Introduction of Ropes Types, Parts & Care of Ropes used in Rescue Operations

OBJECTIVES

After reading this chapter you will be able to:

• Describe ropes.
• Describe the part of the rope according to manufacturing.
• List the types of ropes according to usage.
• List the types of ropes according to construction.
• Describe the care and maintenance of ropes.

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   Ropes

Ropes are a very important tool long years ago. It is humane from the start. In daily life, it helps in many ways.

A tool that is used in emergency services to save human lives

1.1          Parts of the Rope

1. The part of the rope which is tied with the anchor point is called the running rope
2. The part of the rope which remains at the end behind the applied knot is called standing rope.
3. The working rope or working end is the part that is used to tie the victim during evacuation.

1.2 Parts of the Rope (according to manufacturing)

Kern:

It is the internal fiber of the rope and 70% strength depends upon this part. 

Mantle:

It is the outer covering of the rope. It protects the kern and 30% strength of a rope is due to this.

2. Types of Ropes (according to use)

The ropes are divided into two types.

• Static Rope

• Dynamic Rope

Static Rope

This type of rope is used in rescue activities such as rappelling, ascending, and evacuating victims from depth. There is elongation from 18% to 20% before breaking. It is not used in climbing.

Dynamic Rope

This rope is used for climbing and has a much elastic limit to bear any jerk in case of fall.

3. Types of Ropes (according to construction)

3.1          Utility Rope

3.2          Life Safety Rope

3.1          Utility Rope

This rope is made of Organic Fiber and cannot be used in life-saving activities. It is used to secure rescue equipment. It is made by connecting several fibers so its strength is in doubt. Water and other chemicals damage this very fast. The material used (Cotton, Vanilla, Jute, sisal, and all-natural fiber. These ropes cannot bear temperature.

3.2          Life Safety Rope

This rope is made of inorganic fibers. There it is a single fiber throughout the rope which enhances the strength of the rope. Polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene material is used to make these. These are good against water, chemical, and temperature to a certain level.

4. Care of Ropes

4.1          Care of ropes before use

• Remove the kinks in the ropes
• Secure the end of the ropes with a stopper.
• Inspect the rope thoroughly.
• Do not use if there is any damage.

4.2          Care of ropes during use

• Do not drag on the ground.
• Do not use it in wet places.
• Do not pass over the sharp edges.
• Avoid heat, grease, oil, and chemical.

4.3          Care of ropes after use

• Inspect the rope thoroughly. If there is damage tie a knot there.
• Fold the rope after removing the kinks.
• Store the rope in a well-ventilated place and avoid direct sunlight, oil, grease, etc.