information in departmental documents and standard or
code materials.
5.5.1 Clean and check ladders, ventilation equipment, SCBA, ropes, salvage equipment, and hand
tools, given cleaning tools, cleaning supplies, and an assignment, so that equipment is clean and
maintained according to manufacturers or departmental guidelines, maintenance is recorded, and
equipment is placed in a ready state or reported otherwise.
FIRE FIGHTER I & II
PRACTICAL SKILLS
Ropes and Knots - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.1.2

Demonstrate Tying a Bowline, Clove Hitch, and Becket
Skill Objectives: The candidate, given the proper rope(s) shall demonstrate tying a bowline
knot, a clove hitch around an object, and a becket or sheet bend within the designated times.
Skill Procedure: Select a type and length of rope which will adequately meet the provisions of
this skill. Because of various sequential steps in accomplishing a finished knot, the evaluator
will primarily evaluate the finished product for accurateness compared to the Essentials manual.
The completed knot shall be identical to the illustrations found in the reference manual.
Students are allowed two chances at each skill for successful completion. Any step listed in
italics missed shall result in failure of the skill.
Items to be checked
If the candidate:
Bowline
1. Forms the bowline knot
2.
States that the bowline knot is used for forming a loop that will not slip under strain and
is easily untied
3.
Completes the bowline in less than 60 seconds
Clove Hitch
1. Forms the clove hitch
2.
States the clove hitch is used to attach a rope to an object such as a pole, hose,
equipment, etc.
3.
Completes the clove hitch in less than 60 seconds
Becket or Sheet Bend

1. Forms the becket or sheet bend
2.
States that the becket or sheet bend is used for joining two ropes, primarily of unequal
sizes
3.
Completes the becket or sheet bend in less than 60 seconds
28- Ropes and Knots
FIRE FIGHTER I & II
PRACTICAL SKILLS

Demonstrate Tying a Figure of Eight, Overhand Safety, and Half Hitch
Skill Objectives: The candidate, given the proper rope(s) shall demonstrate tying a figure of
eight on a bight, an overhand safety knot, and half hitch within the designated times.
Skill Procedure: Select a type and length of rope which will adequately meet the provisions of
this skill. Because of various sequential steps in accomplishing a finished knot, the evaluator
will primarily evaluate the finished product for accurateness compared to the Essentials manual.
The completed knot shall be identical to the illustrations found in the reference manual.
italics missed shall result in failure of the skill.
Items to be checked
If the candidate:
Figure of Eight Knot
1. Forms the knot
2.
Completes the knot in less than 60 seconds
3.
Explains the use for the knot
Overhead Safety
1. Forms the knot
2.
3.
Half Hitch
1. Forms the knot
2.
3.
FIRE FIGHTER I & II
PRACTICAL SKILLS

Demonstrate Hoisting Equipment
Skill Objective: The candidate, given necessary equipment and rope, will tie a knot appropriate to
hoist a tool or equipment to a height of at least 12 feet. All of the objects listed are to be properly
hoisted.
Skill Procedure: Provide the candidate a tool or fire department equipment and adequate rope to meet
the provisions of this skill. With the candidate at ground level have him or her use an appropriate
knot(s) to secure the tool. A tagline should be attached to the object for better control and the object
hoisted a minimum of 12 feet.
italics missed shall result in failure of the skill. Otherwise, students are allowed to miss a
maximum of one of the following steps and pass this skill.
Items to be checked
If the candidate:
General Skill - Must be completed for all scenarios
1. Ties a secured knot appropriate for that tool
2. Utilizes an overhand safety knot for additional support
3. Wears appropriate protective equipment (Helmet and gloves-minimum)
4. Completes hoisting of tool to entire height without complication (knot stays tied)
5. Is able to untie knots without difficulty
6. Completes each hoisting evolution without compromising safety
Hoisting an Axe
1. Uses a clove hitch around the head of the ax
2. Loops the working end of the rope around the axe head and back up the handle
3. Places at least one half-hitch around the handle
30- Ropes and Knots
FIRE FIGHTER I & II
PRACTICAL SKILLS

Demonstrate Hoisting Equipment
Hoisting a Pike Pole

1. Uses a clove hitch
2. Places two half-hitches evenly spaced around the handle
Hoisting a Ladder
1. Uses a bowline
2. Slips it down through the rungs about one-third of the ladder
3. Slips the knot over the top or tip of the ladder
4. Places the knot under the ladder for hoisting
Hoisting a Dry Hoseline
1. Folds the nozzle and end of the hose back over the rest of the hose (4 to 5 feet)
2. Ties the nozzle using a clove hitch with a overhand safety
3. Ties a half-hitch around the hose about one foot from the loop end
Hoisting a Charged Hoseline
1. Ties a clove hitch with an overhand safety around the hose about one foot below the nozzle
2. Passes a bight through the nozzle handle and loops it over the nozzle so the rope holds the
nozzle shut during hoisting
3. Ties at least one half-hitch around the hose to take the strain off of the handle
Hoisting a Smoke Ejector
1. Ties a bowline or figure-of-eight knot around two of the connecting rods between
the plates
2. Utilizes another rope for a tagline
Hoisting a Power Saw
1. Secures the rope to the power saw handle using a bowline or figure-eight on a bight
2. Leaves enough excess running end for a tagline
FIRE FIGHTER I & II
PRACTICAL SKILLS

Demonstrate Inspecting, Cleaning, and Storing Rope
Skill Objective: The candidate, given a fire service rope, shall demonstrate the technique of inspecting, cleaning, and storing the rope in the approved fashion his or her department utilizes.
Skill Procedure: Provide the candidate with a rope to be inspected for damage or abuse. After
inspecting the entire rope the candidate shall clean the rope using proper tools and cleaning solution.
The candidate should then demonstrate the procedure for drying the rope. Finally the candidate shall
demonstrate proper preparation for storage based on what method his or her department uses (rope
bag, coiling, etc.)
italics missed shall result in failure of the skill. Otherwise, students are allowed to miss a maximum of one of the following steps and pass this skill.
Items to be checked
If the candidate:
1. Examines the entire surface of the rope for cuts, abrasions, stains, odor or fraying
2. Examines the inner component by twisting the rope or feeling for bunching and thinness
3. Verbally explains that he/she would tag and remove from service any severely damaged rope
4. Verbally explains how the rope would be washed using clear water
5. States that after cleaning he or she would allow the rope to air-dry completely
6. Performs an additional inspection after drying
7. Properly stores the rope using a coil method or rope bag storage (Note-coiling is not
necessary in a rope bag)
32- Ropes and Knots

07a - Ropes and Knots - IG

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0 - Ropes and Knots

ROPES AND KNOTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

Ropes and Knots - 1

ROPES AND KNOTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

Fire Fighter I Standard

2 - Ropes and Knots

ROPES AND KNOTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

Material in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual

I. Fire Service Ropes and Knots (Essentials p. 263)

2. Must be constructed of continuous filament fiber

4. Life safety rope must be used only for supporting

5. Manufacturers must supply information on use

Ropes and Knots - 3

ROPES AND KNOTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

Material in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual

d. Not exposed to any chemicals

6. Life safety ropes which fails an inspection or been

c. Have the manufacturer's label removed

d. Cut into shorter lengths

e. Clearly marked as utility rope

3. One-inch webbing is the most common webbing

4 - Ropes and Knots

ROPES AND KNOTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

Material in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual

II. Rope Materials and Construction

c. Most natural fibers ropes are made of:

b. Excellent resistance to mildew and rotting

c. Excellent strength and easy to maintain

d. May have continuous fibers running the entire

e. Synthetic materials commonly used:

Ropes and Knots - 5

ROPES AND KNOTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

Material in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual

(5) Kevlar Aramid

(2) Used when long falls are a possibility

6 - Ropes and Knots

(2) Used for most rope-rescue situations where

(3) Must not elongate more than 10% when

ROPES AND KNOTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

Material in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual

c. NFPA 1983 requirements for life safety rope:

(2) General-use rope

(3) Throwline rope

Ropes and Knots - 7

ROPES AND KNOTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

Material in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual

(4) Escape rope

2. Kernmantle - jacketed rope

b. The core runs parallel to the covering increasing

c. The kern accounts for about 75% of the rope's

3. Laid (twisted) rope

8 - Ropes and Knots

ROPES AND KNOTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

Material in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual