Burn test
Because tbis test requires the \Jse of an open t1ame, it should onJy be carried out ;n designated
safe areas.Take a specimen of fibre from the rope. A shofl length of small yarn is sufficient. On a used
rope, the sample should be taken from a ponion which is not soiled or oily. Take care not
to damage the rope.Table 6.4 summarises the burning charactt:ristics to be observed.In a designated safe area, bold the fibre sample over a clean flame, such as that rrom a gas
cigarette lighter. Ta.ke carc not to allow hot residue from the bUIning or burned fibres to fall
OD your skin, clothing or other vulnerable objects.The sample shou.1d then be removed from the flame. Observe the reaction of the speci men
and the nature of the smoke given off. While Lhe smell of the smoke may be an indicator,
tbis property alone sho\Jld not be \Jsed for identification because the sense of smell varies
between individuals. Taking care not 10 inha.1e more fumes Ihan necessary, extinguish any
name on the sample by blowing. After allowing to cool, the residue can be examined.6.3.5 Handling, Maintenance and Inspec/ion
A s\Jmmary of recommendations is provided in Appendix C. Since synrhetic ropes are common on
smaller ships, a more detailed djscus.sion concerning them follows below:
Safely hazards
Synthetic lines can pose a great danger to personnel if noc properly used. Handling of mooring
lines has a higher potential accident risk than most other shipboard activities.The most serious danger is snap-back, (he s\Jdden release of t.be st.at.ic energy stored tn the
ruetched synthet.ic line when it breaks.When a line is loaded, it stretches. Energy is stored in the line in proportion to t he load and
tbe stretch. When the Line break. , this energy is suddenly released. The ends of the line snap
back, striking anything in their path with Iremendous force.Snap-back is common to all lines. Even long wire lines under tension can st retch enough to
snap back with considerable energy. SynLhetic lines are mucb more elastic, increasing the
danger of snap-back.Synthetic li.ne5 normally break suddenly and without warning. Unlike wires, they do not give
audible signals of pending failure; oor do [hey e.xhibit a few visible broken elements before
completely par1ing.Line handlers m\Jst stand well clear of the potential path of snap-back, which eXlends to the
sides of and far beyond the ends of the tensioncd line. Figure 6.6 illustrates potential snap-back
danger zones.As a general rule, any point with.in about a !O degree cone around t.be line from any point
at which the hne may break is in danger. A broken line will snap back beyond lhe point at
which it is secured. possibly to a distance almost as far as its own length. If the line passes
around a fairlead, !ben its snap-back path may not follow [he original path of the line. When
it breaks behind the rairlead, the end of the line wiU Oy around and beyond the fairlead.rf an activity in a danger zone cann01 be avoided, the expOS\Jre time can at least be reduced
by observing some simple rule·. When it is necessary to pass near a line under tension. do so
as quickly as possible. If it is a mooring line and the ship is moving about, time your passage
for the period during which the line is under liuie or no lension. If possible, do not stand
or pass near the line while the line is being lensioned or while the ship is being moved along