HomeMy WebLinkAbout316.017 - Basic KnotsEffective Date: January 2008 Carl Delap, Captain
Current Revision Date: 11/25/2025 Section 316.017
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/25/2027 Page 1 of 4
Fresno City Fire Department
300 Training and Equipment Manual
Individual Performance Evolutions (IPE)
SECTION 316.017 BASIC KNOTS
PURPOSE
The proper tying and application of knots used in the fire service are critical for use in
rope rescue operations and securing tools and equipment during fire ground
operations.
APPLICATION
Individual performance evolutions (IPEs) are used to document skill level
performance.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
This section intentionally left blank.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Active members are to perform IPE without any failures in task steps.
PROCESS
Equipment Needed:
Adequate rope and personal protective equipment.
Task:
Tie all assigned knots; basic knots, figure eight knots, and hitches. Knots are to be
tied with gloves except for the water knot.
Performance Outcome:
The candidate, while operating on a simulated fire ground, is to be able to tie knots
used in the fire service.
Effective Date: January 2008 Carl Delap, Captain
Current Revision Date: 11/25/2023 Section 316.017
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/25/2025 Page 2 of 4
Candidate Directive:
“Tie each of the knots assigned. You have 30 seconds to complete each knot. Do
you have any questions?”
Critical Errors:
If the member performs any of the following errors, the evolution is terminated, as it
would be a failure of the current test attempt.
• Perform an unsafe act which could result in injury to
himself/herself or the public.
• Perform an act which did or could have damaged equipment.
• Failure to perform within the allotted time.
INFORMATION
This section intentionally left blank.
DEFINITIONS
This section intentionally left blank.
CROSS-REFERENCES
National Fire Protection Association 1010, FF1 (2024) JPR 6.3.20
Training and Equipment Manual
306.003, Basic Rope Rescue Equipment
Essentials of Firefighters 8th edition:
Ch. 8 Ropes and Knots
State Fire Training Firefighter 1
Skill 3-20a Tie Knots
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE EVOLUTIONS (IPEs)
SECTION 316.017 BASIC KNOTS
No. Task Steps First Test Retest
Knots (30 Seconds Each)
P *F P *F
Basic Knots
1. Square knot
2. Bowline
3. Becket bend or sheet bend (Tied with two ropes of unequal
diameter)
4. Safety or overhand knot
5. Water knot (Tied with webbing, without gloves)
Figure Eight Knots
6. Figure eight stopper
7. Figure eight follow through around an object
8. Figure eight on a bight
9. Figure eight in-line
10. Double loop figure eight
11. Figure eight bend (Tied with two ropes of equal diameter)
Hitches
12. Half hitch
13. Clove hitch
14. Tensionless hitch
15. Handcuff knot
Critical Errors P *F P *F
1. Perform an unsafe act which could result in injury to
himself/herself or the public.
2. Perform an act which did or could have damaged
equipment.
*10-minute rest period minimum before retest attempt
Name: ________________________________
ID #: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________
Overall Grade: Pass Fail Start Time: End Time:
Evaluator #1 Signature Employee ID # Date
Evaluator #1 Signature Employee ID # Date
Candidate Signature Date
Retest Evaluator #1 Signature Employee ID # Date
Retest Evaluator #1 Signature Employee ID # Date
Candidate Signature Date
Evaluator Comments:
Candidate Comments: