12 Ladders 12 Objectives 1 of 2 List

12 Ladders

12 Objectives (1 of 2) • List and describe the parts of a ladder. • Describe the different types of ladders. • Describe how to clean, inspect, and store ladders.

12 Objectives • • (2 of 2) Describe the hazards with ladders. Describe how to deploy a ladder. Describe how to work on a ladder. Describe general safety rules for ladders.

12 Introduction • The fire service ladder is one of the most basic fire fighter tools. • Ladder technology has not changed much over the years. • Every fire fighter must be proficient in working with ladders.

12 Primary Functions of a Ladder • Provides a vertical path between grades • Provides an escape path and a means to evacuate people • Can be used as a working platform • Can bridge a small opening

12 Secondary Functions of a Ladder • Provides stable footing and distribute weight on pitched roofs • Creates a ladder gin to raise or lower people or objects • Provides a platform for equipment • Creates a ramp for equipment or patients • Creates a water chute with use of tarp/salvage cover

12 Ladder Construction • Fire service ladders are similar to other types of ladders. – But are specialized tools, not general purpose ladders • Require heavy-duty construction • Require more frequent and thorough maintenance

12 Basic Ladder Components • • • Beams Rail Truss Block Rung Tie Rod (1 of 2)

12 Basic Ladder Components • Tip • Butt (heel) – Butt spurs – Butt plate • Roof hooks • Heat sensor label • Protection plates (2 of 2)

12 Beams • One of two main structural components • Run the length of most ladders • Three types of beam construction: – Trussed beam – I-beam – Solid beam

12 Rail and Truss Block • Rail – Top or bottom section of a trussed beam – May also refer to top and bottom surfaces of an I-beam • Truss block – Piece that connects the two rails of a trussed beam

12 Rung and Tie Rod • Rung – Crosspiece that spans the two beams of a ladder – Serves as steps and transfer user’s weight • Tie rod – Metal bar that runs from one beam of the ladder to the other to keep the beams from separating

12 Tip, Butt, and Butt Spurs • Tip – Very top of the ladder • Butt – End of the ladder that is placed against the ground • Butt spurs – Metal spikes attached to the butt of a ladder

12 Butt Plate and Roof Hooks • Butt plate or footpad – Alternative to a simple butt spur – Incorporates both a spur and a cleat or pad • Roof hooks – Spring-loaded, retractable, curved metal pieces attached to the tip of a roof ladder – Used to secure the ladder to the peak of a pitched roof

12 Heat Sensor Label and Protection Plates • Heat sensor label – Identifies when the ladder has been exposed to specific heat conditions – Changes color when exposed to a particular temperature • Protection plates – Reinforcing pieces placed at chaffing and contact points to prevent damage

12 Extension Ladder Components • • Bed section Fly section Guides Halyard Pawls Pulley Stops Staypoles

12 Bed Section and Fly Section • Bed section – Widest section – Serves as the base • Fly section – Part that is raised or extended from the bed section – Each fly section extends from the previous section

12 Guides and Halyard • Guides – Strips of metal or wood that guide a fly section as it is extended • Halyard – Rope or cable used to extend or hoist the fly sections

12 Pawls and Pulley • Pawls – Mechanical locking devices used to secure the fly sections of an extension ladder • Pulley – Small grooved wheel used to change the direction of the halyard pull

12 Stops and Staypoles • Stops – Pieces of wood or metal that prevent the fly sections from overextending and collapsing • Staypoles – Long metal poles attached to the top of the bed section – Help stabilize the ladder as it is raised and lowered

12 Types of Ladders • Aerial ladders – Permanently mounted and operated from fire apparatus • Portable ladders – Carried on fire apparatus – Designed to be removed and used in other locations

12 Aerial Ladders • Permanently mounted, poweroperated ladders • Have at least two sections • Straight chassis: straight-stick aerials • Tractor trailer chassis: tillered aerials or trucks

12 Elevating Platform • Includes passengercarrying platform attached to tip • Ladder or boom must have at least two sections – Telescoping – Articulating

12 Portable Ladders • Number and lengths of ladders used by a department depend on the maximum height of buildings in the response area. • Generally, portable ladders are limited to a length of 50'.

12 Straight Ladder • Single-section, fixed-length ladder • May also be called wall ladders or single ladders • Commonly 12' to 20' long, but can be up to 30' and longer

12 Roof Ladder • Straight ladder with roof hooks • Sometimes called a hook ladder • Provides stable footing • Usually 12' to 18' long

12 Extension Ladder • Adjustable length • Multiple sections • Usually heavier than a straight ladder of the same length

12 Bangor Ladder • Extension ladder with staypoles • Staypoles are planted in the ground on either side for additional stability.

12 Combination Ladder • Convertible from a straight ladder to an A -frame, stepladder • Generally 6' to 10' in the A-frame configuration and 10' and 15' in the extension configuration

12 Folding Ladder • Also called an attic ladder • Narrow, collapsing ladder • Designed to allow access to attic scuttle holes and confined areas

12 Fresno Ladder • Narrow, two-section ladder • Designed to provide attic access • Commonly available in 8' to 14' lengths

12 Inspection, Maintenance, and Service Testing • NFPA 1931 establishes requirements for ladder construction. • NFPA 1932 provides general use guidance. – Regular inspection, maintenance, and testing

12 Inspection • Ground ladder visually inspected monthly or after each use – Splintering, cracking, deformity, breaks, gouges, fraying, or other conditions – Components fit snugly and operate smoothly. – Heat sensor label • If deficiencies are revealed, remove ladder from service and repair it.

12 Maintenance • All fire fighters should be able to perform routine maintenance. • Basic maintenance tasks: – Clean and lubricate the dogs and slides. – Replace worn halyards and wire rope. – Clean and lubricate roof hooks. – Maintain finish. – Replace ladder in storage racks.

12 Cleaning • Clean regularly and after each use with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. • Dry ladder before storing it.

12 Service Testing • NFPA 1932 requires periodic testing of ground ladders. • Test new ladders before use and annually thereafter. • Test ladders after any repairs before placing back in service. • Maintain service and testing records for each ladder.

12 Ladder Safety • Several potential hazards are associated with ladder use. • Use with caution and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.

12 General Safety Requirements • Use full PPE around ladders. • Fire fighters must be able to work with and on ladders while wearing SCBA.

12 Lifting and Moving Ladders • Teamwork is essential when moving ladders. • Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.

12 Placement of Ground Ladders • Survey area before placing • Always check for overhead wires and other obstructions. • Place on stable and level surfaces • Avoid heat and direct flame.

12 Working on a Ladder • Check climbing angle before climbing. • Ensure dogs are locked and halyard is tied before climbing. • Secure the base by heeling/footing. (1 of 2)

12 Working on a Ladder (2 of 2) • Do not exceed ladder’s rated weight. • Distribute weight along the length of the ladder. – No more than one fire fighter on each ladder section • Be prepared for falling debris. • Be prepared to climb down quickly if conditions change rapidly.

12 Rescue Operations • Anticipate actions of people you are trying to rescue. – Do not let people jump to the ladder. – Do not let more than one person on each section. • Make verbal contact with victim. • Safeguard victims as they climb down.

12 Ladder Damage • Ladders may be easily damaged while in use. • Remove from service any ladder used outside of normal limits. – Even if no damage is visible

12 Using Portable Ladders • Using a ladder requires that fire fighters complete a series of consecutive tasks. – Select the best ladder. – Remove the ladder from apparatus and carry it to the required location. – Raise and secure the ladder. – Lower the ladder and return it to the apparatus.

12 Ladder Selection (1 of 5) • Select the right ladder for the job. • Ensure ladder is long enough. – Floor-to-floor height (residential): 8– 10' – Floor-to-windowsill height (residential): 3' – Floor-to-floor height (commercial): 12' – Floor-to-windowsill height (commercial): 4' • Length depends on use of ladder.

12 Ladder Selection • Roof access – Ladder tip should extend several feet, or five rungs above roofline. (2 of 5)

12 Ladder Selection • Window access (not rescue) – Ladder tip should be at the side of and even with the top of a window. (3 of 5)

12 Ladder Selection • Window rescues – Ladder tip should be at the windowsill. (4 of 5)

12 Ladder Selection (5 of 5) • Proper climbing angle is 75 degrees to the ground. – Ladder will need to be slightly longer than the vertical distance between the ground and the target. – Approximately one additional foot for each 15' of vertical height

12 Removing the Ladder from Apparatus • Know what ladders are stored and where. • Know how to remove them and how many people are needed. • Do not lay ladders on the ground near exhaust pipes.

12 Lifting Ladders • Use sufficient assistance to lift heavy ladders. • Know the lifting commands and procedures. • Bend at the knees and keep your back straight when lifting.

12 Carrying Ladders • Basic types: – Single fire fighter carry – Shoulder carry – Suitcase carry – Flat shoulder carry • Carries can be done in combinations of two, three, or four fire fighters.

12 Placing a Ladder (1 of 2) • Site selection – General area chosen by officer in charge – Specific area chosen by fire fighter • • • Stable, level surface No manhole covers or trap doors Free from overhead obstructions At least 10' from power lines Away from door and other high-traffic areas

12 Placing a Ladder (2 of 2) • Climbing angle – 75 degrees – Ladder is arm’s length away when standing vertically. – Vertical reach 4 x distance from base of the structure – Check inclination guide.

12 Raising a Ladder (1 of 2) • Use a beam raise when ladder must be raised parallel to the target. • Use a rung raise when ladder must be raised perpendicular to the target. • Combinations of one, two, three, and four fire fighters can be used for raise.

12 Raising a Ladder (2 of 2) • Tying the halyard – Keeps it out of the way – Provides a backup to the dogs for securing the fly section • Fly section orientation – Ladder manufacturer will specify. – Metal or fiberglass ladders are generally used fly section out.

12 Securing the Ladder • Heeling the ladder – Standing under ladder, pull back into structure. – Place a foot against each beam. (1 of 2)

12 Securing the Ladder (2 of 2) • Tie the ladder off. – Tie the bottom rung to a secure object. – Tie the tip of the ladder to a secure object.

12 Climbing the Ladder • • • Ensure ladder is properly secured. Check climbing angle. Climb slowly; avoid bouncing. Wear proper PPE and lower face shield. Hoist tools by rope if possible. Do not overload ladder. – No more than two fire fighters on a ladder

12 Dismounting a Ladder • Ensure roof or floor is solid and stable before dismounting. – Test with a tool before stepping off. • Maintain contact with ladder at three points. – Do not shift weight until you have tested the footing.

12 Working From a Ladder • Use a ladder belt or a leg lock to secure yourself to the ladder. • Do not attempt work from a ladder without properly securing yourself first.

12 Placing a Roof Ladder • • Open roof hooks on the ground. Place on ground ladder with hooks up. Slide or hoist the roof ladder upward. Once on the roof, slide the roof ladder into position and flip it over when hooks clear the peak of the roof. • Secure the roof ladder.

12 Summary (1 of 2) • Fire fighters must be competent in the basic skills needed to use portable ladders safely. • In addition to using ladders, fire fighters must be able to inspect, maintain, and field test them.

12 Summary (2 of 2) • Ladders are used to gain access to a higher or lower elevation, perform rescues, provide a platform from which to work, as an emergency egress, and to support equipment or fabricate a water chute. • Fire fighters must know how ladders are constructed and what ladders are appropriate for what jobs.