Ladders

Module 2

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.

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

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

Ladder Construction

• Fire service ladders are similar to other types of ladders.

• Require heavy-duty construction

• Require more frequent and thorough maintenance

Basic Ladder Components (1 of 2)

• Beams • Rail • Truss Block • Rung • Tie Rod

Basic Ladder Components (2 of 2)

• Tip • Butt (Heel)

– Butt Spurs – Butt Plate

• Roof Hooks • Heat Sensor Label • Protection Plates

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extension Ladder Components

• Bed Section • Fly Section • Dogs • Guides • Halyard • Pulley • Stops • Staypoles

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

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

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

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

Ladder Safety

• Several potential hazards are associated with ladder use.

• Use with caution and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.

Lifting and Moving Ladders

• Teamwork is essential when moving ladders.

• Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.

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.

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.

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.

Ladder Selection (2 of 5)

• Roof access – Ladder tip should extend five rungs above

roofline.

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.

Ladder Selection (4 of 5)

• Window rescues – Ladder tip should be at the windowsill.

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

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.

Lifting Ladders

• Use sufficient assistance to lift heavy ladders.

• Know the lifting commands and procedures used in your area.

• Bend at the knees and keep your back straight when lifting.

Placing a Ladder (1 of 2)

• Site selection – General area chosen by officer in charge – Specific area chosen by fire fighter at the butt

end • 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

Placing a Ladder (2 of 2)

• Climbing angle – 75° – Ladder is arm’s length away when standing

vertically. – Vertical reach 4x distance from base of the

structure – Check inclination guide.

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.

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.

Securing the Ladder (1 of 2)

• Heeling the ladder– Standing under ladder, pull back into

structure. – Place a foot against each beam.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Ladder Construction Materials

• Metal

• Wood

• Fiberglass

Summary

• 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.

• 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.