Orientation to Rope Management

Chapter 10 – Orientation to Rope Management Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to: • Describe the circumstances where the use of ropes and knots is appropriate for GSAR. • Compare and contrast the types of rope that are encountered in SAR and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each. • Describe and demonstrate proper rope care, handling, and management. • Define the following: dynamic rope, static rope, tubular webbing, flat webbing, accessory cord. • Recognize and demonstrate tying the following knots: Figure Eight on a Bight, Figure Eight Follow Through, Figure Eight Follow Through Bend, Ring Bend (Water Knot, Tape Knot, Overhand Bend), and Italian Hitch (Munter Hitch). • Define carabiners and describe their use. • Describe proper handling of carabiners. • Demonstrate a single point anchor. • Demonstrate the use of a rope for a hand line. • Demonstrate a belay for an assisted raise or lower using an Italian Hitch. • Use the appropriate belay signals during an assisted raise or lower. ORIENTATION TO ROPE MANAGEMENT Introduction The responsibilities of a GSAR member include the ability to perform basic rope management functions. This includes tying of rescue knots involved in a ground-based evacuation and, maintaining and managing a rope(s). This course qualifies the GSAR member to aid or assist in stretcher carries through uneven terrain under the supervision of a certified Ground Search Team Leader. It does not qualify the GSAR member to participate in technical rescues The occasions for which ropes and knots are required in GSAR are limited. The most likely circumstances necessitating their use include: • As a safety line for a stretcher carry on low angle slopes • As a hand line on a slope • As a tool in shelter construction It is recognized that some groups utilize more advanced rope management techniques such as rappelling or embankment rescue techniques in ground search applications. Rappelling should not be done unless the GSAR member has received specialized instruction. Embankment or cliff rescue techniques should only be performed by individuals trained at the Rope Rescue Team Member or Team Leader levels, certified by the Justice Institute of BC In GSAR, depending on the terrain, a rope may be used to assist in stretcher travel. If the angle of the slope and its surface is such that if the stretcher were to drop to the ground it would stop, then the use of a single rope with an Italian Hitch is acceptable. If conditions are such that if the stretcher was dropped it would slide or skitter down the slope then a rope rescue team utilizing a technical two rope rescue system would be required. A rope may also be secured to anchors at the top of a hill, at the bottom of a hill and in several places on the hill to be used as a hand line. The hand line is used to assist travel up and down the hill. As you will not tie into this line it should only be used on slopes where if you slipped you would not slide down the slope. Types of Ropes Fibre ropes are made from either natural or synthetic fibres. The natural fibres come from various plants including hemp, manila and sisal. The synthetic ropes include nylon, polypropylene and the polyesters. Natural Fibre Ropes Natural fibre ropes should not be used in SAR work. Synthetic Fibre Ropes Of the three synthetic fibres mentioned, polypropylene is the lightest. Ropes from this synthetic material will float, and are not weakened by, nor do they absorb water. These properties make EMD – 1999 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE 10-3 ORIENTATION TO ROPE MANAGEMENT polypropylene ropes an obvious choice for water activities like marine rescues. Polyester (e.g. Dacron) dominated the rescue scene for a time. However, as the demand for low stretch rope increased, nylon ropes became commonly used. These ropes may have an elongation of as little as 1.6% at 90 kg and have a breaking strength of 3175 kg. (under ideal laboratory conditions). They are often called “kernmantle” rope (or Perlon, the German counterpart) as it is has a core (kern) of nylon strands running the full length of the rope and a protective sheath (mantle) of braided nylon. The most common diameter of rope used by SAR Groups is 11 mm. Generally, nylon rope is 17% lighter than polyester rope. It is similar in abrasion resistance and flexibility, but is superior in other mechanical properties to polyesters. One disadvantage is that it loses l0-20% of its strength when wet or frozen. Nylon rope of the same diameter (ll mm) used by recreational climbers stretches much more under load and has a static breaking strength of less than 2300 kg. Rope Care As rescue rope is our lifeline and our lives literally depend upon it, it is critically important that proper rope management practises are used. While ground searchers are not responsible for performing technical high angle rope rescue, there are occasions when it will be necessary to work under the direction of a Ground Search Team Leader in a rope-assisted stretcher carry. Dirt Avoid stepping on ropes. Grit can become embedded in the rope sheath and work its way to the core. Embedded dirt and grit will cut the nylon fibres and compromise the strength of the rope. UV Radiation Avoid prolonged exposure of ropes to sunlight. It has been demonstrated that ultraviolet radiation adversely affects the strength of ropes and webbing. Drying A wet rope should never be left in a rope bag. Ropes should be dried in a ventilated area and not over a campfire or in a clothes drier. Excessive heat damages the nylon making the rope weaker. Friction Nylon on nylon connections should be avoided. Sections of rope moving across stationary rope or webbing is extremely dangerous and can result in the cutting away or melting of the non-moving length of nylon. Do not connect a moving length of rope to a non- moving length of rope or webbing. 10-4 EMD 1999 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE ORIENTATION TO ROPE MANAGEMENT Kinks Rope kinking can potentially result after several rappels, belays or coilings. Unchecked, kinking can turn a length of rope into a search and rescuer's nightmare. Excessive kinking can be avoided by flaking out the rope in a "bird's nest" and taking care to untwist the rope prior to coiling. Avoid introducing any twists while coiling the rope by not coiling the rope around the elbow and over the hand. Instead, allow the rope to fall in its normal pattern, likely a figure eight, to minimize kinking while coiling. It is even better to store the rope bagged not coiled. Inspection There is no fool-proof method to determine precisely how much damage has been done to a rope. However, there are indicators of rope damage. Inspection consists of checking the sheath for visible damage. If a section of sheath appears to have been impacted by an object and the core feels unusually soft, immediate retirement should be considered. If the sheath appears abraded due to movement over a rough surface, but no damage to the core has been found on inspection, continued use is possible. Always monitor the quality and condition of the ropes. If there is ever any doubt regarding the safety of a rope during an inspection, bring it to the attention of the equipment officer. Once the weakness has been confirmed, immediately cut out the damaged section and remove it from circulation. If the damage is detected during an operation, stop the operation and bring it to the attention of the Ground Search Team Leader or the equipment officer. If removal or cutting is impractical isolate the weakness by tying a Figure 8 on a Bight with the damaged section in the loop of the knot. Mark the knot with a piece of flagging tape. Washing & Storage Rescue ropes get dirty with usage and can be washed by hand, in a washing machine or with a rope washer which attaches to a garden hose. To wash by hand, use warm water with a mild soap, rinse and air dry. To wash with a machine, use successive daisy chains around the rope and use a gentle cycle. Check often to ensure the rope does not get tangled in the agitator. Ropes ought to be hung in a cool well-ventilated room in loose coils on large diameter pegs or drying racks. The best way to store rescue ropes is in a rope bag. The bag protects the rope while keeping it ready for immediate use. The rope length, diameter, and number should be marked on the bag for easy identification. Do not bag wet ropes due to the possibility of mildew. Rope Log Every rope should have its’ own rope log to keep track of that ropes history. It is important to record any rope use or damage in the rope log to prevent unsafe or outdated ropes from being used. EMD – 1999 GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE 10-5 ORIENTATION TO ROPE MANAGEMENT The 10 Rules of 1. No stepping on ropes. 2. No dropping rocks on ropes. Rescue Rope Care: 3. No ropes moving across rope or webbing. 4. Protect rope from unnecessary abrasion. 5. Wear gloves when working with moving ropes. 6. Inspect the rope after each use. 7. Maintain a rope log. 8. Wash and dry dirty ropes. 9. Coil or bag rope after use. 10. Store ropes where they will not be exposed to UV, high temperatures, corrosives or humidity. Dynamic versus Dynamic Rope A dynamic rope is a lifeline or safety line which has elastic Static Rope properties.

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