Ropes, their uses and their working load limit

Question 1

What is material handling?

Answer 1

Material handling is the practice of safely and smoothly lifting objects into position for the purpose of construction and/or maintenance of residential, commercial and industrial plants

Question 2

Fibre rope is made from either ________ or ________ fibres

Answer 2

Natural; synthetic

Question 3

Give two examples of natural fibres

Answer 3

Manila, and sisal

Question 4

Give three examples of synthetic fibres

Answer 4

Nylon, polyester, and polypropylene

Question 5

The manufacturing of rope begins with fibres that are twisted into ________

Answer 5

Yarns

Question 6

When manufacturing rope, fibres are initially twisted into yarns. Next the yarns are twisted into ________, which are then twisted into ________

Answer 6

Strands; lays

Question 7

The term “________” means the direction that the lay turns

Answer 7

“Lay of the rope”

Question 8

Describe the colour and texture of manila rope

Answer 8

Light yellow in colour, with a smooth, waxy surface

Question 9

Manila rope is available in six grades. List the six grades from strongest to weakest

Answer 9

1. Yacht rope
2. Bolt rope
3. No. 1 grade
4. No. 2 grade
5. No. 3 grade
6. Hardware store rope

Question 10

Describe the colour and texture of sisal rope

Answer 10

White, or off white in colour, with a coarse texture that is rough to the touch

Question 11

True or false: Sisal rope is weaker than manila rope and should be used only where cost rather than strength is the major factor

Answer 11

True

Question 12

Describe the colour and texture of nylon rope

Answer 12

Pure white in colour, with a soft, pliable texture. Smooth to the touch

Question 13

Nylon rope is ________ times stronger than manila rope

Answer 13

Three

Question 14

What are the unique characteristics of nylon rope?

Answer 14

1. Nylon rope loses about 10% of its strength when wet, but regains its original strength when dried
2. Nylon does not rot and is unaffected by mildew
3. Can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees celsius
4. Highly elastic. Capable of withstanding repeated shock loads

Question 15

Nylon rope has an elastic quality that allows it to stretch up to ________ of its original length

Answer 15

40%

Question 16

Describe the colour and texture of polyester rope

Answer 16

Similar to nylon rope. Pure white in colour, with a soft, pliable texture. Smooth to the touch

Question 17

What are the two main differences between nylon rope and polyester rope?

Answer 17

1. Unlike nylon rope, polyester rope is not elastic. It will only stretch 5% before breaking.
2. Unlike nylon rope, polyester rope is unaffected by acids or alkalines, though polyester ropes should be washed with cold water after exposure to chemicals

Question 18

Describe the colour and texture of polypropylene rope

Answer 18

Available in wide range of colours, though yellow is the most common. It is smooth and somewhat slippery in texture

Question 19

What are the unique characteristics of polypropylene rope?

Answer 19

Polypropylene is lightweight, and floats when placed on water. Of all the rope types, polypropylene has the best insulating properties against electrical shock

Question 20

Of all the rope types, ________ has the best insulating properties against electrical shock

Answer 20

Polypropylene

Question 21

The ________ is a rating given to all rigging hardware, including fibre and wire rope

Answer 21

Working load limit (WLL)

Question 22

Working load limits for ropes are calculated by dividing the rope’s ________ by the ________

Answer 22

Breaking strength; design factor set by WorkSafeBC

Question 23

________ is a wrapping applied at the end of a rope to prevent the rope strands from unraveling

Answer 23

Whipping

Question 24

An alternative to whipping can be used in the case of ________ where the fibres are melted together by a hot iron or flame

Answer 24

Nylon, polyester, and polypropylene ropes

Question 25

List eight tips for properly storing and caring for ropes

Answer 25

1. Ropes should be kept clean
2. Ropes should not be overloaded
3. Avoid exposing ropes to direct sunlight for long periods of time
4. Do not use frozen ropes
5. Avoid making sharp bends in rope
6. When attaching a small-diameter object such as a hook or ring, use a thimble to protect the eye of the rope
7. To remove new rope from its shipping coil, place the coil on its side, reach down inside and pull the rope up from inside the coil. Leave the outer wrapping intact
8. When storing rope, coil it in a clockwise direction, then hang it on large-diameter pegs in a cool, dry room with good air circulation to prevent mildew

Question 26

To remove new rope from its shipping coil, you should ________

Answer 26

Pull it from the inside of the coil

Question 27

Sharp bends, including those made by knots, can reduce a rope’s strength by up to ________

Answer 27

50%

Question 28

What are the 8 key points when inspecting a fibre rope

Answer 28

1. Check for broken strands
2. Wear and abrasion
3. Heat damage, such as melting
4. Contamination from petroleum products
5. Inspect for evidence of rot or damage from exposure to the elements (rain, direct sunlight)
6. Crushing, twisting, or kinking
7. Loose, broken or damaged thimbles
8. Any damage that will affect the lifting capacity of the rope

Question 29

The portion of the rope that forms the loop is called the “________”. The long portion of the rope is called the “________”

Answer 29

Bight; standing part

Question 30

Which knot forms a non-slip loop at the end of a rope?

Answer 30

Bowline

Question 31

When securing a rope to a fixed object, such as a post, which type of knot is recommended?

Answer 31

Clove hitch

Question 32

The ________ is used to secure a rope to a plank, timber, post, tube, or pipe when you want to lift that object in a vertical position

Answer 32

Timber hitch

Question 33

A ________ is often used together with a round turn and two half hitches, the clove hitch, and the timber hitch

Answer 33

Running half hitch

Question 34

Which knot is typically used when tying down a load?

Answer 34

Single Dutchman

Question 35

Which knot forms a slip resistant loop that acts like a pulley in a block and tackle system?

Answer 35

Single Dutchman

Question 36

A popular variation of the single Dutchman knot, also known as the trucker’s knot, is the ________

Answer 36

Trucker’s hitch

Question 37

Use a ________ when fastening together two ropes of equal diameter

Answer 37

Reef knot, or square knot

Question 38

Use a ________ when fastening together two ropes of unequal diameter

Answer 38

Sheet bend