Rope's Knots & Safety Harness

Question 1

What are the (6) knot protocols?

STRICT

Answer 1

S - Ensure right knot is SELECTED for the task.
T - Place TENSION on the line to set and tighten.
R - All knots must be REMOVED from line after use.
I - All knots must be INSPECTED after tying (look away and recheck)
C - All knots must be CHECKED by another firefighter (LRL only)
T - All knots must have no less than 150mm TAIL.

Question 2

What are the characterisitcs of a good knot?

TRUSS

Answer 2

T – is easy to TIE.
R – is easy to RECOGNISE when tied correctly.
U – is easy to UNTIE.
S – should not SLIP excessively or over tighten.
S – will not reduce or damage the STRENGTH of line when tied correctly.

Question 3

What are the causes of LRL deterioration?

CAMSUE

Answer 3

Chemical exposure
Abrasions
Mechanical damage
Shock load
Ultraviolet light
Extreme heat

Question 4

What are the GPL specs?

(Colour, Diameter, Construction, Fibre, Melting Point, Min. break strength, Safe working load, Length)

Answer 4

Colour:White (when new)
Diameter:12 mm
Construction:3-strand right hand lay
Fibre:Polyester
Melting point:250 degrees
Minimum breaking strength:2200 kg / 22 kN (when new)
Safe working load:450 kg
Length:30 m (Division A) 10, 20 and 30m (Division B)

Question 5

What are the LRL specs (Div A)?

(Colour, Diameter, Fibre, Melting Point, Working load limit, Length, Elongation)

Answer 5

Colour:Orange with blue fleck (50m)
Blue with orange fleck (25m)
Diameter:13mm
Length:1 x 50m and 1x 25m on primary and rescue appliances
Working Load Limit:272 kg maximum, 15:1 safety factor (One person load per line)
Fibre:Nylon 66 core/polyester sheath
Melting point:Approx. 220 degrees
Elongation (stretch):3% at 80 kg load

Question 6

What do you use each GPL knot for?

Answer 6

Overhand – prevents a line unreeving through a snatch block or pulley.
Half hitch – to prevent a knot
from unravelling.
Clove hitch – used for securing the end of a rope and small gear.
Rolling hitch – used to tie around cylindrical shaped objects.
Round turn and 2 half hitches – utilised for securing a line to a spar or any round object.
Double sheet bend – used to join ropes of different thickness.
Bowline – used to raise or lower objects.

Question 7

When do you use each LRL knot for?

Answer 7

Figure 8 stopper – used to prevent objects from coming off a line.
Figure 8 on the bight – used to create a non-slip loop in the end of a rope and can be attached to the top ‘D’ of the safety harness.
Figure 8 on the bight (follow through rethread) – used to connect the line to an object, where a loop cannot be thrown over to secure the end of the line.
Double fisherman’s – used to connect 2 identical diameter LRL ropes together to extend.
Butterfly knot – used as a midway attachment point or to isolate a damaged section of line

Question 8

How do you care for/maintain rope?

Answer 8

The rope line must be cleaned after use by soaking and agitating in a container of warm water then hung out to dry away from direct sunlight and heat.

Question 9

What is the 12-step donning procedure for a harness?

Answer 9

1. Check all straps are fully extended and leg loops are unclipped.
2. Disconnect the Chest Harness Karabiner from the Soft Attachment Point.
3. Step into the waist belt holding the chest harness
4. Adjust the waist belt using the straps on both sides until it is firm, even and above the hips with the Ventral Attachment D located centrally at naval height
5. Connect clips on leg loops and adjust until firm. Do not over tighten.
6. Pass the chest harness over head. Check all webbing is flat and not twisted.
7. Connect the Chest Harness Karabiner to the Soft Attachment Point behind the Ventral Attachment D. Turn the lock sleeve on the karabiner until the red not visible on the gate.
   To ensure the karabiner is closed, conduct a ‘screw and squeeze’ check,
8. Adjust the buckle of the Dorsal Attachment D until it is midway between the shoulder and armpit
9. (AVAO only) Adjust the leg loop to waist belt straps to remove any slack
10. Adjust the shoulder strap(s) until firm
11. Check all excess straps are secured
12. Don PPE (helmet, gloves and glasses)

Question 10

What are the (7) components of a Karabiner?

Answer 10

1. Well
2. Major Axis
3. Minor Axis
4. Gate
5. Locking Sleeve
6. Hinge
7. Latch

Question 11

When are harnesses required?

Answer 11

• Rescue from heights
• Fall arrest
• Working on aerial appliances
• Safe Work at Height (> 2m)