Ladder PracticesIntermediate

SFFMA Objectives: 3-02.01 – 3-02.038hrs received

Firefighter I

Ladder Construction MaterialsMetalWoodFiberglass

10–2

Firefighter I

Metal Advantages/DisadvantagesGood conductor of heat, cold, electricityEasy to repairCan suddenly fail when exposed to heat,

flameWidest range of sizes

10–3

Firefighter I

Wood Advantages/DisadvantagesHighest cost of all laddersHeaviest per unit of lengthRetains strength when exposed to heat, flameVery durable

10–4

Firefighter I

Fiberglass Advantages/DisadvantagesGenerally poor conductor of electricityCan suddenly crack/fail when overloadedCan burn when exposed to flame

10–5

Firefighter I

Fire Service Ladder RequirementsMust be able to withstand considerable abuseMust conform to NFPA® 1931All ladders meeting NFPA® 1931 require

certification label affixedAll ground ladders should be tested

10–6

Firefighter I

Fire Service Ladder Maintenance and RepairMaintenance — Keeping ladders in state of

usefulness or readinessRepair — To restore or replace that which is

damaged/worn out

10–7

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Fire Service Ladder Maintenance and RepairAll firefighters should be capable of

performing routine maintenance on ground ladders

Any ladders in need of repair require trained ladder repair technician

10–8

Firefighter I

General Maintenance for Ground LaddersKeep free of moistureStore away from vehicle

exhaust or engine heatStore out of the elementsOnly paint top and bottom 18 inches (450

mm) for identification

10–9

Firefighter I

Cleaning LaddersRecommended that

ladders be inspected regularly and cleaned after every use

Soft bristle brush, running water most effective tools

10–10

Firefighter I

Ladder Inspection/Service Testing Requirements

NFPA® 1932 requires ladders to be inspected after each use and on monthly basis

Because they are subjected to harsh conditions, important that they are service tested

10–11

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Ladder Inspection/Service Testing RequirementsNFPA® 1932 serves as guideline for service

testingStandard recommends only specified tests be

conducted by fire department or approved organization

Further recommends caution be used to prevent damage or injury

10–12

Firefighter I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What are some signs of heat exposure on ladders that do not have a heat label?

10–13

Firefighter I

Items to Check on All Types of LaddersHeat sensor labelsRungs for damage, wearRungs for tightnessBolts, rivets for tightnessWelds for cracks, apparent defectsBeams and rungs for any issues

10–14

Firefighter I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done to ladders that are subjected to direct flame or high heat?

10–15

Firefighter I

Inspecting Specific Ladder TypesWooden ladders/wooden components

Areas where finish chafed/scrapedDarkening of varnishDark streaks in woodMarred, worn, cracked, splintered partsRounded/smooth shoesWater damage

10–16

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Inspecting Specific Ladder TypesRoof ladders

Make sure roof hook assemblies operate with ease

Assembly should not show rust, hooks should not be deformed, parts should be firmly attached

10–17

(Continued)

Firefighter I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done if any serious problems are found on the ladder?

10–18

Firefighter I

Inspecting Specific Ladder TypesExtension ladders

Pawl assembliesHalyardHalyard cablePulleysLadder guidesStaypole toggles

10–19

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Inspecting Specific Ladder TypesIf any discrepancies found, ladder should be

removed from service until it can be repaired/tested; ladders that cannot be safely repaired must be destroyed or scrapped for parts

10–20

Firefighter I

Ladder Safety FactorsDeveloping/maintaining adequate

upper body strengthWearing full body harness with

belay line when trainingOperating ladders according to

departmental training/procedures

10–21

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Ladder Safety FactorsWearing protective gearChoosing proper ladder for jobUsing leg muscles when lifting ladders below

waistUsing adequate number of firefighters to

carry or raise

10–22

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Ladder Safety FactorsNot raising any ladder within 10 feet (3 m) of

electrical wiresChecking ladder

placement for proper angle

Being sure hooks of pawls seated over rungs

10–23

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Ladder Safety FactorsBeing sure ladder is stable before

climbingBeing careful when moving

sidewaysHeeling or securing at topClimbing smoothly, rhythmicallyNot overloading ladder

10–24

(Continued)

Firefighter I

Ladder Safety FactorsTying in to ground ladders with leg lock or

ladder beltNot relocating positioned ladder unless so

orderedUsing for intended purposes onlyInspecting for damage, wear after use

10–25