What should natural fiber ropes NOT be used for?

Natural fiber ropes should not be used for life safety applications due to their inherent limitations in strength and durability compared to synthetic fibers. Life safety applications require the highest level of reliability and performance to ensure the safety of individuals. Natural fibers, such as hemp or cotton, can weaken when wet, are more susceptible to mildew, and may degrade over time from exposure to environmental conditions, which poses a significant risk in critical situations. In contrast, synthetic ropes are designed to withstand various stresses and environmental factors, making them far more suitable for applications where human lives are at stake.

While natural fiber ropes can be appropriate for utility applications, decorative purposes, or certain climbing activities, their unpredictability in critical life safety contexts emphasizes the importance of using materials specifically designed to meet stringent safety standards for those roles.