KNOTS

Use and selection of Knots

KNOTS are typically used to form terminations in ropes and there are many that are suitable for use in rope access. Although knots do reduce the overall strength of a rope, they do provide the benefit of energy absorption and enable ropes to be connected to anchor points and harness attachments.

An essential skill of any rope access technician is being able to tie, dress and set the most commonly used knots.

When choosing suitable knots, rope access technicians should take into account the following:

• Their own skill in tying that particular knot;

• The suitability of the knot for the task and the anticipated way the knot will be loaded;

• The reduction of strength in the anchor line, device lanyard or rigging system the knot creates;

• The ease with which the knot can be tied and untied.

The tails of knots should be at least 100mm long, once the knot has been dressed and set under body weight.

The reduction in the strength of the rope caused by knots varies, dependant on the knot and how well the knot is dressed. An accurately tied and well dressed knot will not only be easier to recognise, adjust and untie, but will likely result in less strength loss to the rope.

Click on a knot to discover a tutorial video on tying the knot, its common uses and benefits, and its typical strength loss, showing the lower and upper values between a well-dressed and poorly-dressed knot.