1. Robert Sepulveda, VFA Instructor
VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY
FIRE SERVICE LADDERS
Robert Sepulveda, VFA Instructor

2. SCHEDULE
Ladder Lecture/DVD ( ) Break ( ) Rotation 1 ( ) straight ladders Lunch ( ) Rotation 2 ( ) extension ladders Break ( ) Rotation 3 ( ) misc ladders Clean up & Dismissal ( )

3. BASIC TRUCK OPERATIONS
L-adders (ground & aerial)
O-verhaul (interior & exterior)
U-tilities (gas, electrical, & water)
V-entilation (horizontal & vertical)
E-xtrication (all types vehicles)
R-escue (fires, swiftwater, technical etc.)
S-alvage (water removal, contents etc.)

4. OBJECTIVES List and describe the parts of a ladder.
Describe the different types of ladders.
Describe how to clean, inspect, and store ladders.

5. OBJECTIVES Describe the hazards with ladders.
Describe how to deploy a ladder.
Describe how to work on a ladder.
Describe general safety rules for ladders.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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 with use of tarp/salvage cover

9. Ladder Construction
Fire service ladders are similar to other types of ladders.
But are specialized tools, not general purpose ladders
Require heavy-duty construction
Require more frequent and thorough maintenance

10. Basic Ladder Components
Beams
Rail
Truss Block
Rung
Tie Rod

11. Basic Ladder Components
Tip
Butt (heel)
Butt spurs
Butt plate
Roof hooks
Heat sensor label
Protection plates

12. Beams One of two main structural components
Run the length of most ladders
Three types of beam construction:
Trussed beam
I-beam
Solid beam

13. Rail and Truss Block Rail Truss block
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

14. Rung and Tie Rod Rung Tie rod
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

15. Tip, Butt, and Butt Spurs Tip Butt Butt spurs Very top of the ladder
End of the ladder that is placed against the ground
Butt spurs
Metal spikes attached to the butt of a ladder

16. 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

17. Heat Sensor Label and Protection Plates
Identifies when the ladder has been exposed to specific heat conditions
Changes color when exposed to a particular temperature
Protection plates
Reinforcing pieces placed at chaffing and contact points to prevent damage

18. Extension Ladder Components
Bed section
Fly section
Guides
Halyard
Pawls/Dogs
Pulley
Stops
Staypoles

19. Bed Section and Fly 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

20. Guides and Halyard Guides Halyard
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

21. Pawls and Pulley Pawls (Dogs) Pulley
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

22. Stops and Staypoles Stops Staypoles
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

23. Types of Ladders Aerial ladders Portable ladders
Permanently mounted and operated from fire apparatus
Portable ladders
Carried on fire apparatus
Designed to be removed and used in other locations

24. Aerial Ladders Permanently mounted, power-operated ladders
Have at least two sections
Straight chassis: straight-stick aerials
Tractor trailer chassis: tillered aerials or trucks

25. Elevating Platform
Includes passenger-carrying platform attached to tip
Ladder or boom must have at least two sections
Telescoping
Articulating

26. Portable Ladders
Number and lengths of ladders used by a department depend on the maximum height of buildings in the response area.
Generally, portable ladders are limited to a length of 50'.

27. Straight Ladder Single-section, fixed-length ladder
May also be called wall ladders or single ladders
Commonly 12' to 20' long, but can be up to 30' and longer

28. Roof Ladder Straight ladder with roof hooks
Sometimes called a hook ladder
Provides stable footing
Usually 12' to 20' long

29. Extension Ladder Adjustable length Multiple sections
Usually heavier than a straight ladder of the same length

30. Bangor Ladder Extension ladder with staypoles
Staypoles are planted in the ground on either side for additional stability.

31. Combination Ladder
Convertible from a straight ladder to an A-frame, stepladder
Generally 6' to 10' in the A-frame configuration and 10' and 15' in the extension configuration

32. Folding Ladder Also called an attic ladder Narrow, collapsing ladder
Designed to allow access to attic scuttle holes and confined areas

33. Inspection, Maintenance, and Service Testing
NFPA 1931
Standard for Manufacture’s Design of Fire Department Ground Ladders. (establishes requirements for ladder construction)
NFPA 1932
Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders.

34. Inspection Ground ladder visually inspected monthly or after each use
Splintering, cracking, deformity, breaks, gouges, fraying, or other conditions
Components fit snugly and operate smoothly.
Heat sensor label
If deficiencies are revealed, remove ladder from service and repair it.

35. Maintenance
All fire fighters should be able to perform routine maintenance.
Basic maintenance tasks:
Clean and lubricate the dogs and slides.
Replace worn halyards and wire rope.
Clean and lubricate roof hooks.
Maintain finish.
Replace ladder in storage racks.

36. Cleaning
Clean regularly and after each use with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush.
Dry ladder before storing it.

37. Service Testing NFPA 1932 requires periodic testing of ground ladders.
Test new ladders before use and annually thereafter.
Test ladders after any repairs before placing back in service.
Maintain service and testing records for each ladder.

38. Ladder Safety
Several potential hazards are associated with ladder use. (overhead obstructions!)
Use with caution and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.

39. General Safety Requirements
Use full PPE around ladders.
Fire fighters must be able to work with and on ladders while wearing SCBA.

40. Lifting and Moving Ladders
Teamwork is essential when moving ladders.
Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.

41. Placement of Ground Ladders
Survey area before placing
Always check for overhead wires and other obstructions.
Place on stable and level surfaces
Avoid heat and direct flame.

42. Working on a Ladder Check climbing angle before climbing.
Ensure dogs are locked and halyard is tied before climbing.
Secure the base by heeling/footing.

43. Working on a Ladder Do not exceed ladder’s rated weight.
Distribute weight along the length of the ladder.
No more than one fire fighter on each ladder section
Be prepared for falling debris.
Be prepared to climb down quickly if conditions change rapidly.

44. Rescue Operations
Anticipate actions of people you are trying to rescue.
Do not let people jump to the ladder.
Do not let more than one person on each section.
Make verbal contact with victim.
Safeguard victims as they climb down.

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

46. 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.

47. Ladder Selection Select the right ladder for the job.
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.

48. Ladder Selection Roof access
Ladder tip should extend several feet, or five rungs above roofline.

49. Ladder Selection Window access (not rescue)
Ladder tip should be at the side of and even with the top of a window.

50. Ladder Selection Window rescues
Ladder tip should be at the windowsill.

51. 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' of vertical height

52. 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.

53. Lifting Ladders Use sufficient assistance to lift heavy ladders.
Know the lifting commands and procedures.
Bend at the knees and keep your back straight when lifting.

54. Carrying Ladders Basic types:
Single fire fighter carry
Shoulder carry (low and high)
Flat shoulder carry
Carries can be done in combinations of two, three, or four fire fighters.

55. Placing a Ladder Site selection
General area chosen by officer in charge
Specific area chosen by fire fighter
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

56. Placing a Ladder Climbing angle 75 degrees
Ladder is arm’s length away when standing vertically.
Vertical reach 4x distance from base of the structure
Check inclination guide.

57. Raising a Ladder
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.

58. Raising a Ladder Tying the halyard Fly section orientation
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.

59. Securing the Ladder Heeling the ladder
Standing under ladder, pull back into structure.
Place a foot against each beam.

60. Securing the Ladder Tie the ladder off.
Tie the bottom rung to a secure object.
Tie the tip of the ladder to a secure object.

61. 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

62. 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.

63. 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.

64. 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.

65. 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.

66. Summary
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.

67. QUESTIONS?