Transcript Slide 1
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 Specifications 8 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. Specifications ½” 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)