If you notice glazing or other signs of damage on a rope, what should you do?

• A. Retire the rope and inspect.
• B. Ignore glazing as it's superficial.
• C. Use the rope but only for a shorter length.
• D. Wash the rope with hot water.

Answer: (A)

Glazing on a rope signals heat damage from friction, which weakens the fibers and can make the rope fail under load. When you notice glazing or other signs of damage, retire the rope from service and have it inspected by a qualified person to assess whether the rope can be repaired or must be replaced. Even if the rope looks okay, internal damage may not be visible and could fail unexpectedly. Do not continue using it, and don’t try to fix it by shortening its length or washing it with hot water—these actions don’t restore strength and can worsen the risk. If the inspection finds damage beyond safe limits, replace the rope.