Fire Service Ladders

1. Photo by University of Houston Digital Library - Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License https://www.flickr.com/photos/47529200@N08 Created with Haiku Deck

2. After completing this lesson, the student
will have a knowledge base for selecting,
carrying, raising, and working safely from
ladders following department standard
operating procedures.

3.  Describe different construction types of ground ladders
 Identify the parts of a ladder, including markings and labels
 Recognize the types of ladders used in the fire service
 Explain the considerations addressed by ladder inspection,
cleaning and maintenance
 Describe safety guidelines used when handling ladders
 Describe various methods for ladder carries
 Describe various methods for ladder raises

4.  Compare procedures for moving ground ladders
 Explain the methods used to secure ladders
 Identify basic considerations and requirements for ground
ladder placement
 Describe ladder climbing considerations
 Assisting a conscious/unconscious victim down a ladder

5.  Metal
 Wood
 Fiberglass
 Similar construction, shape and design as private industry and
general use ladders
 Must be capable of supporting heavier loads than general use
ladders
 Must meet NFPA 1931, Standard for Manufacturer’s Design of
Fire Department Ground Ladders

6.  Beam
 Butt/Heel/Base
 Butt spurs
 Footpads
 Heat Sensor label
 Hooks
 Rails
 Rungs
 Tie rods
 Tip
 Truss block

7.  Beam
 Bed section
 Butt/Heel/Base
 Fly section
 Footpads
 Halyard
 Heat Sensor label
 Hooks
 Pawls (dogs,locks)
 Protection Plates
 Pulley
 Rails
 Rungs
 Stops
 Tie rods
 Tip
 Truss block

8.  Single ladders
 Roof ladders
 Folding ladders
 Extension ladders
 Combination ladders
 Minimum standards of NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive
Fire Apparatus

9.  NFPA 1932, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service
Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders
 Inspect following each use AND monthly
 Specific to Wood Ladders
 Specific to Roof Ladders
 Specific to Extension Ladders
 Cleaning Ladders – SOP’s
 Maintaining Ladders – Maintenance vs Repair

10.  file:///C:UsersahammerVideoswatch-v=e1ioz21VqYk.url

11.  Bend at the knees and not the back
 Keep head/eyes up
 Keep arms close to chest
 Use your core muscles to lift so as to
prevent lower back injuries
 Turn by pivoting your feet and
not your back
 Situational Awareness
 Use ladder commands
 Choose the correct ladder for the assigned task

12.  One firefighter low shoulder carry

13.  Two firefighter low shoulder carry

14.  Three firefighter flat shoulder carry

15.  Three firefighter flat arms length carry

16.  Two firefighter arms length carry

17.  One firefighter high shoulder carry

18.  One firefighter ladder raise

19.  Ladder training involving single firefighter 24' extension
ladder raises - YouTube

20.  Two firefighter flat raise

21.  Two firefighter beam raise

22.  Three firefighter flat raise

23.  One firefighter single/roof ladder raise

24.  Two firefighter ladder pivot

25.  Ladder shifting

26.  Ladder rolling

27.  Clove hitch with and overhand safety is minimum requirement

28.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHnzhGmrfJgLadders-
Tying a Halyard. - YouTube

29.  Heel the ladder EVERY time it has been moved!!

30.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTdHzWSYuU0
 Rookie Firefighter Lets Ladder Slip - YouTube

31.  Tying off the tip of the ladder with hose strap
clove hitch with an overhand safety knot or Dept SOP’s
 Tying off the base of the ladder with utility rope Dept SOP’s
 Securing objects to the ladder with hose strap
clove hitch with an overhand safety knot or Dept SOP’s

32.  Placement at window for entry vs rescue (fly section direction)
 Placement above window
 Fire conditions?
 Weather conditions?
 Topography?
 Power lines?
 Trees?
 Hose lines?
 Climbing angle?

33.  Climbing angles

34.  Electrical hazards

35.  Climb smoothly and with rhythm
 Grasp the beams and not the rungs
 If carrying a tool, place the tool between
the beam and the palm of the hand
 Always maintain 3 points of contact!!
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9hYKVp2uPs

36.  Conscious victim
 Victim should face the
ladder
 Grasp beams under
victims arms and slowly
move down the ladder
while communicating with
the victim at all times.

37.  Unconscious victim
 Working with other firefighters
place victim on ladder so as to
be face to face with victim.
 Grasp beams under victims
arms and slowly move down
the ladder.
 Alternate cross-body method

38.  Denver ladder skills video

39. That’s all folks!!
Enjoy your training and be
safe!!

40.  Essentials of Fire Fighting 6th Edition – IFSTA 1st Printing
January 2013
 Youtube
 Snohomish Fire and Rescue personnel
 Snohomish Fire and Rescue RLB Training Facility
 Prepared by A. Hammer – SCFD #4