SOP 613 Basic Rope Procedures

Questions and Answers

What is the first step recommended for washing a rope?

Soak it in warm water with detergent

Use rope washers if available (correct)

Rinse rope thoroughly using cold water

Use a washing machine on a gentle cycle

Which of the following should NOT be done when drying a rope?

Ensure it is completely dry before inspection

Place it on a flat surface to air dry

Use a clothes dryer (correct)

Hang it loosely out of direct sunlight

What information is NOT required on the label of the rope?

Color of the rope (correct)

Lot number

Manufacturer’s name

Date of manufacture

When a life safety rope is placed in service, what documentation is necessary?

The information on the rope must be marked in the rope log Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using heat shrink tubing on rope ID tags?

To protect the ID information from wear and moisture Signup and view all the answers

What identifying information is required on a training rope?

Training and Rope Identifier, Length of the rope, Date in service Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a Life Safety Rope fails?

Inform the Training Chief immediately and log the failure Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with manufacturer's product labels on ropes?

Labels should remain intact for proper identification Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a severe impact load when dealing with Life Safety rope?

Falls of five feet or more with a one-person load (300 lbs.) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a Life Safety rope fails a visual inspection?

Destroy the rope immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if there are doubts about the suitability of Life Safety rope for use?

Destroy the rope immediately and replace it Signup and view all the answers

If Life Safety rope becomes excessively soiled after use, what should be done?

Clean and dry the rope before returning it to service Signup and view all the answers

If Life Safety rope has been used for an emergency incident but does not meet the acceptable inspection criteria, what is the proper course of action?

Destroy the rope Signup and view all the answers

What can significantly weaken Life Safety rope?

Abrasion, misuse, and contamination Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with a Life Safety rope that fails inspection criteria?

Alter it so it cannot be mistaken for Life Safety rope Signup and view all the answers

Who should be contacted for a determination of possible reuse capabilities if there are questions about the Life Safety rope condition?

The TRT Team leader or Special Operations Chief Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum breaking strength of steel carabiners?

<blockquote> 10,000 pounds </blockquote> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is specifically mentioned as needing to be kept clean and inspected for cracks?

Eight plate with ears Signup and view all the answers

What should be marked on the webbing near its end?

Unit designator and length Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials can be used for construction of carabiners?

Aluminum Signup and view all the answers

What is the width specification for webbing?

1 inch Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the care of webbing is correct?

Webbing maintenance is the same as rope. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using the eight plate with ears during operations?

As a friction descent device Signup and view all the answers

How should carabiners be loaded to ensure safety?

Only in the long axis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum lifespan for life safety rope before it must be removed from service?

Manufacturer’s specified shelf life or eight years, whichever comes first Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for recording the life safety rope utilization inspection results?

Each officer in charge of a vehicle or their designee Signup and view all the answers

When must Technical Rescue Team Life Safety ropes be inspected?

After every use and on the first day of every month Signup and view all the answers

What information must be recorded each time a Life Safety rope is utilized?

Date, location, how the rope was used, comments, and inspection results Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Standard Operating Procedure for Basic Rope Procedures?

To establish uniform guidelines for the use and care of Utility Rope and Life Safety Rope Signup and view all the answers

How should life safety ropes be cleaned according to the guidelines?

With cold water, mild soap, and a front-loading machine Signup and view all the answers

According to the SOP, what is a carabiner primarily used for?

To join other components to Life Safety rope Signup and view all the answers

What should be done at the end of each calendar year regarding rope logs?

They must be turned in for filing and replaced with a new log Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cleaned' refer to in the context of Life Safety Rope procedures?

Ropes washed with tepid water and mild soap, then dried completely Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of truck officers regarding life safety rope?

They conduct monthly inspections and log results in PSTrax Signup and view all the answers

What action is defined as 'destroyed' in the context of the ropes used by Clearwater Fire & Rescue?

The rope is taken out of service and cut into random lengths Signup and view all the answers

What should the inspection log comment on after utilizing a Life Safety rope?

The severity of the situation and any unusual characteristics observed Signup and view all the answers

Which standard does Clearwater Fire & Rescue adhere to for maintaining Life Safety Rope?

NFPA 1983, 2017 edition Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the specific objectives outlined in the SOP regarding Life Safety Rope?

To ensure Life Safety Rope is maintained in a ready state Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the guidelines provided for the care of Utility and Life Safety Rope?

Ropes should never be stored in a humid environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the general responsibility of all Fire Rescue personnel regarding the standard procedures in the SOP?

To be familiar with the mandatory safe practices and procedures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Objectives

Establish uniform guidelines for the use and care of Utility Rope and Life Safety Rope.
Ensure maintenance and inspections are compliant with NFPA 1983 (2017 edition).
Promote safety procedures for Fire Rescue personnel.

Scope

Guidelines cover mandatory safe practices for Utility and Life Safety Rope.
All Fire Rescue personnel should be familiar with these procedures.

Definitions

Carabiner: A load-bearing connector with a self-closing gate for joining components to Life Safety Rope.
Cleaned: Ropes cleaned using tepid water and mild non-chlorinated soap.
Destroyed: Rope taken out of service and cut into random lengths, particularly if it fails inspection or shows damage.

Inspection Procedures

Visual inspection must check for labeling accuracy and rope condition; re-label if needed.
Excessively soiled rope should be cleaned before inspection.
Life Safety Rope can return to service if no discrepancies are found; otherwise, it must be destroyed.
If there are doubts regarding the rope's integrity, it must be destroyed and replaced.

Maintenance Guidelines

Ropes should be maintained using cold water and mild soap; avoid direct sunlight when drying.
Use front-loading washing machines (gentle cycle) and inspect thoroughly after cleaning.

Labeling Requirements

Ropes must have manufacturers’ labels with crucial information: manufacturer name, date of manufacture, lot number, diameter, and length.
All ropes should have marked identifiers which include unit designator, date in service, and specific rope ID number.

Training Rope Protocol

Designated ropes for training must be clearly marked and stored separately.
Follow same inspection and maintenance protocols as Life Safety rope.

Rope Failure Procedures

Immediate securing of the failed rope is required along with its components for investigation.
The District Commander must report to the scene and ensure notification of relevant officials.

Additional Components Used with Life Safety Rope

Webbing: Used for anchors and harnessing; made from nylon with a strength of 4,000 pounds.
Carabiners: Must have a minimum breaking strength of >10,000 pounds (steel) or >8,000 pounds (aluminum); precautions include keeping clean and inspecting for damage.
Eight Plate with Ears: Used as a friction descent/lowering device; steel version must exceed 4,000 pounds strength.

Record Keeping

Each vehicle's rope utilization inspections must be documented on a specific rope log (CFR-042).
Monthly inspections and all usage activities must be recorded for compliance and tracking.

Final Notes

Lifespan of Life Safety rope is capped at eight years or the manufacturer’s specified duration.
Any rope failing inspection criteria should be altered to prevent accidental use.

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Description

This quiz covers the standard operating procedures for basic rope techniques used by the Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department. Understanding these procedures is critical for effective operations in special rescue scenarios. Test your knowledge of safety protocols and effective use of ropes in rescue missions.