Ropes and Knots Flashcards
Bight
A doubled section of rope, usually made along the standing part, that forms a U-turn in the rope and does not cross itself.
Dressing
The practice of making sure that all parts of a knot are lying in the proper orientation to the other parts and look exactly as the pictures herein indicate.
Dynamic
A rope having a high degree of elongation (10-15%) at normal safe working loads.
Kern
A derivative of the term kernel, which is defined as “the central, most important part of something; core, essence.”
Life Safety Line
According to NFPA 1983, rope dedicated solely to the purpose of constructing lines for supporting people during rescue, firefighting, or other emergency operations, or during training evolutions.
Loop
A turn in the standing part that crosses itself and results in the standing part continuing on in the original direction of travel.
Mantle
Anything that cloaks, envelops, covers, or conceals.
Light-use (One Person) or General Use (Two-Person) Rope
According to NFPA 1983, a one-person rope requires a minimum tensile strength of 4500 lbs, and a two-person rope requires a minimum tensile strength of 9,000 lbs.
Round Turn
Formed continuing the loop on around until the sections of the standing part on either side of the round turn are parallel to one another.
Running End
End of the rope that is not rigged or tied off.
Setting
The finishing step, making sure that the knot is snug in all directions of pull.
Shock Load
A load or impact being transferred to a rope suddenly and all at one time.
Standing Part
The part of a rope that is not used to tie off.
Static
A rope having very little (less than 2%) elongation.
Tactilely
Using the sense of touch to feel for any difference or abnormality.
Tag/Guidelines
Tag lines are ropes held and controlled by firefighters on the ground or lower elevations in order to keep items being hoisted from banging against or getting caught on the structure as they are being hoisted.
Tensile Strength
Breaking strength of a rope when a load is applied along the direction of the length, generally measured in pounds per square inch.
Utility Rope
Rope used for utility purposes only. Some of the tasks utility ropes are used for in most fire departments are hoisting tools, and equipment, cordoning off areas, and stabilizing objects. Also ladder halyards.
Webbing
Nylon strapping, available in tubular and flat construction methods.
Working End
The end of the rope that is utilized to secure/tie off the rope.
What are the four materials natural fiber ropes are made out of?
Manila, Sisal, Cotton, Hemp
What are negative attributes of natural fiber ropes?
Prone to abrasion. Susceptible to mold. Loses 50% of strength when wet. Low shock load. Short fibers.
What are some positive attributes of natural fiber ropes?
High friction and cheap to produce.
What materials are synthetic ropes made out of?
Nylon, Polypropylene, Polyester, and Polyethelyne.