Personal Rope

[Resq14]

I've got some questions about personal rope.

I've been carrying a rope pack around for a couple of weeks now. It's a 50' length in a nomex bag, with a couple of carabiners.

Here's a pic of it: http://www.fire-rescueoutfitters.com/bag1.jpg

Here's the link with some info on it too: http://www.fire-rescueoutfitters.com/ri.htm#ritmat

I've been demo'ing it for a while, and I think it's pretty decent. It doesn't indicate what type of rope it is. Does anyone have this setup?

Also, is kevlar rope a necessity? Is it true that 'bail-out' lines can't be used for activities such as search ropes and safety lines? This rope seemed a bit more thicker than other smaller bail-out kits. Still, I think it's only 3/8".

I'd like to hear what people know, and what real-world experiences you've had with them.

[Rescue101]

I'm using a 9mm kermantle line.Remember this is a last resort for leaving not a life safety line.Help me on a search?What's wrong with that?Length sounds good.T.C.

[PghEMTmac]

The manufacterer is required to put the type of rope, and it max. weight on the packaging for the rope. look at the package if you still have it, or try contacting whomever you got it through.

A 3/8 inch rope should be fine for a lifeline kevlar or kernmantle is optimum.

[Firescueguy]

Resq14, I am the vendor who's website address you posted (thanks by the way)so I'll answer your questions. Here goes...

1 - The rope you have in that bag is 8mm static kernmantle rope manufactured by Sterling to meet the NFPA 1983 standards for personal escape rope. The rope is rated to
4,025 lbs. maximum breaking strength while
the large locking carabiner (made by Omega)
is rated to 6,700 lbs.

2 - While there is no "golden rule" about
using "bail-out" ropes as a search rope, some people fel that you don't want to "bail" on a rope you've used numerous times while searching as you don't know what shape the rope is in. This is a very valid point but when you consider the alternative to not "bailing out", most people opt to just use the rope. Bear in mind, you should inspect your rope on a frequent basis.

3 - Kevlar ropes are NOT required by any standards...they are merely another option that some depts. choose to utilize. The major advantage to this rope is its' heat resistance (rated to 900 degrees F) so some depts. prefer it for use as their team search line with the smaller bags (such as yours, 25, 35 or 50') with the 8mm rope.

Hope this info helps you out. Any further questions, click the e-mail link on my site. Stay Safe. Thanks, Tom Rinelli, President, Fire Rescue Outfitters
www.fire-rescueoutfitters.com/ri.htm