Utility Rope

SECTION: Tools and Equipment

ISSUE DATE: 12-2010 REVISED: ##-####

Objectives

• To provide an understanding of the following:– Specifications of rope– Use of rope– Inspection of rope– Washing of rope– Decontamination of rope– Removal of rope from service

Specifications8 mm Rope

• 75 feet of 8 mm rope• Static Kernmantle

construction• Minimum breaking

strength – 3000 lbs• Yellow nylon bag• One small aluminum

carabiner– Rated at 5000 lbs.

Specifications½” Rope

• 100 feet of ½” rope• Static Kernmantle

construction• Minimum breaking

strength – 9000 lbs• Yellow nylon bag

Use

• Hoisting tools• Securing unstable

loads• Tying off equipment• Securing a perimeter• NOT for Life Safety

Maintenance

• Inspect the entire length of rope regardless if the entire length was used– Ensure the rope bag was not contaminated

while placed on the ground during use

• Perform a complete inspection– Visual– Tactile

• Feel the rope

Maintenance

• While holding slight tension on the rope, inspect the rope for the following:– Abrasion, cuts, or nicks in the outer sheath– Discoloration or glazing of the sheath– Signs or strong smells that indicate contamination by

acid, alkaline, oxidizing agent, or petroleum products– Diameter of rope is smaller or larger in one area than

the rest of the rope• Hour glass shape

– Abnormal hard spots or soft spots within the rope

Washing Rope

• Rinse off heavy dirt with a garden hose– May use a soft nylon bristle brush for tougher stains– Double up the rope and “daisy chain” it– Select the gentle cycle and wash rope in a standard

or front loading washing machine with Woolite or plain water

• Do not use the Extractor• Do not use Tide• Plain water may be used if no cleaner listed is available

– Air dry the rope out of direct sunlight

Decontamination of Rope

• Decontamination of blood or body fluids can be handled by using a 10% bleach solution prior to washing the rope

Removal of Rope From Service

• The rope has been visually damaged

• The rope has been exposed to excessive heat or direct flame impingement

• The rope has been exposed to liquids, solids, gasses, or vapors known to cause damage to the rope

Removal of Rope From Service

• The rope is extraordinarily stiff in any area

• The rope feels “mushy” or soft in any area relative to the rest of the rope

• The rope has inconsistencies in its diameter (hour glass)