1. CHAPTER 11
Ladders 1

2. Knowledge Objectives List and describe the parts of a ladder.
Categorize the different types of ladders.
Inspect ladders.
Maintain ladders.
Clean ladders.
Describe when, where, and who performs service testing on ladders.
Specify the hazards with ladders.

3. Knowledge Objectives
Itemize the measures fire fighters should take to ensure safety when working with and on ladders.
Cite the factors and guidelines used to select the appropriate ladder from the fire apparatus.
Determine appropriate ladder placement for common fire-ground tasks
Describe how to remove a ladder from the apparatus.
Describe how to lift ladders.

4. Skills Objectives Inspect, clean, and maintain a ladder.
Carry a portable ladder using the one-fire fighter carry.
Carry a portable ladder using the two-fire fighter shoulder carry.
Carry a portable ladder using the three-fire fighter shoulder carry.
Carry a portable ladder using the two-fire fighter suitcase carry.

5. Skills Objectives
Carry a portable ladder using the three-fire fighter suitcase carry.
Carry a portable ladder using the three-fire fighter flat carry.
Carry a portable ladder using the four-fire fighter flat carry.
Carry a portable ladder using the three-fire fire fighter flat-shoulder carry.
Carry a portable ladder using the four-fire fighter flat-shoulder carry.

6. Skills Objectives
Raise a ladder using the one-fire fighter flat raise for ladders less than 14 ft (4.2 m).
Raise a portable ladder using the one-fire fighter flat raise for ladders more than 14 ft (4.2 m).
Tie the halyard.
Raise a ladder using the two-fire fighter beam raise.
Raise a ladder using the two-fire fighter flat raise.

7. Skills Objectives
Raise a ladder using the three-fire fighter flat raise.
Raise a ladder using the four-fire fighter flat raise.
Climb a ladder.
Use a leg lock to work from a ladder.
Deploy a roof ladder.
Inspect a chimney.

8. Introduction
Ladders are among the most useful, versatile, durable, easy-to-use, and rapidly deployable fire fighter tools.
Every fire fighter must be proficient in working with ladders.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning

9. Primary Uses of Ground Ladders
Can be used to gain access to a window or roof
Provides an escape path for fire fighters and a means to evacuate people trapped in a fire
Can be used as a safe pathway between floors
Can be used as a working platform and to support a hose line
Can be used to bridge a small opening
Can be placed to climb over an obstruction
Can help funnel water out of a building

10. Other Uses of Ground Ladders
To provide escape from below-grade locations such as a ravine, embankment, trench, or manhole
A ladder A-frame can lower rescuers or raise or lower victims safely.
To provide access to and egress from buses, railcars, or airplanes
Can be used as ramps to assist with moving equipment

11. Ladder Construction and Components
Ladders must meet NFPA 1931.
Basic requirements include diameter and spacing of rungs; specific labels and markings; and length and width requirements.
Made of metal, wood, or fiberglass
In its most basic design, a ladder consists of two beams connected by a series of parallel rungs.
Fire service ladders are specialized tools with several parts.

12. Basic Ladder Components
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

13. Basic Ladder Components: Beams
One of two main structural components that run the length of the ladder or ladder sections
Sides of ladder that support the rungs and carry the load to the ground
Three types of beams:
Trussed beam
I-beam: Thick sections at top and bottom connected by a thinner section
Solid beam

14. Basic Ladder Components: Types of Beams
© Jones & Bartlett Learning

15. Basic Ladder Components
Rungs
Crosspiece that spans the two beams of a ladder
Serves as steps and distributes user’s weight
Must be skid-resistant
Tips
The very top of the ladder

16. Basic Ladder Components
Butt
End of the ladder that is placed against the ground
Butt spurs
Metal spikes attached to the butt of a ladder
Butt plates
A swiveling plate attached to the butt (an alternative to butt spurs)
Incorporates both a spur and a cleat or pad

17. Basic Ladder Components
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

18. Basic Ladder Components
Heat sensor label changes colors when the ladder has been exposed to specific heat conditions that could damage the structural integrity of the ladder
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

19. Basic Ladder Components
Protection plates
Reinforcing pieces placed at chafing and contact points that prevent damage from friction or contact with other surfaces
Tie rods
A metal bar that runs from one beam of the ladder to the other to keep the beams from separating
Typically found in wood ladders

20. Extension Ladder Components
Assembly of two or more ladder sections fitted together in a manner that allows the ladder to be extended or retracted.
Extension ladders have additional parts
© Jones & Bartlett Learning

21. Extension Ladder Components
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

22. Extension Ladder Components
Guides
Strips of metal or wood that guide a fly section as it is extended
Halyard
Rope or cable used to extend or hoist the fly sections

23. Extension Ladder Components
Pawls
Mechanical locking devices used to secure the fly sections of an extension ladder
Pulley
Small grooved wheel used to change the direction of the halyard pull

24. Stops and Staypoles Stops
Pieces of wood or metal that prevent the fly sections from overextending and collapsing
Staypoles
Long metal poles attached to the top of the bed section
Help stabilize the ladder as it is raised and lowered

25. Aerial Apparatus
May be classified as aerial ladders, elevated platforms, and water towers
A and B: © Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

26. Aerial Ladders Permanently mounted, power-operated ladders
Have at least two sections
Straight chassis: straight-stick aerials
Tractor trailer chassis: tillered aerials
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

27. Elevating Platform Apparatus
A passenger-carrying platform (bucket) attached to the tip of a ladder or boom
Ladder-type boom is most common
A platform less than 110 ft (33.5 m) in length must have a prepiped waterway and permanently mounted monitor nozzle.

28. Water Towers
Ladder or boom must have at least two sections, which may be:
Telescoping
Articulating (jointed)
Do not have the capacity to carry fire fighters or rescue victims.

29. Ground Ladders Carried on most fire apparatus
Designed to be removed from the apparatus and used in different locations
May take the form of
General-purpose ladders (straight or extension)
Specialized ladders (folding or roof ladders)

30. Ground Ladders Engines/pumpers are required to carry at least
One straight ladder with roof hooks
One extension ladder
One folding ladder
Usually carry 24- (7.3-) or 28-ft (8.5-m) ladders
Truck companies are required to carry at least
Two straight ladders with roof hooks
Two extension ladders
Usually carry 35- (10.6-) or 40-ft (12.-2m) ladders

31. Straight Ladder Single-section, fixed-length ladder
May also be called wall ladders or single ladders
Commonly 12 to14 ft (3.6–4.2 m) long, but can be up to 20 ft (6 m) long

32. Roof Ladder Straight ladder with roof hooks
Sometimes called a hook ladder
Provides stable footing
Usually 12 to18 ft (3.6–5.4 m) long

33. Extension Ladder Adjustable length Multiple sections
Usually heavier than a straight ladder of the same length
Can be stored where other ladders do not fit
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

34. Bangor Ladder Extension ladder with staypoles
Staypoles are planted in the ground on either side for additional stability.
Courtesy of Duo-Safety Ladder Corporation

35. Combination Ladder
Convertible from a straight ladder to an A- frame, stepladder
Convenient for use indoor and in tight spaces
Generally 6 to10 ft ( m) (A-frame) and 10 to 15 ft ( m) (extension)
© Jones & Bartlett Learning

36. Folding Ladder Also called an attic ladder Narrow, collapsing ladder
Two beams fold in for enhanced portability
Commonly available in to14-ft ( m) lengths
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

37. Fresno Ladder Narrow, two-section ladder Can be used in tight spaces
Courtesy of Duo-Safety Ladder Corporation
Narrow, two-section ladder
Can be used in tight spaces
Commonly available in 10 to 14 ft (3.0–4.3 m) lengths

38. Inspection, Maintenance, and Service Testing
Ground ladders must be able to withstand extreme conditions.
NFPA 1931 establishes requirements for the construction of new ladders.
Requirements are based on probable conditions during emergency operations.
Portable ladders must be regularly inspected, maintained, and fire-service tested following NFPA 1932 and manufacturer recommendations.

39. Inspection Ground ladder visually inspected monthly or after each use
Beams: Check the beams for cracks, splintering, breaks, gouges, checks, wavy conditions, or deformations.
Rungs: Check all rungs for snugness, tightness, punctures, wavy conditions, worn serrations, splintering, breaks, gouges, checks, or deformations.

40. Inspection
Halyard: Check the halyard for fraying or kinking; ensure that it moves smoothly through the pulleys.
Wire-rope halyard extensions: Check the wire-rope halyard extensions on three- and four-section ladders for snugness. This check should be performed when the fly section is fully bedded to ensure that the upper sections will align properly during operation.

41. Inspection
Ladder guides: Check the guides for chafing. Also check for adequate wax, if the manufacturer requires wax.
Pawls: Check the pawls for proper operation.
Butt spurs: Check the butt spurs for excessive wear or other defects.
Heat sensors: Check the heat sensor labels to see whether the sensors indicate that the ladder has been exposed to excessive heat.

42. Inspection
Bolts and rivets: Check all bolts and rivets for tightness; bolts on wood ladders should be snug and tight without crushing the wood.
Welds: Check all welds on metal ladders for cracks or apparent defects.
Roof hooks: Check the roof hooks for sharpness and proper operation.
Metal surfaces: Check metal surfaces for signs of surface corrosion.

43. Inspection
Fiberglass and wood surfaces: Check fiberglass ladders for loss of gloss on the beams. Check for damage to the varnish finish on wooden ground ladders. Check for signs of wood rot.
If inspection reveals any deficiencies, remove the ladder from service and have it repaired.
Ladders that have been exposed to excessive heat should pass a service test before being used again.

44. Maintenance Clean and lubricate the pawls.
Clean and lubricate the guides on extension ladders.
Replace worn halyards and wire rope.
Clean and lubricate roof hooks.
Check heat sensor labels.
Maintain the finish on wooden and fiberglass ladders in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep records of all maintenance.

45. Maintenance
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

46. Maintenance
Place ladders in storage racks or brackets out of direct sunlight.
Sunlight can damage fiberglass.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning

47. Cleaning
Ladders must be cleaned to remove road grime and dirt that build up during storage on the apparatus.
Ladders should be cleaned before each inspection to ensure that any hidden faults can be observed.
Clean ladders regularly and after each use with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush.
Rinse and dry the ladder before storing it.

48. Service Testing
Periodically test ladders in accordance with NFPA 1932.
Test new ladders before use and at least annually thereafter.
Ladders that have been exposed to extreme conditions or overloaded must be removed from service until they have passed a service test.
Test ladders after any repairs before placing back in service.

49. Horizontal Bending Test
Evaluates the structural strength of a ladder
Measures amount of bending caused by applied weight
Performed by outside contractors
Maintain service and testing records
Courtesy of UL.

50. Ladder Safety
Several potential hazards are associated with ladder use.
Easily overlooked in an emergency
Use with caution and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.
Full turnout gear and personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for safety.
Fire fighters must be able to work on ladders with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

51. Lifting and Moving Ladders
Teamwork is essential when working with ladders.
Some ladders are heavy and awkward to maneuver, especially when extended.
Use proper lifting techniques.
Coordinate all movements.
Never attempt to lift or move a ladder that weighs more than you are capable of lifting safely; it is better to ask for help than to become injured.

52. Placement of Ground Ladders
Survey area before placing ladder.
Always check for overhead wires and other obstructions.
Place on stable and level surfaces.
Avoid heat and direct flame.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

53. Working on a Ladder Check the climbing angle before climbing.
Position the base of the ladder out from the building at a distance equal to ¼ of the ladder’s height.
Ensure the pawls are locked and the halyard is tied before climbing.
Secure the base by heeling/footing.
Use a rope or strap to secure the tip of the ladder to the building.

54. Working on a Ladder © Jones & Bartlett Learning
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

55. Working on a Ladder Do not exceed ladder’s rated weight.
Distribute weight along the length of the ladder.
Be prepared for falling debris, misguided hose streams, and people falling from the building.
Be prepared to climb down quickly.

56. Rescue
Place the tip of the ladder at or slightly below the windowsill.
The ladder should not occlude any part of the window opening.
Be wary of the actions of people you are attempting to rescue.
Make verbal contact with the victims.
Safeguard victims as they climb.
Use another fire fighter to guide you and the victim down the ladder.

57. Ladder Damage Ladders may be easily damaged while in use.
Remove from service any ladder used outside of normal limits.
Remove ladder even if no damage is visible

58. Ladder Selection Be familiar with all ladders carried.
Ensure ladder is long enough.
Floor-to-floor height (residential): 8-10 ft ( m)
Floor-to-windowsill height (residential): 3 ft (0.9 m)
Floor-to-floor height (commercial): 12 ft (3.7 m)
Floor-to-windowsill height (commercial): 4 ft (1.2 m)

59. Ladder Selection Length depends on use of ladder. Roof access
Ladder tip should extend several feet or five rungs above roofline.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

60. Ladder Selection Window access
Ladder tip should be at the side of and even with the top of a window.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

61. Ladder Selection Window rescues
Ladder tip should be at the windowsill.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

62. Ladder Selection Proper climbing angle is 75 degrees 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 ft (4.6 m) of vertical height

63. Removing the Ladder From Apparatus
Know which ladders are stored on the apparatus and where they are positioned.
Ladders are often nested one inside another and mounted on brackets on the side of an engine.
Ladders can also be stored on overhead hydraulic lifts.
On some vehicles, ladders are stored in compartments under the hose bed or aerial device.

64. Removing the Ladder from Apparatus
Courtesy of Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning

65. Lifting Ladders Use sufficient assistance to lift heavy ladders.
Know the lifting commands and procedures.
Use good lifting techniques.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

66. Carrying Ladders Basic types: Shoulder carry Suitcase carry Flat carry
Flat shoulder carry
Carries can be done in combinations of two, three, or four fire fighters.

67. Placing a Ladder: Site Selection
General area chosen by officer in charge
Specific area chosen by fire fighter
Place the ladder at the correct angle.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

68. Placing a Ladder: Site Selection
Calculate vertical reach.
Place the ladder on a stable, level surface.
Avoid manhole covers or trap doors
Away from doors or high-traffic areas.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning.

69. Raising a Ladder
Use a beam raise when ladder must be raised parallel to the target.
Use a flat raise when ladder must be raised perpendicular to the target.
The number of fire fighters required for a raise depends on
Length and weight of the ladder
Available clearance from obstructions

70. Raising a Ladder 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.

71. Securing the Ladder Heeling the ladder
Standing under ladder, pull back into structure.
Place a foot against each beam.
A rope, rope-hose tool, or webbing can be used to secure a ladder.
Tie the bottom and/or top of ladder to prevent it from kicking out/pulling away.
The best method is to secure both the tip and the case.

72. Securing the Ladder
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

73. Climbing the Ladder Always climb deliberately and with control.
Ensure ladder, pawls, halyard are properly secured.
Check climbing angle.
Climb slowly; avoid bouncing or shifting.
Eyes should be focused forward.
Wear proper PPE and lower face shield.
Hoist tools by rope if possible.
Do not overload ladder.

74. Dismounting a Ladder
Ensure roof or floor is solid and stable before dismounting.
Maintain contact with ladder at three points.
Do not shift weight until you have tested the footing.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

75. Working from a Ladder
Use a ladder belt or a leg lock to secure yourself to the ladder.
Use designed and certified belts.
Utility belts should not be used.
Do not attempt work from a ladder without properly securing yourself first.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.

76. Placing a Roof Ladder
Several methods can be used to properly position a roof ladder on a sloping roof.

77. Descending a Ladder Apply the same safety practices as climbing.
Take time to ensure that
The ladder is at an appropriate angle.
The ladder is on stable footing.
Someone is heeling or footing the ladder.
Communicate to the person footing the ladder that you are about to descend.
Check that the rungs are not slippery.

78. Descending a Ladder
Maintain a secure grip on tools or lower on a rope.
Face the ladder, keeping your back perpendicular with the ground and your arms almost fully extended.
Maintain three-point contact.
Descend slowly, avoid sudden movements, and stay in the middle of the ladder.
Unless it is an emergency, one person descends at a time.

79. Inspect a Chimney Many calls due to chimney-related emergencies
Access can be hazardous.

80. General Safety Rules Wear appropriate PPE.
Choose the proper ladder for the job.
Choose the proper number of people.
Move smoothly, safely, and efficiently, keeping the ladder under control.
Lift with your legs.
Use proper hand and foot placement.
Look overhead for wires and obstructions.

81. General Safety Rules
Allow the heel person to take charge of raising and lowering the ladder.
After extending an extension ladder, check the pawls and halyard.
Check the ladder for the proper angle.
Ensure that the wall or roof will support the ladder before climbing it.
Use an appropriate leg lock or ladder belt.

82. Summary
Ladders provide safe access and egress from inaccessible areas.
Ladders have a wide variety of uses in non- firefighting situations, including ravines or steep highway embankments, trench rescue situations, below-grade locations such as manholes, vehicle extrication situations, or hazardous materials incidents.

83. Summary Ladders are made of metal, wood, and fiberglass.
The two main structural components of the ladder are the beam and the rung. The beams support the rungs and carry the load of the fire fighter from the rungs down to the ground.
There are three basic types of ladder beam construction: trussed beam, I-beam, and solid beam.

84. Summary
Many wooden ladders have solid beams. Rectangular aluminum beams, which are usually hollow or C-shaped, are also classified as solid beam ladders.
The rung is a crosspiece that spans the two beams of the ladder. Most ground ladders in fire departments have aluminum rungs, but wooden ladders are still constructed with wood rungs.

85. Summary
Additional parts of a typical ground ladder include the following components:
Rail
Truss block
Tie rod
Tip
Butt
Butt spurs
Butt plate
Roof hooks
Heat sensor label
Protection plates

86. Summary
An extension ladder is an assembly of two or more ladder sections that fit together and can be extended or retracted to adjust the length of the ladder. Additional parts of an extension ladder include:
Bed (base) section
Fly section
Guides
Halyard
Pawls
Pulley
Stops
Staypoles

87. Summary
There are two general categories of ladders: aerial and ground. Aerial ladders are permanently mounted and operated from a fire apparatus. Ground ladders are carried on fire apparatus and removed from the apparatus to be used in other locations.
Ground ladders include general-purpose ladders such as straight or extension ladders.

88. Summary
Most truck companies are required to carry at least two straight ladders with roof hooks, two extension ladders, and one folding ladder.
A straight ladder is a single-section, fixed- length ground ladder.
A roof ladder is a straight ground ladder with retractable hooks at one end.
An extension ladder is an adjustable-length ground ladder with multiple sections.

89. Summary
Bangor ladders are extension ladders with staypoles for added stability.
A combination ladder can be converted from a straight to a stepladder configuration or from an extension to a stepladder configuration.
A folding (attic) ladder is a narrow, collapsible ladder designed to allow access to attic scuttle holes and confined areas.
A Fresno ladder is a narrow, two-section extension ladder to provide attic access.

90. Summary
A ground ladder should be inspected visually after every use. If the inspection reveals any deficiencies, the ladder must be removed from service until repairs are made.
All fire fighters should be able to perform routine ladder maintenance, including cleaning the ladders to remove any road grime and dirt. Ladders should be cleaned after every use.
Service testing of ground ladders must follow NFPA 1932.

91. Summary
Safety precautions should be followed from the time a ladder is removed from the apparatus until it is returned to the apparatus. Full turnout gear and PPE are essential for working with ground and aerial ladders. Additional general safety rules include the following:
Lift with your legs; keep your back straight.
Look overhead for wires and obstructions.
Check the pawls and halyards.
Check the ladder angle.

92. Summary
When positioning a ladder for rescue, place the tip of the ladder at or slightly below the windowsill. This provides a direct pathway to enter and exit the window.
Communication is key to coordinating efforts when working with ladders. One leader should be designated, and his or her commands should be followed during carries and raises.