What must be done to a personal escape rope once it is used?

Once a personal escape rope has been used, it should be replaced. The primary reason for this is that the integrity of the rope may have been compromised during its use, especially under conditions such as falling or being subjected to heavy loads. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, the internal fibers could be weakened, which poses a significant risk if it's used again for another escape.

Ropes are critical safety equipment, and relying on one that has been previously used in an emergency could lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, replacing the rope ensures that firefighters always have access to fully reliable equipment in potential life-threatening scenarios.

While inspecting for damage, cleaning, or storing in a specific manner are important practices for the maintenance of safety equipment, they do not replace the need to discard and obtain a new escape rope after it has been employed. This policy is crucial for ensuring optimal safety standards.