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

After conducting a document review, the authors found no reports concerning theinfluence of biological factors, such as blood, mould, and dirt, on the durability ofrescue ropes. This study aims to answer the question of whether and how selectedbiological factors affect static rope 10.5, which is frequently used by firefighters forrescues.In the first stage of the research, focus studies were conducted among fifteenmembers of the Specialist High-Rescue Group in Plock (Poland), which aimed to determine the state of knowledge about the impact of biological factors on thestrength of rope. The results indicated that the group had knowledge as to the impactof physical and chemical factors on the rope; however, a lack of information on theimpact of biological factors was identified. In the second stage, the force necessaryto 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, whichwere then exposed to impurities. The first endurance measurement was taken after9 months and the second after 12 months.Findings: contamination with biological agents has an impact on static ropestrength, and knowledge about this impact is negligible and not included in anyrope-use instructions.