Rope Handling Awareness
Ropes are life-safety equipment. Improper handling can damage ropes silently and create serious hazards for climbers and ground crew alike.
1. General Rope Safety Principles
- Assume all ropes are critical to someone’s safety
- Never step on ropes
- Keep ropes clear of chainsaws, chippers, vehicles, and sharp edges
- Avoid dragging ropes across rough ground when possible
- Do not overload or shock-load ropes
2. Handling & Jobsite Awareness
- Flake ropes neatly to prevent tangles
- Communicate before pulling or lowering
- Maintain visual awareness of rope path
- Keep hands, feet, and body clear of moving ropes
- Never wrap rope around hands, arms, legs, or waist
3. Rope Inspection Basics
Ropes must be inspected before and after use. If damage is suspected, remove the rope from service immediately.
- Look for cuts, glazing, flat spots, or abrasion
- Feel for stiffness, soft spots, or inconsistencies
- Check splices, eyes, and terminations
- Inspect after shock loads or saw contact
4. Prohibited Actions
- Do NOT tie knots you do not understand
- Do NOT untie or retie climber systems without permission
- Do NOT cut ropes unless explicitly directed
- Do NOT use life-safety ropes for towing or pulling vehicles
- Do NOT use life-safety ropes for rigging or felling
- Do NOT store ropes dirty, wet, or exposed to sunlight
5. Essential Knots & Their Usage
Ground crew are expected to recognize and tie the following knots correctly. If unsure, ask before tying.
| Knot | Primary Use | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Running Bowline | Attaching rope to limbs or logs | Strong, adjustable, easy to untie |
| Bowline | Fixed loop in rope | Does not slip under load |
| Clove Hitch | Temporary attachment | Must be backed up for life safety |
| Figure Eight (on a bight) | Creating a strong fixed loop | Easy to inspect visually |
| Half Hitch | Backing up other knots | Never used alone for loading |
| Alpine Butterfly | Midline loop for redirects or isolation | Can be loaded in multiple directions |
6. Storage & Care
- Store ropes clean, dry, and out of sunlight
- Use rope bags when possible
- Allow wet ropes to dry fully before storage
- Report any questionable rope condition