Rope history

Do you maintain an accurate rope history record? What info. do you record?

My department operates a heavy duty rescue-squad and we do not currently keep any sort of rope log for our lifelines. I totally disagree with this but this is not my decision to make. I firmly believe that a rope log should be kept and maintained for personnel safety and documentation in case of rope failure during an operation.

A rope log should contain the following information: Date rope placed in service, dates of use, activity of use, any damage or degradation noted, was rope shock loaded during an operation and dates the rope was inspected. It is recommened that all lifeline rope be inspected every (3) months regardless of it's use.

If any deficits are found or suspected, immediatly downgrade lifeline rope to utility only.

I also run on a heavy squad. We have 2 sets of rope and gear, one stays on the rig for true incidents and "locked" with nylon ties (this helps maintain the inventory), the other is a set we use strictly for training. The set on the rig is not inspected unless used. Like Rescue2a, I do not agree with this, but it isn't my call. The training set has a log kept for each use, inspection, etc.

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IAFF 995
When it has to be done right,
CALL THE RESCUE CO.!!!!!