Vrfc3/20 - Ropes, Knots And Harnesses

Front 1

What are general purpose ropes used for in firefighting?

Back 1

Securing delivery hoses and equipment, tying suction hoses, hauling and lowering hose lines and gear.

Front 2

What colour is a GP line?

Back 2

White when new

Front 3

What is the diameter of a GP line?

Back 3

12mm

Front 4

What is the construction and fibre of a GP line?

Back 4

3-strand right hand lay, polyester

Front 5

What is the melting point of a GP line?

Back 5

250 degrees celsius

Front 6

What is the minimum breaking strength of a GP line?

Back 6

2200kg / 22kN (when new)

Front 7

What is the safe working load of a GP line?

Back 7

450kgs

Front 8

If a GPL bag is unavailable how should the line be stored?

Back 8

Made up in approx. 1.8m loops with several small loops near the top to secure and enable it to be hung up, if necessary.

Front 9

What colour is an MFB LRL?

Back 9

Orange with blue fleck (50m)

Blue with orange fleck (25m)

Front 10

What is the diameter of a LRL?/

Back 10

13mm

Front 11

What fibre is a LRL made from?

Back 11

Nylon 66 core / polyester sheath

Front 12

What is the melting point of a LRL?

Back 12

220 degrees celsius

Front 13

What is the working load limit of a LRL?

Back 13

272kgs, 15:1 safety factor

Front 14

LRL length pumpers

Back 14

1 x 50m

1 x 25m

Front 15

Rescue unit LRL

Back 15

1 x 50m

1 x 25m

Front 16

Describe the Kernmantle rope construction

Back 16

It is made of a nylon core that is braided. The polyester sheath protects the core.

Front 17

Who is responsible for the maintenance of LRLs?

Back 17

FS10, Richmond

Front 18

What is the length of a general purpose line?

Back 18

MFB: 30m

CFA: 10m, 20m & 30m

Front 19

What is the procedure for getting a replacement LRL?

Back 19

-notify OIC

-fill out record card

-forward to FS10

Front 20

Rope line deterioration can be cause by:

Back 20

CAMSUE

-Chemicals

-Abrasion

-Mechanical damage

-Shock

-UV and fluorescent light

-Extreme heat

Front 21

How often should a GP line be inspected?

Back 21

Once a month and after every use.

Front 22

When inspecting the GP line, what should you check for?

Back 22

-Excessive abrasion, cuts or broken strands

-localised or unusual discolouration

-powdery filaments and fine powder

Front 23

List the knot protocols for general purpose knots

Back 23

-knot is selected for the task

-place tension on the line to set/tighten

-all knots must be released after use

-all knots must be inspected after tying (by looking away briefly, then back at the knot)

- All LRL knots checked by another ff

-all knots must have 150mm tail minimum after tightening

Front 24

List 5 characteristics of a good knot

Back 24

-Easy to tie

-easy to untie

-easily recognised when tied correctly

-should not slip

-will not significantly reduce the strength of the line when tied correctly

Front 25

List the general purpose knots used by the MFB/CFA

Back 25

1. Overhand

2. Half hitch

3. Clove hitch

4. Rolling hitch

5. Round turn and 2 half hitches

6. Double sheet bend

7. Bowline

Hint 25

There are 7

Front 26

List the 5 LRL knots

Back 26

1. Figure 8 stopper

2. Figure 8 on the bight

3. Figure 8 on the bight (follow through)

4. Double Fisherman’s

5. Alpine Butterfly

Front 27

Where and how should a GP line be stored?

Back 27

If undamaged, loosely fed into a GPL bag with end secured in velcro.

Front 28

What does TRUSS stand for?

Back 28

Advantages to a good knot:

-easy to TIE

-easily RECOGNISED when tied correctly

-easy to UNTIE

-does not SLIP

-won’t reduce STRENGTH of the rope when tied correctly