6/4 Ropes And Knots PDF

6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 1 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS -01. ROPES AND KNOTS-GENERAL.01 USES Ropes (lines) in use by the LAFD are made of synthetic fibers, range in size from...

6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 1 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS -01. ROPES AND KNOTS-GENERAL.01 USES Ropes (lines) in use by the LAFD are made of synthetic fibers, range in size from 1/4" to 3/4" in diameter and in lengths to 300'. These ropes are used in many different operations- such as life saving, hoisting equipment, guide lines, securing loads and tying down loose equipment. -02. TWO LINE ROPE SYSTEM The Department's Two Line Rope System is made up of the following items:.01 MAIN LINE & BELAY LINE One 300 foot low stretch 1/2 inch static kernmantle lifeline, white in color, with blue or red stripes running through it, stored in a red nylon bag (Main Line) One 300 foot low stretch 1/2 inch static kernmantle rope, orange in color, stored in an orange nylon bag (Safety / Belay Line) Two class III full body rescue harnesses size large (Engine Company) Figure 1-A - Main line Three class III full body rescue harnesses size one small / medium, two large (Truck Companies) Two 8-mm accessory cords 20 feet in length to build two load releasing hitches (LRH) Two stainless steel brake bar racks, with six aluminum bars Eight steel "D" shaped carabiners Two 8-mm x 6 foot accessory cord (long prusik) Two 8-mm x 5 foot accessory cord (short prusik) Two pieces of blue 1 inch tubular webbing 5 feet in length Figure 1-B Belay line Two pieces of yellow 1 inch tubular webbing 12 feet in length Two pieces of red 1 inch tubular webbing 20 feet in length Two inspection record sheets, one for each rope One 2 inch x 7 foot anchor strap with "D" rings at both ends Two pieces of yellow multi-loop webbing 3 foot in length For more information see Book 29 Rope Systems. 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 2.02 BODY HARNESS CLASS III FULL BODY HARNESS The LAFD carries class III full body rescue harnesses. Put the harness on, whichever is the quickest and easiest for you. As with any piece of equipment, practice using it will decrease the time spent donning the harness. The harness is constructed of nylon webbing with adjustable waist and leg cinching straps. The "D" ring is used for attachment to the figure eight rappelling device with a carabiner. To use the harness, hold it with both hands in front of your body, with the "D" ring in front, step through the leg and waist loops, pull the harness up to your waist, tighten the waist strap, and then the leg straps. There are connection points for ascending and descending on the full body rescue harness. The main line is connected to the waist "D" ring. The belay / safety line is connected to the chest "D" ring. Connect the main line and belay line to these "D" ring connection points by using a figure eight on a bight and a carabiner. If you do not have a carabiner, you can use a figure eight follow through, or a bowline Figure 2 - Class III full body harness backed up with a double overhand knot. The following is one way to accomplish this task: Set the chest strap off to the side and step into the leg harness with both feet (with both "D" rings facing forward), pull the harness up to your waist, and tighten both waist straps. Tighten both waist straps Step into harness Pull the chest strap up and over your head, and place a strap on each shoulder. Shoulder If you are unable to accomplish this, then disconnect the buckle and pull the chest strap over your head, and reconnect the buckle. 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 3 Over your head Tighten up the leg straps, then tighten the chest strap. Tighten up the leg straps Tighten the chest strap NOTE The rear strap support should be adjusted to the middle of the back, just below the shoulders. There are two types of rear strap supports, one with a "D" ring for fall protection, and one with just the back support. Middle of the back The small loops shown in this picture are used only for attaching extra equipment e.g., webbing / carabiners only. DO NOT ATTACH MAIN LINE OR BELAY LINE TO THESE LOOPS. They will not support your weight. 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 4 Small loops Make sure the harness fits snugly and that all the buckles are secured before using the harness. Make sure the ends of all straps are secured by the keepers. We have had a problem with the keepers breaking off. One-way to avoid this is to wrap the keeper with electrical tape, however if it does break off or there are any loose ends, then tie it off with an overhand knot. The following shows the class III, full body rescue harness properly donned with the proper tightening order: (1) Waist, (2) Legs, (3) Chest. Second Leg First Waist Third Chest.03 CARABINERS Carabiners used in the LAFD rope rescue kits are steel "D" shaped carabiners, rated at 9,000 pounds. The basic parts of a carabiner include the spine, hinge, gate, and latch. The "D" shaped carabiner is designed to carry the load along the spine side. Note that the spine side of the carabiner is longer than the gate side, with the top and bottom of the carabiner flaring towards the spine. This means that when placed Figure 3 - Carabiner under a load, items such as a rope clipped into the carabiner will tend to be forced into position on the spine side. The result is the load is placed along the spine of the carabiner, which is the stronger side of the carabiner. "D" shaped carabiners are the strongest when the material in the carabiner is pulled in the small area of the carabiner, next to the spine. If material pulls across the ends of the carabiner (such as wide webbing does), then there will be greater stress on the gate side of the carabiner. This may cause the carabiner to fail lower than its rated strength. Carabiners are designed to be lock with only light finger tightness. Generally the tendency is to over-tighten a locking carabiner, and then it becomes difficult to unlock it. Never tighten a carabiner using channel locks. Never re-tighten a carabiner when the system is loaded. This may damage the locking mechanism. Never side load a carabiner. Locking carabiners can and do come open after being locked. The following are common ways they can open: 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 5 Problem - Carabiner gate unlocks by rubbing against face of cliff or building. Solution - Turn carabiner away from face of cliff or building. Problem - With some carabiner designs, vibration can cause the locking sleeve tounscrew. Solution - Place the carabiner so the gate is at the bottom, and gravity keeps the locking screw closed. Problem - Gate is opened by rope or webbing running across it. Solution - Move carabiner out of contact with the line, or place padding between it and the rope or webbing..04 RAPPELLING AND LOWERING DEVICES.10 FIGURE EIGHT PLATE The figure eight is a solid one-piece aluminum rappelling device. The speed of descent is controlled by regulating the speed of the rope as it passes through the device and your hand. Figure eight plates come with or without ears. Figure eight plates come in varying diameters. Use for rappelling and lowering systems. Larger figure eight plates have less friction and will accommodate larger size ropes. Figure 4-A - Figure eight All figure eight plates tend to twist the rope during use. plate Once on the rope, it is difficult to increase friction. Rappelling or lowering operations over 75 feet a brake bar rack should be used, due to the twisting of the rope..20 BRAKE BAR RACK Brake bar racks have a proven reputation among vertical cavers and rescue teams as the preferred friction device. One of the major advantages of the brake bar rack is the way the rope runs straight through it, greatly reducing twisting in the rope during long lowering and rappelling operations. The Figure 4-B - Brake bar rack brake bar rack comes with six aluminum bars attached to it. The welded eye, on one end, is used for attachment and is rated at 10,000 pounds. The rope is woven through the brake bar rack, starting with the large bar with a training groove manufactured in it. Starting with the rope laying in this groove, it is woven alternately between the bars. Once the rope is placed through the brake bar rack, the system should be loaded to check it. This should be done in a safe area. One of the safety features built into the brake bar rack is if the rope is woven through the bars incorrectly, and a load is applied to safety check it, the bars will "pop" off the brake bar rack and release the rope. To attach the rope to the brake bar rack, use the following procedures listed below: First pass the rope over the training groove. Next pass the rope under the second bar with the straight slot (use the rope to keep that bar in place.) Pass the rope over and under the rest of the bars, until the desired number of bars has been woven. Rope over and under First pass Under the second bar 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 6 For a single person load (rappel or lower), start with four bars. For a two-person loads, start with five bars. Rescuers have the option as to the number of bars they choose to use. The maximum would be six, and the minimum should never be less than THREE during any operation. If more friction is required, the rescuer can add another bar by simply clipping it onto the rack and then taking a wrap around it with the rope. For less friction, simply unwrap the last bar and let it slide down out of the way of the system. All this can take place with very little interruption to the operation, and no danger to the person on the line. Another method of adjusting the amount of friction in the system is controlled by sliding the bars on the rack. Sliding the bars closer together increases the amount of friction, while sliding them apart reduces the friction. TYING OFF THE BRAKE BAR RACK Wrap the rope twice over the yoke and through the brake bar rack pulling the bars together. Tie the rope off with two half-hitches in front of the brake bar rack. The brake bar rack is made of stainless steel and is relatively easy to maintain. Periodic checks should be made of the welded eye, and to ensure the rack is not bent. The bars are made of aluminum, and should be checked routinely. Check for wear, cracks, and dents. If the bars appear damaged or worn the entire brake bar rack should be sent to USAR 88 for evaluation and replacement. Dirty, gritty, or sandy ropes can cause excessive wear to the aluminum bars. Always try to keep the ropes and equipment clean at all times. First wrap Second wrap First half-hitch Second half-hitch.05 ANCHOR SYSTEMS Anchor systems can be made out of webbing or rope. There are numerous anchor systems. We will concentrate on those systems you will most likely use. When you have a bombproof anchor such as fire apparatus, you do not have to back anchor or create multi point anchors. The main line and belay line can share the same anchor if it is bombproof, however they must be attached to the anchor via separate pieces of webbing. The main line and belay line should not share any other components in the system. The anchoring system is the primary component in the system. If you have a poor anchor, you have a poor system. If you do not have a bombproof anchor, strengthen your anchor by back anchoring as much as possible to create a bombproof anchor. If your anchor does not measure up to department apparatus, consider separate anchors for the main line and belay line. 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 7.10 TYPES OF ANCHORS Vehicles Apparatus Eyes Rims and Axles Car Posts Concrete Post and Pillars Telephone Poles Pickets: Various patterns and configurations. Pickets should be three foot in length, one inch round steel stock preferred. The pickets should be pounded two feet into the ground, at a 15 degree angle, away from the object. Consider soil type, moisture content, and proximity to the edge. Fence Post: Make sure the post has a cap, because water build up rots out the bottom. Consider using more than one post. Consider back anchoring. Trees: Use large tree trunks: no exposed roots; live trees..20 CLIFF PICKETS These are general guidelines developed by the U. S. Army for loading a picket anchor systems in "average" loamy soil. Because of the wide variations in soil types, these numbers should be used cautiously with a wide margin for error. Single picket 700 pounds 1-1 1400 pounds 1-1-1 1800 pounds 2-1 2000 pounds 3-2-1 4000 pounds.06 SOFTWARE.10 LIFELINE ROPE 1/2 inch KM-III static kernmantle rope is constructed of a tightly woven sheath (Mantle), over a braided core (Kern). The high strength core (Kern) can carry up to 90% of the load with the cover (Mantle) designed primarily for protection against abrasion. This rope is rated at 10,000 pounds and weighs 7 pounds per –100 feet, which meets or exceeds the NFPA 1995 standard for one and two - person rescues. TENSILE STRENGTH Tensile strength is the rated breaking strength of the rope when pulled in a straight line, with no knots, under laboratory conditions to a point where it can be expected to break. The age of a rope and the knots tied with the rope will reduce the tensile strength. To determine the safe working load of a rope, you divide the manufacturers rated tensile strength by the NFPA safety factor of 15. E.g. 10,000 - pound rope divided by 15 = 666 pound working load, which exceeds the NFPA standard of 600 pounds for a two-person rope. 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 8.20 WEBBING Flat Webbing: Is constructed of a single layer of material, it is similar to our ladder straps. It is less expensive, but stiffer and more difficult to work with than tubular webbing. Flat webbing Tubular Webbing a. Edge Stitched: Is formed by folding over flat webbing lengthwise, and stitching the two sides together. Suitable for rope rescue. b. Spiral Weave (also known as "shuttle loom construction"): This design of the tubular webbing is the standard in rope rescue operations. Suitable for rope rescues WEBBING SIZE There are various widths for webbing ranging from ½ inch up to 2 inches. The webbing used by LAFD is 1 inch spiral weaved tubular and folded over flat webbing rated at 4000 pounds. LAFD webbing comes in the following lengths: Blue Webbing - 5 feet. Yellow Webbing - 12 feet. Red Webbing - 20 feet. Yellow webbing Blue webbing Red webbing.30 ACCESSORY CORD Accessory cord is 8-mm nylon cord. It is used to make load releasing hitches and prusik loops. The accessory cord purchased by the LAFD is rated at 3,630 pounds. LOAD RELEASING HITCH The load releasing hitch (LRH) utilized by the LAFD is constructed out of 8-mm accessory cord 20 feet long. This type of hitch is designed to act as a shock absorber when the main line or belay line is shock loaded, or to pass knots through the system. BUILDING A LOAD RELEASING HITCH 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 9 Take a 20 foot piece of 8-mm accessory cord and make a bight in the middle of the line. Clip the first carabiner into the bight. Take the two bitter ends and tie an overhand knot in them, leaving a 2 inch tail. Going away from the bight and carabiner, take both pieces of rope and make a munter hitch as close to the bight as possible. Attach the second carabiner to the munter hitch. Overhand knot in them, leaving a 2 inch tail Clip the first carabiner into the Attach the second carabiner to the bight munter hitch Pull the slack rope through the munter hitch until both carabiners touch. Pull the carabiner that is attached to the bight in the rope until the munter hitch flips over in the second carabiner. There should be a 4 to 5 inch space between the carabiners. Rope 1 Should be a 4 to 5 inch space between the carabiners Take both lines that exit the munter hitch and wrap them around the line between the carabiners three to six times. Take a bight from each of the remaining ropes, and push it through the space between the bight and the first carabiner. Tie an overhand knot over the bight that was pulled through the bight and the first carabiner. Wrap between the carabiners three Take a bight and push it through Overhand knot over the bight that was to six times the space between the bight and pulled through the first carabiner Tighten all 6 lines. Daisy chain the rest of the rope. The carabiner with the munter hitch should always be placed on the anchor side of your system. 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 10 Daisy chain the rest of the rope The carabiner with the munter hitch should always be placed on the anchor side of your system.07 ABRASION GUARDS Figure 7 - Abrasion guards Two 18-inch abrasion guards. The abrasion guards are designed to slide over the lifeline to any point where the line passes over the edge of a roof, rocks, or any other rough object that would cause abrasion to the rope..08 STORAGE BAG (RED AND ORANGE) Figure 8-A -Main line Figure 8-B - Belay line One of the most convenient ways of storing, transporting and protecting the rope is in a bag. Red nylon bag with pockets for the (Main Line.) Orange nylon bag with pockets (Safety / Belay Line.) ADVANTAGES OF USING A BAG The rope can be flaked into the bag faster than it can be coiled. The bag helps protect the rope from damage while keeping it clean. The bag has 2 shoulder straps, which makes it easier to carry. If bag is worn on the back while rappelling, the rope will pay out as you descend without tangling. A bagged rope is easy to deploy. Secure the end of the rope and drop the bag over the edge. The rope will flake out of the bag without tangles. The end of the rope shall be secured to the bottom of the bag by tying a figure 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 11 eight stopper..09 CLEANING AND STORAGE A soiled rope and software may be subject to internal abrasion that leads to a shortened life. The best way to remove dirt particles from a rope is to place the rope in a mesh bag or a pillowcase, place in a washing machine on gentle cycle and wash in cold water. Use a mild chemical free soap such as lifeline cleaner, Ivory Snow or Woolite, in the wash cycle. Allow the rope to drip dry out of direct sun light. Rope ends should be swapped end for end annually. The reason for this is to reduce wear on the most used part of the rope. SUNLIGHT All synthetic fibers are prone to some degradation due to prolonged exposure to ultra violet radiation (UV). When ropes and software are not in use, store them in a cool dry location away from direct exposure to sunlight. CHEMICALS AND HEAT Protect ropes and software from extended contact with chemicals containing alkaline, oxidizing agents, bleaching compounds, and acids. Always store ropes in the bag to protect them. Keep software away from hot objects. The KM-III static kernmantle rope has a melting point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. MARKING THE ROPE To ensure maximum life of all ropes, rope ends should be swapped end for end annually. The reason for this is to reduce wear on the most used part of the rope. Swap ends annually for the life of the rope. Mark the midpoint and the ends of the rope. Use only the following markers, as other markers will weaken the fibers of the rope. Carter MARKS-A LOT, Stanford SHARPIE and Binney-Smith MAGIC MARKER. The following picture shows how to mark the ends of the rope. The midpoint of the rope should be marked with one black stripe. Marking the middle of the rope Marking the end of rope STORAGE To get the most use and life out of a rope it must be stored in a place where it is protected from harm. Rope can be damaged if it is left: In sunlight. Exposed to vehicle exhaust or fumes or residues from batteries. On the floor (Concrete floors contain damaging acids. Stepping on the rope grinds in dirt.). Wet or damp areas (This will promote the growth of mold and mildew.). In areas of high heat (Prolonged exposure to temperatures higher than humans can work in will cause degradation of rope.). One black strip for the odd years Two black strips for the even years Contaminated with dirt and grit (Dirt and grit can work into the core and damage the fibers. Avoid dragging the rope on the ground. NEVER step on the rope.). 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 12.10 INSPECTION RECORD Log the rope as soon as you receive it, log all training, emergency incidents and monthly checks on form 975. During your monthly checks, or if any of the following problems exist, call USAR 88 and be guided by there instructions. If the sheath is abraded, showing extreme fuzziness or exposing the core. If the rope is lumpy or hard, or if a brittle spot is present. If the rope has an hourglass shape. If the rope comes in extended contact with any of the chemicals listed above in cleaning and care procedures. If the rope has been shock loaded. One inspection record card. All ropes, whether constructed of natural or man made fibers, are subject to a loss of strength and reliability if abused. To ensure that your lifeline will be safe for you to use at any time, periodic inspections are mandatory. To assist you in making these inspections, the following guidelines are listed (they are specific for this double braid construction). NOTE The following inspection procedures are identical to those listed for the equipment line. 1. Each month and after each use, the lifeline shall be inspected both visually and by feeling the line as it passes through your hands. Look at and feel the entire length of the line. Look for flat spots, cuts, or frayed surfaces which may cause the red cord to show through the outer jacket. Be sure to slide the chafe guards and inspect all of the lifeline. 2. If the lifeline has been subjected to severe shock loading or used in any situation where chemical action may have caused damage to the lifeline, it shall be removed from service. 3. If no hard or flat spots are noticed and yet the line has become very stiff and unworkable due to age or repeated soakings and dryings, the lifeline shall be removed from service. 4. If possible, avoid walking on, driving over, or dragging the line through dirt, grease, or chemicals. Contamination can cause a loss of strength and reliability. 5. The lifeline can be washed if it becomes dirty. Use warm water with approved cleaners or cold water ONLY. Allow the lifeline to air dry completely before storing in the carrying bag. Do not dry the line in the sun. Lay it out or hang it in a covered location. An entry shall be made on the record card each time the lifeline is used and/or inspected..11 COMMUNICATIONS Good communications makes for safe rescue operations. Talk clearly and loud enough so that everyone can hear. Address the lines you want action on, then give the action you want for that line. The following are standard lowering commands. COMMANDS FOR A LOWERING OPERATION "Ready on the Main Line" Answer: "Main Line Ready" "Ready on the Belay Line" Answer "Belay Line Ready" "Rescuer Ready" Answer "Rescuer Ready" "Ready Lower" OTHER COMMANDS USED 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 13 Anyone in the system can call out "STOP" "Take up slack on belay line" "Lower faster or slower" If the rescuer disconnects from the ropes. Rescuer commands are "Off Belay" If the rescuer is going to be raised back up, the next command from the rescuer is "Rig to Raise" These commands are given by the member in charge, which could be the technical safety officer, rescuer or member put into that position. -03. EQUIPMENT LINE.01 GENERAL The equipment line is 150' of 5/8" diameter rope with a factory eye splice on one end and a crown splice or whipping on the other end. It has a 13,000 lb. breaking strength and its working load is 2,600 lb. Figure 1 - Equipment line Its double braid construction has an inner core of braided polyester which carries 80% of the load. The outer jacket is a multiplex polyester fiber (Dacron) within which 25% of the strands are blue. It is designed for abrasion resistance and good grip, wet or dry, with or without gloves. It is carried on the apparatus in a blue storage bag and is used for hoisting and securing equipment, barricading restricted areas, etc. It is not to be used as a Rescue Rope. For more information see Training Bulletin 22..02 HALYARDS Figure 2 - Halyard 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 14 The same type rope is used for ladder halyards. The 20 foot extension ladders use 3/8 inch line and the 35 foot extension ladders use 5/8 inch line.03 INSPECTION The following inspection procedures are identical to those listed for the lifeline. 1. Monthly and after each use, the equipment line shall be inspected both visually and by feeling the line as it passes through your hands. Look at and feel the entire length of the line. Look for flat spots, cuts, or frayed surfaces which may cause the inner core to show through the outer jacket. Be sure to inspect all of the rope. If the rope's inner-core is visible through a worn or damaged area of the outer jacket, it should be removed from service and replaced with a new one. 2. If the equipment line has been subjected to severe shock loading or used in any situation where chemical action may have caused damage to the rope, it shall be removed from service. 3. If no hard or flat spots are noticed and yet the line has become very stiff and unworkable due to age or repeated soakings and dryings, the equipment line shall be removed from service. 4. If possible, avoid walking on, driving over, or dragging the line through dirt, grease, or chemicals. Contamination can cause a loss of strength and reliability. 5. The equipment line can be washed if it becomes dirty. Use warm water with approved cleaner or cold water ONLY. Allow the lifeline to air dry completely before storing in the carrying bag. Do not dry the line in the sun. Lay it out or hang it in a covered location..04 STORAGE BAG (BLUE) Figure 4 - Blue storage bag The blue storage and carrying bag is constructed of a plastic material with carrying straps. The equipment line is stored in this bag. The best method of placing the equipment line into the bag is the same as the lifeline. Start with the bitter end and feed the line into the bag. Do not coil or loop the line; when finished, the eye will be on top. When needed, the eye is pulled out, attached to an anchor point, and then the entire bag and rope are dropped over the side of the structure or Cliff. Ropes and their bags shall be stored on apparatus inside a compartment for maximum protection from elements and as a security measure. 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 15 -04. DROPLINE 01. GENERAL Figure 1 - Dropline A dropline is 150' of 5/16" Dacron braided line with a snap device attached to one end. (Figure 1) It is used to hoist light hose lines and equipment aloft, as a control line for the ladder pipe and to stabilize the litter basket or rescue harness. It may be used as a guideline for search and rescue i.e., when followed to and from an objective. It is stored in a bag and may be carried on a member's B/A harness, T/O coat "D" rings or belt. -05. KNOTS.01 GENERAL Knots, bends and hitches are used singly or in combination to form the various ties used on the Fire Department..02 KNOT EFFICIENCY A knot placed in a line decreases its working capacity. The amount of decrease, expressed in the table below as a percentage, must be subtracted from the original working capacity. Percentage of Decrease: Knot % of Loss Full strength, no knots 0% Eye Splice 10% Timber hitch; half hitch 35% Bowline; clove hitch 40% Square knot 50% Overhand knot 55% EXAMPLE: Using a 5/8" equipment line with a bowline. Working strength of equipment line = 2600 lb. Bowline tied in line = 40% loss 2600 lb. 1040 (40%) 1560 lbs. working capacity 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 16.03 TYPES THE KNOTS, BENDS AND HITCHES COMMONLY USED BY THE DEPARTMENT Bight Bowline Bowline of a bight Running bowline Half hitch Square knot - Beckett bend Timber hitch Half hitch Clove hitch.04 APPLICATIONS Knots may be tied using any part of the line. For safety, completed knot should have a minimum 18" tail. Empty Line Up Timber hitch six feet back of nozzle. Figure 4-A - Empty line up Empty Line Down Timber hitch six feet back of nozzle. Half hitch, inches behind the nozzle. Half hitch around the nozzle tip. 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 17 Figure 4-B - Empty line down Loaded Line Up Running bowline 12 feet back of nozzle. Half hitch six feet back of nozzle. Half hitch six inches back of nozzle. Loaded Line Down Running bowline 12 feet back of nozzle. Half hitch six feet back of nozzle. Half hitch six inches back of nozzle. Half hitch around nozzle tip. Axes-Sledge Running loop over head of tool. Half hitch near end of handle. (Figure 16) Bars-Crow and Jumbo Clove hitch-up, on small end of bar. Half hitch below the shoulder on large end of bar. (Figure 17) Portable Extinguishers Clove hitch-up, around base. Half hitch around middle. Half hitch near top of tank. (Figure 18) Barrels, Sacked or Boxed Items Barrel knot. Place object on top of running line. Bring bitter end and running line to top and tie an overhand knot. Spread overhand knot and drop each side half way down the object being tied. Bring bitter end and running line to top and secure with square knot. Break square knot over to allow for the tightening of knot. Ladders (except roof ladders) With the rungs down take a wrap around each beam below proper rung; secure bitter end to running line with a bowline knot. (To determine proper rung, divide the length of the ladder by five and multiply by 2). Roof Ladders The same as other ladders except wraps around both beams are taken below third rung from top; secure bitter end to running line with a bowline knot and place a half hitch over the open hooks. Hose Roller Hose roller knot - are a combination of the following knots. A bowline with a bight, overhand knot with a bight and a half hitch. Ball and Chain Bowline through the ring on the chain. With a separate line, clove hitch-down around chain immediately above ball. 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS 18 Joining Two Lines Beckett bend or square knot. A square knot should only be used on lines of equal size. Bangor Ladder Knot The bangor ladder knot consists of two half hitches with a bight tied on the fourth or most convenient rung. The second half hitch also secures the hanging part of the halyard. Securing Hard Suctions When two or more hard suctions are connected for drafting, they are secured as follows. Clove hitch at bottom next to strainer; hitch separated to be on both side of male coupling lugs of suction. With the OTHER end of the rope, tie a running bowline on the first coupling above the strainer. Secure center of rope to apparatus or any convenient place on the wharf. Securing hard suctions in this manner relieves strain from couplings and facilitates removal from the water. Small Hand Lines Aloft When raising small hand lines aloft in multi-storied structures (up to 5th floor), the most practical method is the use of dropbag lines. To attach the dropline to the hose, use a loop formed from a bight in the running line. The loop is then placed over the hose 12"-18" behind the nozzle. Two alternate methods of sending small lines aloft 1. Place the loop directly behind the coupling to which the nozzle is attached, adding a half-hitch to the tip of nozzle. 2. Grasp dropline, make a loop approximately 12", and make an overhand knot. Run loop through the bale of the shut-off, then put the loop over the nozzle tip. NOTE When hoseline reaches desired landing, it is important that member remove dropline prior to advancing hose. -06. COILING AND THROWING.01 COILING ROPE FOR THROWING With sufficient line to reach objective, make coils about three feet in diameter. Leave enough line at the end to make 4 or 5 smaller coils about 18" in diameter. Bind small coils with a bight. Hold and throw small coils toward objective, allowing the large coils to pay off the other hand or the ground. With this method of casting a line, the small coils supply the weight necessary to carry the line to a given point. With practice, a line can readily be cast a distance of 50 ft. Coiling rope for throwing Article Sources and Contributors 19 Article Sources and Contributors 6/4 ROPES AND KNOTS Source: http://lafd.info/index.php?oldid=13489 Contributors: SeanJ, Sjoseph Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors Image:M line.jpg Source: http://lafd.info/index.php?title=File:M_line.jpg License: unknown Contributors: Rshortle3323 Image:B line.jpg Source: http://lafd.info/index.php?title=File:B_line.jpg License: unknown Contributors: Rshortle3323 Image:harness.jpg Source: http://lafd.info/index.php?title=File:Harness.jpg License: unknown Contributors: Rshortle3323 Image:First.jpg Source: http://lafd.info/index.php?title=File:First.jpg License: unknown Contributors: SeanJ Image:First1.jpg Source: http://lafd.info/index.php?title=File:First1.jpg License: unknown Contributors: SeanJ File:Shoulder.jpg Source: http://lafd.info/index.php?title=File:Shoulder.jpg License: unknown Contributors: SeanJ File:over your head.jpg Source: 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