Knots and Fibre Ropes

Question 1

The SWL of a fibre rope is reduced when knots are incorporated, what is the percentage of reduction?

Answer 1

This reduction varies from 40% to 60% and it should be borne in mind when putting a load on a knotted rope.

Question 2

What is the purpose of an Alpine Butterfly knot?

Answer 2

Provides a secure loop in the middle of a length of rope.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a Figure of Eight?

Answer 3

A Stopping Knot.

Question 4

State the processes for care of fibre ropes?

Answer 4

• Store in a dry, airy place,
• keep out of direct sunlight,
• Dry ropes before storing,
• keep away from POL,
• Do not Kink or overload,
• avoid sharp edges,
• avoid abrasions,
• Use correct size pulleys,
• reverse rope to equalise wear,
• Ensure Winch Drums are smooth and slacken off in wet weather.

Question 5

State the four parts of a rope?

Answer 5

The main parts of a rope consist of;
•	Bight
•	Standing Part
•	End
•	Bare End

Question 6

Which knot would be used to join ropes of unequal diameter when wet?

Answer 6

Double Sheet Bend

Question 7

State the purpose of a Reef Knot?

Answer 7

Used to join two ropes of equal diameter.

Question 8

Explain how the SWL of a fibre rope is calculated?

Answer 8

The SWL of a rope is calculated as 1/6 of the breaking Strain (BS)

• If the BS is 6 tonnes then the SWL will be 1 tonne

Question 9

State the Purpose of a Round Turn and Two half Hitches?

Answer 9

Used for tying off a heavy load to a ring or eye, will not jam and can be cast off easily.

Question 10

State the five basic elements of a knot?

Answer 10

The acronym BROTH or THROB can be used as a memory aid.

• Bight
• Round Turn
• Overhand Knot
• Twist
• Half Hitch

or

• Twist
• Half Hitch
• Round Turn
• Overhand Knot
• Bight

Question 11

Explain the process for uncoiling a rope from a drum?

Answer 11

• Uncoil from the outside, for a DRUM

Question 12

Explain the process for coiling a fibre rope?

Answer 12

• Always Coil in the direction of the lay i.e. right-handed lay CLOCKWISE

Question 13

Explain the process that should be followed if ropes are found in an unserviceable state?

Answer 13

Synthetic ropes such as Terylene or Nylon ropes that are found to be in an unserviceable state can be,

• Removed and replaced when required.

For unserviceable ropes found within Rescue Systems and Fall Arrest Systems such as the VSL, as the kits are registered they will be required to be,

• Quarantined,
• Removed from inventory,
• Scrapped and
• Replaced.

Question 14

State the two different types of Fibre Ropes?

Answer 14

Natural Fibre Ropes:

• Manufactured from organic fibres.

Man-Made Fibre Ropes;

• Manufactured from Synthetic Ropes.

Question 15

Explain the process for uncoiling a rope from a cob?

Answer 15

• Uncoil from the inside, for a COB

Question 16

State five defects ropes would be checked for prior to use?

Answer 16

• CUTS
• ABRASIONS
• INTERNAL WEAR
• FLATTENING
• REDUCED DIAMETER
• POL STAINS
• FRAYING
• BULGING STRANDS

Question 17

State the purpose of a Bowline?

Answer 17

To make a temporary eye or loop in the end of a rope.

Question 18

What is the purpose of a Rolling Hitch on its own Part?

Answer 18

Used to tie off Temporary Guys and can be used to secure a block and tackle under strain.

Question 19

State the purpose of a Merlin Hitch?

Answer 19

The Marlin Hitch is used to secure long bundles.

Question 20

Which knot, bend or hitch would be used if you wanted to secure a rope to a spar or beam where a sideways pull would be exerted?

Answer 20

Rolling Hitch

Question 21

How are fibre ropes sized?

Answer 21

Measuring Rope Size;

All ropes are sized by their diameter in Millimeters.

Question 22

Rope can be laid out in a large zigzag fashion to make use of a limited area, what is this known as?

Answer 22

Faking a Rope

Question 23

State the purpose of a Clove Hitch?

Answer 23

Used to secure a rope to a spar or beam. It can be made with the end of the rope or with the bight of a rope.

Question 24

What is the purpose of a knot?

Answer 24

Knots and hitches are a means of making fast a rope in such a way that it will hold under strain, yet can be cast-off easily when required.

Question 25

State the three main types of synthetic ropes used?

Answer 25

The three main types of Synthetic fibre ropes used in the trade;

• 3-Strand pre-stretched Polyester
• 3-Strand Polyamide (Nylon)
• Kernmantle (Low Stretch Abseil Rope)

Question 26

State the purpose of a Sheet Bend?

Answer 26

Used to join ropes of unequal diameter.

Question 27

State the purpose of a Marlin Spike Hitch?

Answer 27

Used to hoist items to people working aloft.