CHAPTER

14

14.1Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladders

CHAPTER

14

14.2Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Objectives (1 of 3)

• Name the parts of a ladder.• Describe the many functions for which a

ladder can be used. • Name the different types of mounted

ladder apparatus.• Describe the function of the different types

of ground ladders.• Describe the care of ladders.

CHAPTER

14

14.3Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Objectives (2 of 3)

• Cite maintenance, cleaning, and inspection functions of ladders.

• Exhibit ladder operation safety.• Name different types of ladder uses.• Describe the ladder selection process.• Describe the concepts behind different

ladder-raising techniques.

CHAPTER

14

14.4Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Objectives (3 of 3)

• Cite safety concerns of ladders and their use.

• Demonstrate skills associated with ladders.

• Describe fundamentals of ladder placement.

• Determine how far away from a building a ladder should be placed.

CHAPTER

14

14.5Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Introduction

• Ladders are used for many purposes besides providing access to elevated locations.

• Ladders were originally constructed from wood; now truss type beams are used.– Truss construction allows for stronger and

lighter ladders.

• Continuous advances allow for ladders of various sizes and uses to be developed.

CHAPTER

14

14.6Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Terminology (1 of 2)

CHAPTER

14

14.7Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Terminology (2 of 2)

CHAPTER

14

14.8Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Companies• Apparatus carrying ladders and other devices,

tools, and personnel

• Tower ladders and articulating boom ladders

• Ladder company tasks include:• Forcible entry• Search and rescue• Roof access• Ventilation

CHAPTER

14

14.9Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Aerial Ladder (1 of 2)

• Apparatus-mounted ladder reaching 100’-110’

• Designed so various sections slide out from one another

• Bed attached to a turntable

CHAPTER

14

14.10Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Aerial Ladder (2 of 2)

CHAPTER

14

14.11Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Tower Ladder

• A telescopic boom with mounted basket

• Helpful to remove many victims

• Very versatile piece of equipment

CHAPTER

14

14.12Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Articulating Boom Ladder

• Uses basket with articulating booms

• Capable of placing bucket into hard to reach places

• Also known as snorkel ladder

CHAPTER

14

14.13Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Types of Ground or Portable Ladders

• Straight • Extension • Roof or hook• Folding • A-frame combination• Pompier

CHAPTER

14

14.14Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Straight Ladder

• A fixed length ladder

• Range from 12’ to 20’

• Can usually be carried and raised by one person

• Used for access, ventilation and escapes

CHAPTER

14

14.15Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Extension Ladder

• Two or more ladders operating as a unit.

• May have two or more fly ladders.

• Halyard used for extending ladders.

• Ladders over 40 feet have stay poles.

CHAPTER

14

14.16Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Roof Ladder

• Straight ladder with retractable hooks at tip

• Used when operating on a sloped roof

• Hooks placed over the ridge of roof

CHAPTER

14

14.17Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Folding (Attic) Ladder

• Enables access into narrow and confined spaces

• Length of 8’ to 16’• Collapsible feature• Ideal ladder to reach

sprinkler shutoff

CHAPTER

14

14.18Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

A-Frame Combination Ladder

• Can be used in various configurations.

• Fly ladder can be manually raised.

• Can be used as step ladder.

• Works well in tight places.

CHAPTER

14

14.19Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Pompier Ladder

• No longer an approved ladder

• Was used as hanging ladder to climb up

• Ladder raised manually to window levels

CHAPTER

14

14.20Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Maintenance, Cleaning, and Inspection

• Fire service ladders warrant special attention.• NFPA 1931

– Ladder needing repair must be taken out of service.

– Detailed maintenance records should be kept of required inspections.

CHAPTER

14

14.21Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Cleaning Ladders

• Dirt and grime can negatively affect ladder operation.

• During cleaning, ladders should be inspected closely.

• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on cleaning.

CHAPTER

14

14.22Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Safety (1 of 2)

• Use common sense.• Overloading ladder limits is the most common

cause of ladder-related injuries.• Ladder placement is a critical element.• Ladders should not be in front of lower floor

window or door.• Use of correct ladder is important.

CHAPTER

14

14.23Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Safety (2 of 2)

• Be careful of overhead wires.

• Always keep three limbs in touch with the ladder.

• Always have someone butt the ladder.

• Always use a safety belt or leg lock when working off a ladder.

CHAPTER

14

14.24Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Uses (1 of 2)

• Used primarily for climbing• Can provide a path to heights• Can be used to descend or as a bridge• Commonly used for rescue• Provides stability while working on sloped

roof• Can be used to remove glass

CHAPTER

14

14.25Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Uses (2 of 2)

• Can be used to support weight.• Water can be applied from a ground ladder.• May reach areas where apparatus

mounted appliances may not reach.• Can serve as an exterior work platform.

CHAPTER

14

14.26Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Selection Considerations

• Ground conditions• Height needed• Purpose• Slope of ground• Accessibility of

location

• Available personnel• Overhead

considerations• Raising space

considerations• Stability

CHAPTER

14

14.27Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Raising Skills—Concepts

• Heel of ladder must be a certain distance from the building for stability.

• Safest climbing angle is about 75 degrees.

• Prior to climbing, determine proper distance for ladder from building.

CHAPTER

14

14.28Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Raising Ladders

• Two-person raise

• One-person raise

• Beam raise

• Rung raise

CHAPTER

14

14.29Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Special Uses

• Removal of numerous victims

• Chute with a tarp• Over a fence• Elevated hose

stream• Portable pool

• Barrier• Supporting of falling

sign• Forcible entry• Hoist point• Ventilation fan

supports

CHAPTER

14

14.30Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Multiple Victim Removal

CHAPTER

14

14.31Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Chute with a Tarp

CHAPTER

14

14.32Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Climbing Over a Fence

CHAPTER

14

14.33Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Portable Pool

CHAPTER

14

14.34Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder as a Barrier

CHAPTER

14

14.35Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ventilation Fan Support

CHAPTER

14

14.36Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Safety

• Electrical lines• Climbing path• Overhead obstructions

• Uneven ground• Ladder load• Working off a ladder

CHAPTER

14

14.37Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Miscellaneous Points• Ladder storage

• Apparatus ladder storage

• Ladder apparatus parking

• Ladder painting

• Certification and testing procedures

CHAPTER

14

14.38Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Skills (1 of 3)

• Suitcase carry

• Shoulder carry

• Flat carry

• Single

CHAPTER

14

14.39Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Skills (2 of 3)

• Carrying victims

• Two-person raises– Rung raise– Beam raise

CHAPTER

14

14.40Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Ladder Skills (3 of 3)

• Fly extension raise

• One-person raise

• Leg lock

• Carrying tools

• Mounting/dismounting

• Roof ladder deployment

• Hoisting ladders by rope

CHAPTER

14

14.41Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

Summary

• Ladders have many applications.

• Different types of ladders are designed for specific uses.

• New designs are always being developed.

• Must use common sense.

• Maintenance duties, inspection, and documenting results are important.