Ladders

1. Ladders

2. 12 Objectives • List and describe the parts of a ladder. • Describe the different types of ladders. • Describe how to clean and inspect ladders. • Describe the hazards with ladders. • Describe how to deploy a ladder. • Describe how to work on a ladder.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 12 Basic Ladder Components (1 of 2) • Beams • Rail • Truss Block • Rung • Tie Rod

8. 12 Basic Ladder Components (2 of 2) • Tip • Butt (Heel) • Butt Spurs • Butt Plate • Roof Hooks • Heat Sensor Label • Protection Plates

9. 12 Beams • One of two main structural components that run the entire length of most ladders or ladder sections • Three types of beam construction: • Trussed beam • I-beam • Solid beam

10. 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

11. 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. 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

13. 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

14. 12 Heat Sensor Label and Protection Plates • Heat sensor label • Identifies when the ladder has been exposed to specific heat conditions that could damage its structural integrity • Changes color when exposed to a particular temperature • Protection plates • Reinforcing pieces placed at chaffing and contact points to prevent damage

15. 12 Extension Ladder Components • Bed Section • Fly Section • Dogs • Guides • Halyard • Pulley • Stops • Staypoles

16. 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

17. 12 Dogs and Guides • Dogs • Mechanical locking devices used to secure the extended fly sections • Guides • Strips of metal or wood that guide a fly section as it is extended

18. 12 Halyard and Pulley • Halyard • Rope or cable used to extend or hoist the fly sections • Pulley • Small grooved wheel used to change the direction of the halyard pull

19. 12 Stops and Staypoles • Stops • Pieces of wood or metal that prevent the fly sections from overextending and collapsing the ladder • Staypoles • Long metal poles attached to the top of the bed section • Help stabilize the ladder as it is raised and lowered

20. 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

21. 12 Aerial Ladders • Permanently mounted, power-operated ladders • Working length of at least 50' • Have at least two sections • Often referred to as “straight-stick” aerials

22. 12 Elevating Platform • Includes passenger-carrying platform attached to tip • Ladder or boom must have at least two sections • Telescoping • Articulating

23. 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'.

24. 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

25. 12 Roof Ladder • Straight ladder with roof hooks • Sometimes called a hook ladder • Provides stable footing • Usually 12' to 18' long

26. 12 Extension Ladder • Adjustable length • Multiple sections • Usually heavier than a straight ladder of the same length

27. 12 Bangor Ladder • Extension ladder with staypoles • Staypoles are planted in the ground on either side for additional stability.

28. 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

29. 12 Folding Ladder • Also called an attic ladder • Narrow, collapsing ladder • Designed to allow access to attic scuttle holes and confined areas

30. 12 Fresno Ladder • Narrow, two-section ladder • Designed to provide attic access • Commonly available in 8' to 14' lengths

31. 12 Pompier Ladder • Lightweight, single-beam ladder • Used to climb the outside of a building • Today, only used when no other option is available

32. 12 Inspection, Maintenance, and Service Testing • NFPA 1931 establishes requirements for ladder construction. • NFPA 1932 provides general use guidance. • Regular inspection, maintenance, and testing

33. 12 Inspection • Ground ladder visually inspected monthly or after each use • Splintering, cracking, deformity, breaks, gouges, fraying, or other conditions indicating failure • Components fit snugly and operate smoothly. • Heat sensor label • If deficiencies are revealed, remove ladder from service and repair it.

34. 12 Maintenance • All fire fighters should be able to perform routine maintenance. • Only qualified personnel should repair ladders. • Basic maintenance tasks: • Clean and lubricate the dogs and slides. • Replace worn halyards. • Clean and lubricate roof hooks. • Maintain finish. • Replace ladder in storage racks.

35. 12 Cleaning • Clean regularly and after each use with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. • Dry ladder before storing it.

36. 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 Service Testing

37. 12 Ladder Safety • Several potential hazards are associated with ladder use. • Use with caution and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.

38. 12 General Safety Requirements • Use full PPE around ladders. • Fire fighters must be able to work with and on ladders while wearing SCBA.

39. 12 Lifting and Moving Ladders • Teamwork is essential when moving ladders. • Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.

40. 12 Placement of Ground Ladders • Survey area before placing ground ladders. • ALWAYS check for overhead wires and other obstructions. • Place ladders on stable and relatively level surfaces. • Avoid heat and direct flame.

41. 12 Working on a Ladder (1 of 2) • Check climbing angle before climbing. • Ensure dogs are locked and halyard is tied before climbing. • Secure the base by heeling.

42. 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.

43. 12 Rescue • 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. • Have another fire fighter guide you and the victim.

44. 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

45. 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.

46. 12 Ladder Selection (1 of 5) • Select the right ladder for the job. • Be familiar with all ladders carried. • 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.

47. 12 Ladder Selection (2 of 5) • Roof access • Ladder tip should extend five rungs above roofline.

48. 12 Ladder Selection (3 of 5) • Window access (not rescue) • Ladder tip should be at the side of and even with the top of a window.

49. 12 Ladder Selection (4 of 5) • Window rescues • Ladder tip should be at the windowsill.

50. 12 Ladder Selection (5 of 5) • Proper climbing angle is 75° 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