16
Make a note on the Rope Log every time something happens to the
rope including usage, inspection, cleaning, drying, modification, or if
problems are noted.
INSPECTING YOUR ROPE
(cont.)
WASH IT
- You can wash dirty ropes by hand or in a front-loading commercial
washing machine using cold to warm water with a mild soap. PMI recommends
PMI Rope Soap, otherwise non-detergent soaps are best. Soap used should not
contain any bleaching agents.
Avoid top loading washing machines with agitators because they tangle the
rope severely and might even cause damage from friction produced by rubbing
of the synthetic rope against the synthetic agitator.
Note: Ropes may shrink up to approximately 6% after washing. In addition,
some environments may cause your rope to shrink over time. The user should
verify its length periodically.
DISINFECT IT
- Disinfection of a rope may occasionally become necessary,
such as when exposed to bloodborne pathogens. To disinfect a rope from
suspected bloodborne pathogens, PMI recommends following the NFPA
standard for cleaning rescue gear of bloodborne pathogens. Prepare a solution
of 60 ml of household bleach for every 4 liters of tap water or cup per gallon.
Soak the rope for 10 minutes in this solution, then thoroughly rinse or wash
as noted above. The rinsing cycle is critical to prevent any damage to the rope
from the bleach. Allow the rope to dry in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
The use of bleach over a long period of time, in repeated uses, can cause
damage to fibers such as nylon. Disinfection of the ropes using bleach should
be used sparingly and only when needed.
LUBRICATE IT
- Ropes may dry out and lose some flexibility as a result of
washing. You can prevent this by occasionally adding a little fabric softener
(about a cup of fabric softener) to the rinse cycle during rope washing. Don’t
use any more than this or it might damage the rope.
DRY IT
- Dry your rope in a clean, dry area out of direct sunlight.
AVOID:
1.
using a commercial dryer,
2.
placing wet ropes on a concrete surface, and
3.
exposure to exhaust fumes.
For best results, the rope should be laid in a loose coil or coiled around two
objects in a low-humidity environment.
WRITE IT DOWN
- Remember to record the cleaning on the Rope Log.
CLEANING YOUR ROPE