What should be done if a rope is subjected to impact loading?

When a rope is subjected to impact loading, it experiences forces that can exceed its normal load-carrying capacity and potentially cause hidden damage. Impact loading can lead to severe internal damage, such as fibers being crushed or broken, even if the exterior appears intact. This internal damage compromises the integrity of the rope and its ability to safely perform in future rescue or firefighting operations.

As a result, the correct course of action is to discard and replace the rope. This ensures that safety is prioritized, as using a compromised rope can lead to failure in critical situations, endangering the life of the user or those being rescued. Regular inspections are important, but once a rope has faced impact loading, it cannot be reliably assessed as safe for continued use, hence the necessity for replacement.