Ground Ladders
Introduction Fire service ground ladders are essential in the performance of many fireground and rescue scene functions. It is crucial that firefighters be knowledgeable of the characteristics and proper uses of fire service ground ladders.
Objective The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of ground ladder operations, positioning of ground ladders, carrying ground ladders, raising ground ladders, and climbing ground ladders.
Ground Ladder Skills Review Identify the purpose of fire service ground ladders. Identify parts of the ladder. Demonstrate proper placement and safe climbing technique. Raise portable ladders carried on apparatus. Climb correctly the full length of those ladders.
Basic Parts
Butt - The bottom end of a ladder; the end that is placed on the ground
Spurs - Spikes attached to butt to prevent slippage
Dogs(pawls) - Holds fly section in place
Bed - Bottom section of extension ladder
Beam - Main structural member of ladder
Fly Section-Extendable section of ground extension ladder
Halyard - Rope used in hoisting fly section(s) of extension ladders.
Pulley - Small, Grooved wheel through which the halyard is drawn
Rungs - Cross members that provide for footing
Hooks - Secures roof ladder to roof peak
Tip - Top of ladder
Heat Sensor Label - Indicates if ladder has been subjected to high heat
Ground Ladder Types
Roof Ladder Single ladder with hooks at tip for anchoring to roof ridge. Distributes firefighters weight, prevents slipping. Length range from 12 to 24 feet.
Folding Ladder- Commonly called attic ladders Folding Ladder- Commonly called attic ladders. May be folded and used in narrow spaces (attic access). Most common length is 10 feet.
Combination Ladder May be used as a stepladder or single extension ladder. Lengths range from 8 to 14 feet
Extension Ladder Adjustable in length, it consists of a bed section and one or more fly sections
Ground Ladder Safety Always wear full protective clothing ALWAYS check for overhead obstructions Use proper ladder for proper job Use leg muscles when lifting Make sure ladder is at proper climbing angle Do Not overload ladder
Always secure into ground ladders with leg lock or ladder belt when working off of Inspect for damage and wear after each use Make sure pawls are locked on extension ladders before climbing Use proper number of firefighters for each raise Always deploy second ladder for secondary means of egress.( opposite ends of building if possible)
Proper Ladder Selection Before raising ground ladders, the firefighter must select the proper ladder for the job. Residential story - 8 to 10 ft. Commercial story - 12 ft Ladder should be extended 5 rungs above roof line, provides a means to see exit off roof.
Place ladder even with top of window on the upwind side when used for ventilation or access from the side. Place ladder under windowsill for rescue. Place ladder directly in front of window when used to direct hose stream or to place a ventilation fan
Ladder Selection Chart First Story Roof - 16 to 20 ft. Second Story Window - 20 to 28 ft. Second Story Roof - 28 to 35 ft. Third Story Window or Roof - 40 to 50 ft. Fourth Story Roof - Over 50 ft, will use aerial ladder.
One Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry
One Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry
One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise
One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise
One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise
One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise
Two Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry
Two Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry
Two Firefighter Flat Raise
Two Firefighter Flat Raise
Two Firefighter Flat Raise
Two Firefighter Arms Length On Edge Carry
Two Firefighter Arms Length On Edge Carry
Roof Ladder Deployment One Firefighter
Roof Ladder Deployment One Firefighter
Applying A Leg Lock On A Ground Ladder Apply leg lock to the opposite side that you are working from.
Applying A Leg Lock On A Ground Ladder Note that on this leg lock the foot is around the beam instead of the rung.
For more information on ground ladders please reference the following Firehouse.Com Training Zone - Drills of the Month (Ground Ladders) http://www.firehouse.com/training/drills/2000/ff4.html Essentials of Fire Fighting ( Fourth Edition) Chapter 9 Fire Service GROUND LADDERS (ninth edition)