Choosing the Right Rope Material for Fire and Rescue Operations

Why is natural fiber rope not generally used for fire or rescue purposes?

A. Lack of availability

B. Flammability and heat sensitivity

C. High cost

D. Incompatibility with equipment

Answer: B. Flammability and heat sensitivity

Natural fiber ropes, made from materials like cotton and hemp, are not generally suitable for fire or rescue purposes due to their flammability and heat sensitivity.

Natural fiber rope is typically made from organic material such as cotton, hemp, or jute. However, it's not generally used for fire or rescue purposes for a couple of reasons.

The first reason is their lack of resistance to environmental conditions. These ropes tend to absorb water, and they degrade under UV light. Secondly, their low melting point may cause them to fail under high-heat conditions typically encountered in fire or rescue operations.

For such purposes, synthetic ropes (like the nylon climbing rope which is mentioned in the reference and does not stretch excessively) are preferred due to their greater strength, durability, and resistance to environmental conditions.