Influence of Biological Factors on the Strength of Static Rope Used by Firefighters in Rescue Operations

Abstract

After conducting a document review, the authors found no reports concerning the influence of biological factors, such as blood, mould, and dirt, on the durability of rescue ropes. This study aims to answer the question of whether and how selected biological factors affect static rope 10.5, which is frequently used by firefighters for rescues. In the first stage of the research, focus studies were conducted among fifteen members of the Specialist High-Rescue Group in Plock (Poland), which aimed to determine the state of knowledge about the impact of biological factors on the strength of rope. The results indicated that the group had knowledge as to the impact of physical and chemical factors on the rope; however, a lack of information on the impact of biological factors was identified. In the second stage, the force necessary to break static rope contaminated with selected biological agents was measured. To achieve this, a 100-m section of a new rope was divided into 63 sections, which were then exposed to impurities. The first endurance measurement was taken after 9 months and the second after 12 months. Findings: contamination with biological agents has an impact on static rope strength, and knowledge about this impact is negligible and not included in any rope-use instructions.