According to NFPA 1500, what practice regarding rescue ropes has been eliminated?

The practice that has been eliminated according to NFPA 1500 is the "use once destroy philosophy." This approach dictated that rescue ropes, after being used in a rescue operation or subjected to significant loads or potential damage, should be destroyed immediately, regardless of their actual condition. The rationale for this elimination is primarily founded on the advancements in materials and the inspection protocols available for modern rescue ropes, which allow for more effective assessments of the rope's integrity and usability after a rescue operation.

With this change, responders are encouraged to conduct thorough inspections and utilize appropriate testing methods to determine if a rope can be reused safely rather than discarding it after a single use. This not only promotes resource efficiency but also recognizes the significant advancements in rope technology, which can provide robust performance even after multiple uses under certain conditions.

Other practices, such as manual inspection regulations, storage in wet conditions, and strict weight limits for responders, continue to be addressed and regulated to ensure safety and proper care of rescue equipment.