T.B. SEARCH ROPE

Question 1

Describe the Search Rope.

Answer 1

• Made of either 5/16th” diameter white nylon or
• 7.5 mm diameter Kernmantle design
• 200’ long
• Snap hook at each end
• Kernmantle type design will have a DOUBLE ACTION snap hook at the WORKING END and a snap hook that secures the rope to the bag.

Question 2

What are the MOST COMMON reasons NYLON ropes shrink over time?

Answer 2

Moisture and temperature

NYLON ropes may be short by 25’ or MORE

Question 3

What are the intervals of the distance knots?

Answer 3

25’

Single knot at 25’, two at 50’, three at 75’, four at 100’, five at 125’, six at 150’ and seven at 175’

Question 4

What is the spacing BETWEEN the distance knots?

Answer 4

Approximately 6”

Question 5

Which knot will NOT have a direction knot?

Answer 5

The 25’ distance knot.

Question 6

A single direction knot is located ____ BEFORE the distance knots when traveling ____ the direction of deployment. This knot will ______ be ______ to the tie off or exit.

Answer 6

• 18”
• In
• ALWAYS
• Closer

Question 7

Who MUST be notified when a search rope is deployed?

Answer 7

When a unit deploys the search rope the I/C MUST be notified.

Question 8

How is the search rope deployed?

Answer 8

The OFFICER controlling the search pays out the rope while KEEPING IT TAUT, maintaining a handhold on the rope AT ALL TIMES.

Question 9

The search rope shall be maintained how far off the ground?

Answer 9

The rope shall be maintained approximately one to two feet above the ground.
When changing direction or grade, the rope shall be tied off.

Question 10

Is the amount of rope deployed an accurate indication of a member’s location in a building?

Answer 10

No. It may not be an indication of a member’s location in a building.
Distance knots may ONLY indicate the amount of rope deployed and NOT ACTUAL distance or location in a building.

Question 11

What is the officer’s PRIMARY responsibility?

Answer 11

To coordinate the search.

Question 12

Who decides if members will conduct searches OFF OF THE ROPE?

Answer 12

The officer MUST decide if members will conduct searches off of the rope.

Question 13

Which factors will the officer include his decision to conduct searches off of the rope?

Answer 13

• The SIZE of the area to be searched
• The CONFIGURATION of the area to be searched
• The EXPERIENCE LEVEL of the search team
• The HEAT/SMOKE conditions
• The ability to stay within VOICE CONTACT.

Question 14

The number of members assigned to the search rope team, under MOST CONDITIONS should be limited to?

Answer 14

THREE (3)

Question 15

Which unit, receiving orders to search an area requiring a search rope shall maintain unit integrity and will perform this function with ALL MEMBERS?

Answer 15

A unit OTHER THAN 1st alarm.

Question 16

Which hand is kept on the search rope whether a unit is a relieving company or a company is being relieved?

Answer 16

The relieving company should enter the area to be searched with their RIGHT hand in contact with the rope (IF POSSIBLE). the company being relieved should exit the IDLH with their RIGHT hand in contact with the rope (IF POSSIBLE).
You will be on the LEFT side of the rope, either way.

Question 17

When searching off of the rope, members should advise their officer of specific tasks accomplished. What are they?

Answer 17

1) Advise the officer of the area searched
2) A description of the are searched
3) Results of the search
* The OFFICER will relay the results of the search to the I/C.

Question 18

Is the search rope used for lifting or lowering?

Answer 18

No. The search rope is to be used ONLY for search or guide purposes, NOT for lifting or lowering.

Question 19

When is the search rope inspected?

Answer 19

Inspect the rope AFTER each use.

Question 20

When is the search rope repacked?

Answer 20

Repack MONTHLY.

Question 21

When should companies hold drills on the use of the search rope?

Answer 21

Companies shall conduct FREQUENT drills using the rope.

Question 22

Who is responsible for developing a schedule for training, inspecting and repacking the search rope?

Answer 22

The COMPANY COMMANDER.

Question 23

When repacking the search rope, how is the rope laid out prior to placing it into the bag?

Answer 23

Lay the rope out on a dry surface

• Remove all kinks
• Coil CLOCKWISE beginning with the end of the rope that has the SINGLE KNOT.

Question 24

How is the search rope coiled into the bag?

Answer 24

Coil the rope into the case COUNTER CLOCKWISE.