Volunteer

Recruit
Programme

Module 7
Knots and Lines
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Document title: Volunteer Recruit Programme

Module 7: Knots and Lines

Published: June 2010 Amended: July 2017

© Fire and Emergency New Zealand – Training

If you wish to copy or reproduce any of the material in this document,
please contact:

Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Team Leader, Learning and Development
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PO Box 2133
Wellington 6140

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Contents
Learning outcomes 4

Introduction 5

Topic 1: Types and parts of line 6

Types of line 6
Parts of line 7

Topic 2: Care of lines 8

Recommissioning lines 8
Inspection and testing 9

Topic 3: Introduction to knots 10

Knot key words 10
The knots 11

Topic 4: Rescue knots 12

1. Figure of eight 12
2. Figure of eight on the bight 13
3. Threaded figure of eight 14
4. Alpine Butterfly 15

Topic 5: General-purpose knots 18

5. Clove hitch (around an object) 18
6. Clove hitch (pre-formed) 19
7. Round turn and two half hitches 20
8. Bowline 21

Topic 6: Taking a delivery aloft 24

Glossary 30

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Learning outcomes
To learn how to use knots and lines.

In this module, you will learn:

• how to choose the right line Topic 1: Types and parts of line

• how to take care of lines Topic 2: Care of lines

• how to choose and tie the right Topic 3: Introduction to knots

knot
Topic 4: Rescue knots
Topic 5: General-purpose knots

• how to take a delivery aloft. Topic 6: Taking a delivery aloft

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Introduction
Firefighters must be able to tie knots and handle lines quickly Key words
and in a variety of situations.
lines ropes
Knots and lines are used for:

• rescue activities (a person’s life may depend on the knot Only rescue lines
you tie) and rescue knots are
used during rescues.
• non-rescue activities (for example, lifting and lowering
equipment, or taking a delivery aloft).
Knots and lines have very specific uses. You must know which
line to use, which knot to use, and how to tie it.
You must be able to tie a knot correctly and efficiently.

All Fire and Emergency lines are made from synthetic materials
that are approved for use. Damaged lines can be dangerous.
You must know how to take care of them to prevent damage.

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Topic 1: Types and parts of line

Types of line Key words

kernmantle a type of line that

There are three types of lines that are used: has its internal core
(the strongest part)
• rescue lines protected by an
outer protective layer
• bucket lines (sheath). The core
carries most of the
load. The sheath
• general-purpose lines.
protects the core
from damage. The
internal core is called
the ‘kern’ and the
Rescue lines outer sheath is called
the ‘mantle’.
For rescue activities, use only a
kernmantle static life-rescue line. static unlike a climbing
(Other rescue lines require special rope these lines have
training, which you could complete less ability to stretch
at a later stage if it is relevant to under load.
your brigade.)

Bucket lines Canvas bucket line

These lines are stored in a canvas

or PVC bag (bucket). The bucket
makes it easier to throw the line
without it becoming tangled. They
are used mostly when lifting and
lowering equipment aloft.

A bucket line is 12 mm in diameter

and 30 m long.
PVC bucket line

Throwing a bucket line

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Topic 1: Types and parts of line July 2017

General-purpose lines General-purpose line being used to secure

Some districts carry
suction hose
dedicated suction
All other lines are general-purpose lines, which are 20 m
lines. They are between 3 m and long and stowed
30 m long and are used for various separately on the
non-rescue activities – for example, appliance.
as a suction line, used to secure
and manoeuvre a suction hose.
Identify for your
Station Training
Coordinator (STC) the
parts of a line.

Parts of line
Standing part
The main part of the line used
for raising or lowering

Bight
Any part of the
line, between the
two ends, where
the line is doubled
Loop
Running end
The free end of the line, usually
used to form knots. A 20-cm ‘tail’ at
the running end should always be
left after a knot has been tied

Training Log activity: Use of lines

When you are ready, use the information in this topic to give the characteristics and uses of each line in the
table in your training log.
A trainer will check your answers during the recruit course.

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Topic 2: Care of lines

Damaged lines can be dangerous. Take care of lines as follows. Key words

• Dry lines before storing. Dry by flaking the lines and leaving them lying flaking laying out rope in a
flat in a well-aired place away from direct heat and sunlight. zigzag pattern so it
doesn’t tangle or kink
• Dry lines naturally, do not dry in a station dryer or clothes dryer. as it’s fed out again

• Leave lines loose and without knots whenever possible.

• Protect lines from sharp edge – for example, by using an off-cut of

fire hose.

• Step carefully over lines when they are on the ground. Do not step
on them.

• Wash lines with warm water and natural soap, not detergent.
(Grit trapped within the line’s fibres can cause damage.)

• Keep lines away from chemicals, especially petrol and oil (lockers on
appliances are a good storage place).

• Store lines in a dark, dry, cool place.

Recommissioning lines

After cleaning and checking, recoil the line and replace it on the appliance.

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Topic 2: Care of lines July 2017

Inspection and testing Key words

abrasion scratching and

Lines can be damaged mechanically (for example, by abrasion and by scuffing
heat, ultraviolet light, and chemicals). Therefore, lines must be inspected
for damage and tested regularly.
For further
Inspection information on
inspecting and
Lines are inspected visually and by feel (tactile inspection): testing lines, see
RD5 Standard Tests,
• on acceptance which is available on
The Portal.
• after repair

• six-monthly

• for rescue lines, after each use.

Testing

Lines are subject to regular testing.

Training Log activity: Care of lines

When you are ready, use the information in this topic to explain the eight main points for the care of lines,
in your training log.
A trainer will check your answers during the recruit course.

Before you complete the training log activity below, get your STC to show you how to recommission a line.
Practise recommissioning a line.

Training Log activity: Recommission a line

When you are ready, show your STC that you can correctly recommission a line.
Make sure the line is:
• clean and dry
• undamaged
• made up correctly
• put back on the appliance.
When your STC is satisfied you can do this correctly, get them to sign and date this activity in your
training log.

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Topic 3: Introduction to knots

Fire and Emergency New Zealand uses eight standard knots. These knots
have been chosen because they:

• are easy to tie and remember

• are safe (when used correctly)

• work in both wet and dry conditions

• are easy to untie after being loaded

• minimally affect the breaking strength of the line

• do not damage the line.

Knot key words

Hitch, which makes a line fast to

another object

Bend, which joins two line ends

Knot, which forms a loop or ties the

ends of the same line together

Stopper, which stops the running

end of the line from pulling through
a formed knot

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Topic 3: Introduction to knots July 2017

The knots Only the figure-

of-eight knots and
alpine butterfiy
The knots used are shown in the table below. Instructions on how to tie (knots 1–4) are used
these knots follow. in rescue activities.

Name Knot Use

1 Figure of eight Stopper knot to prevent a working knot from slipping

2 Figure of eight Forming a loop in either the standing part or the running
on the bight end of a line to secure a rescue line to an anchor point
or other rescue equipment
3 Rethreaded Forming a loop in the running end of a line to secure
figure of eight a rescue lime to an anchor point or other rescue
equipment.
4 Alpine butterfly Forming a loop in the standing part of a line for anchors
and other rescue activities and working at heights where
a ‘three way pull’ is required

5 Clove hitch Securing a line to an object

(around an
object)

6 Clove hitch Securing a line to an object in middle of line or when

(pre-formed) ends are tied off

7 Round turn and Securing a line to an object -usually for hauling aloft or
two half hitches tying of an object.

8 Bowline To form a loop at the end of a line for securing to a large

object or tying off to other objects (non-rescue)

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Topic 4: Rescue knots

1. Figure of eight

Type Rescue knot

Purpose This is a stopper knot. It is used as a safety measure to
prevent the running end of the line from pulling through
a knot or block (pulley).
Target time 10 seconds
Step 1 Make a loop near the running end.

Step 2 Take the running end around the standing part. The most common
mistake in tying this
knot is failing to
take the running end
around the standing
part before passing
it through the loop.
(See Step 2.)

Step 3 Pass the running end through the loop and pull the
knot tight.

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Topic 4: Rescue knots July 2017

2. Figure of eight on the bight

Type Rescue knot

Purpose Use this to form a loop at the end of a line. It is the
same as the standard figure of eight, except it is tied in
a bight of the line.
Target time 30 seconds
Step 1 Form a bight in the end of the line, allowing enough
length to complete the knot.

Step 2 Using the bight as the running end, tie the knot the same
way as a standard figure of eight and pull the knot tight.

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Topic 4: Rescue knots July 2017

3. Rethreaded figure of eight

Type Rescue knot

Purpose Use this to form a loop on the end of a line, particularly
around a closed-ended anchor point, (for example, a
railing or fence). It is identical to a figure of eight on the
bight, but may be tied after the running end has been
looped around an anchor.
Target time 40 seconds
Step 1 Tie a figure of eight, leaving a long tail.

Step 2 Using the running end of the tail, re-enter the knot at the
point the tail exits.

Step 3 Retrace the path of the knot with the running end.

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Topic 4: Rescue knots July 2017

4. Alpine Butterfly

Type Rescue knot

Purpose The alpine butterfly is used to form a loop in the middle
of a rope. This is used to hang equipment on to or to
hook another rope. It can also be used in anchor points.
The loop will not slip or come undone when the rope is
tensioned.
Target time 40 seconds

Step 1 Make a loose loop with the rope and twist it around
twice.

Step 2 Take the main loop and pass it forward and down
through the bottom of the rope.

Step 3 Pass the loop up and through the middle opening of the
rope.

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Step 4
Pull the looped end fully through to tighten the knot.

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Notes
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Topic 5: General-purpose knots

5. Clove hitch (around an object)

Type General-purpose knot

Purpose Use this to tie a line to an object, often for hauling a
piece of equipment aloft. It is an easy and quick means
of securing a line.
Target time 15 seconds
Step 1 Pass the running end over
and around the object.
Bring the running end over
the standing part.

Step 2 Continue taking the

running end around the
object, keeping it to the left
of the standing part.

Step 3 Take the running end

under the standing part
to the left of the first half
hitch.

Step 4 Holding the running end in

one hand and the standing
part in the other, pull the
hitch up tight.

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Topic 5: General-purpose knots July 2017

6. Clove hitch (pre-formed)

Type General-purpose knot

Purpose Use this to tie a line to an object when the hitch is to be
tied in the middle of the line and the end of the object is
free (for example, the top of a fence post). It is identical
to the clove hitch (around an object), but the method of
tying is different.
Target time 15 seconds
Step 1 Hold the line
in both hands,
with about
50 cm of line
between them.
Twist the line
to form two
loops. One loop
should have the
standing part
to the front,
the other to the
rear.
Step 2 Cross the loop
that has the
standing part at
the front behind
the loop with
the standing
part at the
back.

Step 3 Holding the

loops together,
place them over
the object and
pull the hitch
tight.

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Topic 5: General-purpose knots July 2017

7. Round turn and two half hitches

Type General-purpose knot

Purpose Use this to attach a line to an anchor point, especially
when there is tension on the line.
Target time 30 seconds
Step 1 Complete a round turn around the anchor point and pull
the line up tight. You will need at least 50 cm of running
end to complete the next two steps.

Step 2 Form a half hitch around the standing part with the
running end.

Step 3 Continue the running end back over the standing part
The most common
and form another half hitch.
mistake in tying this
You will see that you have formed a clove hitch around knot is failing to form
the standing part with the running end. identical half hitches.

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Topic 5: General-purpose knots July 2017

8. Bowline
Type General-purpose knot
Purpose This knot is used to form a loop in the end of a line.
It can then be used to secure the line to an object. It
is possible to tie the knot first and drop the loop over
the object, or you can pass the running end of the line
around the object and then tie the knot.
Target time 20 seconds
Step 1 Form a loop with the running end to the front.

Step 2 Pass the running end through the loop (from below the
loop).

Step 3 Pass the running end behind the standing part and back
through the loop (this time from above the loop).

Step 4 Pull the knot tight holding the running end and standing
part. Then tie a figure of eight knot in the running end.

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Topic 5: General-purpose knots July 2017

Before you complete the training log activity below, get your STC to show you how to correctly tie the eight
types of knots. Then practise tying them.

Training Log activity: Knots

When you are ready, use what you have learnt from your STC and the information in this topic to explain what
each of the following knots is used for in your training log.
A trainer will check your answers during the recruit course.

Training Log activity: Tying knots

When you are ready, show your STC that you can tie the following knots correctly:
• Clove hitch around object
• Clove hitch pre-formed
• Round turn and two half hitches
• Bowline
• Figure eight
• Alpine butterfly
• Figure eight on the bight
• Rethreaded figure eight

When your STC is satisfied you can do this correctly, get them to sign and date this activity in your training log.

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Notes
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Topic 6: Taking a delivery aloft

Delivery hoses are taken aloft in order to fight fires in high
buildings. Taking a delivery aloft is a practical and important
application of the knots and lines skills described in previous
topics and requires a crew of three.

1. No. 1 and No. 2 establish a For more information

delivery and lay out a long bight at see Module 6: Hose
the base of the building. Skills, Topic 8:
Branch operator’s
bight.

2. No. 3 establishes a water For more

supply to the appliance and carries information see
out pump-operator duties. Module 6: Hose
Skills, Topic 1:
Hydrant and
standpipe.

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Topic 6: Taking a delivery aloft July 2017

3. No. 1 takes a general-purpose

or bucket line to the roof of the Below-
below-
building or the level below the below.
fire floor.

No. 1 ties off the end of the line

securely.

No. 1 calls out, “Below-below-

below” and drops the line down
the face of the building.

4. No 3. inserts a controlled For more information

dividing breeching at the first set of see Module 6: Hose
couplings from the pump. Skills, Topic 14:
Dividing breeching.

continued over page

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Topic 6: Taking a delivery aloft July 2017

5. No. 3 ties the end of the line

to the first set of couplings back
from the branch, using a round turn
and two half hitches. They then tie
a clove hitch around the narrowest
part of the branch below the nozzle.

6. No. 3 ties the line to the

branch as shown (pre-formed clove In practice it is a
hitch). good idea to add a
half hitch onto the
Knots should be within 1 m of nozzle (between
each other. Leave a bight of hose the clove hitch and
between the two knots. the round turn two
half hitches) so
that it sits vertically
and doesn’t hit
the building on the
way up and get
damaged.

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Topic 6: Taking a delivery aloft July 2017

7. No. 3 calls out, “Haul aloft”

and guides the hose up the
building.

Haul
aloft.

continued over page

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Topic 6: Taking a delivery aloft July 2017

No. 3 inserts a
8. No. 1 and No. 2 haul up the controlled dividing
hose until the couplings are just breeching in the
below the sill or eave. Secure the delivery so the
line by tying a round turn and two pressure can be
half hitches on the bight. relieved when
making up.

A second crew (if

available):
• assists the pump
operator to
establish water
• inserts the dividing
breeching, ties
knots, and guides
the hose up
building
• relays the “Water
on” order to the
pump operator.
9. No. 1 and No. 2 haul up
the complete length of hose and
branch on to the roof. Then they
untie the branch.

Training Log activity: Taking a delivery aloft

When you are ready, show your STC you can use knots to:

• haul equipment aloft

• lower equipment
• secure equipment
• recommission general purpose lines after use.

When your STC is satisfied you can do this correctly, get them to sign and date this activity in your training log.

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Notes
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Glossary

abrasion scratching and scuffing

bend joins two line ends
bight any part of the line, between
the two ends, where the line is
doubled
flaking laying out rope in a zigzag pattern
so it doesn’t tangle or kink as it’s
fed out again
hitch makes a line fast to another object
kernmantle a type of line that has its internal
core (the strongest part) protected
by an outer protective layer
(sheath) (the core carries most of
the load. The sheath protects the
core from damage)
knot forms a loop or ties the ends of
the same line together
lines ropes
making up packing up equipment
running end the free end of the line, usually
used to form knots
standing part the main part of the line used for
raising or lowering
stopper stops the running end of the line
from pulling through a formed
knot

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Notes
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Notes