ladder practices
DESCRIPTION
Ladder Practices. Intermediate SFFMA Objectives: 3-02.01 – 3-02.03 8hrs received. Ladder Construction Materials. Metal Wood Fiberglass. Metal Advantages/ Disadvantages. Good conductor of heat, cold, electricity Easy to repair Can suddenly fail when exposed to heat, flame - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Ladder PracticesIntermediate
SFFMA Objectives: 3-02.01 – 3-02.038hrs received
Firefighter I
Ladder Construction MaterialsMetalWoodFiberglass
10–2
Firefighter I
Metal Advantages/DisadvantagesGood conductor of heat, cold, electricityEasy to repairCan suddenly fail when exposed to heat,
flameWidest range of sizes
10–3
Firefighter I
Wood Advantages/DisadvantagesHighest cost of all laddersHeaviest per unit of lengthRetains strength when exposed to heat, flameVery durable
10–4
Firefighter I
Fiberglass Advantages/DisadvantagesGenerally poor conductor of electricityCan suddenly crack/fail when overloadedCan burn when exposed to flame
10–5
Firefighter I
Fire Service Ladder RequirementsMust be able to withstand considerable abuseMust conform to NFPA® 1931All ladders meeting NFPA® 1931 require
certification label affixedAll ground ladders should be tested
10–6
Firefighter I
Fire Service Ladder Maintenance and RepairMaintenance — Keeping ladders in state of
usefulness or readinessRepair — To restore or replace that which is
damaged/worn out
10–7
(Continued)
Firefighter I
Fire Service Ladder Maintenance and RepairAll firefighters should be capable of
performing routine maintenance on ground ladders
Any ladders in need of repair require trained ladder repair technician
10–8
Firefighter I
General Maintenance for Ground LaddersKeep free of moistureStore away from vehicle
exhaust or engine heatStore out of the elementsOnly paint top and bottom 18 inches (450
mm) for identification
10–9
Firefighter I
Cleaning LaddersRecommended that
ladders be inspected regularly and cleaned after every use
Soft bristle brush, running water most effective tools
10–10
Firefighter I
Ladder Inspection/Service Testing Requirements
NFPA® 1932 requires ladders to be inspected after each use and on monthly basis
Because they are subjected to harsh conditions, important that they are service tested
10–11
(Continued)
Firefighter I
Ladder Inspection/Service Testing RequirementsNFPA® 1932 serves as guideline for service
testingStandard recommends only specified tests be
conducted by fire department or approved organization
Further recommends caution be used to prevent damage or injury
10–12
Firefighter I
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What are some signs of heat exposure on ladders that do not have a heat label?
10–13
Firefighter I
Items to Check on All Types of LaddersHeat sensor labelsRungs for damage, wearRungs for tightnessBolts, rivets for tightnessWelds for cracks, apparent defectsBeams and rungs for any issues
10–14
Firefighter I
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done to ladders that are subjected to direct flame or high heat?
10–15
Firefighter I
Inspecting Specific Ladder TypesWooden ladders/wooden components
Areas where finish chafed/scrapedDarkening of varnishDark streaks in woodMarred, worn, cracked, splintered partsRounded/smooth shoesWater damage
10–16
(Continued)
Firefighter I
Inspecting Specific Ladder TypesRoof ladders
Make sure roof hook assemblies operate with ease
Assembly should not show rust, hooks should not be deformed, parts should be firmly attached
10–17
(Continued)
Firefighter I
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if any serious problems are found on the ladder?
10–18
Firefighter I
Inspecting Specific Ladder TypesExtension ladders
Pawl assembliesHalyardHalyard cablePulleysLadder guidesStaypole toggles
10–19
(Continued)
Firefighter I
Inspecting Specific Ladder TypesIf any discrepancies found, ladder should be
removed from service until it can be repaired/tested; ladders that cannot be safely repaired must be destroyed or scrapped for parts
10–20
Firefighter I
Ladder Safety FactorsDeveloping/maintaining adequate
upper body strengthWearing full body harness with
belay line when trainingOperating ladders according to
departmental training/procedures
10–21
(Continued)
Firefighter I
Ladder Safety FactorsWearing protective gearChoosing proper ladder for jobUsing leg muscles when lifting ladders below
waistUsing adequate number of firefighters to
carry or raise
10–22
(Continued)
Firefighter I
Ladder Safety FactorsNot raising any ladder within 10 feet (3 m) of
electrical wiresChecking ladder
placement for proper angle
Being sure hooks of pawls seated over rungs
10–23
(Continued)
Firefighter I
Ladder Safety FactorsBeing sure ladder is stable before
climbingBeing careful when moving
sidewaysHeeling or securing at topClimbing smoothly, rhythmicallyNot overloading ladder
10–24
(Continued)
Firefighter I
Ladder Safety FactorsTying in to ground ladders with leg lock or
ladder beltNot relocating positioned ladder unless so
orderedUsing for intended purposes onlyInspecting for damage, wear after use
10–25