Knots & Lines

Question 1

Different types of lines:

Answer 1

General purpose long lines – 30m
General purpose short lines – 15m
Guy lines – 40m
Rope rescue – 50m & 2 x 16m
Floating line – 40m
B.A. guideline / personal line.

Question 2

Mechanical Damage:

Answer 2

External – outer strands become worn
•Internal – repeated kinks leading to dirt working its way into internal fibres
•Local abrasion – sharp edges under load
•Cuts/contusions – falling debris, careless use

Question 3

Chemical damage:

Answer 3

Chemical wear – acids & alkalis
•Mildew – rotting due to damp storage
•Heat – damage to outer mantle
•Sunlight – ultraviolet breaks down strength of rope.

Question 4

Requirements of a knot:

Answer 4

Easy to tie
•Easy to untie
•Should not damage the line
•Carry out its function without slipping unless specifically designed to do so.

Question 5

Overhand knot:

Answer 5

Used as a stopper knot, tied in each end of a burst length of hose.

Question 6

Figure of 8:

Answer 6

Used as a stopper knot

Question 7

Clove hitch:

Answer 7

Used to secure a line to any round object

Question 8

Rolling hitch:

Answer 8

Used to secure a line to any round object so that the knot will not slip along the object when a sideways pull is applied

Question 9

Round turn & 2 half hitches:

Answer 9

Used to secure a line to any round object

Question 10

Bowline:

Answer 10

A non slipping knot. Should only be used to secure a person where a purpose made harness or rescue strop is not available.

Question 11

Running Bowline:

Answer 11

A bowline in the form of a running noose

Question 12

Double sheet bend:

Answer 12

A secure method of joining two lines together