What is considered a life safety knot?

The figure eight knot is considered a life safety knot because it is widely used in various rescue and climbing applications to secure a rope to a harness or to create an anchor point. Its structure is easy to inspect, offers high strength, and it is less likely to slip compared to other knots. The knot also retains its integrity under load, making it reliable in critical situations where safety is paramount.

The figure eight knot is valued for its stability, and it can be easily untied after being under load, which adds to its practical utility. In the context of firefighting, using knots that can be trusted to perform reliably under stress and can be untied easily is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the firefighter and those being rescued.

The square knot, clove hitch, and becket bend each have their own uses in various applications but do not meet the specific criteria for life safety knots. They may not provide the same level of security, stability, or ease of untie under load as the figure eight knot does, which is why the latter is preferred for life safety scenarios.