Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Ladders11IntroductionLadders provide access to elevated or below-grade locations.Solid wood beamsTruss-type beams High-strength aluminium New design technology continued to meet ladder needsLadders can be used for many purposes.14.2Ladder TerminologyA structure consisting of two long sides crossed by parallel rungs, used to climb up and downA means of ascent and descent14.3Parts of a LadderParts might have multiple names.Common terminologyGlossary of ladder parts14.414.5 (A) Straight ladder terminology. (B) Steel spurs on a ladder of truss construction. (C) Swivel shoes with pads and spikes.

5Ladder CompaniesApparatus that carry ladders, devices, tools, and personnel to upper levelsTower ladders and boom laddersResponsible for tasks associated with entry14.6Ground (or Portable) LaddersComplement of ground ladders Common typesStraightExtensionVarious specialized laddersFolding Roof or hookA-frame combination ladder

14.714.8Straight wall ladders.

814.9Extension ladder terminology.

914.10A hook ladder, with retracted hooks, being used as a straight ladder.

1014.11Folding ladder (also called a suitcase or attic ladder). (A) Folded. (B) Opened.

(A)(B)1114.12Combination A-frame ladder. (A) Used as a short extension ladder. (B) In the A-frame stepladder mode.

(A)(B)

12Use and CareCare must be employed to prevent damageNFPA Standard 193114.13

Ground Ladder TipsMaintenance, Cleaning,and InspectionRegular intervalsCertification labelLadders needing repair are removed from serviceUse of trained technicians14.1514.16General Inspection Guidelines

1614.17 Extension Ladder Inspection Guidelines

17Cleaning LaddersDirt and caustic substancesWarm soapy detergent and scrub brushManufacturers recommendations14.18Ladder UsesPrimarily climbingShoring toolFenceHold back loose debrisChute to channel water14.19Ladder Uses (cont.)AccessRescueSalvage operationsStabilityVentilationBridgingElevated streamsElevated work position

14.20Ladder SelectionOnce target identifiedWhat length of ladder is necessary?What will be done with the ladder?Will ladder be used at several locations?Is a straight or extension ladder needed?Additional considerationsGround conditionAccessibility of locationAvailable personnel14.21Butt SectionGround slopesProper climbing angle is 75 degrees.Placed under the targetButt should be carried in the direction of the target.14.22Fly SectionTip of fly dictates how ladder will be used.Placement of tip will be important.WindowsRoof levelFire escapes14.2314.24(A) Ladder placed with the tip below the windowsill. (B) Ladder placed with the tip at the top of the windowsill to either side.

(A)(B)24Special UsesCan be used as tools or as portable stairsLadder integrity not compromised14.25Removal of Numerous VictimsMethodRaise ladderAscend and secure victimDescend escorting victimFor several victims, use two or more ladders.One supply ladder can service many escape ladders.14.2614.27Multiple ladder rescue technique.

27Chute with a TarpPrevent water damageLadder with salvage cover, plastic sheet, or tarp can be used as a makeshift chute to direct water out a window.14.28

Over a FenceTwo short ladders tied together in an A-frame can be used to climb over fences.There are times a fence cannot be cut.14.29

Elevated Hose StreamsLocations that could not be approached conventionallyBasic safety practicesFirefighter and hose secured to ladderLadder must be stabilized at base or tip.14.3014.31A handline can be used off a ground ladder for difficult-to-reach areas. Note the use of a ladder belt.

31Portable PoolThree or four ladders can be tied together to form a crib and lined with a tarp.Filled with waterUsed to capture runoff14.32

BarrierSecure dangerous areasProvides a positive visual deterrent14.33.

SupportWith ropes, a ladder can be secured to substantial objects.Only as an emergency structural stabilizer14.34

Should be replaced as soon as possible with tools designed for the situationHoist PointA-frame hoistPulley and rope are attached.Ladder weight limits14.3514.36A-frame hoist.

Ventilation Fan SupportsShort ladder spanning an openingInnovation tempered with safety14.37

SafetyCommon senseGlovesCorrect ladderOverhead wires must be considered live.When on a ladder, firefighter should keep three limbs in contact.14.38Overhead ObstructionsInjury potentialTree limbs, structural overhangsTelevision and telephone wiresOverhead electrical lines

14.39 A ladder can make an electrical connection to ground.

Climbing PathPassageway a firefighter climbs through while ascending ladderObstructed pathsFirefighter is required to alter normal climbing angle.Squeeze through a tight space.Breathing apparatus must be considered.14.4014.41Climbing path pass-through area.

41Ground ConsiderationsLadder must be stable.Ground must be level.Dangerous lateral lean14.42Uneven ground effect is magnified as the ladder increases in height.

Ladder LoadNumber of people permitted on ladderLoad capacityRecommended maximum load label14.4314.44Ladders must be positioned properly and not overloaded.

44Working Off a LadderFirefighter secured to ladderLadder beltsSafety harnessLeg lock14.45 Leg lock.

Ladder StorageMore than two support pointsFlat surfaceAvoid the same contact points when storing.Apparatus ladder storageStored under cover in compartmentsDe-icing products

14.46Ladder Apparatus ParkingPark ladder apparatus at an angle to the fire building to ensure ladder accessLeave room for removal of ladders.14.47

Ladder PaintingShould never be painted as a means of maintenanceSmall areas should be painted.IdentificationVisibilityQuick referenceHoist points14.48Certification andTesting ProceduresNFPA Standard 1931When ladder model is designed, rigid testing is needed.Ladder label 14.49Ladder SkillsCommon terminology and technique CommandsCommon sense14.50Carrying LaddersTechniques used for carrying ladders:Suitcase carryShoulder carryFlat carryFirefighter can carry a small ladder. Victims14.51Raising LaddersSeveral considerationsHeel of ladder distance from buildingClimbing angle about 75 degreesNumber of firefighters needed to raise a ladder will vary.Most situations call for two firefighters.14.52The working length is the distance from the ground to the point where the ladder contacts the building. The ladder is placed at a point approximately one-quarter of the working length from the building.

53Rung and Beam RaisesTwo methods of raising a ladder:Two-person rung raiseTwo-person beam raiseRaising an extension ladder:Fly extension raiseThree-person raiseFour-person ladder raise safer than three-person raise14.5414.55(A) Beam raise. (B) Rung raise.

(A)(B)55Leg LockSecure firefighter to ladderBoth hands neededLadder beltSecond alternate leg lock known as hyper-extended leg lock14.56Carrying ToolsWhen carrying tools, security is sacrificed.Tools should be passed up.Tools can be hung on an upper rung and climbed to.Tools can ride up the rails of an aerial ladder.14.57Mounting and DismountingGetting on and off a ladder is the most difficult action for the uninitiated.Height increases.If ladder is not secured by rope, it should be heeled.When climbing into a window from a ladder, two methods are used.Special care should be observed when mounting or dismounting ladder from ornamental works.14.58Roof and Ladder DeploymentRaised to the eave of the roof directlyHook ladder14.59Hoisting Ladders by RopeNeed to use ladder from elevatedWhen lowering ladder, procedure is reversed14.60Types of Truck-Mounted LaddersMany types of ladder trucks are used today.Each designed to serve a particular functionAerial ladderTower ladderArticulating boom ladder14.6114.62Aerial ladder raising mechanisms as seen from under a raised bed ladder.

6214.63Ladder positioning terminology.

6314.64Tower ladder.

6414.65A snorkel basket can reach places not possible with other types of apparatus.

65Lessons LearnedLadders have many applications.Different types of ladders are designed for a specific use.Ladder use is packed with additional dangers that each firefighter must respect.14.66