Some Clever Uses for Ropes Cords and Bungees in an Emergency
Repair torn or broken equipment.
Rig a makeshift tow rope.
Lower yourself or an object very carefully down from a height.
Rig a pulley system to lift a heavy object.
Make a rope ladder.
Tie up a tarp or poncho to make an awning to keep off sun or rain.
Securely tie down items to the top of a vehicle, or to protect them from a wind-storm.
String up a clothes line. Wet clothes are uncomfortable when you’re camping and dangerous when you’re trying to survive.
Hang a food bag to keep your food away from animal. This is good whether you’re camping or roughing it in the woods.
Tie things to your backpack with it so you can carry more hands free.
Secure an pet to a tree or post, or make a leash.
Tie up a person (Well, maybe).
String up a trip wire to protect an area…rig it with bells, or cans so you know wen someone or something is approaching.
If you’re hiking in a place where there is danger of avalanche tie yourself to your buddy so you can find each other should one of you get caught under snow.
Lash logs or other items together to build a raft..
Make a sling to throw stones for protection and food..
Use for signaling by tying a mirror or colorful cloth to the top of a tree.
Use it to make a bola for hunting large birds.
Secure a boat or raft.
Tie straight sticks around a broken limb to make a splint.
Tie a sling to hold your arm.
Make a stretcher by running cord between two long sticks, or fashion a branch drag to move an injured person.
BUNGEE CORDS - Amazingly Versatile! MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
They’re a common, everyday device, inexpensive and easy to use. They’re used in businesses, homes, and leisure activities, but they possess an inherent danger, one that has caused injury, and in some cases, permanent vision loss. What is this seemingly harmless device with a potential to cause lasting damage in the blink of an eye? It’s a bungee cord!
Bungee cords are made of elastic material with metal J-shaped or S-shaped hooks on each end. They’re used to tie down or secure equipment, restrain cargo, act as barriers, hold items in place, and can be conveniently locked or fastened to another structure. Bungee cord use is particularly attractive since the hooks are versatile connectors that can be easily applied with one hand. The usefulness of bungee cords is well known, but their potential for injury is not.
One of the characteristics of a bungee cord is its stored energy which can be suddenly released. The heavy elastic cords from which bungees are made contain tremendous force when they recoil, particularly when they’re stretched beyond their recommended limits. This sudden release of stored energy results in a high speed flailing hazard when:
The hook pulls out of the user’s hand as it’s being stretched into place
The hook disengages from the attachment point
The attachment structure fails
Tthe hook straightens out
The cord breaks
The hook detaches from the cord
In each of these situations, the free end of the bungee cord can recoil at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and produce significant injury or damage upon impact. The American Medical Association has called for warning labels to be placed on bungee cords, including information about the deterioration of the cords, which can cause them to snap unexpectedly. Cracks in the cords significantly increase the failure risks of the bungee.
The majority of bungee cord accidents involve the eye and are becoming an increasingly common cause of both severe and penetrating eye injuries. In one hospital study, more than half the patients seen in the emergency room for bungee cord-sustained eye injuries required hospitalization for treatment of their injury. Injuries included bleeding within the eye, lacerations to the eye, traumatic cataracts, and tearing or detachment of the retina from the back of the eye. Most victims with damaged eyes had a mild-to-serious loss of vision, some had no useful vision, and some had injuries that were so severe that their eye had to be surgically removed.
How can bungee cord injuries be prevented? Eye doctors who treat people with eye injuries recommend replacing bungee cords with less volatile devices. Possible alternatives to secure equipment are ropes, buckled nylon bands or industrial plastic shrink-wrap. If bungee cord replacement is not possible, then employers should INSIST that their workers use appropriate, certified face or eye protection, even for the few seconds it may take to attach a bungee cord.
If workers will be allowed to use bungee cords in the course of their job, they should first receive instruction in the safe use, and the consequences of misuse, of bungee cords. They should be trained to use bungees with caution, including:
Using extreme caution when stretching the cord over a load
Securing hook ends carefully
Never extending the cord beyond its capacity of length or load
Keeping the face and other vulnerable body parts away from the cords rebound path
Never using bungee cords to hold a surface which reacts to wind or air movement
Bungee cord safety procedures should be strictly enforced or, in the blink of an eye, an individual could loose an eye. If a bungee cord accident does results in an eye injury, make sure the victim is seen by an eye care specialist or medical professional.
"Information or recommendations contained in these articles were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations."
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
Nylon Cord 3/16 x 50SKU#: T222B
Nylon Strong Rope, 50 feetSKU#: TNC
Plastic Rope 3/8 x 100SKU#: T222A
Black & Orange Rope 1/2" x 50'SKU#: T220BO
Bungee Cord 3 pk. (12",18" & 24")SKU#: T222BG
Steel Pulley Hoist 220 lbs.SKU#: T25
