Which of the following correctly describes the fiber rope’s interior inspection?

The correct understanding of inspecting the interior of fiber ropes is that the strands can be pulled slightly apart during the inspection process. This technique allows the rigger to examine the condition of the inner fibers, which may not be visible from an external assessment alone. Inspecting the inner strands is crucial because hidden damage, such as fraying or degradation due to moisture, sunlight, or chemical exposure, can compromise the rope's integrity and safety.

A comprehensive inspection should involve checking both the outer and inner parts of the rope since the outer layer may appear intact while the inner fibers could be suffering from wear. This approach helps ensure the rope is safe for use before it is deployed for any rigging or hoisting activities.

It’s important to note that simply relying on the outer layer for assessment could pave the way for overlooking significant internal damage. Additionally, suggesting that inspection is unnecessary for synthetic ropes overlooks the fact that these materials require regular checks for wear and damage just like natural fiber ropes. Lastly, stating that ropes should never be pulled apart fails to recognize the controlled method of inspecting the strands, which is necessary for thorough safety checks.