As another year comes to a close, it’s a great time to make sure your rescue rope inspection and usage records are current. Routine inspection and detailed record-keeping are two of the most essential steps to keeping your equipment safe, reliable, and rescue-ready.
Why Rope Records Matter
Every use affects your rope’s performance and safety. Keeping a Rope Usage Log allows you to track use history, inspection notes, and retirement timelines—ensuring you’re never left guessing in the field.
Proper documentation can:
- Support compliance with ASTM and NFPA standards
- Extend the life of your rope through consistent care
- Improve accountability and training within your team
How to Inspect Your Rope
- Visual Inspection: Look for diameter inconsistencies, glazing, discoloration, cuts, or sheath wear.
- Tactile Inspection: If irregularities are visible, place the rope under light tension and run it through your bare hand. Feel for soft spots, hard areas, or stiffness that could signal core damage.
If in doubt, consult a qualified rope technician or retire the rope immediately.
When to Retire Rope
Even if your rope appears in good condition, both the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend retiring life-safety rope after 10 years, regardless of condition.
- ASTM F1740-96
- NFPA 1858
Environmental exposure, UV degradation, and use frequency can shorten a rope’s life. Regular documentation helps ensure retirement decisions are data-driven, not guesswork.
Free Download: Tribalco Rescue Rope Usage Log
We’ve created a free Rope Usage Log to help you simplify your inspection and tracking process.
👉 [Download your free copy here]
This easy-to-use log includes:
- Inspection and usage tracking sections
- Retirement guidelines
- Rope identification and notes fields
Prefer a printed version? Order packs of 25 on synthetic write-in-the-rain paper by emailing info@rescue.tribalco.com or calling 888-319-1190.
Stay Rescue-Ready with Tribalco Rescue
At Tribalco Rescue, we provide rescue gear, safety services, and technical training for professionals who depend on reliability in every mission.
Visit rescue.tribalco.com to learn more.