1. Rope Used In Rescue (1-1-1)
   
   1. Lifeline Rope
      
      1. Static kernmantle
         
      2. Dynamic kernmantle
         
   2. Utility rope
      
      1. Synthetic fiber
         
         1. Nylon
            
         2. Polypropylene
            
         3. Polyethylene
            
         4. Kevlar
            
      2. Natural fiber
         
         1. Manila
            
         2. Sisal
            
         3. Cotton
            
   3. Rope strength for lifeline rope
      
      1. Tensile or breaking strength
         
         1. 7/16-inch - 6,000 lbs.
            
         2. 1/2-inch - 9,000 lbs.
            
         3. 5/8-in. - 13,000 lbs.
            
      2. Working strength
         
         1. Tensile strength divided by 15
            
      3. NFPA rope classification
         
         1. Class One - one person life safety rope with greater than 300 lbs. working strength
            
         2. Class Two - two person life safety rope with greater than 600 lbs. working strength
            
         3. Life safety ropes must have internal tracer tape indicating compliance
            
2. Basic Rescue Knots (1-1-2)
   
   1. Overhand Knot
      
      Used as safety knot with other knots
      Review how tied while students observe
      
      Water Knot
      
      Used to join two ends of webbing together
      Review how tied while students observe
      
      Bowline
      
      Used as rescue knot or for hoisting tools
      Review how tied while students observe
      
      Clove Hitch
      
      Used for securing a rope to an object
      Review how tied while students observe
      
      Clove hitch around object
      Clove hitch over object
      Split clove hitch
      
      Figure Eight Knot
      
      Used as stopper knot at end of rope (figure eight), form a fixed loop around an object (figure eight on a bight or figure eight reweave), or join two ropes together (figure eight bend)
      Review how tied while students observe
      
      Figure eight
      Figure eight on a bight
      Figure eight reweave
      Figure eight bend
      
3. Associated Software and Hardware (1-1-3)
   
   1. Webbing
      
      1. Flat or tubular
         
      2. Used in place of or with rope
         
      3. Strength
         
         1. 1-inch - 4,500 lbs. tensile strength
            
         2. 2-inch - 6,000 lbs. tensile strength
            
   2. Harnesses
      
      1. Constructed of sewn webbing
         
      2. Worn by rescuers during certain rescues
         
      3. Types
         
         1. NFPA/ANSI Class I - seat-style for emergency escape
            
         2. NFPA Class II/ANSI Class IV - seat-style for rescue
            
         3. NFPA/ANSI Class III - full body
            
         4. ANSI Class IV - sit
            NOTE: Only full body harnesses should be used when there is any likelihood that the rescuer will be turned upside down.
            
   3. Carabiners
      
      1. Constructed of steel or aluminum
         
      2. Used for connecting rope or webbing to objects or other pieces of rope or webbing
         
      3. Types
         
         1. Steel - 6,700 lbs. tensile strength
            
         2. Aluminum - 5,500 lbs. tensile strength
            
   4. Figure Eights
      
      1. Constructed of aluminum
         
      2. Used for descent control or equipment collection (attaching several carabiners)
         
      3. 20,000 lbs. tensile strength
         
   5. Ascenders
      
      1. Constructed of aluminum
         
      2. Used for descent control or as part of a mechanical advantage system
         
      3. 2,500 lbs. tensile strength
         NOTE: Caution students that most manufacturers do not allow ascenders to be used in systems over 1,000 lbs.
         
   6. Pulleys
      
      1. Constructed of aluminum
         
      2. Used as part of a mechanical advantage system or to change direction of pull
         
   7. Blocks
      
      1. Constructed with shells of wood or steel
         
      2. Used as part of mechanical advantage system or to change direction of pull
         
      3. May be single or multiple sheave
         
   8. Prussic Cords
      
      1. Formed using 7/16-inch kernmantle rope
         
      2. End connected together using double fisherman knot
         
      3. Used in place of ascenders to control descent or as part of a mechanical advantage system
         
   9. Sling
      
      1. Formed from nylon webbing with end generally sewn to form eyes
         
      2. Used to secure rope to anchor point or object being moved
         
4. Anchor Points (1-1-4)
   
   1. Selection of anchor points
      
      1. Fixed objects
         
      2. Building components
         
      3. Apparatus (sturdy components)
         
      4. Picket systems
         
   2. Anchoring to objects
      
      Single point
      Tensionless
      Multiple points
      NOTE: Instructor should review each method of anchoring.
      
5. Reeving Blocks (1-1-5)
   
   1. Used with rope to form block and tackle
      
   2. Use proper size block for rope being used
      
   3. Review reeving each type
      
      1. Two over two
         
      2. Three over three
         
      3. Two over three
         
   4. Snatch block used for change of direction
      
6. Other Mechanical Advantage Systems (1-1-6)
   
   1. Used in place of or with block and tackle
      
   2. Requires less rope
      
   3. Review constructing each type
      
      1. Z-Rig
         
      2. Piggy-back Z-rig
         
7. Practical Exercise To Evaluate Skills Proficiency
   
   1. Set up three practical skills stations with an evaluator at each station to observe skills proficiency. Divide the class evenly into three groups. Allow no more than thirty minutes for each group at each station.
      
   2. Station 1 - Knots and anchoring to objects
      
      1. Have each student tie the following knots with safety knot
         
         1. Water knot
            
         2. Bowline
            
         3. Clove Hitch
            
            1. Clove Hitch around an object
               
            2. Clove hitch over an object
               
            3. Split clove hitch
               
         4. Figure Eight family
            
            Figure Eight
            Figure Eight on a bight
            Figure Eight reweave
            Figure Eight bend
            
      2. Have each student demonstrate the following methods of anchoring to an object
         
         1. Single point with rope and webbing
            
         2. Tensionless with rope
            
         3. Multiple points
            
         NOTE: The knot tying and anchoring can be done in conjunction with one another.
         
   3. Station 2 - Reeving blocks
      
      1. Divide the students into pair and have each pair of students demonstrate reeving each of the following block combinations
         
         1. Two over two
            
         2. Three over three
            
         3. Two over three
            
      2. Have the students demonstrate securing a snatch block to a fixed object and passing a rope through it
         
   4. Station 3 - Constructing other mechanical advantage systems
      
      1. Divide the students into groups of no more than three and have each group demonstrate reeving each of the following using both prussic cords and ascenders
         
         1. Simple Z-rig
            
         2. Piggyback Z-rig
            
      2. Have the students demonstrate using the Z-rig to move an object
         

NOTE: All students are expected to perform all the practical skills to the satisfaction of the evaluators. Assistance should be provided when required.

Student Performance Objective (SPO):

The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of rope and rope hardware and software; tying of basic knots, and the use of various rope accessories to construct mechanical advantage systems through participation in class discussions and practical activities.

Review:

Ropes, Knots, and Rigging

1. Demonstrate knowledge of rope types and strengths
2. Demonstrate tying basic knots
3. Demonstrate knowledge of rope software and hardware
4. Demonstrate knowledge of anchoring points and use
5. Demonstrate reeving blocks
6. Demonstrate constructing mechanical advantage systems

Remotivation:

Assignment:

Evaluation:

All students are expected to perform all the practical skills to the satisfaction of the evaluators. Assistance should be provided when required.

Copyright © 1999 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. All rights reserved.