KNOTS + ROPES

Question 1

What is a line?

Answer 1

A piece of rope cut to a specific length

Question 2

What sort of ropes does ACTFR use and why?

Answer 2

Synthetic Fibre Ropes.

Absorbs shock loads, little swelling in water, stores without deteriorating, good weight to strength ratio.

Question 3

What construction are ACTFR lines? And What does each part do?

Answer 3

Kernmantle Construction
Kern: core, takes load.
Mantle: Sheath, protects Kern.

Question 4

What are three lines used by ACTFR and their specs/uses

Answer 4

Pocket Line: 6mm Diameter, 3-4 meters long, 100Kgs WL, Tying off ladder.

GP Line: 13mm diameter, 15m long, 500kgs WL, Hauling.

Rescue Line: 13mm Diameter, 50/100/200 meters long, 500kgs WL, used for rescue situations.
(All Kern-mantle)

Question 5

Name two types of Line Deterioration and their causes.

Answer 5

Mechanical: dragging, kinking causing abrasions cuts. Overloading.

Chemical: mildew, heat, sun damage, oils, fuels

Question 6

What care is taken with Lines?

Answer 6

Stored away from industrial processes, not in sunlight. Washed thoroughly, stored in bags.

Question 7

Name two ways of inspecting a line and what they involve.

Answer 7

Feeling for: cuts, lumps abnormalities and changes in diameter.

Look for: abrasion, exposed core, discolouration, waxxy parts of mantle

Question 8

How would you wash a line?

Answer 8

In fresh cold clean water. Mild soap. Agitate in water. Hang to dry, not in sun. Don’t use dryer.

Question 9

What are the four requirements of a knot?

Answer 9

Serve the purpose
Easy to tie
Easy to untie
Doesn’t damage the line

Question 10

Where and how should lines be stored?

Answer 10

In their protective bag and on relevant appliance or appropriate area in station.

Question 11

When should lines be inspected?

Answer 11

First day check, before during and after use.

Question 12

What are the 9 knots used by ACTFR and their uses?

Answer 12

-Half Hitch: to keep the line in direction when hauling
-Overhand: fault identifying on rope or hose
-Clove Hitch: securing
-Rolling Hitch: hauling
-Bowline: anchoring
-Figure of 8: Stopper knot
-Round turn and two half hitches: easy to untie, when load is applied the knot doesn’t overly tighten
-Reef Knot: sked tie off, or joining any two pieces of rope together
-Alpine Butterfly: vertical.