Fire Service Ladders

Module 1

Types of Ladders

• Aerial ladders – Permanently mounted and operated from fire

apparatus

Portable ladders – Carried on fire apparatus – Designed to be removed and used in other

locations

Aerial Ladders

• Permanently mounted, power-operated ladders

• Working length of at least 50‘

• Have at least two sections

• Often referred to as “straight-stick” aerials

Elevating Platform

• Includes passenger-carrying platform attached to tip

• Ladder or boom must have at least two sections – Telescoping – Articulating

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'.

Types of Ladders

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

Roof Ladder

• Straight ladder with roof hooks

• Sometimes called a hook ladder

• Provides stable footing

• Usually 12' to 18' long

Extension Ladder

• Adjustable length • Multiple sections • Usually heavier than

a straight ladder of the same length

Bangor Ladder

• Extension ladder with staypoles

• Staypoles are planted in the ground on either side for additional stability.

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

Folding Ladder

• Also called an attic ladder

• Narrow, collapsing ladder

• Designed to allow access to attic scuttle holes and confined areas

Pompier Ladder

• Lightweight, single-beam ladder

• Used to climb the outside of a building

• Today, only used when no other option is available

Inspection, Maintenance, and Service Testing

• NFPA 1931 establishes requirements for ladder construction.

• NFPA 1932 provides general use guidance.– Regular inspection, maintenance, and testing

• Ground ladder visually inspected monthly or after each use – Splintering, cracking, deformity, breaks,

gouges, fraying, or other conditions indicating failure

– Components fit snugly and operate smoothly. – Heat sensor label • If deficiencies are revealed, remove ladder

from service and repair it.

Inspection

Maintenance

• All fire fighters should be able to perform routine maintenance. – Only qualified personnel should repair ladders. • Basic maintenance tasks: – Clean and lubricate the dogs and slides. – Replace worn halyards. – Clean and lubricate roof hooks. – Maintain finish. – Replace ladder in storage racks.

Cleaning

• Clean regularly and after each use with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush.

• Dry ladder before storing it

Rescue

• 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.

– Have another fire fighter guide you and the victim.

ASSISTING A VICTIM DOWN A LADDER

• Lower conscious victims to ladder feet first.

• Rest unconscious victims on your supporting knee or support at crotch and chest.

• Turn unconscious victims to face you.

TS 9–24

• Cradle heavy victims in Cradle heavy victims in front of you, victim’s front of you, victim’s legs over your shoulder, legs over your shoulder, victim’s arms draped victim’s arms draped over your arms.over your arms.

• Place two ground Place two ground ladders side by side for ladders side by side for two-firefighter rescue of two-firefighter rescue of extremely heavy victims.extremely heavy victims.

• Cradle small children Cradle small children across your arms.across your arms.

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