report of the committee on dennis n. gage, iso commercial risk … · 2016-04-07 · report of the...

Report of the Committee on

Fire Department Ground Ladders

Jeffrey Bowman, Chair Anaheim Fire Dept.

Brian D. Berchtold, Middlebush Vol Fire Dept., NJ David R. Bouchard, Fire Consulting Associates Inc, RI Samuel C. Cramer, Aluminum Ladder Co., SC Dennis N. Gage, ISO Commercial Risk Services, Inc., NJ Kurt Kenworth, Alaco Ladder Co., CA Gary Meier, City of West Covina Fire Dept., CA .4. K. Rosenhan, Mississippi State University, MS BradleyJ. Schmidt, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL Philip Schwab, Duo-Safety Ladder Corp., WI

Alternate

Boyd F. Cole, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL (Air. to B.J. Schmidt)

Staff Liaison: Carl E. Peterson

This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred~

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the design, inspection, testing, and use of ground ladders for the fire service.

The Report of the Committee on FLee Department Ground Ladders is presented for adoption in 2 parts.

Part I of this Report was prepared by the Technical Committee on Fn.e Department Ground Ladders and proposes for adoption amendments to NFPA 1931-1989, Standard on Design o f and Design Verification Tests for Fire Department Ground Ladder~ NFPA 1931-1989 is published in Volume 8 of the 1993 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form.

Part I of this Report has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders which consists of 10 voting members; of whom all 10 voted affirmatively.

Part II of this Report was prepared by the Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders and proposes for adoption amendments to NFPA 1932-1989, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Tesdng of Fire Department Ground Ladders. NFPA 1932-1989 is published in Volume 8 of the 1993 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form.

Part II of this Report has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Committee on Ftre Department Ground Ladders which consists of 10 voting members; of whom all 10 voted affirmatively.

225

N F P A 1931 - - A 9 4 T C R

PART I

(Log #2) 1931- 1 - (1-2): Reject SUBMITTEI*a Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

1-2 Purpose. 1-2.1 The purpose of this standard is to provide reasonable safety

for life, limb, and property and to provide the manufacturer of fire department ground ladders with performance and dimensional requirements against which the product shall be checked. It is not the purpose of this standard to specify the details of construction.

1-2.2 Fire department ground ladders constructed to, and certified as meeting the requirements of this standard and inspected and tested in accordance with the requirements of this standard will provide reasonable safety for fire fighters and victims during use, provided that the requirements of NFPA 1932, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of Fire Department Ground Ladders, are complied with by the fire depm~ments who use the ladders. SUBSTANTIATION: The objectives of this proposal are to simplify, shorten, and clarify, the statement and to remove redundancies. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The committee feels the existing wording meets its intent with two exceptions which are outlined in proposal 1931-2 (Log #CP1).

(Log #CP1) 1931- 2 - (1-2.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Revise rite first sentence to read:

"This standard shall provide the manufacturer of fire department ground ladders with a set of performance a,,d dL,,c,~i,,,~hl requirements against which the product shall be c e d e d ~ ." SUBSTANTIATION: The committee recommends removing the words "and dimensions" as the intent of the document is to provide performance requirements as much as possible. Where dimensions are required, they are for safety only. The committee also recommends changing the word "checked" to "certified" as there is a requirement that ladders be certified later in the document. COMMIT'FEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #4) 1931- 3 - (1-3): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text:

1-4 Definitions and Nomenclature. Atigle of Inclination. No change suggested. Approved. No change suggested. Change to read: Attic Extension Ladder. A two section extension ladder with fixed

rung latch hoods and no halyard, size 16 or less, specifically desi~gned to be used to gain entry through a scutde, hatch, or other similar restricted opening. Authority Having Jurisdiction. No change suggested. Change to read: Base (Bed) Section. The lowest or widest section of an extension

ladder. Beam (Side Rail). No change suggested. Change to read: Bedded Position. The position in which the fly section of an

extension ladder is fully retracted. Change to read: Butt End. The lowest end o f t ladder or ladder beam when the

ladder is in the raised position. Change to read: Butt Spurs (Feet). Ladder shoes or other devices in contact with

the lower support surface to reduce slippage. Collapsible Ladder. No change suggested. Clmnge to read: Combination Ladder. A ground ladder capable of being used

either as a stepladder or a single or extension ladder. Change to read: Design Verification Tests. Tests of a ladder structure and compo-

nents thereof to prove conformance to the requirements of this standard. Design Verification Tests are the responsibility of the manufacturer and are to be performed only on new, unused ladders, which shall he destroyed after completion of the tests. These tests are NOT to be performed on in-service [adders.

Change to read: Designated Design Strength. Duty rating times a safety factor of 4.

The strength needed to pass all test requirements of this standard. Designated Length. No change suggested. Dogs. No change suggested. Add: Duty Rating. The recommended in-service working load. Extension Ladder. No change suggested. Change to read: Fire Department Ground Ladder. Any portable ladder specifically

designed for fire department use in rescue, fire fighting operations, or gaining and not permanendy attached to fire apparatus.

Change to read: FiySection(s). The upper section(s) of an extension ladder. Change to read: Folding Ladder. A single section ladder with rungs that can be

folded or moved to allow the beams to be brought into a position touching or nearly touching each other.

Change to read: Ground Ladder. See Fire Department Ground Ladder. (optional

suggestion: consider dropping this item entirely.) Change to read: Halyard, Wood Ladders. A rope on an extension ladder used to

raise the fly section. Change to read: Halyard, Metal or Fiberglass Ladders. Rope(s) or wire cable(s) on

an extension ladder used to raise the fly section(s). The wire cable(s) may be called halyard(s) when used on the uppermost fly section(s) of three or four section extension ladders. Add: In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladder. An~) ground ladder

that meets the requirements of this standard and is currently in use or available for use by a fire department.

Inside Ladder Width. No change suggested. Change to read: Ladder. A device consisting of two beams joined at regular

intervals by cross pieces called rungs or steps on which a user is . supported while climbing.

Change to read: Ladder Nesting. Theplacement of different width ladders partially

within each other to reduce the amount of storage space required. Maximum Extended Length. No change suggested. Change to read: May. The term used to state a permissive use, or an alternative

method to a specified requirement. Add: Mineral Streaks. Deviations in the color of wood used for rungs. Change to read: Outside Ladder Width. The distance from the outside edge of one

beam to the outside edge of the opposite beam, or the widest point of the ladder including staypoles when provided, whichever is greater.

Change to read: Pawls. Tile devices which anchor the fly section(s) in place when

extension ladders are used in an extended position. Pawls engage ladder rungs near the beams and, in the case of wood ladders, sh-all engage two rungs simultaneously.

Change to read: Permanent Deformation (Set). The permanent movement or

distortion remaining in any metal part after all test or other loads have been removed.

Change to read: Pitch. Same as Angle of Inclination. (Consider omitting this item

entirely, as redundant.) Pompier Ladder (Scaling Ladder). No change suggested. Add: Portable Ladder. A climbing device consisting of rungs or steps

and beams which is carried and raised by fire fighters and is not permanendy attached to fire apparatus.

Change to read: Roof Ladder. A single section ladder with flat sided beams

equipped with hooks at the top end. Scaling Ladder. No change suggested. Add: Service Tests. Tests performed on an as-needed basis to verify

suitability for continued service; performed on in-service ground ladders by fire departments.

Set. No change suggested. (Consider deleting this item as redundant.) Shall. No change suggested. Change to read: Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised, but

not required. Side Rail. No change suggested.

226

N F P A 1931 - - A 9 4 T C R

Change to read: Single Section Ladder. A non-self-supporting ground ladder, non-

adjustable in length, consisting of only one piece. Staypoles (Tormentors). No change suggested. Treated. No change suggested.

I Change to read: Test Failure. Non-compliance with the test requirements as

specified in this standard. Change to read: Tip. The end of the ladder opposite the butt end. Tormentors or Tormentor Poles. No change suggested. Ultimate Failure. No change suggested. Change to read: Visible Damage. A permanent change in condition that is dearly

evident by visual inspection without recourse to optical measuring or observing devices.

Change to read: Visual Inspection. Observation by eye unaided by optical devices,

except prescription eyeglasses or lenses. Add: Wall Ladder. See Single Section Ladder. Add: Wood Characteristics. Distinguishing features, the extent and

number of which determine the quality of a piece of wood. Add: Wood Irregularities. Natural characteristics in or on the wood that

may lower its durability, strength, or utility. (1) Bar Pocket. An opening between annual g~owth rings that

contains bark. Bark pockets appear as dark strekks on radial surfaces and as rounded areas on tangential surfaces.

(2) Check. A separation of the wood along the fiber direction that usually extends across the rings of annual growth, commonly resulting from stresses set up in the wood during seasoning.

(3) Compression Failure. -A deformation (buckling) of the fibers due to excessive compression along the grain. This deformation mayappear as a wrinkle across the surface. In some cases, compression failures may be present but not visible as wrinkles; in such cases they often are indicated by "fiber breakage" on end grain surfaces.

(4) Compression Wood. An aberrant (abnormal) and highly variable type of wood structure occurring in softwood species.

(5) Cross Grain (Slope of Grain). A deviation of the fiber direction from a line parallel to the sides of the piece. Cross grain may be diagonal or spiral, or both.

(6) Decay. The disintegration of wood due to the action of wood- destroying fungi; also known as dote and rot.

(7) Knot. A portion of a branch or limb, embedded in the tree and cut through in the process of lumber manufacture. Iris classified according to size, quality, occurrence, and location in the cross section of a piece. The size of the knot is determined by its average diameter on the surface of thepiece.

(8) Low-densityWood. Woodtha t is exceptionally light in weight and usually deficient in strength properties for the species. In softwood species, low density frequently is indicatedby exceptionally wide, or sometimes by extremely narrow, rings, and generally has a low proportion oflatewood. On the other hand, low-density hardwood, at least in ring-porous species, is most commonly indicated by excessively narrow annual rings in which the earlywood portion predominates.

(9) Pitch Pocket. An opening extending parallel to the annual growth rings that contains, or that has contained, either solid or liquid pitch.

(10) Shake. A separation along the grain, occurring most often between the rings of annual growth.

(11) Split. Aseparation of the wood parallel to the fiber direction due to tearing apart of the wood fibers, normally caused by external forces.

(12) Wane. Bark, or lack of wood, on the corner of a piece. Working Length. No change suggested.

SUBSTANTIATION: The objectives of this proposal are to simplify and /o r shorten definitions where possible, and to clarify where necessary. Also, nomenclature anddefinit ions endemic to wood, only, are added. Inasmuch as wood is a natural material and is not as uniform as metal, and, to a lesser extent, fiberglass, and since wood is available in an almost unlimited variety of types and performance characteristics, it is argues that definitions of terms that eliminate unsuitable wood from consideration for fire ladders are extremely important. A large body of knowledge about woods exists in the Wood

Handbook, a U.S. Government publication used by designers of wood products, and the restrictive definitions recommended here are drawn from that manual and from ANSI A 14.1, the ANSI Standard for wood ladders.

It is expected that definitions of wood irregularities would be of significant assistance to any manufacturers or potential manufacturers of wood ground ladders when designing n~w products or models.

COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Prindple in Part. Reject changing the definition of "Attic extension ladder." Accept changes to the definition of"Base (bed) section." Change the definition of "Bedded position" to read: "The position

in which the fly section(s) of an extension ladder is fully retracted with the pawls engaged.

Reject changing the definition of "Butt end." Reject changing the definition of "Butt spurs (feet)." Reject changing the definition of "Combination ladder." Change the definition of "Design verification tests" to read: "Tests of a ladder structure andcomponents thereof to prove

conformance to the requirements of this standard. Design verification tests are the responsibility of the manufacturer and are to be performed only on new, unused ladders, which shall be destroyed after completion of the tests. These tests shall not be performed by fire departments."

Reject changing the definition of ~Designated design strength." Add the proposed definit ionof"Duty rating." Accept changes to the definition of "Fire department ground

ladder." Accept changes to the definition of "Fly section(s)." Accept changes to the definition of "Folding ladder." Delete the definition of "Ground ladder." Reject splitting the definition of"Halyard" into 2 definitions. Reject adding a definition of"In-service fire department ground

ladder." Reject changing the definition of "Ladder." Reject changing the definition of "Ladder Nesting." Delete the word "May." Reject adding a definition of "Mineral streaks." Delete the definition of "Outside ladder width." Reject changing the definition of "Pawls." Reject changing the definition of "Permanent deformation (Set)." Delete the definition of "Pitch." Reject adding a definition of"Portable ladder." Reject changing the definition of "Roof ladder." Reject adding a definition of"Service tests." Reject changing the definition of" Should." Reject changing the term "Single ladder to "Single section ladder." Accept the revised definition of "Test failure." Accept the revised definition of 'q'ip." Accept the revised definition of "Visible damage." Accept the revised definition of "Visual inspection." Reject adding a definition of Wal l ladder." Reject adding a definition of "Wood characteristics." Accept in Part the definition for "Wood irregularities." Do not add the definitions of "Compression failure", "Compres-

sion wood', "Decay", "Low-density wood", "Shake", or "Wane." Add: Wood Irregularities. Natural characteristics in or on the wood that

may lower its durability, strength, or utility. These include: Bar Pocket. An opening between annual growth rings that contains

bark. Bark pockets appear as dark streaks on radial surfaces and as rounded areas on tangential surfaces. Check. A separation of the wood along the fiber direction that

usually extends across the rings of annual growth, commonly resulting from stresses set up in the wood during seasoning. Slope of Grain A deviation of the fiber direction from a line

parallel to the sides of the piece. Cross grain may be diagonal, spiral, or both. Knot. A portion of a branch or limb, embedded in the tree and cut

through in the process of lumber manufacture. It is classified according to size, quality, occurrence, and location in the cross section of a p iece .The size of the knot is determined by its average diameter on the surface of the piece. Pitch Pocket. An opening extending parallel to the annual growth

rings that contains, or that has contm'ned, either solid or liquid pitch. Split. A separation of the wood parallel to the fiber direction due to

tearing apart of the wood fibers, normally caused by external forces. COMMI'ITEE STATEMENT: The proposed changes to the definition of "Attic extension ladder" are design restrictive.

The . . . . committee's revisions to the pro)p(osed change, to. "Bedded position" are for clarification as to under what condttions the ladder is considered bedded.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of"Butt end" because it believes the existing definition is clearer.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Butt spurs (Feet)" because it believes the existing definition is clearer. The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Combina-

tion ladder" because the current definition defines a ladder that can serve both as a step ladder and a single or extension ladder.

The, committee's. . revision, to,. the proposed chan. ge of the definition of Design verificatton tests is to add emphasts that these are not tests run by fire departments.

227

N F P A 1 9 3 1 - - A 9 4 T C R

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Designated design strength" because the definition should not define the safety factors.

The committee is rejecting splitting the definition of halyard into 2 definitions as it is not the intent of the committee to differentiate between wood and other materials of ladder construction as it aPI~fies to halyards.

e committee is rejecting adding a definition of"In-service fire department ground ladder" as the term is not used in the document.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Ladder" because it believes the existingdefinition is dearer.

The committee is rejecting chan~,ing the definition of"Ladder nesting" because it believes the extsting defmhion is clearer.

The committee is deleting the term "May ~ as the term is being editorially changed to "shall bepermi t t ed" in the standard.

The committee is rejecting adding a definition of"Mineral streaks" because the term is not used in the document.

The committee is deleting the definition of "Outside ladder width" as it is not used in the document.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Pawls" because the proposed definition is design restrictive.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of"Permanent deformation (Set)" bemuse the existing definition better describes the committee's intent of the use of the term.

The committee is not adding a definition of"Portable ladder" as it feels the terms is self explanaiory.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Roof ladder" as the existing definition is consistent with the other terms used in the document.

The committee is rejecting adding a definition of"Service tests" as the term is not used in the document. The committee is not changing the definition of"Should" as that is

a standard NFPA definition. The committee is not changing the term "Single section ladder" as

it wishes to use the term "single/adder." The committee is rejecting adding a definition of "Wall ladder" as it

is not used in the document. The committee is rejecting adding a definition of "Wood character-

istics" because the term is not used in the document. The committee is addinga modified definition of ~¢¢ood irregulari-

ties" for consistency with how the term will be used in the document.

(Log #CP2) 1931- 4- (1-3): Accept SUBMITrER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Add 3 definitions as follows:

Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an organization acceptable to the "authority having jurisdiction" and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of produc- tion of labeled equipment or materials and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.

Certified. A system whereby a certification organization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce a product that complies with the requirements of this standard, authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on products that comply with the requirements of this standard, and establishes a follow-up program conducted by the certification organization as a check on the methods the manufacturer uses to determine compliance with the requirements of this standard.

Certification Organization. An independent, third party organization that determines product compliance with the requirements of this standard with a labeling and follow-upprogram. - SUBSTANTIATION: The committee is adding a requirement that

ound ladders be certified and labeled (see proposal 1931-37), ) and therefore, these definitions are needed. E ACTION: Accept.

(Log #S) 1931- 5 - (1-3 (New)): Reject SUBMITrER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add new text to read as follows:

1-3 General Requirements. 1-3.1 Application. This standard is intended for voluntary use by

manufacturers. It also is designed to serve as a guide to federal and state authorities or other regulatory bodies in the formulation of laws or regulations.

The methods employed to ensure compliance with this standard shall be determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

228

1-3.2 Interpretation. This standard should be liberally construed. In cases of practical difficulty or under special-service conditions, it is expected that the authority having jurisdiction will grant exceptions to the literal requirements of this standard or will permit the use of alternative designs or features, but only if equivalent safety is thereby secured.

1-S.S Mandatory and Advisory Provisions. The word "shall" is to be understood as denoting a mandatory requirement. The words "should" or "may" are to be understood as denoting a recommendation.

1-3.4 Equivalent. The word ~equivalent" in this standard means a construction, connection, or material providing equal performance. SUI~TANTIATION: The objectives of this proposal are to broaden the standard and encourage innovation in the use of new materials. It also is intended to allow flexibility in design, as, for example, deviations from some dimensions to allow bedding on existing apparatus, or special design features to accommodate special access conditions. It also is intended to darify and give emphasis to understanding the differences between mandatory and recommended requirements, and to emphasize the need for equal performance when designing new products.

Manufacturers need this broadening and authority to deviate from the standard to respond to customers' special requirements. Most manufacturers do this now. The standard should reflect that.

Finally, the standard should encourage product design innovation and it should not restrict such innovation. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed wording tends to be confusing and in conflict with the scope statement and does not appear to add to the intent of the standard.

(Log #5) 1931- 6 - (Chapter 2A (New)): Reject S I Y B ~ R : Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add entirely a new Chapter 2A Materials as follows:

Chapter 2A Materials For Wood Ground Ladders. 2A-1 Requirements forWood Parts. 2A-l.1 Requirements Applicable to All Wood Parts. 2A-l.l.1 General Requirements. All wood parts of the species

specified in Table 1 shall be seasoned at the time of manufacture to a moisture content of not more than 15 percent; smoothly machined and dressed on all sides; free from sharp edges and splinters; and sound and free by accepted procedures ofvfsual inslJection from shake, wane, compressibn failures, decay, or other iffegularities except as hereinafter provided. Lo~v-density wood shaft not be used.

2A-L1.2 Compression Wood. Compression wood is found mostly in softwoods that commonly have a density somewhat higher than that of normal wood but have somewhat lower stiffness and tensile strength for their weight. Compression wood has high longitudinal shrinkage that frequently causes warping of long, slender structural members such as ladder rails. This variant type of wood structure, when of a damaging nature, can be readily identified, by competent and conscientious visual examination, by its relatively wide annual rings and large proportion of latewood, which is yellow in color and commonly has a dull lifeless appearance. Moreover, the yellow latewood merges with earlywood of the same annual rings rather than being more sharply delineated as in many softwood species. The extent of compression wood's effects on strength and warping varies with the proportion of compression wood in a cross section. For example, vase streaks of readily identifiable compression wood comprising the larger part of the annual rings in a p, ece of lumber are associated with more seriously adverse properties than narrow streaks involving only a few annual rings, particularly when the latewood comprises one third or less of the ring widths in narrow streaks.

2A-1.1.S Cross Grain. Cross grain is limited in terms of its slope, which is defined as the distance along the sides of the piece in ivhich a deviation of the grain of 1 in. occurs. For example, ~ross grain with a slope of 1 in 15 means that in a distance o f 15 in., the ~ n deviates 1 in. from the edge of the piece. The slope of gmi'n shall be measured over a distance/.hat will ensure that the determination of the general slope of the grain is not influenced by short local deviations.

Local deviations of the graln from the general slope in the piece are usually associated with a knot or other irregularity that may or may not be present in the piece. In addition to the limits on general slope of grmn, .it is also desirable, in. pieces of small cross section such as occurs m ladder parts, to hrmt the occurrence of local deviations, except for those which are associated with otherwise permitted irregularities appearing in the piece.

2A-1.1.4 Limlt~ ed Irregul~.rities. "Black str" eaks in western hemlock shall not be considered-an irregularity. However, chambers associated with black streaks, when present in the part, shall be limited as specified for pitch and bark pockets.

NFPA 1931 - - A94 TCR

Table 1 Classification of Various Species of Wood Acceptable for Use in Ladders (Note 1)

Species

Density (lb/ft 3J. Near

Average* Minimum Species Group A (Note 2)

Near Average Minimum

Ash, green 41 33 Ash, white 42 34 Beech, American 44 36 Birch, sweet 47 37 Birch, yellow 43 35 Elm, rockt 45 37 Hickory, bitternut 49 39 Hickory, mockernut 50 40 Hickory, nutmeg 44 35 Hickory, pignut 53 43 Hickory, shagbark 50 40 Hickory, shellbark 49 40 Hickory, water 49 40 Honeylocustt 47 37 Locust, blackt 50 40 Hard maple group

Maple, black 40 32 Maple, sugar 44 36

Maple, red 38 30 Red oak group

Oak, black 44 35 Oak, cherrybark 47 37 Oak, northern red 44 35 Oak, pin 45 37 Oak, scarlet 48 38 Oak, willow 43 35

White oak group Oak, chestnut 45 37 Oak, livet 64 51 Oak, post 47 37 Oak, swamp chestnut 47 37 Oak, swamp white 50 40 Oak, white 47 37

Pecan 48 38 Tanoakt,+ + 45 37

Group B (Note 3)

Douglas fir§ Coast 34 26 Interior north 34 28 Interior south 33 26 Interior west 35 27

Larch, western 37 30

Pine, southern Pine, loblolly Pine, longleaf Pine, shorfleaf Pine, slash

36 42 35 42

30 34 29 34

Group C (Note 4)

Softwoods: Cedar, Port Orford 30 24 Hemlock, western 32 24 Tamarack 38 31

Hardwoods: Cucumbertree Elm, slippery Oak, laurel Oak, overcup Sweetgum

34 38 44 44 35

27 31 35 35 29

Group D (Note 5)

Softwoods: Baldcypress 33 26 Cedar, Alaska 32 26 Fir, California red 27 21 Fir, grand 26 20 Fir, noble 28 22 Fir, Pacific silver 30 22 Fir, white 28 22 Pine, red (Norway) 32 26 Pine, southern (minor species)

Pine, pitch 36 30 Pine, ponds 39 31 Pine, sands 35 29 Pine, Virginia 35 29

Redwood (old-growth)** 30 25 Spruce, red 29 24 Spruce, Sitka 29 24 Spruce, white 29 24

Hardwoods: Elm, American Hackberry Magnolia, southern Maple, bigleaf

(Oregon)t Oak, southern red

35 38 35

34 41

29 31 29

27 33

229

NFPA 1931 - - A94 TCR

Species

T a b l e 1 ( C o n t ' d ) Classification of Various Species o f Wood Acceptable for Use in Ladders (Note 1)

Densi ty ( l b / f t 3--.~ Densi tv ( l b / f t ~ Z N ear N ea r

Average* M i n i m u m Species Average M i n i m u m

Group E (Note 6)

Softwoods: Hardwoods: Cedar , i ncense 26 22 Alder , r e d 29 24 H e m l o c k , ea s t e rn 30 25 Aspen , b i g t o o t h 27 22 Pine , ea s t e rn white 26 22 Oak, b u r 47 37 Pine , l o d g e p o l e 30 25 Popla r , yellow 30 24 Pine , p o n d e r o s a 30 25 Sycamore , A m e r i c a n 35 29 Pine, wes tern white 28 23 T u p e l o , b lack 36 30 Spruce , E n g e l m a n n 25 20 T u p e l o , water 35 29

*The f o r m u l a in 6.1.3 i nc ludes the weight o f the l a d d e r involved in the ca lcu la t ion . F o r c o n v e n i e n c e in e s t ima t ing l a d d e r weights, the average dens i t i es o f the spec ies l is ted in dais tab le a re given for a m o i s t u r e c o n t e n t of 15 p e r c e n t . Involved also in the weight o f an e x t e n s i o n l a d d e r a r e cer ta in i t ems o f h a r d w a r e such as locks, g u i d e i rons, a n d the bol ts a n d rivets a t t a c h i n g these to the l adde r . O t h e r i t ems o f h a r d w a r e tha t a r e a t t a c h e d at the ends o f the l adder , such as safety feet a n d hooks , d o n o t c o n t r i b u t e to the b e n d i n g o f the l adder ; t he i r weight , t he re fo re , n e e d no t be i nc luded . T h e prac t ice a m o n g d i f f e ren t m a n u f a c t u r e r s with r e spe c t to h a r d w a r e varies cons iderab ly ; no s ingle value o f h a r d w a r e weight , t he re fo re , can be given. F o r p u r p o s e s o f ca lcu la t ion , a weight in the r a n g e o f 4 to 8 lb, with an average o f a b o u t 6 lb, may be used. W h e r e it is k n o w n tha t specif ic i t ems o f h a r d w a r e a r e to be used, so tha t t he i r weights may be m e a s u r e d o r e s t ima ted , the weights so d e t e r m i n e d s h o u l d be used.

tA l lowab le stresses for this spec ies c a n n o t be ca lcu la t ed f rom da t a in A m e r i c a n Na t iona l S t a n d a r d M e t h o d s for Es tab l i sh ing C lea r -Wood S t r e n g t h Values, A N S I / A S T M D2555-88. A d e q u a t e s t r e n g t h da ta a r e avai lable , however , a n d the spec ies is a c c o r d i n g l y i n c l u d e d in this g r o u p i n g .

++Not l isted in A m e r i c a n Na t iona l S t a n d a r d N o m e n c l a t u r e o f Domes t i c H a r d w o o d s a n d Softwoods, A N S I / A S T M D 1165-80.

§This spec ies is now g r a d e d for s t ruc tu ra l p u r p o s e s based on o n e o f the fou r g rowth rungs f rom which i t o r ig ina ted . T h e r e g i o n a l d e s c r i p t i o n is given on pages 54-55 o f the U.S. Fores t Service Resea rch p a p e r FPL 27, "Wes te rn W o o d Densi ty Survey R e p o r t No. 1," ava i lab le f rom U.S. D e p a r t m e n t o f Agr icu l tu re , Fores t P roduc t s Labora to ry , P.O. Box 5130, Mad i son , Wis. 53705.

**Values for o ld-growth r e d w o o d a re s ign i f i candy h i g h e r than for s econd -g rowth r e d w o o d . See A N S I / A S T M D2555-88.

NOTES: (1) Species a re l i s ted a lphabe t i ca l ly wi th in each g r o u p . T h e pos i t i on o f any spec ies within a g r o u p bea r s to r e l a t ion

to its s t r eng th o r acceptab i l i ty . W i t h few excep t ions , the spec ies n a m e s c o n f o r m with the official c o m m o n t ree n a m e s a,s l is ted in A m e r i c a n Na t iona l S t a n d a r d N o m e n c l a t u r e o f Domes t i c H a r d w o o d s a n d Softwoods, A N S I / A S T M D 1165 80. Species n a m e s a r e s o m e t i m e s p r e c e d e d by the c o m m e r c i a l n a m e for l u m b e r when the c o m m e r c i a l n a m e is s ignif icant ly d i f f e r en t o r r e p r e s e n t s a c o m m e r c i a l spec ies g r o u p . Botan ica l n a m e s for each spec ies a re l isted in A N S I / A S T M D 1165-80.

T h e f iber stress in b e n d i n g o f each spec ies in each g r o u p is equa l to o r g r e a t e r t han the f iber stress for the g r o u p . Values were ca lcu la t ed b a s e d on da t a a n d p r o c e d u r e s p r e s e n t e d in A m e r i c a n Na t iona l S t a n d a r d M e t h o d s for Es tab l i sh ing C lea r -Wood S t r e n g t h Values, A N S I / A S T M D2555-88. N e a r - m i n i m u m s t r e n g t h values for each spec ies at the 5 p e r c e n t exc lus ion l imi t were ca l cu l a t ed for wood at a m o i s t u r e c o n t e n t o f 15 p e r c e n t a n d d iv ided by 4.1 a n d 4.5 for sof twoods a n d ha rdwoods , respect ively, to ar r ive at the a l lowable f iber stress. Average a n d n e a r - m i n i m u m dens i ty values a re for wood at 15 p e r c e n t m o i s t u r e con ten t .

(2) G r o u p A woods a r e used p r inc ipa l ly for rungs . E x p e r i e n c e has shown tha t these spec ies a re sat isfactory when o f the r e q u i r e d size a n d quali ty. No a l lowable stress is ass igned for rungs .

T h e f iber stress in b e n d i n g for the spec ies l i s ted h e r e w h e n used for s ide rai ls shal l n o t e x c e e d 2000 lb p e r sq in. T h e s e spec ies may be subs t i tu t ed for g r o u p B woods.

(3) T h e f iber stress in b e n d i n g for the spec ies l is ted h e r e w h e n used for s ide rails shal l n o t e x c e e d 2000 lb p e r sq in. (4) T h e f iber stress in b e n d i n g fo r the spec ies l i s ted h e r e when used for s ide rails shall n o t e x c e e d 1875 lb p e r sq in. (5) T h e f iber stress in b e n d i n g for the spec ies l i s ted h e r e when used for s ide rails shall n o t e x c e e d 1600 lb p e r sq in. (6) T h e f iber stress in b e n d i n g for the spec ies l i s ted h e r e when used for s ide rai ls shal l n o t e x c e e d 1375 lb p e r sq in. These spec ies may be subs t i tu ted for G r o u p D woods o n the fo l lowing basis: T h e d i m e n s i o n s shal l be at least 5

p e r c e n t g r e a t e r for each cross-sect ion d i m e n s i o n , o r t h e th ickness may r e m a i n u n c h a n g e d , in which case the width shall be at least 7 -1 /2 p e r c e n t g r e a t e r i f used edgewise (as ha a rail) o r 15 p e r c e n t g r e a t e r i f used flatwise (as in a t read . )

230

N F P A 1931 ~ A 9 4 T C R

SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that, at this time, there is no section in the standard that describes the requirements for wood parts usable generally in all wood ground ladders. Became wood is a natural product, available in many varieties and species, most of which are not suitable, structurally, for ladders, it is important to delineate, what is acceptable, and. unacceptable irregularities. It is intended to serve as a gmdehne to all wood parts.

It is expected that this will serve as a general guideline for manufacturers or potential manufacturers of wood ground ladders when designing new products or models. A large body of knowledge about woods exists in the Wood

Handbook, a U.S. Government publication used by designers of wood products, and the restrictive definitions recommended here are drawn from that manual and from ANSI A 14.1, the ANSI Standard for wood ladders. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The committee feels the proposal is far too specific in developing design requirements rather than performance requirements.

(Log #fi) 1931- 7 - (Chapter 2A (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add entirely a new Chapter 2A Materials as follows:

Chapter 2A Materials For Wood Ground Ladders. 2A-1 Requirements for Wood Parts. 2A-1.2 Permissible Irregularities in Side Rails and Back Legs. 2A-1.2.1 Cross Grain. The general slope of the grain in side rails

and back legs shall not be steeper than 1 in 15. Local areas of grain deviation shall not be permitted.

2A-1.2.2 Knots. Knots shall not appear in a beam, side rail, or back leg.

2A-1.2.3 Pitch and Bark Pockets. Pitch and bark pockets in beams, side rails and back legs shall be

permitted provided that there is not more than one that is 1/32 in. (1 ram) in width, 2 in. (51 ram) in length, and 1/8 in. (3 ram) in depth, or the equivalent of smaller pockets, on the basis of exposed area and depth, per each 3 ft (913 ram) of length.

2A-1.2.4 Checks. Checks that are not more than 2 in. (51 nun) in length or 1/8 in. (3 mm) in depth shall be permitted in beams, side rails and back legs.

2A-1.2.5 Splits. Splits that are not more than 2 in. (51 ram) in length or 1/8 in. (3ram) in depth shall be permitted in beams, side rails and back legs.

2A-1.2.6 Compression Wood. Occurrences of compression wood, in relatively small amounts and ~)ositively identified by competent and conscientious visual inspecnon of beams, side rails and back legs, shall be permitted provided that no single streak exceeds 1/2 in. (13 ram) in width and that the aggregate of streaks does not exceed in width one-fourth of the wide face of the side rail. No streak of compression wood shall be allowed on the narrow face of the rail. Borderline forms of compression wood not positively identified by competent and conscientious visual inspection shall not be permitted. Those parts containing bow or crook that would interfere with the operation of the ladder shall not be used. No streaks of compression wood shall be within 1/2 in (l 3 ram) of the edge of the rail. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that, at this time, there is no section in the standard that describes the requirements for wood parts usable in side rails and back legs. Because wood is a natural product, available in many varieties and species, most of which are not suitable, structurally, for ladders, it is important to delineate what is acceptable. This section describes the generally acceptable species for side rails and back legs and the acceptable and unacceptable irregularities.

It is expected that this will serve as a guidelines for selecting wood material for side rails and back legs by manufacturers or potential manufacturers of wood ground ladders when designing new PAroducts or models.

large body of knowledge about woods exists in the Wood Handbook, a U.S. Government publication used by designers of wood products, and the restrictive definitions recommended here are drawn from that manual and from ANSI A 14.1, the ANSI standard for wood ladders. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee is adding some requirements for wood as part of a revision of section 2-1.2 (see proposal 1931-15) (Log # CP3) and does not feel it appropriate to add separate chapters for wood ground ladders.

231

(Log #7) 1931- 8-~Chapter 2A (New)): Reject SUBMITTER/Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add entirely a new Chapter 2A Materials as follows:

Chapter 2A Materials For Wood Ground Ladders. 2A-1 Requirements for Wood Parts. 2A-1.3 Permissible Irregularities in Flat Steps, Rungs, and Other

Ladder Parts. 2A-1.3.1 Cross Grain in Parts Other Than Rung~ The general slope of

grain shall not be steeper than 1 in 15. The slope of the gr-ain in areas of local deviation shall be limited as is the general slope of the ~gTain. For all ladders, cross grain not steeper than 1 in 12 maybe permitt&t in lieu ofl in 15 providecIthe size of the part is increased to afford at least 15 percent greater calculated strength than in ladders built to minimum dimension~ Local deviations of gr'Mn associated with otherwise permissible irregularities shah be permitted.

2A-1.3.2 Cross Grain in Run~gs. The general slope of the grain and the slope in areas of local deviation shall not be steeper than 1 in 15. For aUladders, cross grain not steeper than 1 in 12 may be permitted in lieu of 1 in 15 provided the stze of the part is increased to afford at least 15 percent greater calculated strength than in ladders built to minimum dimensions. Local deviations of grain associated with otherwise permissible irregularities shall be permitted.

2A-1.3.3 Knots in Rungs. Permissible knots shall be sound and tight. Knots over 1/8 in. (3 mm) in diameter shall not appear in rungs. Knots shall not appear in the narrow faces of flat steps. Knots appearing in the wide faces of flat steps shall not exceed 1/4 in. (6 ram) in diameter. Knots in other ladder parts shall comply with the requirements of 2A.-1.2.2.

2A-1.3.5 Checks in Rungs. Seasoning checks shall be permitted at the time of manufacture provided that the checks are not more than 2 in. (51 ram) in length or 1/2 in. (13 mm) in depth.

2A-1.3.6 Splits in Rungs. Splits shall be permitted at time of manufacture provided that they are not more than 2 in. (51 ram) in length or 1/8 in. (3 ram) in depth.

2A~1.3.7 Compression Wood inRung~ Occurrences of compression wood, positively identified by competent and conscientious vis/.Lal inspection, shall be permitted pro~¢ided that no single streak exceeds 1/2 in. (13 ram) in width and that the aggregate of streaks does not exceed in width one-fourth of the wide face. No streak of compression wood shall be allowed on the natrow face. Borderline forms ofi:ompression wood not positively identified by competent and consdentious visual inspection shal[be permitted. Parts containing bowor crook that would interfere with the operation of the ladder sha]l not be used.

2A-1.3.8 Mineral Streaks in Rungs. Mineral slxeaks shall be

~ ermitted in rungs. UBSTANTIATION: The problem is that, at this time, there is no

section in the standard that describes the requirements for wood parts usable in fiat steps, rungs, and other ladder parts. Because wood is a natural product, available in many varieties and species, most of which are not suitable, structurally, for ladders, it is important to delineate what. is acceptable. This section describes the generally acceptable species for fiat steps, rungs, and other ladder parts and the acceptable and unacceptable irregularities.

It is expected that this will serve as a guidelines for selecting wood material for flat steps, rungs, and other ladder parts by manufacturers or potential manufacturers of wood ground ladders when designmgnew products or models. A largebody of knowledge about woods exists in the Wood

HandlSook, a U.S. Government publication used by designers of wood products, and the restrictive definitions recommended here are drawn from that manual and from ANSI A 14.1, the ANSI standard for wood ladders. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The committee is adding some requirements for wood as part of a revision of section 2-1.2 (see proposal 1931-15) (Log # CP3) and does not feel it appropriate to add separate chapters for wood ground ladders.

(Log #8) 1931- 9 - (Chapter 2A (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add entirely a new Chapter 2A Materials as follows:

Chapter 2A Materials For Wood Ground Ladders. 2A-2 Classification of Species of Wood. 2A-2.1 General. Table1 gives a list of native woods, divided into

five groups on the basis of their mechanical properties, considered frorti theMewpoint of use for ladder constru~tifn.

2A-2.1.1 Side-Rails and Flat Step~ All minimum dimensions and specifications set forth hereinafter for side rails and flat s tep shall be followed, except that wood from spedes of group E may be substituted for wood from group D when the former is use~! in sizes that provide equivalent strength. (See Note 6 of Table 1 for suggested methods of size adjustment.)

2A-2.1.2 Rungs. All minimum dimensions and specifications set forth hereinafter for rungs are based on the species of wood listed in group A of Table 1.

NFPA 1931 - - A94 TCR

Table 1 Classification of Various Species of Wood Acceptable for Use in Ladders (Note 1)

Species Near

Average* Minimum Species Group A (Note 2)

Ash, green 41 33 Ash, white 42 34 Beech, American 44 36 Birch, sweet 47 37 Birch, yellow 43 35 Elm, rockt 45 37 Hickory, bitternut 49 39 Hickory, mockernut 50 40 Hickory, nutmeg 44 35 Hickory, pignut 53 43 Hickory, shagbark 50 40 Hickory, shellbark 49 40 Hickory, water 49 40 Honeylocus# 47 37 Locust, blackt 50 40 Hard maple group

Maple, black 40 32 Maple, sugar 44 36

Near Average Minimum

Group B (Note 3)

Douglas fir§ Coast 34 26 Interior north 34 28 Interior south 33 26 Interior west 35 27

Larch, western 37 30

Pine, southern Pine, loblolly 36 30 Pine, longleaf 42 34 Pine, shortleaf 35 29 Pine, slash 42 34

Group C (Note 4)

Softwoods: Cedar, Port Orford 30 24 Hemlock, western 32 24 Tamarack 38 31

Hardwoods: Cucumbertree 34 27 Elm, slippery 38 31 Oak, laurel 44 35 Oak, overcup 44 35 Sweetgum 35 29

Group D (Note 5)

Softwoods: Baldcypress 33 Cedar, Alaska 32 Fir, California red 27 Fir, grand 26 Fir, noble 28 Fir, Pacific silver , 30 Fir, white 28 Pine, red (Norway) 32 Pine, southern (minor species)

Pine, pitch 36 Pine, ponds 39 Pine, sands 35 Pine, ~,rginia 35

Redwood (old-growth)** 30 Spruce, red 29 Spruce, Sitka 29 Spruce, white 29

26 26 21 20 22 22 22 26

30 31 29 29 25 24 24 24

Hardwoods: Elm, American 35 29 Hackberry 38 31 Magnolia, southern 35 29 Maple, bigleaf

(Oregon)t 34 27 Oak, southern red 41 33

2$2

Maple, red 38 30 Red oak group

Oak, black 44 35 Oak, cherrybark 47 37 Oak, northern red 44 35 Oak, pin 45 37 Oak, scarlet 48 38 Oak, willow 43 35

White oak group Oak, chestnut 45 37 Oak, livet 64 51 Oak, post 47 37 Oak, swamp chesmut 47 37 Oak, swamp white 50 40 Oak, white 47 37

Pecan 48 38 Tanoakt,$ 45 37

NFPA 1931 ~ A94 TCR

Species

Table I (Cont'd) Class i f i ca t ion o f Va r ious Species o f Wood,Acceptable for Use in L a d d e r s (Note 1)

Densi tv ( lb / f t33 . Dens i ty ( lb / f t3)_ Near Nea r

, Avera[~e* M i n i m u m Species Average M i n i m u m

Group E (Note 6)

Sof twoods : H a r d w o o d s : Cedar , i ncense 26 22 Alder , r e d 29 24 H e m l o c k , ea s t e rn 30 25 Aspen , b i g t o o t h 27 22 Pine , ea s t e rn whi te 26 22 Oak, b u r 47 37 Pine , l o d g e p o l e 30 25 Pop la r , yellow 30 24 Pine , p o n d e r o s a 30 25 Sycamore , A m e r i c a n 35 29 Pine , wes t e rn whi te 28 23 T u p e l o , b lack 36 30 Spruce , E n g e l m a n n 25 20 T u p e l o , wate r 35 29

*The f o r m u l a in 6.1.3 i nc ludes the we igh t o f the l a d d e r involved in the ca lcu la t ion . F o r c o n v e n i e n c e in e s t ima t ing l a d d e r weights , the ave rage dens i t i e s o f fi le spec ies l is ted in this table a r e given for a m o i s t u r e c o n t e n t o f 15 pe rcen t . Involved also in the we igh t o f an e x t e n s i o n l a d d e r a re ce r ta in i t ems o f h a r d w a r e such as locks, g u i d e i rons, a n d the bol t s a n d rivets a t t a c h i n g these to t he l adde r . O t h e r i t ems o f h a r d w a r e that a re a t t a c h e d at the ends o f the l adde r , such as safety fee t a n d hooks , d o n o t c o n t r i b u t e to t i le b e n d i n g o f the l adder ; the i r weight , t he re fo re , n e e d n o t be i nc luded . T h e p rac t i ce a m o n g d i f f e r en t m a n u f a c t u r e r s with r e spe c t to h a r d w a r e varies cons iderab ly ; n o s ingle value o f h a r d w a r e weight , t he r e fo r e , can be given. F o r p u r p o s e s o f ca lcu la t ion , a weight in the r a n g e o f 4 to 8 lb, with an average o f a b o u t 6 Ib, may be used . W h e r e it is k n o w n tha t specif ic i tems o f h a r d w a r e a r e to be used, so tha t the i r weights may be m e a s u r e d o r e s t ima ted , the weights so d e t e r m i n e d s h o u l d be used.

t A l l o w a b l e stresses for this spec ies c a n n o t be ca lcu la t ed f rom da ta in A m e r i c a n Na t iona l S t a n d a r d M e t h o d s for Es tab l i sh ing C l e a r - W o o d S t r e n g t h Values, A N S I / A S T M D2555-88. A d e q u a t e s t r e n g t h da t a a r e avai lable , however , a n d the spec ies is a cco rd ing ly i n c l u d e d in this g r o u p i n g .

+Not l isted in A m e r i c a n N a t i o n a l S t a n d a r d N o m e n c l a t u r e o f Domes t i c H a r d w o o d s a n d Sof twoods, A N S I / A S T M D 1165-80.

§This spec ies is now g r a d e d for s t ruc tu ra l p u r p o s e s based on o n e o f the fou r g rowth rungs f rom which it o r ig ina ted . T h e r e g i o n a l d e s c r i p t i o n is g iven o n pages 54-55 o f the U.S. Fores t Service Resea rch p a p e r FPL 27, "Wes te rn W o o d Densi ty Survey R e p o r t No. 1," ava i lab le f rom U.S. D e p a r t m e n t o f Agr icu l tu re , Fores t P roduc t s Labora to ry , P.O. Box 5130, Mad i son , Wis. 53705.

**Values for o ld -g rowth r e d w o o d a re s ign i f i candy h i g h e r than for s econd -g rowth r edwood . See A N S I / A S T M [_)2555-88.

NOTES: (1) Species a re l i s ted a lphabe t i ca l ly wi th in each g r o u p . T h e pos i t i on o f any spec ies wi th in a g r o u p bea r s to r e l a t ion

to its s t r e n g t h o r acceptab i l i ty . W i t h few excep t ions , the species n a m e s c o n f o r m with the official c o m m o n t ree n a m e s as l isted in A m e r i c a n Na t iona l S t a n d a r d N o m e n c l a t u r e o f Domes t i c H a r d w o o d s a n d ,Softwoods, A N S I / A S T M D 1165 80. Species n a m e s a r e s o m e t i m e s p r e c e d e d by the c o m m e r c i a l n a m e for l u m b e r when the c o m m e r c i a l n a m e is sigalificantiy d i f f e r en t o r r e p r e s e n t s a c o m m e r c i a l spec ies g r o u p . Botan ica l n a m e s for each spec ies a re l is ted in A N S I / A S T M D1165-80.

T h e f iber stress in b e n d i n g o f e ach spec ies in each g r o u p is equa l to o r g r e a t e r t han the f iber stress for t i le g roup . Values were ca l cu l a t ed based o n da ta a n d p r o c e d u r e s p r e s e n t e d in A m e r i c a n Na t iona l S t a n d a r d M e t h o d s for Es tab l i sh ing C lea r -Wood S t r e n g t h Values, A N S I / A S T M D2555-88. N e a r - m i n i m u m s t r e n g t h values for each spec ies at the 5 p e r c e n t exc lus ion l imi t were ca l cu la t ed for w o o d at a m o i s t u r e c o n t e n t o f 15 p e r c e n t a n d d iv ided by 4.1 a n d 4.5 fo r so f twoods a n d h a r d w o o d s , respect ively, to ar r ive at the a l lowable f iber stress. Average a n d n e a r - m i n i m u m densi ty values a r e for w o o d at 15 p e r c e n t m o i s t u r e con ten t .

(2) G r o u p A woods a r e used p r inc ipa l ly for rungs . E x p e r i e n c e has shown tha t these spec ies a re sat isfactory when o f the r e q u i r e d size a n d quali ty. No a l lowable stress is ass igned for rungs .

T h e f ibe r stress in b e n d i n g for the spec ies l i s ted h e r e w h e n used for s ide rails shall n o t e x c e e d 2000 lb p e r sq in. T h e s e spec ies may be subs t i tu t ed for g r o u p B woods.

(3) T h e f iber stress in b e n d i n g fo r the spec ies l is ted h e r e when used for s ide rails shall no t e x c e e d 2000 lb p e r sq in. (4) T h e f iber s tress in b e n d i n g for the spec ies l i s ted h e r e w h e n used for s ide rai ls shall n o t e x c e e d 1875 lb p e r sq in. (5) T h e f iber stress in b e n d i n g for the spec ies l is ted h e r e w h e n used for s ide rails shall n o t e x c e e d 1600 lb p e r sq in. (6) T h e f ibe r stress in b e n d i n g for d ie spec ies l is ted h e r e when used for s ide rails shall n o t e x c e e d 1375 lb p e r sq in. T h e s e spec ies may be subs t i tu t ed fo r G r o u p D woods o n the fo l lowing basis: T h e d i m e n s i o n s shal l be at least 5

p e r c e n t g r e a t e r for e ach cross-sect ion d i m e n s i o n , o r the th ickness may r e m a i n u n c h a n g e d , in which case the wid th shal l be at least 7 -1 /2 p e r c e n t g r e a t e r i f used edgewise (as in a rail) o r 15 p e r c e n t g r e a t e r i f used flatwise (as in a t read . )

233

NFPA 1931 - - A94 TCR

SUBSTANTIATION: The objectives of this proposal are to include technical data on available species of wood and provideguidance as to the suitability of disparate species for side rails, flat steps, and rungs°

It is expected that this section will serve as a guideline for selecting the most appropriate wood material for these ladder parts when a manufacturer or potential manufacturer of wood ground ladders in designingnew products or models. A largebody of knowledge aboutwoods exists in the Wood

Handbook, a U.S. Government publication used by designers of wood products, and the restrictive definitions recommended here are drawn from that manual and from ANSI A 14.1, the ANSI standard for wood ladders. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee is adding some requirements for wood as part of a revision of section 2-1.2 (see proposal 1931-15) (Log # CP3) and does not feel it appropriate to add separate chapters for wood ground ladders. The committee feels the proposalis far too specific in developing design requirements rather than performance requirements.

(Log #9) 1931-10- (Chapter 2A (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add entirely a new Chapter 2A Materials as follows:

Chapter 2A Materials For Wood Ground Ladders. 2A-3 Requirements for Materials Other Than Wood. 2A-3.1 Hardware. Hardware shall he made of aluminum, steel,

wrought iron, malleable iron, or other material that is adequate in strength for the purpose intended and free from sharp edges and from sharp projections in excess of 1/64 in. (.5 mm). The material shall be corrosion and weather resistant

2A-S.2 Fasteners. Fasteners shall be applied in a tight and secure manner and remain so with normal use and care. Rivets shall be peened or set over the hardware or a washer. The washers shall be standard riveting burrs; that is, 3/16 in. (5 mm) diameter rivets shall use a minimum 1/2 in. (13 mm) diameter burr, and 1/4 in. (6 mm) diameter rivets shall use a minimum 5/8 in. (16 ram) diameter burr. The head of the rivet, when used against wood, shall be a wagon box, truss, or similar type head to afford adequate bearing against the wood. Holes drilled in wood parts for fasteners shall not exceed the diameter of the fastener by more than 1/32 in. (1 mm).

2A-3.3 Alternate Materials. When a wood ladder is manufactured with a part or parts made of some other material (for example, aluminum or steel rungs) or species not herein specified, these parts shall meet the requirements of this or other NFPA standards for ladders. A component part made of other wood-base material may be substituted if it has strength, stiffness, durability, performance, and weathering characteristics at least equal to or exceeding the solid lumber component specified in this standard. SUBSTANTIATION: The objectives of this proposal are to make the new section on materials for wood ladders more complete by covering materials other than woods, and provide guidance to a manufacturer or potential manufacturer of wood ground ladders who is designing new products or models and deciding on hardware, fasteners, and other part materials.

It is expected that this section might encourage product innovation and improvement, while ensuring safety. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee is addressing materials as a performance issue and does not feel it appropriate to add separate chapters for wood ground ladders. The committee feels the proposal is far too specific in developing design requirements rather than performance requirements.

( Log #10) 1931-11 - (Chapter 2A (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add entirely a new Chapter 2A Materials as follows:

Chapter 2A Materials For Metal Ground Ladders. 2AA-1 Requirements for Metal Beams, Rungs, and Steps. 2AA-I.I Performance Characteristics. 2AA-I.I.1 Aluminum Alloys. Extruded shapes shall have minimum

mechanical property limits as follows: Ultimate tensile strength 38,000 psi Yield strength $5,000psi Elongation 10%

A suitable heat treated extruded alloy that meets these requirements is 6061-T6. Other heat treated extruded aluminum alloys that meet or exceed these minimum mechanical property limits may be used.

2AA-l.l.2 Other Metals. Other metals may be used if their mechanical characteristics are adequate enough to assure safety when completed structures manufactured of such metals are tested according to the design verification tests of this standard.

2AA-I.I.$ Hardware. Hardware shall be made of aluminum, steel, wrought iron, malleable iron, or other material that is adequate in strength for the purpose intended and free from sharp edges and from sharp projections in excess of 1/64 in. (5 ram). The material shall be corrosion and weather resistant.

Barrier(s) to electrolytic action shall be provided when electrolyti- cally dissimilar materials are used adjacent to each other.

2AA-l.l.4 Fasteners. Fasteners shall be applied in a tight and secure manner and shall

remain so with normaluse and care. Rivets shall be adequately upset or peened over. Bolts shall be secured with locking nuts, lock washers, or upset threads. Holes drilled or punched in metal parts for fasteners shall not exceed the diameter of the fastener by more than 1/32 in. (1 mm). SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that the present standard does not include any requirements for the materials used for metal ground ladders. In that respect it is incomplete.

By including this information in the standard guidance is provided to a manu~cturer or potential manufacturer of metal ground ladders wire is designing new products or models and deciding on the most suitable materials to use in his designs.

It is expected that this section might encourage product innovation and improvement while at the same time ensuring and enhancing safety. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee is addressing materials as a performance issue and does not feel it appropriate to add separate sections for specific materials. This proposal is far too specific and design restrictive rather than providing performance requirements.

(Log #11) 1931- 12 - (Chapter 2A (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add entirely a new Chapter 2A Materials as follows:

Chapter 2A Materials For Fiberglass Ground Ladders. 2AB-1 Requirements for Metal Rungs, and Steps. 2AB-I.1 Performance Characteristics. 2AB-I.I.1 Aluminum Allo)~. Extruded shapes shall have minimum

mechanical property limits as follows: Ultimate tensile strength 38,000 psi Yield strength 35,010~¢i Elongation

A suitable heat treated extruded alloy that meets these requirements is 6061-T6. Other heat treated extruded aluminum alloys that meet or exceed these minimum mechanical property limits may be used.

2AB-l.l.2 Other Metals. Other metals may be used if their mechanical characteristics are adequate to assure safety when completed structures manufactured of such metals are tested according to the design verification tests of this standard.

2AB-l.l.3 Hardware. Hardware shall be made of aluminum, steel, wrought iron, malleable iron, or other material that is adequate in strength for the purpose intended and free from sharp edges and from sharp projections in excess of 1/64 in. (5 mm). The material shall be corrosion and weather resistant.

Barrier(s) to electrolytic action shall be provided when electrolyti- cally dissimilar materials are used adjacent to each other.

2AB-1.1.4 Fasteners. Fasteners shall be applied in a tight and secure manner and shall remain so with normal use and care. Rivets shall be adequately upset or peened over. Bolts shall be secured with locking nuts, lock washers, or upset threads. Holes drilled or punched in metal parts for fasteners shall not exceed the diameter of the fastener by more than 1/32 in. (1 ram).

2AB-1.2 Beams. Beams shall be fiberglass ladder pulltrusions and shall be channel shape, l-beam shape or other shape suitable for the application and shallbe of such size and design that the ladder structure meets the design verification test requirements of this standard. The minimum performance standards for fiberglass pulltrusion beams shall be as follows:

2AB-1.2.1 General. The material shall be a fully cured composite consisting of a good commercial grade thermosetting polyester resin reinforced with glass fibers. Specification of the particular resin and reinforcements to be employed are the responsibility of the material

234

N F P A 1931 - - A94 T C R

manufacturer. However, the selection shall consider the following end-use requirements: (1) electrical conductivity, (2) corrosion resistance, (3) outdoor weathering, (4) thermal conditions, and (5) structural integrity.

Resins and reinforcements, or combinations thereof, other than those specified in this standard, may be used as long as the ladder meets the performance requirements established in Chapter 3. This option is allowed even when laboratory coupon test results do not co.m.ply with the values in Tables 2 and 3, with the provision that the mmxmum percent retention of condition-A coupon values shall be 75 percent after either wet or weather-cycle tests and shall be fi0 p2AB.ercent after 150°F temperature tests.

3 Manufacturing Process. The composite may be made by a continuous open-end molding process, such as the puUtrusion method of manufacture. The product of any process which meets the performance requirements in Chapter 3 of this standard may be employed.

The material shall be smooth, clean, uniform in color, and reasonably free from conducting particles, foreign materials, pits, cracks, voids, chips, sink marks, delaminations, blisters, and scratches, in accordance with good commercial practice. The material shall be free of resin-rich and resin-starved areas, and there shall be no evidence of significant reinforcement shifting, wrinkles, bunching up, or density variation within a length, all in accordance with good commercial practice.

2AB-4 Reinforcements. Glass-fiber reinforcements may consist of any combination of mat, roving, cloth, or fabric or type "E" glass with a silane or equivalent water-reslstant finish. The amount, selection, distribution, and orientation of the glass reinforcements shall ensure compliance with the requirements of this standard. Effective process controls shall be employed. A complete enveloping surface layer of continuous-strand mat,

continuous-fdament reinforcing mat, surface weft, nonwoven fibrous fabric, or equivalent material may be provided for added weathering resistance. I t may consist of type "A," "c," or "E" glass, or a polyester staple fiber. Alternate materials or other techniques that provide an equivalent or greater weathering resistance maybe employed.

The reinforcement design shall provide bidirectional strength in the composite.

2AB-5 Resin, Filler, and Additives. The resin shall be chosen after considering its structural, electrical, thermal, and outdoor weather- resistant characteristics. An ultraviolet screen or absorber shall be employed unless the specific resin system provides equivalent ultraviolet resistance.

Filler, lubricants, catalysts, and other additives shall be selected after considering their effect on the composite's electrical, thermal, outdoor weather resistance, water absorption and structural properties.

2AB-6 Color. The particular ingredients in the pigmentation employed shall be light stable and have no detrimental effect on the composite's weathering, thermal, electrical, or structural properties. The interaction of pigments, fillers, and catalysts, and their overall effect on the resin system shall be considered during the selection

r o c e s s .

AB-7 Special Requirements. Composites may be modified for specific situations. Adverse environments involving conditions such

as corrosion, high humidity, sunlight, cold, heat, or erosion may require a special resin, a unique enveloping material, and exterior finish, or a combination thereof. The resulting product shall meet the requirements of Chapter 3 of this standard~ T h e specification of criteria for nonflammability may result in impairment of other properties.

2AB-8 Product Cure. The composite shall be cured sufficiently to attain a minimum Barcol hardness of 50 in accordance with ASTM D2583.75, Test for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plastics by Means of a Barcol Impressor'.

2AB-9 Fabrication Properties. The material shall be capable of being bored, punched, drilled, and riveted without splitting or delaminating when these operations are performed fn accordance with accepted tooling practice for glass-reinforced plastics.

A drift pin test, with the pin tapered to 1.04 times the hole diameter, shall be used to determine satisfaction of this require- menL

2AB-10 Physical and Mechanical Properties. The laboratory tests specified in paragraphs 2Mt-10.1 through 2AB-10.5 are designed to measure the properties of ladder-rail composites. This standard addresses ladder rails in particular because experience with step or rung material is more limited. The intent expressed in this standard shall be applicable to other shapes and ladder components. Reinforced plastic composites are experiencing a rapid technologi- cal evolution, consequently, the governing criteria for the accep- tance of reinforced plastic materials and reinforced plastic ladders shall be their conformance with the performance test requirements of Chapter 3. Laboratory tests of coupon specimens shall be an element in the process controls. Where applicable, all tests shall be performed in accordance with

the relevant American National Standards or ASTM specifications cited. Unless otherwise required or deemed approprmte, test specimens may be taken from the web of the composite in a lengthwise direction. Tests in a specific area of a composite may be omitted where size does not permit an acceptable specimen to be obtained.

Conformance shall be based upon the average of the results for a minimum of three test specimens.

Unless otherwise noted, the material properties specified in Tables and 3 represent coupon values rather than full-section properties.

Because coupon tests represent only a small portion of a total cross section, the values obtained from the coupon tests required in Tables 2 and 3 may not correlate with values derived from the full section tests in gAB-13 through 2AB-14.1.

The coupon test values in Tables 2 and 3 are obtained with reinforced plastic pultruded shapes classified as GGPF in accordance with American National Standard Practice for Classifying Reinforced Plastic Puitruded Shapes According to Composition, ANSI/ASTM D3647-78.

2AB-10.1 Typical Physical Properties. Densityshal[ be 0.065 lb / in 3 with a tolerance of:t: 10 percent, in accordance with American National Standard Methods of Test for Specific Gravityand Density of Plastics by Displacement, ANSI/ASTM D792-60 (1970). Water absorption shall be 0.75 percent maximum, in accordance

with ASTM D229-77, Testing Rigid Sheet and Plate Materials Used for Electrical Insulation'.

Table 2 Periodic Coupon Tests - Minimum Composite Properties*

Testing Flange Web Material Property Condition Lengthwise~" Lent~thwis¢ ~,

Flexural strength, psi 150°F 24,000 Flexural modulus, 10 6 psi 150°F 1.2 Tensile strength, psi Condition A of

AffI'M D709-78" 45,000 30,000 Tensile modulus, 10 6psi Condition A of

ASTM D709-78" 2.8 2.0 Compressive strength, psi Wet 21,000 Compressive modulus, 10 6 psi Wet 1.5

*This table is based on procedures outlined in ASTM D229-77, Testing Rigid Sheet and Plate Materials Used'for Elecu'ical Ins'ulation. tLengthwis¢ ofpultrusion direction. NOTE: Specimen sizes used for determining these properties shall be as follows:

(1) Flexural: based upon Method I, Procedure A, of Tests for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials, ASTM D790-81, with the outer surface of the composite down, Preferred sizes are:

(a) Flange lengthwise: l/2-in, wide where thickness is greater than 1/8 in.; span-to-depth ratio approximately 36.5:1. (b) Web lengthwise: 1-in. wide where thickness is less than 3/16 in.; span-to-depth ratio approximately $6.5:L

(2) Tensile: Type I. 3) Compression: use supportjilg with dogboneoshapped specimens for all tests. Preferred sizes are:

((a) Flange lengthwise: 1/2-in-wade neck. (b) Web lengthwise: l¢/2-in.-wide neck.

235

N F P A 1931 - - A94 T C R

Density may wary with composite design. These are average values based upon the composite's cross section.

2AB-10.2 Material Properties - Dry. When dry, the composite shall meet the mechanical properties specified in Tables 2 and 3. The test specimens shall be preconditioned in accordance with condition A of ASTM D709-78, Specifications for Laminated Thermosetting Materials'.

2AB-10.3 Material Properties -Wet. Web specimens shall be immersed and maintained in boiling distilled water for a minimum of 2 hr, removed and immersed in distilled water maintained at room temperature, permitted to temperature stabilize, and tested wet. The mechanical properties of the wet composite shall meet the values established in Tables 2 and 3.

2AB-10.4 Material Properties - Elevated Temperature. Web or flange specimens, as required, shall be maintained for a minimum of 1 / 2 h r at an elevated temperature of 150°F and then tested at that temperature. The mechanical properties at 150°F shall meet the values established in Tables 2 and 3.

2AB-10.5 Material Properties-Weathering. The mechanical properties of web coupon specimens prepared from the weathered samples shall meet the values established in Table $ after 1000 hr of exposure in the weathering cycle. Further information concerning weathering is given in 2AB-10.5.1 through 2AB-10.5.3.

2AB-10.5.1 Accelerated Weathering Test Procedures. As a means of determining the weathering characteristics of newly manufactured fiberglass-reinforced plastic ladders, both outdoor and artificial weathering tests may be employed. The different types of accelerated exposure devices used may include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Fluorescent ultraviolet (UV) and condensation apparatus, as

outlined in American National Standard Recommended Practice for Operating Light and Water Exposure Apparatus (Fluorescent UV- Condensation Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials, ANSI/ ASTM G53-77, to simulate the deterioration caused by sunlight and water as rain or dew. This tester is preferred, particularly if a cycle of 6 hr of ultraviolet exposure at I~0°F followed by 6 hr of condensation at 100°F is used.

NOTE: For example, QUV Cydic Ultra-VioletWeatheringTester (available from the Q-Panel Company, 15610 Industrial Parkway, Cleveland, Ohio 44135, or the equivalent.)

(2) Carbon-arc devices as outlined in ASTM G23-81, Recom- mended Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure (Carbon- Arc Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials, using distilled or deionized water in the water spray cycle; the requirements of American National Standard practice for OperatingLight- and Water-Exposure Apparatus (Carbon-Arc Type) for Exposure of Plastics, ANSI/ASTM D1499-64 (1977), should also be met.

NOTE: For example, Sunshine or Twin Carbon Arc, or the equivalent.

(3) Xenon-arc-type devices as outlined in American National Standard Recommended Practice for Operating Xenon-Arc-Type (Water-Cooled) Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus for Exposure of Plastics, ANSI/ASTM D25565-79, and American National Standard Recommended Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus (Xenon-Arc Type) with and without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials, ANSI/ASTM G-77, using distilled or deionized water in the water spray cycle.

In either of the methods give in (2) and ($), the cydeshould consist of the following: 102 min light only, black-panel temperature 145°F :t:9°F during light-only cycle; 18 min light and spray, relative humidity 50% + 5%, black-panel temperature 100°F + 10°F during light and spray;, ozone, 5 parts per hundred million (optional.)

(4) An accelerated weathering device, utilizing an equatorial mount with mirrors for acceleration and water spray, may be used after correlation with one of the artificial weathering devices.

NOTE: For example, EMMAQUAAccelerated Outdoor Weather Device (available from Desert Sunshine Exposure Tests, Inc., Box 185, Black Canyon Stage, Phoenix, Arizona 85020, or the equivalent.)

2AB-10.5.2 Procedure for Evaluating Surface Appearance Using the Weight-Factor System. The degradation of surface appearance after exposure to the weathering cycle is subjective, and the following characteristics should be considered:

(1) Change in Surface Fiber Appearance. Refers to increase in the prominence of fibers on the surf;/ce of the sample. It may be termed ~fiber blooming ~ or "fibering," among others, and can be a result of resin erosion. This change should be given a weight factor of 8 times the degree-of-change rating shown in Table 4.

(2) Changes in Apparent Color. Refers to color change noticeable to the eye, whatever the reason, that is, the total effect of resin yellowing, pigment fading, fiber whitening, and the like. This change should be given a weight factor of 5 times the degree-of- change rating shown in Table 4.

(3) Gloss Loss. Refers to the change in glossiness, that is, light reflection, of the sample. It is possible to have a large change in surface fiber appearance and yet little or no gloss loss. This change should have a weight factor of 1 times the degree-of-change rating shown in Table 4.

A degradation factor system similar to The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. Panel Councii's,~proposed artificial weathering test method should be employed.gGrading will be based upon the sum of the rating of each property times its weight factor, as given in 2AB- 10.5.2 (1) through (3). The rating values are given in Table 4. The general level of weather resistance can be expressed according

to the classifications give in Table 5.

Table $ Quallfication Coupon Tests - Minimum Composite Properties*

Testing Condition

Condition A of A,.gI'M D709-78 Wet 150°F Weathering Flange Web Web

Material Property Len~thwise'f Lengthwisej ~ Crosswise~ Web Lengthwise~

Flexuml strength, psi $8 000 35 000 8000 26 000 26 000 28 000 Flexural modulus, 10 6 psi 2.0 1.8 0.70 1.4 1.4 1.4 Tensile strength, psi 45 000 30 000 23 000 21 000 23 000 Tensile modulus, 10 6 psi 2.8 2.0 1.5 1.4 1.5 Compressive strength, psi 40 000 28 000 10"000 21 000 19 000 22 000 Co o us 6 s repressive m dul ,10 p i 2.8 2.0 1.5 1.4 1.6 Ultimate bearing strength, psi~ 20 000 Impact izod, ft lb per inch

of notch 20

*This table is based on procedures outlined in ASTM D229-77, Testing Rigid Sheet and Plate Materials Used for Electrical Insulation. tLengthwise of pultrusion direction. •See Test for Bearing Strength of Plastics, ASTM D955-80. NOTE: Specimen sizes used for determining these properties shall be as follows:

(1) Flexural: based upon Method I, Procedure A, of TesLs for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials, ASTM D790-81, with the outer surface of the composite down, Preferred sizes are:

(a) Flange lengthwise: 1/2-in. wide where thickness is greater than 1/8 in.; span-to-depth ratio approximately 36.5:1. (b) Web lengthwise: 1-in. wide where thickness is less than 3/16 in.; span-to-depth ratio approximately 36.5:1. (c) Web crosswise: 1-in. wide where thickness is less than 3/16 in.; span-to-depth ratio approximately 16:1. Omit test when proper specimen

length is not available. (2) Tensile: Type I.

Compresston: use supportji~ with dogbone~shapped specimens for all tests. Preferred sizes are:

((~) Web lengthwise: 1/2-in.-wide neck. Flange lengthwise: 1/2-in-wide neck.

(c) Web crosswise: 1/2-in. wide x 1-1/2 in. long, supported on both ends. Omit test when proper specimen length is not available.

236

N F P A 1 9 3 1 - - A 9 4 T C R

Table 4 Rating Values for Surface Appearance Changes

De~ree of Change Rating None 0 Trace 1 Slight 2 Medium 3 Heavy 4 Severe 5

Table 5 Classifications for Weather Resistance

Degradation Factor Classification 0 to 55 Weather resistant

36 to 49 General purpose 50 to 70 Interior Application

2AB-10.5.3 Procedure for Measuring SuffaceAppearance. Where a quantitative measure of surface appearance is desired, an arithmetic average (A.A.) surface roughness tester shall be used that meets the requirements of Amefican National Standard for Surface Texture, ANSI B46.1-1978, except as modified herein. The stylus tip radius may be either 100 or 400 microinches. The unit may employ a continuous reading meter, a recorder, or a digital display of the measurements. The system shall be calibrated with at least two reference standards prior to test measurements. Three coupons from the web of the composite being studied shall be evaluated. Each coupon should be measured at three locations. The traverse should be perpendicular to the pultrusion direction.

The arithmetic average (A.A.) surface roughness value obtained after 1000 hr of exposure to the weathering cycle described in 2AB- 10.5.1 (1) should not exceed the values given in Table 6.

Table 6 Surface Roughness Values

~;orfa~e Roughness Test Conditions Traverse (Drive Roughness Surface Roughness

Spp-ed Cutoff (A.A.) (inches/second (inches ~ ( mic r o inches)

0.010 0.030 75 0.30 0.030 90

As an alternative, a surface roughness evaluation, as described in ANSI B46.1-1978, using peak-count techniques may be employed. The counts-per-inch at a peak-count bandwidth of 25 microinches should not exceed 100 after 1000 hr weathering cycle.

2AB-11 Electrical Properties. The electrical properties of the reinforced plastic materials shall be determined at the time of manufacture. NOTE: These tests do not reflect the electrical properties of

reinforced plastic ladders owing to the wide variety of reinforced plastic composites, metals, and design possibilities employed in their construction. Consequently, these requirements refer only to the reinforced plastic rail. However, ladders constructed of reinforced plastic rails and metal rungs or steps are designed for use in certain electrical applications. 2ABdl.1 AC Dielectric Strength. Afull section of 1-in. length of

the rail material, as received, shall have a dielectric strength of at least 25,000 volts as determined by the short-time test method given in ASTM D149-81, Tests for Dielectric breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Electrical Insulating Materials at Commerdal Power Frequencies, and ASTM D2229-77, which uses the parallel

• plane-to-plane method in oil, modified as follows: The full-section specimens with parallel ends shall be placed edgewise between parallel circular-disc flat electrodes. These opposing cylinders should be at least 5 in. in diameter, 1 in. thick, with edges rounded to a 0.25-in. radius. The disc shall extend a minimum of 1/2 in beyond the largest specimen dimension. Ten specimens shall be included in the average. Special attention should be given to the cleanliness, dryness, and

temperature of the transformer oil used. Dibutyl phthalate is a satisfactory substitute for u'ansformer oil. Either material should be

~ eriodicafly evaluated using ASTM D1816-79, Test for Dielectric reakdown Voltage of Insulating Oils, Petroleum Origin Using VDE

Electrodes.

237

NOTE: The ac dielectric strength test is employed as a means of evaluadng other characteristics of the composite.

ZAB-11.2 DC Current Leakage. The dc current leakage shall not exceed 90 rnicroamperes when a voltage of 90 kilovolts is applied to electrodes spaces 10in. apart on a length of rail composite condi- tioned for 72 hr at 72°F and 60 percent relative humidity as follows:

(1) Affix a continuous length of metallic conductive tape completely around the specimen's surface at the two locations spaces 10 in. apart.

(2) Connect the tape to the power source. (3) Slowly raise the voltage to the 90 kilovolt level and measure

leakage current. (4) ff flashover occurs at a voltage lower than 90 kilovolts, report

the voltage and flashover current level. NOTE: The dc current leakage is affected by the surface condition,

the presence of metallic or other electrical conductive materials, and even the adhesives used in labels.

2AB-12 Rail Tolerances. The tolerances set forth in gAB-12.1 through 2AB-12.8 are considered standard. A specific shape may require a change in tolerance values. These changes will be established between the material supplier and the ladder manufacturer.

gAB-12.1 Weight. The allowable variation from nominal is +10%. 2AB-12.2 Straightness. The allowable deviation is as follows: (I) Web bo~ 0.030 in. per ft of length. (2) Flange bo~. 0.50 in. per ft of length. NOTE: The straightness is measured with the effect of the shape's

weight on a flat surface acting so as to minimize deviation. 2AB-12.3 Twist. The allowable deviation from straight is 1/4 ° per

ft of length; the maximum for the entire length is 5 °. 2AB-12.4 Flatness. The allowable deviation is 0.008 in. per in. of

dimension measured. 2AB-12.5 Angularity. The allowable deviation from 90 ° is 4 -'2°. 2AB-12.6 Cut Lengths. The allowable deviation is-) to +I /4 from

the specified length. 2AB-12.7 Squareness of End Cut. The allowable deviation from

square is +1 °. 2AB-12.8 Cross-Sectional Dimensions. The allowable deviations

from the nominal dimensions are as follows: (1) Thickness: ±5% or !-0.010 in., whichever is greater. (2) Width: +1% or :L'0.030 in., whichever is greater, when

measured at fight angles to the web. (3) Depth: ±1% or-x~0.030 in., whichever is greater, when measure

adjacent and parallel to the web. 2AB-13 Flexural Modulus Requirement. The apparentflexural

modulus of the composite when tested in full section shall be 2.8 X 106 psi (lb-force per st] in.) minimum. This value shall be based upon testing in horizontal bending a centrally loaded beam on a nominal span-to-depth ratio of 36.5 to 1. Nominal dimensions shall be employed in all calculations.

For purposes of evaluating the flexural modulus, a single ladder shall be constructed with its length equal to the desired span plus nominally 2 ft. A horizontal bending test shall be performed with nominally 1 ft of ladder length beyond each support. Incremental loading up to a maximum load as given below shall be applied equally to the side rails at the center of the unit by means of a 1 1/2 in. wide beam. A load-deflection curve is obtained. It shall be assumed that each rail carries 50% of the load. The apparent flexural modulus (E, psi) of a rail shall be calculated using the equation:

E = 9 6 0 )

where

I = moment of intertial at nominal dimension of one rail (in.) L = span (in.) P = load (lb)

= deflection at center of span under load P (in.)

A 250-1b load is used when testing type-I ladders; a 300qb load for type-IA ladders; a 225-1b load for type II ladders; and a 200-1b load for type III ladders. A lower or higher maximum test load may be employed where section design or endpoint application requires such a change. A different test procedure that will correlate with this method of

evaluating the flexural modulus is accel3table. When the section, its length, or its enclpoint application (that is,

the size and duty rating of the ladder) does not permit testing as a single ladder, theprocedure described in 2AB-14 shall be employed.

2AB-14 Process Control Requirements - Rail. The producer shall monitor his process by periodically deflecting lengths of rail under a specified load and measuring the deflection. If the deflection is less than the specified value and there is no test failure, the lot is acceptable.

N F P A 1931 - - A94 T C R

The rail shall be tested as a simply supported beam, centrally loaded with a minimum overhang of 6in. beyond each support. All rails sha~l have a minimum apparent flexural modulus of elhsticity of 2.8 x 10 u psi when subjected to the tests in 2AB-14.1 through 2AB-14.4.

2AB-14.1 Single and Extension-Ladder Rail Bending Strengtl~. Test. The rail shall be tested with X-X axis (defined as a line perpendicular to the web of the section and passingthrough the centrois of the section) horizontal (web vertical)- and should be laterally supportect during test at intervals of 12 in. The span shall be the maximum lengtli of a rail base upon the endpoint application, less nominally 1 ft. A load shall be applied that induces ab~nding moment simulating the bendifig moment encountered in use, thus ensuring that the rail meets the strengtl] requirements of this standard for the maximum length and required overlap.

Lateral reswalnts shall minimize frictional forces and other lateral components.

The test may incorporate two rails spaced 6 in. apart in the loading fLxture to reduce lateral instability. In that case, the load applied shall be sufficient to induce the required ladder bending moment, which is twice the required bending moment in each rail.

2AB-14.2 Tensile Strength Test. The rail shall have a minimum tensile strength of 30,000 psi when tested in bending with the Y-Y axis (defined as a line parallel to the web of the section and passing through the controid of the section) horizontal flanges turned up, and laterally unsupported. The test span shall be 4 ft with a minimum 6-in. overhang at each support.

2AB-14.3 Compressive Strength Test. The rail shall have a minimum comp ressive stren gthoof 20,000psi when test in bending with the Y-Y axis horizontal, flanges turnedup, and laterally unsupported. The test span shall be 4 ft with a minimum 6-in. overhang at each support.

2AB-14.4 Flexural Modulus Test. Two rails shall be tested in a loading fixture in which the flanges point inward (toward each other) and lateral restraints are provided on a uniform 12-in. spacing each side of center. These restraints shall be relatively thin (about 1/2 in.), and shall be slotted to ti~hdy contain the section in order to prevent rotation while malntaimng a constant 6-in. gap along the entire rail length. Consequently, the two rails shall be contained in such a manner that they act as a unit. Each rail's X-X axis shall be horizontal (web vertical.)

2AB-14.4.1 Single and Extension Ladders. The procedure, load, and basic equation specified in ~B-13 shall apply. Twice the bending moment described in ~M~-14.1 shall bTe employed, as two rails are used. This test method shall be used only until a l a~ider manufacturer can build and test a ladder rail according to the requirements of 2AB-13. This procedure obviates the need to perform the bending strength test described in 2AB-14.1.

The determination of the apparent flexural modulus (E, psi) of a rail shall be based upon the d~flection of a rail under the maximum load required for thls test rather than on e value calculated fi'om the equalioh in 2AB-13.

~d~-14.4.2 Alternate Methods. Either methods of evaluating the flexural modulus may be employed provided they are adequately correlated with the procedure given in 2AB-13.

2AB-15 Quality Control Reqmrements. Quality control shall be at least the equivalent of the testing recommendations set forth in AppendixD, Quality Control of Reinforced Plastic Materials, ANSI A 14.5.

JAvailable from the American Society for Testing and Material, 1916 ~ c e Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

See Sonneborn, R. H. Artificial weathering test developed by The Society of the Plastics Industry Fiber Glass Reinforced Panel Council. Proceedings of the Twenty-Fifth Conference of the Reinforced Plastics Composites Institute, Washington, D.C. NewYork: The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. Feb. 3-6, 1980. Available from the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. 355 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that the present standard does not include requirements for materials used for fiberglass ground ladders. In that respect it is incomplete.

By including this information in the standard, guidance is provided to a manufacturer or potential manufacturer of fiberglass ground ladders who is designing new products or models and deciding on the most suitable materials to use in his designs.

It is expected that this section might encourage product innovation and improvement while at the same time ensuring and enhancing safety. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee is addressing materials as a performance issue and does not feel it appropriate to add separate sections for specific materials. This proposal is far too specific and design restrictive rather than providing performance requirements.

(Log #12) 1931- 15 - (2-1 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add after 2-1 the following new text:

2-1.1A Basis of Requirements. 2-1.1A.1 Duty Ratings, Dimensions, and Special Construction

Requirements. Manufacturers shall design and construct wood ground ladders that have duty ratings, confirmed by tests, dimensions, and other construction details as specified in this standard. 2-1.1A.1.1 Duty Ratings. Duty ratings for ground ladders, when raised at the preferredangle of inclination shall be as follows:

Folding Ladders 300 lbs 136 kg max. load Combination Ladders 300 lbs 136 kg max. load Single, extension,

and Roof Ladders sizes 10 to 16 500 lbs 227 kg max. load sizes above 16 750 lbs 340 kg max. load

The total weight on the ground ladder including persons, their equipment, and any other weight, such as a charged fire hose, shall not exceed the duty rating load.

2-1.1 Ground ladders...etc. (existing) SUBSTANTIATION: Duty Ratings, which now appear only in NFPA 1932, are of prime importance to a ladder designer, especially for wood ladders, which use non-uniform materials, but also for ladders made of other materials. The significance of duty ratings is that, with a stated safety factor of 4, they set the ultimate design load limits for the structure. In fact, the duty ratings may be of greater importance to the manufacturers than to the users. Accordingly, they should be included in NFPA 1931.

By including this information in the standard, guidance is provided to a manufacturer or potential manufacturer of ground ladders who is designing new products or models and desiring to have them safe for the application. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new paragraph as 2-1.1 to read as follow:. 2-1.1 Ground ladders shall have a duty rating as specified in Table

2-1.1 when raised at the preferred angle of inclination.

Table 2-1.1 Ground Ladder Duty Rating

Maximum Load Type lb kg

Folding Ladders 300 136 Pompier Ladders 300 136 Combination Ladders 750 340 Single and Roof Ladders 750 340 Extension Ladders 750 340

Renumber current paragraphs 2-1.1 through 2-1.9 as 2-1.2 through 2-1.10. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee agrees there should be a duty rating table in this standard. However, the committee feels combination ladders should have a duty rating of 750 lbs and all single, extension and roof ladders should be rated at 750 lbs regardless of length. Proposed paragraph ~2-1.1A.1 Duty Ratings, Dimensions, and Special Construction Requirements ~ is not necessary as all ladders must meet the requirements of this standard which cover the issues raised.

(Log #1S) 1931-14- (2-1 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Go. RECOMMENDATION: Add after 2-1.1 the following new text:

2-1.2 Dimensions. (Replaces existing 2-1.1 on materials, now covered in Chapter ~A)

2-1.2.1 General. The dimensions specified hereinafter for wood ladders are the minimum dressed cross-sectional dimensions for the types of ladders herein designated, based on the species of wood specified in 4-2 at a moisture content of 15 percent. The dimensions for side rails are based on a solid beafn design or a straight or tapered truss design measured at the maximum load site of the beam, and assume a mortise or gain as specified herein for the various types of ladders for step or rung attachments. Where the strength of the side rails or beams is reduced bya greater mortise or gain than specified, or where it is desired to use for any wood part a cross section either dimension ofwhlch is less than that specified, the required dimensions may be found as indicated in 5-1.1.2.2.

238

N F P A 1931 - - A 9 4 T C R

2-1.2.2 Formula for Determining Dimensions. 2-1.2.2.1 For the beams of ground ladders the proposed section

shall develop an actual stress per sq in. not greater than 2000 lb (908 kg) for Group A and B woods, 1875 lb (850 kg) for Group C woods, 1600 lb (725 kg) for Group D woods, or 1375lb (623 kg) for Group E woods when computed by the following formula applying to rectangular sections, with a maximum tolerance of 5 percent over these stresses:

fb ffi ~ (Eq. 1)

where P ffi one-eighth of the duty rating, which is the normal component

of the applied load to each rail at the center of the ladder, when the foot of the ladder is moved out of the perpendicular by one-quarter of its length. P is 93.75 lb (42 kg) for 750 lb (340 kg) duty rating.

tb = stress in extreme fiber in lb per st] in. W = weight of ladder in Ib (see first footnote of Table 1) L = maximum working length of ladder in in. (size of ladder less

12 in. or 6 in. overhang at each support point) B = net thickness of each beam in in. D = depth of siderail in in. d = diameter of hole bored for rung (d 3 shall be taken as not less

than 0.67; this adjustment is for loss of strength in rail f~bm boring of rung hole of 7/8-in. diameter)

Equation 1 is a simplified formula for determining rail sizes.

2-1.2.2.2 Adjustment of sizes for other wood parts of ladders covered in this standard may be as follows:

(1) The dimensions throughout this standard for parts having rectangular cross sections generally represent only one of a number of possible combinations of thickness and width that could satisfy the requirements for strength and stiffness. Depending upon the material sizes available, manufacturing practices, and other such variable factors, parts produced by a particular manufacturer may or may not agree exacdy with the sizes given subsequently. The rest of 5-1.1.2.2.2 provides means for determining equality of load-carrying capacity of parts of different sizes, or for determining the sizes needed to provide equality.

(2) Any changes in dimensions made in accordance with 5- 1.1.2.2.2(3) shall result in a change in the width-thickness ratio for beams, side rails, or back legs, not greater than 25 percent from the ratio now specified in this standard for a corresponding ladder.

(3) Where both dimensions are different fi'om those specified, the load-carrying capacity in bending of a part will be equal to or greater than that of a part of specified dimensmns if the changed section modulus equals or exceeds the specified one; that is:

B2 D 2 2 >= B 1 D 1 2 (Eq. 2)

where B = dimension of the part at right angles to the direction of load

(width of a step, thickness of a beam) D = dimension of the part parallel to the direction of load

(thickness of a step, width of a beam) B 1 D 1 = dimensions as specified herein B 2 D 2 = dimensions of part being considered

The dimensions to be used in the computation are net dimensions of solid beams. For example, in the case of a step ladder side rail, dimensions B shall be taken as the gross thickness of the rail minus the depth of the gain for the steps. Where there is a rung hole at the center of depth of a rail, a somewhat more accurate comparison may be made by the use of the adjusted section modulus; that is

B2 (D 2 3 4t 2 3 ) B1 (D 1 3 411 3 ) (Eq. 3) >=

D2 D1

where the symbols have the same meanings as before, and d is the diameter of the hole for the rung tenon. In most instances the difference in results calculated by equations 2 and 3 is slight. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that guidance regarding dimensions of wood ladder parts is more important than for other materials available in a variety of design shapes which affect performance. Wood parts are solid square, rectangular, or round shapes only and minimum dimensions are critical. This new section answers this need and it should be included in NFPA 1931.

By including this information in the standard, guidance isprovided to a manufacturer or potential manufacturer of ground ladders who is designing new products or models and desiring to have them sage for the application.

It is expected that this section might encourage product innovation and improvement while ensuring and enhancing safety. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is not thepurpose of this standard to provide the engineering data to design ladders.

(Log #CP3) 1931- 15 - (2-1.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Revise paragraph 2-1.2 to read as follows:

2-1.2 Materials of construction. 2-1.2.1 Materials used in ground ladder construction shall be of

sufficient strength to meet the performance requirements of this standard.

2-1.2.2 All ground ladders shall be constructed so as to maintain at least 75 percent of their designated design strength at 300°F (149°C). 2-1.2.3 When varying types of metal are used in construction of

ground ladders, they shall be chosen or finished so as to avoid or minimize electrolytic action.

2-1.2.4 Fiberglass materials shall meet the performance requirements in chapter 7 of ANSI 14.5,Ladders-Portable Reinforced Plastic-Safety Requirements.

2-1.2.5 Wood components shall meet the requirements in Chapter 5 of ANSI A14.1, Ladders--Portable Wood--Safety Requirements except that wood irregularities shall not exceed the following.

(a) The general slope of the grain shall no tbe steeper than 1 in 15. (b) Knots shall not appear except that pin knots in rungs shall be

permissible. (c) Pitch and barkpockets shall be permitted provided that there is

not more than one that is 1/32 inch (1 ram) in width, 2 in. (51 nun) in length, and 1/8 in.(3 ram) in depth.

(d) Checks that are not more than 2 in. (51 ram) in length or 1/8 in.(3 ram) in depth.

(e) Splits that are not more than 2 in. (51 ram) in length or 1/8 in.(3 ram) in depth.

(f) Cracks shall not be permitted. Add ANSI A14.1, Ladders-Portable Wood-Safety Requirements to the referenced publications in chapter 5 SUBSTANTIATION: There are currently no specific requirements for materials of construction in the standard. While the committee desires to essentially rely on the performance requirements specified in the standard, it does feel that a few basic requirements are needed particularly for wood as it is not a homogeneous material. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept

(Log #14) 1931-16 - (2-1.3): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

2-1.$ Except for wall ladders, the beams, at the tip end shall be rounded to allow the ladder to slide on irregular surfaces without catching or snagging during placement or operations. SUBSTANTIATION: As now worded, this section does not allow the use of wall ladders that are provided with butt spurs at both ends instead of butt spurs at the bottom end and round end bands at the top end. Yet, many departments prefer and now use wall ladders with butt spurs at both ends.

The reasoning is that wall ladders, which are light, usually one person ladders, are symmetrical in shape and appearance, and, in an emergency situation, may be picked up and used upside down, inadvertently. When this happens it is safer - to have butt spurs at both ends so that no matter which end is down, butt spurs will be in contact with the ground. Since wall/adders are light in weight, there is verylittle likelihood

that a butt spur at the top end will catch on anything, and it has been the experience of those departments that have used wall ladders with butt spurs at both ends, that such snagging is not a problem. Wood wall ladders have been provided with butt spurs at both ends

for over 100 years and they are safer. CO MITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee feels that spurs on both ends of a ladder creates a safety hazard as clothing and fire fighting equipment can get caught

239

NFPA 1931 m A94 T CR

l

(Log #15) 1931- 17- (2-1.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALAC_X) Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

2-1.4 Rungs shall be not less than 1-1/8 in. (29 nun) in diameter at their smallest cross section and may be swelled-center hickory if made of wood. Metal tubular rungs shall be not less than 1 1 /4 in. (32 mm) in diameter. SUBSTANTIATION: As now worded, this section does not allow the use of wood ground ladders with swelled center solid hickory rungs which have been part of the Seagrave-type ladde/" design for over 100 years. The current manufacturer of this type wood ladder has reported that they have never had a single instance reported of a failure of a ladder with swelled center rungs. Theproposed new wordingrecognizes this reality. Solid wood sweiledcenter rungs shouldbe covered by NFPA 1931. COMMrlTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Move the exception currently under 2-4.1 to 2-1.4.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The exception under 2-4.1 should have been under 2-1.4. The other wording is design specific.

(Log #16) 1931- 18- (2-1.6(a) (New)): Reject SUBMITTER¢ Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows:

2-1.6A Three coats of phenolic tung oil varnish with ultra violet ray absorbers or equivalent shall be applied and properly cured. The first coat shall be thinned, preferably by a hot air low pressure system. The second and third coats shall be applied ~ they come from the can. The varnish shall be high gloss and the finish shall be thoroughly hard-cured before placing the ladder in service. One coat of varnish shall be applied to the wood under end bands and butt spurs before such hardware is installed. The varnish shall be high gloss only. Hard and brittle plastic finishes such as polyurethane shall not be used. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that the present standard has no section at all covering materials in general and wood finishes in particular despite the fact that the finishes used on wood ground ladders are critical to their safety and long life. For a manufacturer designing and building wood ground ladders this sort of information is essential and invaluable. A section on acceptable wood finishes is needed and this proposal

fills that need. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: This recommendRion is material restrictive and not performance oriented.

(Log #CP4) 1931- 19- (2-1.7(2)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Delete 2-1.7.2 and renumber 2-1.7.3 through 2-1.7.5 as 2-1.7.2 through 2-1.7.4 SUBSTANTIATION: Proposal |931-37 (Log #CP10) will require that ladders be certified and labeled so this paragraph is no longer needed. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #17) 1931- 20 - (2-1.7.4): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworthl ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Change text to read:

"2-1.7.4 Metal and fiberglass ground ladders shall bear the electrical hazard warninglabel shown in Figure 2-1.7.4...etc. ~ SUBSTANTIATION: While it is safe advice to warn of the dangers of coming too close to uninsulated wires carrying hig h voltages, it is a misleading statement to say, about a wood ladder, "THIS LADDER CONDUCTS ELEG'I'PdCITY." Such a statement lacks credibility, and a label that lacks credibility loses its effectiveness. Wood has a honeycomb structure and the millions of air cells in

wood make it avery good insulator. Wood "hot sticks" have been used by electric utilities for years with great safety and success. We recommend that no electrical warninglabel beplaced on a f'we

deparunent wood ground ladder. It should be no ted tha t wood

industrial ladders, which are covered byANSI A 14.1 are not to be labeled with the standard electrical warning label for ladders, according to that standard, even though such ladders are not varnished, usually. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The committee is in agreement that the wood itself of a ground ladder is not electric~Uy conductive under normal circumstances. However, surface contamination on any ladder can conduct elec~icity and the committee feels that users should be warned to watch for wires. See proposal 1931-21 (Log #CP5) which modifies this requirement.

(Log #CPS) 1931- 21 - (2-1.7(4)): Accept SUBMITrER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Revise paragraph 2-1.7.4 to reach 2-1.7.4 All metal ground ladders shall bear the electrical hazard warning label shown in Figure 2-1.7.4 on the outside of each beam 4 1/2 ft (1.37 m) to 6 ft (1.83 m) from the butt.

THIS LADDER CONDUCTS

ELECTRICITY

Figure 2-1.7.4 Electrical Hazard Warning Label for Metal Ground Ladders.

Add a new paragraph as 2-1.7.5 to read 2-1.7.5 All fiberglass and wood ground ladders shall bear the electrical hazard warning label shown in Figure 2-1.7.5 on the outside of each beam 4 1 /2 ft (1.37 m) to 6 fr (1.83 m) from the butt.

240

N F P A 1931 - - A94 T C R

F'gure 2-1.7.5 Electrical Hazard Warning Label for Fiberglass and Wood Ground Ladders.

Renumber current 2-1.7.5 as 2-1.7.6 SUBSTANTIATION: Wood and fiberglass materials are used in ground ladder construction because of their electrical non- conductive properties. While surface contamination on any ladder can conduct electricity, it is not correct to state that the ladder itseff conducts electricity. However the committee feels that users should be warned to watch for wires regardless of the material the ladder is constructed of. Therefore this proposal is recommending that the wording ~ h i s ladder conducts electricity" not be required on the labels for ladders consu'ucted of fiberglass or wood materials. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept.

( Log #18) 1931- 22 - (2-1.7.5): Reject SUBMIT1T.R: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Change text to read:

"2-1.7.5 Metal and fiberglass ground ladders shall bear the framing square marking shown inFigure 2-1.7.5 ...etc~" SUK~TANTIATION: The problem is that wood ground ladders frequently must be used at other than the recommended angle of incfination because of environmental circumstances at the fire scene. Also, they usually are used where the ideal "firm and level surface" may not exist. That's why they are provided with butt spurs instead of rubber pads for feet. Wood ground ladders are designed for safety even when misused, as opposed to industrial ladders, which can and are used in much more controlled circumstances.

The angle of inclination label now shown in the standard is copied from the ANSI standard for industrial ladders and, while it maybe l~PapaP~ers.a ropriate for those ladders it is not appropriate for wood ground

Also, it has been noted, by CPSC, in their studies of warning labels for ladders, that labels such as this are not read by the average user. This argument would be doubly applicabl e for wood groundladders used by fire fighters, who don ' t have the time to read labels at the fire scene and-who are well trained in the placement of ground ladders and need no such labels.

In our experience, this label should not be placed on wood ground ladders and we suggest that it may not be appropriate even for metal or fiberglass ladders, either, in which case the whole section should be deleted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Labels places on ground ladders to assist in their proper use should be consistent across all ladders. See proposal 1931-23 (Log #CP6) which is modifying the "framing square" label

(Log #CP6) 1931- 23- (2-1.7.5): Accept SUBMI'V~R: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Revise paragraph 2-1.7.5 to read: 2-1.7.5 All ground ladders shall bear the label shown in Figure 2- 1.7.5 approximately 4 1/2 ft (1.37 m) to 6 ft (1.85 m) from the butt on the outside of both beams.

SET UP LADDER PROPERLY TO REDUCE SLIP AND OVERLOAD HAZARDS. I :~ l I ( 3W T U ~

OF LADDER SIDEFIAILS,

STAND ERECT

EXTEND ARMS STRAIGHT OUT.

( ~ ) PALMS OF HANDS SHOULD TOUCH TOP ~ RUNG AT SHOULDER LEVEL

F'gure 2-1.7.5 Ladder Positioning Label

SUBSTANTIATION: The American National Standards lnsdmte has changed the label used to show the proper angle of inclination for a ground ladder. The revised wording and label in this standard is for consistency with those standards. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.

241

N F P A 1931 - - A 9 4 T C R

(Log #CP7) 1931- 24- (2-1.8 and 2-1.9): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Delete 2-1.8 and 2-1.9 and replace with the following: 2-1.8 Those surfaces of rungs designed for use in ascending, descending, working, or standing, shall be skid resistant across their entire width. 2-1.9 Heat Sensor Labels. 2-1.9.1 All metal and fiberglass ground ladders shall bear heat sensor labels preset for 300°F (149°C) + 5%. Each heat sensor shall have an expiration date (month and year) printed on the label. 2-1.9.2 Heat sensor labels shall be located on the inside of each beam of each section immediately below the second rung from the tip of each section and immediately below the center rung of that section ." SUBSTANTIATION: Paragraphs 2-1.8.2 and 2-1.9.1 have been transfered to the new 2-1.2.2. Paragraphs 2-1.8.1 has been transfered to 2-1.2.3. Paragraph 2-1.9.3 has been transfered to 2-1.2.4 (see

~ roposal 1931-15). he standard currently does not address slip resistance of rungs

except in paragraph 2-1.8.3 for metal ladders and paragraph 2-1.9.2 for fiberglass ladders. Those requirement tend to be design restrictive and ladders constructed of other materials are not covered. New 2-1.8 applies to all ladder rungs and is performance oriented. 2-1.8.4 and 2-1.9.4 have been combined into a single section on heat sensors (new 2-1.9). The requirement for the location of heat sensors was changed because it is felt that the center of the section is more likely to see heat and with an extension ladder at full extension, the previous wording would have two sensors very close (top of base section and bottom of fly section.) A tolerance was added for the heat sensor labels and a requirement added that an expiration date be printed on the label so they can be changed when they loose their sensitivity. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept

( Log #19)

1931- 25 - (2-2): Reject SUBM]TTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

2-2.2 Length and Beam :)imensions. The designated length of a single section ladder shall be the length of one beam excluding any butt spurs. The minus tolerance of the design ~ ~ed length shall not exceed 6 in. (152 ram). The minimum dimensions of the beams of wood single section ladders shall be not less than the following, when they are made of Group B, C, or D woods as designated in Table 1: SUBSTANTIATION: Dimensions are critical, especially for wood ladders, and it is important to establish minimum beam cross sections for safety. The problem is that there is no section in the present standard that establishes minimum beam cross sections. It would appear that dais section would be an appropriate place for such data. Also, the present section provides for no tolerance range within

which the manufacturer can operate. Finally, it appears the last sentence in the section is redundant, ff

the designated length is defined as the actual length of a beam, then the actual length must be the same as the designated length and there is no need to state that.

By including the proposed information in the standard, guidance is rOVided to a manufacturer or potential manufacturer of ground dders who is designing new products or models and desiring to

have them safe for the application. It is expected that this section might encourage product innovation

and improvement while ensuring and enhancing safety. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The addition of dimensions for other than safety in climbing is design restrictive.

(Log #20) 1931- 26 - (2-2): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

2-2.3 Width. The minimum inside width between beams for single (delete "and roof') or wall ladders shall not be less than 14 in. (355 mrfl). SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that bedding requirements on apparatus, especially in retrofit situations, call for a slightly narrower ladder than is presently required.

242

Beam Dimensions Overall length

of Ladder Thickness Depth ~feet) (inches) (inches)

Group B Woods

10 1-1/16 (27-mm) 2-1/2 (63-ram) 12 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-1/2 (63-ram) 14 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-1/2 (63-ram) 16 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-1/2 (63-ram) 18 1-1/16 (27-mm) 2-3/4 (70-ram) 20 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-3/4 (70-ram) 22 1-5/16 (33-ram) 3 (76-ram) 24 1-5/16 (33-ram) 3 (76-ram) 26 1-5/16 (33-ram) 3 (76-ram) 28 1-5/16 (33-ram) 3 (76-ram)

Group C Woods

10 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-5/8 (66-ram) 12 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-5/8 (66-ram) 14 1-1/16 (27-mm) 2-5/8 (66-ram) 16 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-5/8 (66-mm) 18 1-1/8 (28-ram) 2-3/4 (70-ram) 20 1-1/8 (28-ram) 2-3/4 (70-urea) 22 1-3/8 (35-ram) 3 (76-mm) 24 1-3/8 (35-ram) 3 (76-rmn) ~6 1-3/8 (35-ram) 3 (76-ram) 28 1-3/8 (35-ram) 3 (7f-ram)

Group D Woods

10 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-3/4 (70-ram) 12 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-3/4 (70-ram) 14 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-3/4 (70-rata) 16 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-3/4 (70-ram) 18 1-5/16 (33-mm) 2-3/4 (70-mm) 20 1-5/16 (33-mm) 2-3/4 (70-mm) 22 1-3/8 (35-mm) 3-1/4 (82-ram) 24 1-3/8 (35-ram) 3-1/4 (82-ram) 26 1-3/8 (35-mm) 3-1/4 (82-ram) 28 1-3/8 (3~-mm) 34/4 (82-ram)

Many manufacturers accorrmaodate this need now, but this requires the authority having jurisdiction to make an exception to the standard. If the standard were changed this wouldbecome unnecessary and it would reduce the burden on the authority having jurisdiction.

Also, it should be noted that in over 100 years of service that ALACO is familiar ~dth, there has never been a problem, complaint, difficulty, or accident traceable to the 14 in. standard width of wood ground ladders. There appears to be no engineering basis for requiring the 16 in. width. We recommend that it be change to 14 in. minimum. Also, it should be noted that we propose the width of roof ladders

(which, usually are nested inside extension ladders) to be treated in a separate section. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The 16 in. width is a minimum required for safety when using ladders on the fire ground and was a compromise reached by the fire service which originally wanted a wider ladder.

1931- 27- (2-3): Reject (Log #21) SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Replace existing section with:

2-3.2 Width and Length. Roof ladders shall have a minimum inside width between beams of not less than 14 in. (355 ram), unless they are to nest in a minimum width extension ladder when bedded on apparatus. The designated length of a roof ladder shall be the length of one beam excluding any butt spur and hooks. The minus tolerance of the designated length shall not exceed 6 in. (152 ram). SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that bedding and nesting requirements on apparatus, especially in retrofit situations, may require a slightly narrower roof ladder than is presently required.

Many manufacturers accommodate this need now, but this requires the authority having jurisdiction to make an exception to the standard. If the standard were changes this wouldbecome unnecessary and it would reduce the burden on the authority having jurisdiction.

Also, it should be noted that in over 100 years of service that ALACO is familiar with, there has never been a problem, complaint, difficulty, or accident traceable to the 14 in. standard or narrower

NFPA 1 9 3 2 - - A94 TCR

width (for nesting) of wood roof laddeng There appears to be no engineering basis for requiring the 16 in. width. We recommend that it be changed to 14 in. or narrower minimum. Another problem sterna from the statement, now in the standard,

that single ladders may be provided with roof hooks. In the case of tapered truss single ladders, this statement could cause confusion because roofhoo~ks on such a ladder would be unsafe. Aflat truss member is necessary on roof ladders to allow the ladder to rest fiat against the roof surface. We propose that the statement be deleted to avoid confusion. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMrr rEE STATEMENT: The length of all single ladders which includes roof ladders is spelled out in 2-2.2 of the current standard. No justification has been provided for allowing a minus tolerance. A 16 in, width is a minimum required for safety when using ladders on the fire ground and was a compromise reached by the fire service which originally wanted a wider ladder.

(Log #22) 1931- 28 - (2-3.3.1A (New)): Reject SUBMITIT, R: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add new text to read as follows:

2-3.3.1A On wood roof ladders the roof hooks shall be solid heat treated chromium-molybdenum steel, bent afull 180 ° with a I 1 /2 in. straight entry shank, and the tip shall be machined to a 70 ° point for easier penetration. SUBbWANTIATION: The problem is that accidents have been caused when the tip of a roof ladder inadvertendy disengages. W'nh the advent of a roof ladder leg lock device, which puts extra upward force on the ladder tip, the Woblem is exacerbated.

There is a need for a more secure hook design. This proposal inserts information about such a more secure hook

design into the standard. The intent is to encourage improvements in product design and provide guidance to ladder manufacturers and enhance safety. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This proposal is design resh~ictive.

SUBSTANTIATION: If the proposed new section on wood extension ladders is adopted, the changes proposed herein will be necessary W clarify the standard.' COMMI'ITE E ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE $ T A ~ : The committee is not establishing a separate section for wood.

(LOg#25) 1931- 31 - (2-4 (New)): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMIT'IY.~ Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new section to read as follows:

2-4.2A Wood Extension Ladders. 2-4.2A.1 Wood extension ladders shall have a minimum inside

width between beams on any section of not less than 14 in. (355 mm.)

2-4.2A.2 Wood extension ladders over 16 ft (4.9 m) in designated length shall be equipped with a halyard and pulley system. The pulley shall n o t b e attached to the rungs or the beams and it shall not be less than 2-3/4 in. (70-mm) in diameter. The halyard shall not be less than 3 /8 in. (9.5 mm) in diameter having a minimum breaking strength of 825 lb (374 kg). Splices shall not be allowed.

2-4.2A.3 Pawls shall be halyard actuated, shall engage two adjacent rungs and shall have no moving parts. Pawls shall be fastened or secured to beams in a manner such that no fasteners are used and vibration and use will no t cause loosening. Pawls shall rest on the rungs as near to the beams as possible.

2-4.2A.4 Wood extension ladders shall be used in the fl)~in position and shall be designed and tested accordingly.

2-4.2A.5 Staypoles shall be furnished on allextension ladders of 40 ft (12.2 m) or greater designated length, shall be permanently attached to the ground ladder with toggle joints and shall not be removed for ladder nesting. A m e a m shall be provided to hold the staypoles in a secure position against the base section when they are not in use.

2-4.2A.6 The minimum dimensions of the beams of two section extension ladders shall be not less than the following, when they are made of Group B, C, or D woods as shown in Table 1:

(Log #CPS) 1931- 29 - (2-3.3.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Revise 2-3.3.1 to read:

Roof Hooks. Folding roof hoods shall be provided on all roof ladders. The roof hooks shall be directionally springlocked and have tapered points to reduce slippage. These roofhooks shall be of sufficient size to meet the design verification tests of section 3-3 and have a minimum opening of not less than 6 in (150 mm) measured perpendicular fi'om the outside of the beam to the point. Add a paragraph to the appendix which r e a ~

Fire departments who use roof ladders in areas where snow and ice accumfilate on roofs may want to use an even larger hook to ensure the ladder holds over a ridge that is covered with snow and ice. SUBSTANTIATION: The current paragraph is design restrictive in that it specifies a material which the hoSks-are to be made of: Also the current paragraph does not address the size of the hook. The appendix addition is to give guidance where larger hooks may be desired. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #20) 1931- 30 - (2-4): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: If the new proposed section on Wood Extension Ladders is adopted, change the existing sections as follows:

2-4.4.1 add: Metal or fiberglass at the beginning of the first sentence. 2-4.4.2 add: Metal or fiberglass at the be~nning of the first

sentence. 2-4.5 add: Metal or Fiberglass LadderL after a comma at the end

of the tide. 2-4.6 add: Metal or Fiberglass Ladders. after a comma at the end

of the tide. 2-4.7 add: Memi or Fiberglass Ladders. after a comma at the end

of the tide. 2-4.8 add: Metal or Fiberglass Ladders. after a comma at the end

of the tide.

Overall length of Ladder

16 18 20 2 4 28 32 $6 40 45 50

16 18 20 24 28 ~2 36 40 45 50

16 18 20 24 28 32 36 40 45 50

Pail Dimensiom

Thickness Depth

Group B Woods

1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-1/2 (63-ram) 1-1/16 (27-mm) 2-1/2 (63-ram) 1-1/16 (27-mm) 2-1/2 (63-ram) 1-1/16 (27-mm) 2-3/4 (70-mm) 1-5/16 ($3-mm) 2-3/4 (70-mm) 1-1/4 (32-mm) 3 (76-mm) 1-3/8 ($5-mm) 3-1/8 (79-ram) 1-3/8 ($5-mm) 3-1/4 (82-ram) 1-3/S OS-mm) 3-1/2 (89-mm) 1-3/8 (S,~mm) 3-7/8 (g&mm)

Group C Woods

1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-5/8 (66-ram) 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-5/8 (66-ram) 1-1/16 (27-mm) 2-5/8 (66-ram) 1-1/8 (28-mm) '2-3/4 (70-ram) 1-3/8 (35-mm) 2-3/4 (70-ram) 1 - 5 / 8 0 ~ m ) S (76ram) 1-5/8 ($~-mm) 3-3/16 (81-ram) 1-5/8 (35-mm) 3-1/4 (82-ram) 1-3/8 (35-ram) 3-9/16 (Sgmm) 1-3/8 (35-ram) 4 (101-ram)

Group D Woods

1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-3/4 (70-ram) 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-3/4 (70-ram) 1-1/16 (27-ram) 2-5/4 (70-ram) 1-5/16 (3~mm) 3-3/4 (95-ram) 1-5/16 (~%mm) 3 (76-ram) 1-3/8 (35-ram) 3-3/16 (81-ram) 1-3/8 (35-ram) 3-7/16 (87-ram) 1-5/8 ($.~mm) 3-5/8 (92-ram) 1-3/8 (35..ram) 3-7/8 (98-mm) 1-3/8 (35-mm) 4-5/16 (109-mm)

243

N F P A 1931 - - A94 T C R

2-4.2A.7 Wood Attic Extension Ladders. 2-4.2A.7.1 Attic extension ladders shall have a minimum inside

width between beams on any section of not less than %1/2 in. (190 mm.)

2-4.2A.7.2 The designated length of an attic extension ladder shall be the maximum extended length with pawls engaged, measured along the beams on one side excluding any butt spur. The minus tolerance of the designated length shall not exceed 6 in. (152 ram.)

2-4.2A.7.3 Pawls shall be fixed type and shall engage one rung of the supporting section. Pawls shall be fastened or secured to beams in a manner such that vibration and use will not cause fasteners to loosen and they shall rest on the rung as near to the beams as

g ossible. UBSTANTIATION: The problem is that wood extension ladders

vary so significantly in so many respects with metal and fiberglass extension ladders that there is very little similarity, though all are extension ladders. Wood ground ladders are opposite from metal and fiberglass in that they need not be as wide, they have a lar~er pulley, a special pulley mounting beam, they are not available m 3 or 4 section configurations, they need no secondary halyard security because of their unique design, the pawls are halyard actuated and have no moving parts as opposed to the spring loaded multiple parts metal ladder and fiberglass ladder pawls, the pawls engage two adjacent rungs for added safety instead of just one, the stay poles have toggle joint instead of swivel joints, and minimum beam dimensions data are needed for wood, but not for other types. This extraordinary number of differences make it cumbersome to

amend each existing extension ladder paragraph. It is simpler and more practical to simply add a separate section for wood extension ladders and leave the existing sections untouched except for marking them clearly as metal and fiberglass ladder sections.

For these reasons it is recommended that the proposed new wood extension ladder section be inserted in the standard. Reasons for each of the many different wood extension ladder

characteristics, though well founded and based on over 100 years of safe and successful service in the field are not included here but can be presented, if desire, at the committee meeting where this proposal is considered. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. Reject 2-4.2A.1 Reject 2-4.2A.2 Reject 2-4.2A.3. Reject 2-4.2A.4. Accept in principle 2-4.2A.5. Modify 2-4.8.1 and 2-4.8.2 as shown

below." 2-4.8.1 Staypoles shall be furnished on all extension ladders of over 40 ft (12.2 m) m--great~ designated length. 2-4.8.2 All stay~polessh~l be permanently attached to the ground ladder ,dd, ~u.vc/~,d ~,%c! i~,,~,,~, and shall not be removed for ladder nesting. Reject 2-4.2A.6. Reject 2-4.2A.7.1. Reject 2-4.2A.7.2. Reject 2-4.2A-7.3.

COMMITrEE STATEMENT: In 2-4.2A.1, all extension ladders need to be the same width regardless of material of construction.

2-4.2A.2 is covered in 2-4.6.3. Pulleys can be larger is desired. 2-4.2A.3 is design restrictive. 2-4.2A.4 is design restrictive. The modifications to 2-4.8.1 and 2-4.8.2 accommodate the

requested changes in 2-4.2A.5 for all ground ladders regardless of material of construction.

2-4.2/L6 is design restrictive. 2-4.2A.7.1 is already covered in 2-4.4.2 2-4.2A.7.2 is already covered in 2-4.3 2-4.2A.7.3 is design restrictive and pawls are covered in 2-4.7.

(Log #23) 1931- 32 - (2-4.1 Exception and 2-4.2.1): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: In 2-4.1 delete the Exception as follows:

Exception: Swell center rungs on wood ladders may taper to 1-1/8 in. (28.6-mm), if the proposed revision of 2-1.4 is adopted. Revise text to read as follows: 2-4.2.1 Extension ladders shall be constructed with a permanently

affixed stop installed by the manufacturer to prevent their over extension. The manufacturer shall determine the location of this permanently affixed stop.

Exception: Attic Extension ladders and Combination Ladders in the extension configuration. SUBSTANTIATION: The objectives of the proposed revision are to simplify the statement, eliminate some possible confusion about test positioning, and to make it more complete by indicating that short

extension ladders without halyards do not need and, customarily, do not have lap stops. It is expected that this clarification will eliminate possible confusion and/or misunderstanding.

It should be noted that, when testing, the tester would retract the test ladder to its next lowest locked rung position after first extending the fly section to the lap stop. Thus, the lap stop does not determine test position; the locked rung does this. The procedure is fully described m the testing instructions and it is not necessary to repeat it here, in a section on construction. This additional information about construction details may be

helpful to manufacturers or potential manufacturers, as well'. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Part. The exception to 2-4.1 has been moved to 2-1.4.

COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The committee feels a permanently affixed stop should be provide on all extension ladders and does not feel the extra wording about the conditions to be considered when the location of the stop is determined is inappropriate here.

(Log #24) 1931- 33 - (2-4.2.2): Accept SUBMrI~rER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

2-4.2.2 Extension ladders shall not be constructed in a manner or method which necessitates the elimination of a rung on any section except when one of the lower two rungs of the fly section is replaced by the steel cross bar of a halyard actuated rung lock system. SUBSTANTIATION: The section as it now appears is too limiting and does not allow for design options of value which may contribute to increased safety. It could be argued that the section should be further revised to allow even more design freedom.

For example, in a fly-in extension ladder design, there is no access by the climber to the bottom rungs of the fly section behind the base section. If one of those rungs is replaced bya rung lock mechanism which is halyard actuated and which is faster, easier, more foolproof and safer than other rung lock mechanisms, the result will be a safer complete ladder design and the question about whether a rung per se is missing or not is a moot point.

Further, as stated in the 1-2 Purpose. section: "It is not the purpose of this standard to specify details of construction."

It can be argued that too many restrictions, some of questionable value, will discourage innovation and product improvements. The Pthroposed revised statement helps encourage innovation and it is,

erefore, recommended. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #CPO) 1931- 34- (2-4.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Designate the text associated with 2-4.3 as 2- 4.3.1 and add a new 2-4.3.2 to read:

2-4.3.2 Attic extension ladders shall not exceed 16 feet in length. SUBSTANTIATION: Attic ladders are allowed to be narrower and as such their length should be restricted so they are not used as regular extension ladder which are wider and more stable. COMMITYEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #1) 1931- 35 - (2-4.8.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Phil Schwab, DUO Safety Ladder RECOMMENDATION: Change the reference to: wire rope shall not be less than 3/16 in. diameter. Need a performance spec. for wire rope - like wire rope with a capacity of at least 10 times greater than the max section weight it must carry. SUBSTANTIATION: 3/18 in. di~. is design restrictive.

3/16 in. dia. is about 20 times greater than (or more) needed. Over a period of years of use - 3/18 in. dia cable gets slightly

smaller with use. We now have some testing co. people demanding replacement of

cables that are perfect COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise the second sentence o~2-4.6.5 to read: "Such wire cable shall have a 5 to 1 safet~ factor while supporting 2

times the dead load weight of the fly secuon(s) the cable~ inten~ied tO raise .~ COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The 2 times weight is based on the requirement in 35.4.3 which requires that the maximum pull in pounds shall not exceed two times the weight of one ladder fly section.

244

N F P A 1931 B A94 T C R

(Log #27) 1931- 36 - (2-5.3): Reject SUBMITrER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

2-5.3 Width. The minimum inside width between beams for combination ladders shall not be less than 12 in. (305 mm.) SUBSTANTIATION: Some combination laddershave a narrow rear section (in the stepladder mode) which is not intended for climbing and a wide, flared or tapered front section for stability. Also, this ladder is used, usually, for inside auic access, salvage work, and/or roof scuttle access, which are operations not well served by a wide unwieldy ladder. In order to have a most useful ladder for these applications, a narrow, 12 in. (305 ram) section must be allowed.

I~ is recommended that the 12 in. width, minimum, be specified in the standard. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITIT_J~ STATEMENT: 16 inches has been established as the minimum width for fire department i~round ladders. Because of its design and flexible applicaiion, the wadth is needed for stability.

1931- 37 - (2-8 (New)): Accept (Log #CP10) SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Add a new section as follows:

2-8 Certification and Labeling. All fire department ground ladders meeting the requirements of this standard shall be certified and labeled. SUBSTANTIATION: The committee feels a certification and labeling program will assist the fire service in procuring ground ladders for their department. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #28) 1931- 38 - (Chapter 3): Reject SUBMITrER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Change Chapter tide to:

Chapter $ Design Verification Tests, Metal and Fiberglass Ladders. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that the design verification tests for metal and fiber~[lass differ enough in detail and concept from the design verification tests for wood ground ladders that an entirely separate chapter for wood ground ladders is appropriate and proposed on another proposal form. ff the wood ground ladder design verification tests are adopted as a separate chapter it will be necessary to indicate that the tests in Chapter 3 are for metal, fiberglass, and, possibly, other types of materials.

The suggestion in this proposaris an attempt to accomplish that

E ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Design verification tests are to prove the ladder is structurally designed to support the weight and to perform properly regardless of material- of construction. The ~ommitt~e is not establishing a separate chapter for wood ladders.

outside laboratory or consultant, the user or owner of the product, or any other individual or organization, and whether or not any equipment, facility, or personnel for or in connection with the test is furnished by the manufacturer or by any other such individual, consultant, laboratory, or organization. Extreme care shall be exercised to avoid personal injury when setting up and conducting the tests and when disassembling the test gear at the conclusion of the tests.

3A-2.4 Diligent effort and close attention to all details shall be exercised in setting up and conducting the tests. Subtle variations in test techniques may introduce significant testing errors that bias the testingprogram. Personnel inexperienced in ladder testing, even though otherwise professionally qualified, should be especially careful to follow the preferred test methods.

3A-2.5 Design verification tests shall be conducted during the initial evaluation of a specific product design and thereafter whenever there is a change in the design, method of manufacture, or material. It is not intended that design verification tests shall be conducted on ladders that have been in use or subjected to prior damage, misuse, or abuse. Ladders subjected to design verification tests are not intended for subsequent use.

3A-2.6 The development and ongoing implementation of overall quality control shal113e the responsibility of each individual manufacturer.

3A-2.7 Conformance to the design verification test requirements, where applicable, shall be determined 5 min after load removal.

3A-2.8 The test load shall be applied slowly, using care to avoid impact loading during the test.

3A-3 DesignVerification Tests for Wood Ladders. 3A-3.1 Simulated In-Use Inclined Load Test for Wall, Extension,

Roof, Combination, and Folding Attic Ladders. The ladder shall be fully extended and supported as shown in Figure 1. The load shall be applied equally to both beams on the two middle r u n g (or the first two rungs above the overlap on extension ladders) using four 3 I /2 in. (89 trim) straps, each lo?.ated next to a beam and cen-trally loaded through equalizer bars on the climbing side of the ladder. All supporting and loading apparatus shall conform to that shown in Figure "1 or stiall be such as to produce equivalent results.

The ladder shall be loaded in accordance with Table 2. The full load shall be applied for a period of 1 min before release. The ladder shall sus-t~tin this lo~l without ultimate failure. Permanent deformation or impairment shall be allowed.

(Log #29) 1931-39- (Chapter 3A): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Chapter 3A as follows:

Chapter 3A Design Verification Tests for Wood Ground Ladders 3A-1 General. 3A-l.1 Ladders shall meet the specifications of the foregoing

sections and, in addition, shall pass the tests described in this section.

3A-2 Requirements Applying to All Wood Ladder Tests. 3A-2.1 The test methods depicted in this section represent the

preferred methods to be followed in determining whether a ladder conforms to the requirements of this standard. Variations from the specific methods depicted in the various diagrams shall be acceptable provided such alternate means provide equivalent results and comply with the intent of the applicable preferred test method. However, where the supposed equivalent test methods yield different results, the preferred test methods shall determine whether or not the ladder is in conformance with the standard.

3A-2.2 The test requirements were developed using statistical tolerances. Hence, where a single test result indicates noncompliance, the test may be repeated utilizing a statistically justifiable number of test samples to ultimately determine compliance or noncompliance with the standard.

3A-2.3 Many of the tests required by the standard are inherently dangerous. The National Fire Protection Assodation neither assumes nor accepts any responsibility for any injury or damage that may occur during or as the result of tests, wherever performed, whether performed in whole or in part by the manufacturer, an

245

Pl ATrlgR~ (aor~ a)

NOTES: (1) This illustration shows the test setup before the load is applied. (2) The test platform follows the test load as the ladder deflects

into the wall. (3) The angle of inclination shall be 75-1/2 °.

Figure 1 Inclined Load Test.

N F P A 1931 - - A 9 4 T C R

Table 2 Wall, Extension, Roof, mad Folding Laddem

Inclined Load Test and Pawl Load Test

Type and Size Duty Rating Test Load I r o , ~ ) I r o u ~ )

Wall Ladders Sizes 10 to 16 500 (227 kg) " 2,000 (907 kg) Sizes 18 and above 750 (340 kg) 3,000 (1360 kg)

Extension Ladders Sizes 10 to 16 500 (227 kg) 2,000 (907 kg) Sizes 18 and above 750 (340 kg) 3,000 (1360 kg)

Roof Ladders Sizes 10 to 16 500 !227 kg) 2,000 (907 kg) Sizes 18 and above 750 (340 kg) 3,000 (1360 kg)

Combination l~dders 300 (136 kg) 1,200 (544 kg)

Folding Ladders 300 (136 kg) 1,200 (544 kg)

3A-3.2 Pawl Load Test for Extension Ladders. The test unit shall either be the shortest full-size ladder manufactured or a unit only of sufficient length for testpurposes, f fa full-size ladder is used, the fly section shall be extendedone rung beyond the minimum working length of the ladder. Short test units shall consist of portions of the base and fly sections of the extension ladder with all the hardware or fittings attached.

The test unit shall be set, as shown in Figure 2, at a 75 1 / 2 ° working angle. A downward distributed load, in accordance with Table 2 shall be applied for a minimum period of 1 min, equally to both beams on the lowest fly rungs above the overlap using two 3 1 / 2 in. (89 mm) straps, each located next to a beam and centrally loaded through an equalizer bar over the dimbing side of the ladder.

The pawls shall withstand this test with no permanent deformation or other visible weakening of the pawls. Permanent damage in other parts of the ladder structure is not a test failure. However, the ladder shall still support the test load after the application of the load even ff the rung is damaged.

3A-3.3 Pawl Tip Load Test. The test unit shall be either the shortest full-size ladder manufactured or a unit only of sufficient length for test purposes. If a full-size ladder is used, the fly section shall be extended a minimum of one rung beyond the minimum working length of the ladder. Short test units shall consist of portions of the base and fly sections of the extension ladder, with the pawls attached. The test unit shall be set at a 75 1/2 ° working angle, as shown in

Figure 3. The bottom end of the ladder shall be prevented from slipping by a block or equivalent means. The tip of each pawl shall bear on the center of a steel test fixture placed over the top of a rung as shown in Figure 3. During the test, the pawls shall be prevented from pivoting by means located adjacent to the pivot point, but which shall not affect that portion of the pawl under test in any way. A downward disUibutedload, in accordance with Table 2 shall be

applied for a period of 1 min equally to both side rails on the lowest fly rungs above the overlap, using two 3 1/2 in. (89 mm) straps, each locatednext to a rail and centrally loaded through an equalizer bar over the climbing side of the ladder. The pawls shall withstand this test with no permanent deformation

or other visible weakening of the pawls. Permanent damage in other parts of the ladder structure is not a test failure. However, the ladder still shall support the test load after the application of the load, even if the rung is damaged.

iO\

\o

IF.S1" LOAD FIXTURE

NOTES: (1) The flysection shall be located to the rear of the base section. (2) The angle of inclination shall be 75 1/2 °.

F'lgure 2 Pawl Load Test.

i ANGL1~- 0)5 INCLINATIO (NOTE I

i BLOCK (Note 23

NOTES: (1) The angle of inclination shall be 75-1/2 °. (2) A block or equivalent means shall be used to prevent the

bottom of the ladder from slipping.

lrlgure 3 Pawl Tip Load Test.

3A-3.4 Beam Cantilever Dynamic Drop Test for Wall and Extension Ladders. The test unit shall be the longest extension ladder for each base section beam size and the longest wall ladder for each beam size. An extension ladder shall be opened 1 ft (304 mm) for the drop test.

The test ladder shall be placed in a horizontal position, with the rungs vertical. The top section shall be supported fi in. (152 ram) from the very top of the top section so that the lower rail of the bottom section is 36 in. (912 mm) from a concrete floor, as shown in Figure 4.

24fi

NFPA 1931 m A94 TCR

To perform the drop test, both beams of the base section shall be guided in a vertical plane during a free-fall drop. A ladder shall be considered to have passed the test if there is no visual damage to the beam.

, ' , - - ~ . q - - O P E N ON~ flUNG

I

91OE OU~IF.9

[_).e 1

- / / - I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,

, !

36- in OflOP

HEIGHT

I i l NOTE: This test evaluates the result of inward-cantilever dynamic loading of the ladder.

lrgure 4 Beam Cantilever Dynamic Drop Test.

3A-3.5 Ladder Section Twist Test for Wall and Extension Ladders. The test unit shall consist of any length ladder base section supported over a 7-ft (2-m) test span. The ladder shall be placed in a flat horizontal position and supported at each end as shown in Figure 5. The horizontal support for the ladder on one end shall be fixed. An initial preioad of t00 in-lb, applied in a clockwise direction, shall be used to establish a reference for angular deflection, after which the ladder shall be unloaded. A torque of 1200 in.-lb shall then be applied in accordance with one of the two methods shown in Figure 5. The torque shall be applied first in a clockwise and then in a counterclockwise direction. The angle of twist measured from the horizontal position shall not be greater than 14 ° . Attention shall be given to ensure that the ladder is tightly clamped onto the test fixtures during this test.

f'IVOT

I onolJE" wm~ flc. |N01~ ~| I, T 5 T

LOP, I1 INO'e E 2!

~ t ' t N f l pnAc~I~ T |CLAMP~Ol

NOTES: (1) The test span is 7 ft (2 m), but any ladder section or wall ladder

that is at least 8 ft (2.4 mm) in length may be tested. (2) The torque may be applied alternately using a torque wrench,

or a test load may be applied alternately on each end of the arm.

Figure 5 Wall or Extension Ladder Twist Test.

3A-3.6 Butt Spur Slip Test. All butt spurs on wall, roof, and extension ladders shall be tested for skid resistance as shown in Figure 6. The test unit shall be a 16-ft. (4.9-m) extension ladder in the fully extended position. The test surface shall be A-C plywood, which shall be presanded using 320 fine wet/dry sandpaper. The "A" side of the plywood shall be placed in contact with the butt spurs of the test unit. The surface against which the top of the fly section rests also shall be the ~A ~ surface, similarly treated.

A test weight of 500 Ib (227 kg) shall be attached to the third rung from the tip of the fly section. A horizontal pulling force of 50 lb (22.7 kg) applied to the bottom of the test unit at 1 in. (25 mm) above the test surface shall not cause movement in excess of 1/4 in. (6 mm) across the test surface.

/ A-C t"I.YWOOU (:JLIRI'Ac

:tiT m) ~^~.

NOTES: (1) The grain of the plywood shall be parallel to the direction of

loading; the grain on the vertical sheet under the tip end of the fly section shall run in a vertical direction, and the grain on the horizontal sheet under the base section shall be parallel to the direction of the test load.

(2) The dead load shall be applied on the third rung from the tip of the fly section.

(3) The angle of inclination shall be 75-1/2 ° .

F'tgure 5 Butt Spur Slip Test.

3A-3.7 Multisection Extending Force Test for Wood Extension Ladders. The test unit shall be a complete extension ladder. The unit shall be set in a vertical position, at the minimum working length of the ladder. The base may be braced or otherwise held to maintain vertical alignment. A measured downward force shall be smoothly applied to cause vertical extension of the fly section of 2 ft (610 ram) or more, at a rate of 6 in. (152 nun) to 12 in. (305 nun) per se~

For those ladders not equipped with a halyard system, the measured force shall be applied vertically to the bottom rung of the fly section. The maximum measured force that occurs during each pull shall he recorded. Three test pulls shall be done for each ladder, and the maximum forces shall be averaged for the three pulls. This average maximum force shall not exceed two times the weight of the ladder fly section.

3A-3.8 Roof Hook Test. The roof ladder shall be positioned for testing and tested as shown in Figure 7. The ladder shall be hung solely by the roof hooks, with the hooks supported only by the points of the hooks, in a vertical position fi~om a fixture capable of supporting the entire test load and weight of the ladder. The ladder shall be secured in such a manner to retain the ladder in the test position to prevent injury to test personnel if the hooks fail during the test. A test load of 2000 lb (907 kg) shall be placed over as many rungs

as needed. The test load shall consist of weight increments consistent with safety and ease of handling. The test load shall be applied for a minimum of 1 rain. l adder and roof hook assemblies shall sustain this test load with no

damage to the structure, and any deformation to the hooks shall not exceed 5 ° .

247

N F P A 1931 - - A 9 4 T C R

SWEW I~51"RAIN T /

toAD

F'~rure 7 Roof Hook Test.

3A-3.9 Compression Test for Combination Ladders. The combination ladder shall be positioned for testing and tested as shown in Figure 8. The ladder shall be tested in its A-frame position, with the test load of 2000 Ih (907 kg) applied uniformly to the top rungs.

The ladder shall sustain the test load without ultimate failure.

~mNt I t . Iwln th,

I '

lr~ure 8 Compression Test.

SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that the design verification tests for metal and fiberglass differ enough in detm2 and concept from the design verification tests for wood ground ladders that an entirely separate chapter for wood ground ladders is needed. This proposal is intended to fulfill that need. (If these wood ground ladder design verification tests are adopted as a separate chapter it will be necessary to indicate that the tests in chapter 3 are for metal, fiberglass, and, possibly, other types of materials.)

The simulated in-nse inclined load tests represent a real-world load application of loads that more closely represents reality. They are new, and do not appear in the present standard. It should be noted that they could be used for metal and fiberglass ladders if desired.

The pawl load test and the paw l tip load test, proposed here for wood ground ladders only, are different from the pawl tests for metal and fiberglass ladders because the rung lock system designs are entirely different and they operate entirely differently. Accord- ingly, the tests need. to test different features. The tests proposed herein recognize the unique characteristics of wood ladder locking systems.

The beam cantilever dynamic drop test is not in the present chapter and is proposed herein for wood ladders. It tests resistance to impact shock. It is agood test for wood ladders and might be useful for fiberglass ladders as well, if desired.

Other tests proposed herein are quite similar or almost a duplicate of tests in the existing chapter. However, for convenient reference and use by the manufacturers they are repeated here, for wood ladders. Still other tests appear in the existing chapter but because they may be inappropriate or unnecessary for wood ladders they are not included in this proposal. A good example of this is the cyclic rung pawi test for metal and fiberglass ladders. That test is needed to test the spring loaded action of those mechanisms. The wood ladder halyard actuated lock system has no springs or other moving parts, it is not automatic, and must be operated manually every cycle. Therefore a test of automatic cycling would be poindess.

It is expected that after thorough consideration of the wood ground ladder design verification tests proposed herein by the committee, there may be some additions or modifications of the metal and fiberglass design verification tests in the present chapter 5. COMMITITAE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The standard has a set of design verification tests which the committee feels are adequate for ground ladders regardless of material of construction.

(Log #SO) 1931- 40 - ((~tapter 6): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Chapter immediately following Chapter 5 Referenced Publications, or immediately after Chapter 4 Label Tests. For convenience at this time, call this new chapter Chapter 6 as follows:

Chapter 6 Quality Assurance Tests. 6-1 General. The manufacturer shall design, install, and operate

an inspection and testing program to insure that each unit manufactured is made with materials and methods that assure compliance with all the provisions of this standard. In addition, each finished product shall be inspected and tested according to the following procedure and the result shall be recorded andcertif ied by the manufacturer.

6-1.1 Deflection Test. 6-1.1.1 Set-up for Deflection Test. The ladder shall be positioned

for testing andtested as shown in Figure 9. The ladder shall be placed in a flat, horizontal position supported under the first rung from each end of the ladder. When extension and combination ladders are tested, the ladder shall be extended to the maximum extended length, and the pawls shall be engaged. Auxiliary means may be used to ensure that the ladder pawls remain engaged during the test to prevent movement of the fly section relative to the base section during the test.

The test load shall be applied equally to the two rungs located at the center of the span or to a flat test surface g2 in. (812 mm) long resting on the beams in the center area.

The test load shall consist of free weights in increments consistent with safety and ease of handling, mechanically applied force, measured by a calibrated dynometer, or a similar load application system. All test loads shall include the weight of the test surface or weight application apparatus.

The testloads to be applied are as shown in Table 3.

248

NFPA 1931-- A94 TCR

q

(is.,,.) C.YLII4DRIfAI. SUPPORT

p~OME'TIR

"rL~ST" Lo#,u

Figure 9 Deflection Test

TsMe $ Herl~mai I]~SNdea Test

Wall ladder Sizes lo to 16 500 (~t7 _~) 150 (6S ~ ) Sizes 18 and above 750 (S40 Iq~) Lq)O (91 i~)

Extemlon Ladde~ Sizes lO to le SO0 ( ~ 7 ~ ) 150 (6S ~ ) S~zes 18 and above 750 (S40 kg) 200 (91 kg)

RooiLadden Sizes lO to Z6 ~ 0 (~7 ~ ) 150 (6S ~ ) ~ze. 18 and above 75O (s4o ka) 2oo (01 kg)

Combination Ladderm SO0 (IS6 kg) 125 (57 kg)

F~c~d~ag Laddea ~00 ( ~ ) ~P.5 (57 ~ )

6-1.1.2 Test Procedure. Measure and record the distance between the bottom edge of each beam and the surface up?n. which the ladder m p p o m are placed. All measurements man ~ taken at a comisumt location as near as pmsible to me center ef the ladder.

The ladder droll be loaded according to Table $. The test load shall remain in place for I rain. Memure and record the distance . between the bottom e d ~ af each beam and the surf~e upcea wmcn the ladder ~ . are [~daced, while the ladder stitl is testloaded. Remove the limd and wilt I mln. This comtimtes one cycle. The difference between the two measurements shall be calculated

and recorded. This is the net deflection for the first cycle. R e p e a t the cycle and record the net dellecelon for thesecond cycle. Add~onal cycles may be made I~ datred, but ~ 'not be necemmy.

The net deflection for the second and any ml~sequent cycles shall be c o m p m ~ to the ~ ' ~ e net deflection value established by the mum~tcutr~ as a result of design verification tests for the model and ,ke ladder be~s te.te~

Any ladder whose tested net deflection value ~ more than the acceptable net deflection value shall not pass the test.

6-1.1.3 Certification. The manufacturer shall p ro~de a certification document with each ladder manufactured which shall accom- pany the ladder to the mer or shall be sent by the manufacturer to the user attesting to the following:

Date of Test

Model No. and fine ~ Ladder Tested

Serial No. of Ladder Tested

Acceptable Net Deflection Value

Actual Ta t ed Net Deflection V~ue SUBS'rANTIATION: There is a potential problem at the manufac- turlng level that the individual items manufacawed be exact/~ like the designed and tested and approved prototype, l,'or manmacmr- ers, this is called quality assurance and it usually requires careful inspection procedures. In addition to impecfion, an added quality assurance step would be a non.destructive load test. Since the concept ¢t load testa for in4ervice ground ladders is well established it would teem comistent to require such a test as part of the manufacturer's quality assurance program.

The test pro _ ~ herein is recommended to fulfill that need. In addition, rids procedure allows for the generation of. t~.

certificates which can be made available to ihe authority having jurisdiction, thus guaranteeing him or her that the product he gee; is • e product as represented and specified.

It can be argued that this additional step, assuring quality, is needed and would be appreciated. Accordinsly, we recommend that this proposed new chapter be

ad ~ ~ E A C T l ION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT:. The test loads being proposed are too light as they are not even equal to a service test 1o~I. A mariuS> turer can establish his own quality insurance program based on what he feels is necemary for his -product. Fire departments d}ould service test ladders before they are placed in service to ensure me,/were not damaged between manufacture and being placed in service.

249

N F P A 1932 - - A94 T C R

P A R T n

(Log #CP1) 1932-1 - (1-1.2 Exception): Accept SUBMITrER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Delete the exception to 1-1.2. SUBSTANTIATION: This exception was put in the standard to allow for the phase in of testing older ground ladders in the horizontal bending test at 500 pounds. The exception had a 10 year life which expires onJuly 1, 1994 so the 1994 edition of the standard should not contain the exception. COMMITIT_£ ACTION: Accept.

(Log #4) 1932-2- (1-2 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO I.adder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new section as follows:

I-2A General Requirements. I -~LI Application. This standard is intended for voluntary use by

fire departments. It also is designed to serve as a guide to federal and state authorities or other regulatory bodies in the formulation of laws or regulations.

• Compliance with this standard shall be determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

1-2A.2 Interpretation. This standard should be liberally construed. In cases of practical difficulty or under special service conditions, it is expected that the authority having jurisdiction will grant excep- tior~ to the literal requirements of this standard or ~ ! 1 permit the use of alternative methods, but only if equivalent safety is thereby secured.

1-2A.3 Mandatory andAdvlsory Provisions. The word "shalff is to be understood as denoting a mandatory requirement. The words "should" or "may" are to be understood as denoting a recommendation.

1-3.4 Equivalent. The word ~equivalent" in this standard means a method or procedure providing equal performance. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that this standard a n d / o r some of its provisions are not being implemented by many fire departments of varying sizes and composition because of technical difficulties and costliness. Also part of the problem may be natural resistance to change.

The objectives of this proposed new section are to broaden the standard, encourage compliance by allowing for some flexibility, and to emphasize the meaning of mandatory and recommended procedures.

Simplification of some of the requirements of this standard, set forth in other proposals, also is expected to encourage more widespread compliance. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The committee feels the existing wording meets its intent. NFPA standards are not mandatory unless adopted into regulation or law and the adopting authority has the prerogative to exempt requirements as part of the adoption process. The standard outlines alternatives where they are permitted.

(Log #5) 1952- 3 - (I-3): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITIT.R: Kurt Kenworth, AI.ACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follow:

1-3 Definitions. Add: Attic Extension Ladder. A two section extension ladder with fixed

rung latch hooks and no halyard, size 10 or less, specifically designed to be used to gain entry through a scuttle, hatch, or other similar restricted opening.

Change to read: Base (Bed) Section. The lowest or widest section of an extension

ladder. Change to read: Bedded Position. The position in which the fly section of an

extension ladder is fully retracted. Change to read: Butt End. The lowest end of a ladder or ladder beam when the

ladder is in the raised position. Change to read: Butt Spurs (Feet). Ladder shoes or other devices in contact with

the lower support surface to reduce slippage. Change to read: Combination Ladder. A ground ladder capable of being used

either as a stepladder or a single or extension ladder.

Change to read: Design Verification Tests. Tests of a ladder structure and compo-

nents thereof to prove conformance to the requirements of this standard. Design Verification Tests are the responsibility of the manufacturer and are to be performed only on new, unused ladders, which shall be destroyed after completion of the tests. These tests are NOT to be performed on in-service ladders. Add: Duty Rating. The recommended in-service working load. Change to read: Fire Department Ground Ladder. Any portable ladder specifically

designed for fire department use in rescue, fire fighting operations, or training and not permanently attached to fire apparatus.

Change to read: FlySection(s). The upper section(s) of an extension ladder. Change to read: Folding ladder . A single section ladder with c u n ~ that can be

folded or moved to allow the beams to be brought Into a position touching or nearly touching each other.

Change to read: Ground Ladder. See Fire Department Ground Ladder. (Optional

suggestion: consider dropping this item entirely.) Change to read: Halyard, Wood Ladders. A rope on an extension ladder used to

raise the fly section. Change to read: Halyard, Metal or Fiberglass Ladders. Rope(s) or wire cable(s) on

an extension ladder used to raise the fly section(s). The wire cable (s) may be called halyard(s) when used on the uppermost fly section(s) of three or four section extension ladders.

Change to read: In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladder. Any ground ladder

that meets the requirements of this standard and is currently in use or available for use by a fire department.

Change to read: Ladder. A device consisting of two beams joined at regular

intervals by cross p~ieces called rungs or steps on which a user is supported while climbing.

Change to read: Ladder Nesting. The placement of different width ladders partially

within each other to reduce the amount of storage space required. Add: Mineral Streaks. Deviations in the color of wood used for rungs. Change to read: Pawls. The devices which anchor the fly section(s) in place when

extension ladders are used in an extended position. Pawls engage ladder rungs near the beams and, in the ca/e of wood ladders, shall engage two rungs simultaneously.

Change to read: Permanent Deformation (Set). The permanent movement or

distortion remaining in any metal part after all test or other loads have been removed.

Change to read: Pitch. Same as Angle oflnclination. (Consider omitting this item

entirely, as redundant.) Add: Portable ladder . A climbing device consisting of rungs or steps

and beams which is carried and raised by fire fighters and is not permanently attached to fire apparatus.

Change to read: Roof Ladder. A single section ladder with fiat sided beams

equipped with hooks at the top end. Change to read: Service Tests. Tests performed on an as-needed basis to verify

suitability for continued service; performed on in-service ground ladders by fire departments.

Change to read: Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised, but

not required. Change to read: Single Section Ladder. A non-self-supporting ground ladder, non-

adjustable in length, consisting of only one piece. Change to read: Visible Damage. A permanent change in condition that is clearly

evident by visual inspection without recourse to optical measuring or observing devices.

Change to read: Visuallnspection. Observation by eye unaided by optical devices,

ex~e~.t prescription eyeglasses or lenses.

Wall Ladder. See Single Section Ladder. Add: Wood Irregularities. Natural characteristics in or on the wood that

may lower its durability, strength, or utility.

250

N F P A 1932 - - A 9 4 T C R

(1) Bark Pocket. An opening between annual growth rings that j contains bark. Bark pockets appear as dark streaks on radial surfaces and as rounded areas on tangential surfaces.

(2) Check. A separation of the wood along the fiber direction that I usually extends across the rings of annual growth, commonly J resulting from stresses set up in the wood during seasoning.

(3) Compression Failure. A deformation (buckling) of the fibers due to excessive compression along the grain. This deformation may appear as a wrinkle across the surface. In some cases, compression failures may be present but not visible as wrinkles; in such cases they often are indicated by "fiber breakage" on end grain surfaces.

(4) Compression Wood. An aberrant (abnormal) and highly variable type of wood structure occurring in softwood s edes

(5) Cross Grain (Slope of Grain). A deviation of the ~ber direction from a line parallel to the sides of the piece. Cross grain may be diagonal or spiral, or both.

(6) Decay. The disintegration of wood due to the action of wood- destroying fungi; also known as dote and rot.

(7) Knot. A portion of a branch or limb, embedded in the tree and cut through in the process of lumber manufacture. It is classified accordin~ to size, quality, occurrence, and location in the cross section of a piece. The size of the knot is determined by its average diameter on the surface of the piece.

(8) Low-densityWood. Wood that is exceptionally light in weight and usually deficient in strength properties for the species. In softwood species, low density frequently is indicatedby exceptionally wide, or sometimes by extremely narrow, rings, and generally has a low proportion oflatewood. On the other hand, low-density hardwood, at least in ring-porom species, is most commonly indicated by excessively narrow annual rings in which the earlywood portion predominates.

(9) Pitch Pocket. An opening extending parallel to the annual growth rings that contains, or that has contained, either solid or liquid pitch.

(10) Shake. A separation along the grain, occurring most often between the rings of annual growth.

(11) Split. Aseparation of the wood parallel to the fiber direction due to tearing apart of the wood fibers, normally caused by external forces.

(19) Wane. Bark, or lack of wood, on the comer of apiece. SUBSTANTIATION: The objectives of this proposal are to simplify and /o r shorten definitions where possible, and to clarify where necessary. Also, nomenclature anddefinit ions endemic to wood, only, are added. Inasmuch as wood is a natural material and is not as uniform as metal, and, to a lesser extent, fiberglass, and since wood is available in an almost unlimited variety of types and performance characteristics, it is argued that definitions of terrm that eliminate unsuitable wood from consideration for fire ladders are extremely important

It has been ALAGO's experience that personnel in fire departments that use wood ground ladders show deep and widespread interest in wood characteristics because of their need to distinguish between wood damage, requiring maintenance, and naturally

~tpaP earing irregularities, not requiring maintenance. To the extent t such fire departments use this standard, inclusion of wood

characteristic definitions will be helpful. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. Reject adding the definition of ~Attic extension ladder." Accept changes to the definition of "Base (bed) section." Change the definition of "Bedded position" to read: ~rhe position

in which the fly sectlon(s) of an extension ladder is fully retracted with the pawls engaged.

Reject changing the definition of "Butt end." Reject changing the definition of "Butt spurs (feet)." Reject changing the definition of "Gombination ladder." Change the definition of "Design verification tests" to read: "Tests

of a ladder structure and components thereof to prove conformance to the requirements of this standard. Design verification tests are the responsibility of the manufacturer and are to be performed only on new, unused ladders, which shall be destroyed after completion of the tests. These tests shall not be performed by fire departments." Add the proposed definition of "Duty rating." Accept crtanges to the definition of"Fire department ground

ladder." Accept changes to the definition of "Fly section(s)." Accept changes to the definition of "Folding ladder." Delete the definition of "Ground ladder." Reject splitting the definition of"Halyard" into 2 definitions. Accept changes to the definition of "In-service fire department

ground ladder." Reject changing the definition of "Ladder." Reject changing the definition of "Ladder Nesting." ] Reject adding a definition of "Mineral streaks." I Reject changing the definition of "Pawls." Reject changing the definition of "Permanent deformation (Set)."

Delete the definition of ~Pitch." Reject adding a definition of "Portable ladder." Reject changing the definition of "Roof ladder." Change the definition of "Service tests to read: "Tests performed

on a ground ladder to determine it is suitable for service." Reject changing the definition of ~ Should." Reject changing the term "Single ladder" to "Single section ladder." Accept the revised definition of Wisible damage." Accept the revised definition of ~ Visual inspection." Reject adding a definition of"wall ladder. ~ Reject adding a definition of ~Wood characteristics." Reject adding a definition for ~vVood irregularities."

COMMITITA~ STATEMENT: The term "Attic extension ladder" is not used in the standard and therefore need not be defined. The committee's revisions to the proposed change to "Bedded

position" are for clarification as to under what conditions the ladder ss considered bedded.

The committee is rejectin~ changing the definition of "Butt end" became it believes the existingdefinition is clearer.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Butt spurs (Feet)" because it believes the existing definition is clearer. The committee is rejecting changing the definition of ~Combina-

tion ladder" became the current definition defines a ladder that can serve both as a step ladder and a single or extension ladder.

The committee's revision to the proposed change of the definition of "Design verification tests" is to add emphasis that these are not tests run by fire departments.

The committee is rejecting splitting the definition of halyard into 2 definitions as it is not the intent of the committee to differentiate between wood and other materials of ladder construction as it applies to halyards.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Ladder" because it believes the existingdefinition is clearer.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Ladder nesting" because it believes the existing definition is clearer.

The committee is rejecting adding a definition of "Mineral streaks" became the term is not used in the document.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Pawls" because the proposed definition is design restrictive.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Permanent deformation (Set)" because the existing definition better describes the committee's intent of the use of the term.

The committee is not adding a definition of"Portable ladder" as it feels the terms is self explanatory.

The committee is rejecting changing the definition of "Roof ladder" as the existing definition is consistent with the other terms used in the document.

The committee is revising the definition of"Service tests" to reflect that service tests can be performed before a ground ladder is in service. The reference to "regular basis" is being droped as the frequency and conditions when a ladder needs to be service tested are spelled out in the document. The suggested revision is not being accepted as the tests are not necessarily performed by fire departments and the concept of "as needed basis" denotes a frequency which the committee now wants to delete from the definition.

The committee is not changing the definition of "Should" as that is a standard NFPA definition.

The committee is not changing the term "Single section ladder" as it wishes to we the term ~single ladder."

The committee is rejecting adding a definition of ~v'all ladder" as it is not used in the document.

The committee is rejecting adding a definition of "Wood characteristics" because the term is not used in the document.

The committee is rejecting adding a definition of "Wood irregularities" because the term is not used in the document.

(Log #7) 1932- 4- (2-1): Accept in Principle SUBMrI'I~P~ Kurt Kenworth, AI_~CO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Delete entirely:

Section 2-1.6. This is a maintenance instruction, not a mounting instruction. Consider moving it to C~apter 4, Inspection and Maintenance of Ground Ladders. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is one of clarity. If maintenance instructions are included in a section devoted to mounting instructions they may be missed by those reading the standard who may be concerned with maintenance items. Moving this instruction to the maintenance section will solve this problem. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Move paragraph 2-1.6 to chapter 4 as 4-1.9 and renumber current 4-1.9 through 4-1.11 as 4-1.10 through 4-1.12.

251

N F P A 1 9 3 2 - - A 9 4 T C R

COMMrITEE STATEMENT: The committee agrees this requirement is a maintenance issue and belongs in chapter 4.

(Log #6) 1932- 5 - (2-1.5): Accept SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows:

Chapter 2 Ground Ladder Mounting. 2-1 Requirements for All Ground Ladders. Delete, entirely: 2-1.5 Ground ladders mounted internally in fire apparatus shall be

shielded against excessive heat exposure from the engine and exhaust system. This section says the same as 2-1.3 and therefore is redundant.

SUBSTANTIATION: If it is agreed that 2-1.3 and 2-1.5 say, essentially, the same thing, then one can be eliminated. It is suggested that 2-1.5 is not as precise as 2-1.3 and, therefore, can be removed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.

(LOg #CP2) 1932- 6 - (Table 3-1.1 Exception): Accept SUBMI'UI'ER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Delete the exception to Table 3-1.1. SUBSTANTIATION: This exception was put in the standard to allow for the phase in of testing older ground ladders in the horizontal bending test at 500 pounds. The exception had a 10 year life which expires on July 1, 1994 so the 1994 edition of the standard should not contain the exception. COMMrITEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #8) 1932- 7 - (Table $-1.1): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTEIh Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Change the values in Table 3-1.1 to the following:

Type lb kg

Folding ladders 300 136 Pompier ladders 300 13fi Combination ladders ~00 156 Single, extension, roof ladders:

sizes 10 to 16 500 227 sizes above 16 750 340

SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is one of inconsistency and variance with observed practice. Since the rationale is that each firefighter on a ladder weighs 250 lbs, and there is a limited amount of room available on any ladder, the shorter ladders, which would hold fewer firefighters, should have a lower duty rating.

Also, it can be argued that a lower duty rating on shorter ladders would allow them to be lighter in weight and thus more readily portable and convenient to use. Another problem is that combination ladders are not duty rated at

all by the present standard. This proposal addresses both of these problems, and it is offered

for adoption accordingly. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. Add combination ladders to the table currently in NFPA 1932 but

with a 750 lb (340kg) duty rating. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: All single, extension, and roof ladders have a duty rating defined in NFPA 1931 of 750 lbs regardless of length. Likewise the combination ladder is required by NFPA 1931 to have a 750 lb. duty rating.

1932- 8 - (3-1.2): Reject (Log#9) SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Change 3-1.2 to read as follows:

3-1.2 If, in an emergency, ground ladders are used other than as specified in this standard, they shall be removed from service, inspected, and repaired if necessary. In addition, i f theyare metal or fiberglass ladders they shall be service tested prior to further use.

SUBSTANTIATION: The problems are that, though implied, the standard does not specifically state that a ground ladder found to be impaired must be repaired prior to further use, and the standard does not recognize that wood ladders need not be tested in order to ascertain their condition.

This proposal responds to those problems and is, therefore, recommended for adoption. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. C O M M r r r g E STATEMENT: This standard does not differentiate on test requirements between ladders constructed of different materials.Paragraph 3-1.2 currently requires service testing of the ladder if it is used in a manner other than as specified in this standard and paragraph 5-1.6 requires necessary repairs if the ladder fails the testing.

(Log #10) 1952- 9 - (3-1.5): Reject SUBMITTER: KurtKenworth, AI.AC~ Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Change 3-1.3 to read as follows:

5-1.3 Damaged ground ladders, or Mound ladders having defects, shall be removed from service, marked, and repaired as needed. In addition, if they are metal or fiberglass ladders they shall be service tested prior to further use. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that the standard does not recognize that wood ladders need not be tested in order to ascertain their condition.

This proposal responds to that problem and is, therefore, recommended for adoption. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: This standard does not differentiate on test requirements between ladders constructed of different materials.Paragraph 3-1.5 currently requires repair and service testing of the ladder if it is damaged orhas defects. It is then required to be service tested before being placed hack in service. When it is service tested, paragraph 5-1.6 will require additional repairs if the ladder fails the testing.

(Log #11) 1932- 10 - ($-1.15 through $-1.20 (New)): Accept in Part SUBMI'['rER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Following $-1.14 add the following text:

3-1.15 Never make temporary repairs of damaged or missing ladder parts.

$-1.16 Do not place a ladder in front of a door opening toward the ladder.

3-1.17 Maintain a firm grip on the ladder. Use both bands in climbing.

3-1.18 Caution shall be used around electricity. Unfinished or damaged-finish wood ladders may conduct electricity when wet.

$-1.19 If the varnish on a wood ladder becomes damaged, the ladder shall be removed from service, inspected, and spot re-finished as required by section 4A4.3 [see Proposal 1952-15 (Log #16)] prior to further use.

$-1.20 Frequent observation and visual inspection of wood ground ladders by firefighters shall be encouraged. SUBSTANTIATION: The objectives of this proposal are to make the list of recommended safe practices more complete and be more responsive to the purpose statement of this standard " . . . to provide reasonable safety for firefighters and victims during the use of fire department ground ladders." COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Add the wording proposed for 3-1.15 to 3-1.3.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Proposed wording for 3-1.16 and 3- 1.17 are being rejected bemuse they are too operationally detailed for this standard. 3-1.18 is being rejected because it is already covered by 3-5.1, 3-4.1, and 3-5.L 3-1.19 is beingrejected because it is covered by existing 5-4.2. Proposed paragraph 3-1.20 is being rejected because it is already covered in 4-1.2.

1932- 11 - (3-2.3): Reject (Log#12) SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise text as follows:

3-2.3 Halyards on extension ladders shall be securely tied offto the base section or otherwise secured before climbing the ground ladder unless they are continuous halyards or the locking mechanism is the halyard actuated positive action type which locks ~djacent rungs together.

252

NFPA 1 9 3 2 - - A94 TCR

SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that this provision of the standard as now written does not take into consideration the operating and safety characteristics of the ~luick-acting halyard actuated rung lock mechanism design. This design alms at fast positive action at the fire scene, which is deemed to be important in emergency circumstances at the fire scene and it is expected that no time would be required or needed for tying off. If this design is utilized, firefighters need not tie off the halyard.

Experience has proven that, with this design locking device, there never has been an accident attributable to inadvertent release of the halyard. Accordingly, supplementary tie-off requirements are unnecessary. COMMITITEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The committee feels the secondary security of either tying off the halyard or otherwise securing the halyard is important to the safe use of the ladder.

(Log #13) 1932- 12 - (3-4): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Delete entirely, section 3-4. SUBSTANTIATION: The two provisions of this section are replaced byproposed 3-1.18 and 3-1.19 [see Proposal 1932- Log#11)]. If3- 1.18 and 3-1.19 are adopted, section 3-4 becomes redundant and unnecessary. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The addition of paragraphs 3-1.18 and 3-1.19 of proposal 1932-10 (Log #11 ) was rejected and therefore Section 3-4 should not be deleted.

(Log #14) 1932-13 - (3-5 (New)): Reject SUBMITrER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows:

3-5.4 Never use a fiberglass ground ladder where it can be exposed to temperatures of 200°F or more while supporting a load. SUBSTANTIATION: Most fiberglass ladder pultrnsions lose 1/2 their strength at temperatures higher than approximately 150°F, although they regain that strength when the temperatures fall below the threshold. Unlike aluminum, their strength loss when exposed to heat is not permanent. In recognition of this characteristic and the fact that ground ladders may be used while exposed to heat, a warning of the potential danger is prudent.

This proposal is offered in response to that characteristic. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: Paragraph 2-1.9.1 of NFPA 1931 requires that fiberglass ground ladders maintain at least 75 percent of their designateddesign strength at 300 ° F and 2-1.9.4 requires a heat sensor label. Therefore, if the ladder should get to 300 ° F, the it would still have 75 percent of its strength and the heat sensor label would turn indicating the ladder needed testing.

(Log #15) 1932- 14- (Oaapter 4): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Chapter 4 as follows:

Chapter 4 Inspection of Ground Ladders. 4-1 Requirements for All Ground Ladders. 4-1.1 All ground ladders shall be inspected in accordance with the

manufacturer's recommendations. 4-1.2 Ground ladders shall be visually inspected at least once every

month, and after each usage. 4-1.3 Visual inspection shall include but not be limited to: (a) All rungs, for snugness and tightness; (b) Beams and rungs, for cracks, breaks, or gouges; (c) Butt spurs, for excessive wear or other defects; (d) Halyards, for fraying or kinking; (e) Folding roof hooks, for sharpness and proper folding. 4-1.4 Any signs of failure during visual inspection shall be sufficient

cause to remove the ground ladder from service and repair for fire service use or destroy.

4-1.5 Additional Requirements for Metal Ground Ladders Only. Visual inspection shall also include, but not be limited to:

(a) Heat sensor labels, for change indicating heat exposure; (b) All bolts and rivets, for tightness; (c) Welds, for any cracks or apparent defects; (d) Rungs, for punctures, wavy conditions, worn serrations, or

deformation; (e) Beams and rungs, for fatigue cracks (hairline surface cracks);

(f) Optional hardness tests, eddy current tests, or liquid penetrant tests to detect strength loss a n d / o r interior cracks;

I ~ Surface corrosion; Operational check of the pawi assemblies for proper opera-

tion; (i) Ladder slide areas for evidence of lubrication in accordance

with manufacturer's instructions; (j) Wire rope on 3- and 4-section ladders for snugness when the

ladder is in the bedded position, to ensure proper synchronization of upper, sections during op.eration. Any signs of failure during wsual inspection of these additional

requirements shall be sufficient cause to remove the ground ladder from service and repair for fire service use or destroy.

4-1.6 Additional Requirements for Fiberglass Ground Ladders Only. Visual inspection shall include the requirements of 4-1.3 and, for metal parts, 4-1.5 and, shall also include, bu t not be limited to:

(a) Loss of gloss on the pultrusion surfaces; (b) Appearance of ~bloom" or discoloration caused by exposure to

sunlight and weathering. Any signs of failure during visual inspection of these additional

requirements shall be sufficient cause to remove the ground ladder from service and repair for fire service use or destroy.

4-1.7 Additional Requirements for Wood Ground Ladders Only. Visual inspection shall include the requirements of 4-1.3 and shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Beams and rungs, for splinters, breaks, or discoloration; (b) Wood surfaces for loss of gloss or scratches or other localized

damage to the varnish. Any signs of failure during visual inspection of these additional

requirements shall be sufficient cause to remove the ground ladder from service and repair for fire service or destroy. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that inspection requirements vary considerably between ground ladders made of different materials and differing designs. An additional problem is that inspection procedures are extremely important and must be done with great frecjuency, and it is important to describe them fully and clearly. Also, Inspections are made by line fire fighters, they are part of their training, and help firefighters stay alert to safety requirements. Maintenance and repair, on the other hand, is required much less frequently and may be done, wholly or in part, by other than firefighters.

The objectives of this proposed new section on inspection are to more clearly set forth the inspection requirements for each type of ground ladder, and to remove maintenance and repair matters from this section and place them in a separate section, for clarity.

It may be argued that this change could be helpful to training officers charged with teaching firefighters how to inspect ground ladders properly, without including possibly confusing material about repair and maintenance. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI~E STATEMENT: The committee feels the current wording in the standard covers inspection and maintenance of ground ladders. It appears the submitter has basically reorganized the material.

(Log #16) 1932- 15 - (Chapter 4A (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Go. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Chapter 4A as follows:

Chapter 4A Repair and Maintenance of Ground Ladders. 4A-1 Requirements for All Ground Ladders. 4A-1.1 All ground ladders shall be repaired and maintained in

accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions.

4A-1.2 Ground ladders shall be maintained as free of moisture as is possible and shall be wiped after being sprayed with water or used in the rain.

4A-1.3 Ground ladders shall not be stored in an area where they are exposed to the elements.

4A-1.4 Ground ladders shall not be painted except for the top and bottom 18 in. (457 ram) of each section for purposes of identifica- tion or visibility.

4A-1.5 Halyards on extension ladders shall be replaced when they become frayed or kinked.

4A-1.6 Folding roof hooks shall be kept operational by removing rust and other contaminants as they occur and by keeping the cleaned mechanisms lubricated.

4A-1.7 Beams shall be replaced when they are damaged beyond the level of acceptability specified by the manufacturers.

4A-2 Additional Requirements for Metal Ground Ladders Only. Repair and maintenance shall also include, but not be limited to:

4A-2.1 Replacement of heat sensor labels which have changed because of exposure to heat or which have exceeded their shelf life

~53

N F P A 1 9 3 2 D A 9 4 T C R

indicated by expiration dates; (Note: if heat sensor labels have changed because of exposure to heat the ladder(s) on which the labels were located must be service tested and certified in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 5, Service Testing of Ground Ladders or they must pass the test requirements of Section 4-1.5 (k) before new replacement heat sensor labels shall be aF4AP.lied. )

2.2 Tightening or replacement of all loose bolts and rivets; 4A-2.3 Heliarc re-welding of any welds found to have voids or

cracks; 4A-2.4 Replacement of damaged rungs, using tools and procedures

available from the manufacturers, including heliarc welding where required;

4A-2.5 To preserve the surface finish, remove and inhibit corrosion, and enable visual inspection for fatigue cracks an occasional application of a good automotive paste wax shall be used; (Note: i ra scouring pad is used to remove severe surface blemishes, care should be exercised not to use steel wool, which can cause rapid deterioration in the presence of moisture due to electrolytic action.)

4A-2.6 Pawi assemblies shall be kept cleaned and lubricated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions;

4A-2.7 Pawl torsion springs shall be replaced if pawl operation appears weak.

4A-2.8 Ladder slide areas shall be kept lubricated in accordance with manufacturer's instruction;

(i) Wire rope on 3- and 4-section ladders shall be adjusted for snugness andproper synchronization of upper sections, or replaced when they become frayed or kinked.

4A-3 Additional Requirements for Fiberglass Ground Ladders Only. Repair and maintenance shall include the recjuirements of 4A-1 and 4A-2 and shall also include, but not be limited to:

4A-3.1 Fiberglass ground ladders shall be stored out of direct sunlight;

4A-3.2 To preserve the surface finish and inhibit surface deterioration, and occasional application of a good automotive paste wax shall be used.

4A-4 Additional Requirements for Wood Ground Ladders Only. Repair and maintenance shall include only the requirements of 4A- 1.1 through 4A-1.7 and shall also include, but not be limited to:

4A-4.1 When and if threaded fasteners are adjusted, care must be exercised to avoid over-tightening, which can crush or otherwise damage the wood fibers;

4A-4.2 Wood ground ladders should be stored away from steam pipes, radiators, forced air heaters, and out of the direct sunlight;

4A-4.3 Wood ground ladders shall be protected by at least three coats of phenolic-tung oil varnish with uhra-vlolet ray inhibitors (marine spar varnish). When the varnish coatingbecomes damaged in localized areas, the following procedure shall b e used to repair the finish:

(a) Sand the damaged area smooth, using medium sandpaper, sanding with the grain.

(b) Resand with 180-220 grit paper, sanding an inch or two into the surrounding varnished surface, lightly.

(c) Apply one coat of varnish; let dry 24 hrs. (d) Re-eand very lightly; apply one coat of full strength varnish (as

it comes from the can); let dry 24 hrs. (e) Repeat (d) for the third coat. 4A-4.4 When the varnish coating loses its gloss from wear a n d / o r

exposure to the elements (usually after several years) the following procedures shall be used to renew the finish:

(a) Sand the entire surface, using fine (300 to 500 grit wet or dry paper) sandpaper.

(b) Apply one coat of phenolic-tung oil varnish with ultra-violet ray inhibitors (marine spar varnish) as it comes from the can, let dry 24 hrs.

Note: Care should be exercised to avoid overly frequent re- varnishing. Renew the garnish fn i sh only when it has lost its gloss.

4A-4.5 If roof hooks become dull, resharpen them by filing or grinding;

4A-4.6 If butt spurs become dull, resharpen them by filing or grinding. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that repair and maintenance requirements vary consideiably among ground ladders manufactured of differing materials and to different design criteria. Also, the skills needed to perform repair and maintenance properly may vary, locally, ranging from those fire departments within which only the simplest procedures can be performed to those which have elaborate and well equipped maintenance facilities capable of making sophisticated repairs or remanufacturing fire equipment items as skillfully as the original manufacturer.

The purpose of this proposal is to fully describe virtually all repair and maintenance procedures that may be performed during the full service life of each ground ladder so that those fire departments with limited repair and maintenance capability can judge which procedures should be done "in house" and which should be done by

others, and those departments with extensive capabilities can determine with some precision exactly what kind of capability will be needed for ground ladders.

Further, in those cases where a fire department has in service ground ladders from several manufacturers, made to several differing designs, and made of different materials, the repair and maintenance procedures must be fully and accurately described for each. When a description of the recommended procedures is as complete as is practical, its usefulness is maximized and when these procedures are followed properly the service lives of the ground ladders will be maximized.

This proposal is intended to answer the problems and fulfill the objectives as stated herein and it is recommended for adoption. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The committee feels this material is already covered in the standard to the extent it should be as general guidelines. Manufacturers may provide additional details of repair and maintenance as they feel appropriate for their product.

(Log #CP3) 1932- 16 - (4-1.9): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Add a new paragraph as 4-1.9

4-1.9 Heat sensor labels. 4-1.9.1" If the heat sensor label has an expiration date and that

date has passed, the heat sensor label shall be replaced. 4-1.9.2 If the ladder is constructed of metal or fiberglass materials

and it does not have heat sensor labels, the ladder shall be tested in accordance with Chapter 5 of this standard. If the ladder passes all the tests, heat sensor labels shall be applied to the ladder. The heat sensor labels shall be located on the inside of each beam of each section immediately below the second rung from the tip of each section and immediately below the center rung of that section

A-4-1.9.1 If a heat sensor label is present without an expiration date, contact the ladder manufacturer to determine when that heat sensor label should be replaced. Renumber 4-1.10 through 4-1.11 as 4-1.11 through 4-1.12. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 1931 is going to staxt requiring expiration dates on heat sensor labels and this standard needs to require them to be checked and replaced as necessary. In addition, older ladders that do not have heat sensor labels should be retrofitted with such labels after the ladder has been service tested. COMMITYEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #17) 1932-17- (4-2): Reject SUBMITrER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Delete the entire section 4-2. SUBSTANTIATION: This entire section is unnecessary if proposed changes 4-1.3(e) and 4A-1.6 are adopted because these new sections replace 4-2. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Proposals 1932-14 (Log #15) and 1932-15 (Log #16) were rejected so Section 4-2 needs to remain in the standard.

(Log #18) 1932- 18 - (4.$): Reject SUBMI'IWER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Delete entirely 4-3 Additional Require- ments for Extension Ladders Only. SUBSTANTIATION: This section is unnecessary and redundant if proposed sections 4-1 and 4A-1 are adopted.

4-3.1 is replaced by 4-1.5 and 4A-1.8. 4-3.2 is replaced by 4-1.5(h) 4-3.3 is replaced by 4A-2.6. 4-3.4 is replaced by 4A-2.7. 4-3.5 is replaced by 4A-2.8. 4-3.6 is replaced by 4A-1.5. 4-2.7 is replaced by 4A-2.9.

COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITYRR STATEMENT: Proposals 1932-14 (Log #15) and 1932-15 (Log #16) were rejected so Section 4-3 needs to remain in the standard.

254

N F P A 1932 - - A 9 4 T C R

(Log #1) 1932-19 - (4-3.4): Accept in Principle SUBMITrER: Phil Schwab, DUO Safety Ladder RECOMMENDATION: Revised text.

~Pawl torsion springs shall be checked for proper operation at least every year and if operation appears weak, the springs shall be replaced." SUBSTANTIATION: Some of the testing company people are now demanding replacement when the ladder is more than 5 years old. COMMITrEEACTION: Accept in Principle. Delete 4-3.4 and make A-4-3.4 part of A-4-3.3.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Paragraph 4-3.2 requires the inspection of the pawl torsion springs aspar t of the inspection of the pawl assembly and paragraph 4-1.4 wouldrequire proper repair is the spring is found weak.

(Log #19) 1952- 20 - (Chapter 5): Reject SUBMITTER: Kurt Kenworth, AJ~CO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Revise Chapter 5 as follows:

Chapter 5 Service Testing Ground Ladders. 5-1 Requirements for All Ground Ladders. 5-1.1 No change. 5-1.2 No change. 5-1.3 No change. 5-1.4 May be deleted if the Deflection Test described herein is

adopted to replace the 5-2.1 Horizontal Bending Test. 5-1.5 Any ground ladder found to be unsuitable for service, either

as a result of visual inspection or failure of one or more service tests, shall be removed from service and repaired or destroyed. If the ground ladder is metal or fiberglass and is repaired, it shall be service tested again before being returned to service.

5-1.6 Delete if 5-1.5 is adopted, in which case 5-1.6 will become redundant.

5-1.7 All metal or fiberglass ground ladders shall be service tested on the following schedule:

(a) At least annually, (b) Any time a ladder is suspected of being unsafe, (c) After being subjected to overloading (see Table 3-1.1); (d) After being subjected to impact or unusual conditions of use; (e) After exposure to heat exceeding 200°F; (f) After any repairs unless the only repair was replacing the

halyard. Note: If 5-1.5 is adopted as proposed, 5-1.7(t) may be deemed to

be redundant and should be deleted. 5-1.7.1 This section may be deleted, as it appears merely to repeat

information and instructions already given in 5-1.2 and 5-2. 5-1.7.2 No change. 5-1.7.3 May be deleted, appears to be redundant. 5-1.8 No change. 5-1.9 This section may be deleted, as it appears to repeat informa-

tion and instructions already given in the proposed rewording of 5- 1.5.

5-1.10 Change title to read: Additional Requirements for Metal and Fiberglass Ground Ladders Only, because it appears the requirements of 5-1.12 are already incorporated in 5-1.10. Apparent redundancy.

5-1.10.1 Change to read: Metal and fiberglass ground ladders shall be further tested as specified in Section 5-2, Strength Service Testing, of this chapter annually.

5-1.10.2 Change to read: Whenever any metal ground ladder or metal part(s) of any fiberglass ground ladder has been exposed or is suspected of having been exposed to direct flame contact, or whenever the heat sensor label has changed to indicate heat exposure, the ladder shall be service tested as specified in either Section 5-2, Strength Service Testing, or Section 5-4, Hardness Service Testing, of this chapter. Hardness service testing does not replace the need for load testing as oudined in 5-1.7 and 5-2.

5-1.11 Delete. 5-1.12 Delete if proposed revisions to 5-1.10, 5-1.10.1, and 5-1.10.2

are adopted. Change 5-2 to read: 5-2 Strength Service Testing Requirements for

All Ladders Except Pompier Ladders. Change 5-2.1 through 5-2.1.2.7 to read as follows: 5-2.1 Deflection Test. All metal and fiberglass ground ladders

exceptLpompier ladders shall be strength service tested as required by 5-1 . ' / in accordance with the following provisions. Wood ground ladders also may be tested in accordance with this procedure as an option. This is a non-destructive deflection test.

5-2.1.1 The ladder shall be positioned for testing and tested as shown in Figure 5-2.1. The ladder shall be placedin a flat, horizontal position supported under the first rung from each end of the ladder. When extension ladders are tested, the ladder shall be

extended to the maximum extended length, and the pawls shall be engaged. Auxiliary means maybe used to ensure that the ladder

awls remain engaged during the test to prevent movement of the y section relative to the base section during the test. The test load shall be applied to a flat test surface 32 in. (812 mm)

long resting on the beams in the center area and shall consist of free weights in increments or equivalent, consistent with safety and ease of handling. All test loads shall include the weight of the test surface.

The test loads to be applied are as shown in Table 5-1.9.

Table 5-1.9 In-Service Deflection Test Loads

Type and Size Duty Ra6ng Test Load IPounds/ IPounch t

Wall ladders Sizes 10 to 16 500 (337kg) 200 (91kg) Sizes 18 and above 750 ($40kg) 200 (91kg)

Extension Ladders Sizes 10 to 16 500 (227kg) 200 (91kg) Sizes 18 and above 750 (340kg) 200 (9]kg)

Roof Ladders Sizes 10 to 16 500 (227kg) 200 (91kg) Sizes 18 and above 750 (~tOkg) 200 (glkg)

Combination Ladders 300 (136 kg) 125 (57kg)

Foldini~ Ladders 300 (136k~D ] 25 (57k~)

~ P f2~'m) £~k~II~RICAL §Uppo~t f

Figure 5-2.1 Extension ladder positioned for deflection tesL

5-2.1.2 Test Procedures for All ground Ladders. 5-2.1.2.1 Straps or other ties that do not increase the strength of

extension ladders may be used to ensure that the ladder l o c k s remain engaged during the test.

5-2.1.2.2 Measure and record the distance between the bottom edge of each beam and the surface upon which the ladder supports are placed. All measurements shall be taken at a consistent location as near as possible to the center of the ladder.

The ladder shall be loaded according to the test load values shown in Table 5-1.9. The test load shall remain in place for 1 min. Measure and record the distance between the bottom edge of each beam and the surface upon which the ladder supports are placed, while the ladder still is test loaded. Remove the load and wait 1 rain. This constitutes one cycle.

5-2.1.2.$ The difference between the two measurements shall be calculated and recorded. This is the net deflection for the first cycle. Repeat the cycle and record the net deflection for the second cycle. Additional cycles may be made if desired, but shall not be necessary.

5-2.1.2.4 The net deflection for the second and any subsequent cycles shall be compared to the acceptable net deflection value establish by the manufacturer for the model and size ladder being tested.

5-2.1.2.5 For ground ladders manufactured after July 1, 1994 the acceptable net deflection value for the specific ground ladder being tested may be imprinted on the ladder nameplate, or it is shall be available from the manufacturer upon request. For ladders manufactured before that date, the acceptable net deflection value shall be requested from and provided by the manufacturer.

5-2.1.2.6 Any ladder whose tested net deflection value is more than the acceptable net deflection value shall not pass the test. There shall be no visible permanent change or deformation (set) in the ladder or any hardware.

5-2.1.2.7 Delete. 5-2.1.3 Delete. 5-2.1.3.1 Delete. 5-2.1.$.2 Delete.

, 255

N F P A 1932 u A 9 4 T C R

5-2.2 Additional Requirements for Metal and Fiberglass Roof Ladders Provided With Mild Steel Roof Hooks. (Not required wood roof ladders provided with heat treated chrome-moly steel roof hooks.)

5-2.2.1 The test method depicted in this section is thepreferred method that shall be followed. Variations from this method shall be acceptable provided such alternate means provide equivalent results and are approved by the authority having~urisdieflon.

(Note; If Section 1-2A.2 "Interpretation was adopted, the use of alternative methods that secure equivalent safety applies throughout the standard and the proposed reworded section 5-2.2.1 is redundant and should he deleted.)

5-2.2.2 No change. 5-2.2.3 No change. 5-2.2.4 No change. 5-2.2.5 No change. (Note: Since steel does not anneal firom exposure to heat, and,' in

fact, becomes stronger under such conditions, and since all roof hooks are made of steel, chrome molybdenum alloy or some other steel alloy, roof hooks will not lose strength in service because of concealed damage for which this test is designed. Damage to steel roof hooks can be detected by visual inspection. Accordingly, this test serves no safety purpose and consideration should be given to deleting it entirelyfrom NFPA 1932. If that course of action were adopted, sections 5-2.2, 5-2.2.1, 5-2.2.2, 5-2.2.3, 5-2.2.4, and 5-2.2.5 would be deleted.)

5-2.3 Additional Requirements for Metal or Fiberglass Extension Ladders Only Hardware Test. (Optional for wood extension ladders.) 5-2.3.1 The test method depicted in this section is thepreferred

method that shall be followccL Variations from this method shall be acceptable provided such alternate means provide equivalent results and are approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

(Note:. If section 1-2A.2 "Interpretation" was adopted, the use of alternative methods that secure equivalent safety applies throughout the standard and the proposed reworded section 5-2.2.1 is redundant and should be deleted.)

5-2.3.2 No change. 5-2.5.3 No change. 5-2.3.4 No change. 5-2.3.5 No change. 5-3 Strength Service Testing Requirements for Pompier Ladders

Only. 5-3.1 The test method depicted in this section is the preferred

method that shall be followed. Variations from this method shall be acceptable provided such alternate means provide equivalent results and are approved by the authority havingjurisdlction.

(Note: If section 1-2A.2 "Interpretation" was adopted, the use of alternative methods that secure equivalent safety applies throughout the standard and the proposed reworded section 52.2.1 is redundant and should be deleted.)

5-3.2 No change. 5-3.3 No change. 5-3.4 No change. 5-4 Hardness Service Testing Requirements for Metal Ground

Ladders and the Metal Parts of Fiberglass Ground Ladders Only. (Revised tide.) 5-4.1 through 5-4.6 No change. 5-5 Strength Service TestingRequirements for Folding Ladders

Only. and 5-5.1 Horizontal Bending Test. and 5-5.1.1. Delete if proposed section 5-2.1 is adopted. The proposal includes

folding ladders in the new horizontal bending test, and renders the entire section 5-5 redundant and unnecessary. SUBSTANTIATION: The problem with Chapter 5 Service Testing Ground Ladders is that controversy has surrounded the load tests ever since theywere introduced in 1984. This isparticularly true of the Horizontal Bending Tests, which have been deemed to be destructive or partially destructive load tests and inappropriate for ground ladders that are to remain in service and not be destroyed.

Many fire departments today still are unwilling or in some cases unable to test their ground ladders in accordance with NFPA 1932 as it now is written. An additional problem is that some of the tests are complex,

require the use of experienced professional test personnel, and require special test equipment no t normally possessed by most fire departments. Thus, as a practical matter, the implication that the tests can be properly performed by fire department personnel, (stated in 5-1.2 of this standard) is misleading, and, possibly, hazardous. A major revision proposed herein is to replace the Horizontal

Bending Tests with a simple Deflection Test, using test loads sufficiently below the elastic limits of current ground ladder designs so as to be truly non-destructive. In addition, the Deflection Test Procedure is simple enough to be followed by fire department personnel with no special equipment other than 2 sara horses and a

tape measure. It should be noted that 3 major ground ladder manufacturers already have experimented with the Deflection Test and have developed dam that form the basis for establishing acceptable net deflection values for several of their most popular models and sizes. These data were reported in the minutes of the last meeting of the Ground Ladder Committee and are summarized as follows:

ALACO Ladder Company load tested on 35 ft 2 section extension ladder according to the proposed deflection test procedure 200 times. The average of all 200 observed net deflections was 3.39477 in. The range of observations was from 3.354 in. to 3.536 in. for this one ladder. ALACO then load tested 10 different 35 ft 2 section extension ladders according to the test procedure. The average of these observations was 3.387 in., with a similarly narrow range. ALACO's results seem to indicate that a maximum acceptable deflection value for their Model 2300-35 should not exceed 2-3/4 in. Aluminum Ladder Company load tested one 35 ft 2 section

extension ladder with various weights an indeterminate number of times. The average of the observed deflections at 200 lb of load was 5-7/32 in. with no report of the range of observations. They then load tested 11 different 35 ft 2 section extension ladders at 200 lb and observed an average deflection value of 5-5/16 in. with a range of from 5-1/16 in. to 5-9/16 in. Alco-lite's results seen to indicate that a maximum acceptable deflection value for their Model ALP- 020-35 should not exceed 5-3/4 in.

Duo Safety load tested one or more 35 ft 2 section extension ladders with various weights between 2/6/92 and 4/6/92. The average of the observed deflections at 200 Ib of load appeared to be 3-3/8 in. The range of observations was from 3-1/8 in. to 4 in. Duo Safety's results seem to indicate that a maximum acceptable deflection value for their Model 500C should not exceed 4 in.

Although it is not clear whether or not all 3 manufacturers followed the procedure described in the proposed new deflection in exactly the same manner i t does appear that consistent results could be obtained using this test for all ladders and designs and the manufacturers could develop the information to state the maximum acceptable deflection value for each of their models and sizes so that this information could be made available to fire departments and testing agencies. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The proposed changes would be impossible to implement as there is no data for ground ladders built in the past, some by manufacturers who are not even in business any longer. The existing tests are designed to be and can be performed by fire department personnel. No evidence has been presented that correlateddata between the propose deflection loadings and the current test loadings that reflect the duty rating loads.

(Log #CP4) 1932- 21 - (5-1.7(g) (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Add a new subparagraph (g) to read:

(g) Before the ladder is placed in service for the first time. SUBSTANTIATION: The fire department has no way of knowing that a ground ladders is suitable for service unless it is service tested. The ladder can be damaged during shipment or storage. Ground ladders delivered with new fire apparatus may have been delivered to the apparatus manufacturer several months to over a year before they are placed on the apparatus and may have been stored in less than ideal conditions during that period. COMMIT[EE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #CP5) 1952- 22 - (5-2.1 Exception): Accept SUBMITrER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Delete the exception to 5-2.1. SUBSTANTIATION: This exception was put in the standard to allow for the phase in of testing older ground ladders in the horizontal bending test at 500 pounds. The exception had a 10 year life which expires on July 1, 1994 so the 1994 edition of the standard should not contain the exception. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.

256 •

N F P A 1932 B A94 T C R

(Log #2) 1932- 23 - (5-2.2 and A-5-2.2.3 (New)): Reject SUBMITrER: Phil Schwab, DUO Safety Eadder RECOMMENDATION: All ladders except folding and pompier.

Add a new section as follows: 5-2.2 Rung Torque Test. (test to be done at least every 5 years.) 5-2.2.1 There stikll be no movement of the rung in relation to the

side rail when the rung is subjected to the rung torque test specified in pa ra~aph 5-2.2.2 through 5-2.2.4.

5.-2.2.2" The bottom, middle and top unbraced rungs of each ladder or ladder section shall be subjectect to me rung torque test specified in paragraph 5-2.2.3.

5.2.2.3-* A torque ofg00 in. lb shall be applied to the rungs specified in 5.2.2.2 in a clockwise and then a counterdock~se direction. This shall be repeated three times. The apparatus used to apply this torque shall not damage the rung. The test]oad shall be applied to the center of the rung over an area not less than 3 1/2 in. wloe.

5-2.2.4 ffany of the rungs specified in 5-2.2.2 show any signs of movement when visually inspected, all rungs in the ladder or ladder section in which a rung moved shall be tested.

5-2.2.5 ff any of the r u n ~ show signs of movement, the ladder shall be taken out of service an~l the loose rungs tightened or replaced in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. A-5.2.2.3 There are several methods available to apply torque to

the run~ . The most common are (I) using a moment arm with dead wenghts, and (2) using a torque wrench attached to a specially designed rung gripping fixture. In either case it is essential that a rung cushioning matenal be placed between the clamping device and the rung to prevent damage to the rung. A 1 /2 in. th3ck piece of rubber or polyurethane of 8-0 plus or minus 10 Shore durometer "A" elastomeric material is recommended. Illustrated below are examples of each type of torque applicators.

I ktml ~t~bt ~ t ~ !

tan

i©

f

O

257

SUBSTANTIATION: There are currently no requirements to check the integrity of the rung to beam connection for tightness. This test

the fire service a method to check the structural integrity of the der.

Excessive testing is not necessary, however, the rung joints should be tested on a regular basis. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMFITEE STATEMENT: Paragraph 4-1.3(b) would require checking the tightness of the rungs. It is not necessary to add a whole procedure on how to do the inspection.

(Log #3) 1932- 24- (5-2.1.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Pat Irish/WWeyrauch, Braun Intertec Northwest, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Sentence 6 current text: "The test load shall consist of free weights in increments consistent with safety and ease of handling."

Sentence 6 proposed text: "The test load shall be applied in increments consistent with safety and ease of testing." SUBSTANTIATION: Analysis by traditional engineering mechanics (statics and dynamics) indicates that the method of loading is irrelevant. That is, loading does not need to be by free weights. Additionally, controlled loading by mechanical, electric a n d / o r

hydraulic methods provides a fax safer working environment for test personnel, particularly in the event of a failure. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The load characteristics are different with mechanical loading than with free weights. Free weights allow horizontal deflection which may show weakness that is not apparent with other methods of loading.

(Log #CP6) 1932- 25 - (5-4): Accept SUBMITFER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Delete section 5-4 SUBSTANTIATION: The hardness service test does not provide a benefit that outweighs the confusion and disadvantage arising from this section. The service strength tests are, and have always been, the determining factor in analyzing the continued reliability of the ground ladder. The service tests must be performed annually and at certain other times which are specified in section 5-1.7 of NFPA 1932. In addition, if a ladder fails the existing hardness test, it must undergo the service test Hence the service test has always been the test of final determination of continued usability of the ladder and eliminating the hardness service test reduces confusion. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #20) 1932- 26- (Appendix A): Reject SUBMITrER: Kurt Kenworth, ALACO Ladder Co. RECOMMENDATION: Delete: A-I-I.1 as unnecessary. Already covered by 1-2.1 and 1-2.2 in the body of this standard.

Delete or revise: A-l-l.2 may be unnecessary after the expiration of the Exception

for pre-1984 ladders. However, fl i t is deemed to be worth keeping in the appendix, consider revising the wording as follows: Aol-l.2 The service testing procedures contained herein are based

on the duty ratings specified in NFPA 1931, Design of and Design Verification Tests for Fire Department Ground Ladders, 1994 edition, and the same duty ratings specified in section ~-l.1 of this standard. The duty ratings are based on the rationale that each fully equipped fire fighter weights 250 lb and each ground ladder should be duty rated for the expected number of fire fghters using the ladder at any one time. Thus, a one-firefighter-ladder should be duty rated for at least 250 lb, a two-firefighter-ladder should be duty rated at 500 Ib and a three-firefighter-ladder should be duty rated for 750 lb.

Inherent in the duty ratings is a safety factor of 4 to accommodate dynamic loads and to make allowance for some deterioration due to wear, tear, and age. Since duty ratings are calculated on the assumption that ground ladders always will be used at the recommended angle ofinclinatlon, and it is known from experience that, frequently, ground ladders are used at a shallower or smaller angle of inclination, the safety factor also accommodates the additional resulting load.

N F P A 1932 - - A94 T C R

The safety factor of 4 means that a ladder duty rated for 750 Ib has been designed, tested, and manufactured by the maker to support a 3,000 lb static load without failure. The current duty ratings are deemed to be necessary to provide the

higher level of safety demanded by the fire service today, and it is recommended that any ladders not designed and tested to meet these duty rating requiremen~ not be used in the fire service.

Change: A-l-3 Authority HavingJurisdlction in the following ways: (a) Change the section number so as to be different than A-l-3

A~roved . Consider moving this entire section from the Appendix to

Chapter 1 Administration, under the section 1-3 definitions. (c) If Authority Having Jurisdiction is moved to 1-3, consider

revising the wording as follows: Authority Having Jurisdiction. May be a federal, state, local, or

other regional department or individual such as a fire chief, fire marshal, chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, health department, buildin . . . . official, electrical inspector or others havin statutory authority. ~or insurance purposes, an insurance Inspection deparmaent, rating bureau, or other insurance company representa- tive may be the "authority havin~jurisdiction." In many circumstances the property owner or his designated agent assumes the role of the "authority having jurisdiction;" at government installations, the commanding officer or de]~arunental official may be the "authority having jurisdiction.

Delete: A-$-1.1, which would be replaced by the rewritten A-1-1.2. Delete: A-$-2.3 as unnecessary if the proposed re-worded $-2.3 is adopted. Delete: A-4-1.10.3 as unnecessary if the proposed re-worded 4A-4-2 is

adopted. Change: A-4-3.3. title to read: Spring Actuated Pawl Housing Showing Parts. Change A-4-3.4 by adding a sentence stating: (Note: A-4-3.3 and A-4-3.4 explanations do not apply to halyard

actuated rung lock mechanisms or other designs not similar in appearance to the illuslration in A-4-3.3.)

Revise: A-5-1.2.1 The first two sentence do not appear to be clear or

complete. They could be rewritten to more dearly present the ~troposition that fire departments are at the mercy of unscrupulous

es l in~ agencies and must be careful to check any test agency they engage to be certain they are trustworthy, since no licensing or approval procedure is in place to help protect them.

Delete: A-5-1.$ as inaccurate. Delete or revise: A-5-2.1 If the proposed Deflection Test is adopted as a replacement

for the Horizontal Bending Test. If this section is to be rewritten, facts and wording such as the following might be considered.

"The Deflection Test for in-service ground ladders is not intended to test a ladder for use as a bridge or to imply that a ladder should be used in any position other than at the recommended angle of inclination. The horizontal test position and test loads are designed, solely, to test the load carrying capability of the ladder beams when the ladder is used at the recommended angle of inclination, loaded at the duty rated loads, with a safety factor of 4.

Delete: A-5-2.2.5 as unnecessary after 1994.

SUBSTANTIATION: The problem is that some of the information in the Appendix belongs in the body of the standard because mandatory requirements may be involved. Other data in the Appendix appear to be obsolete after 1994. Some are not clearly written. Also, the proposer is not certain exactly what sorts of information should be placed in the Appendix instead of the body of the standard.

If it is assumed that the Appendix is for background information on ly . . , the sorts of data that normally would be included in a rationale, then important clarifying information should be included in the body of the standard instead of the Appendix. One should not need to turn to the appendix for clarification; one should turn to it only for ancillary data.

The proposed changes are intended to achieve these purposes. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Much of the material proposed appears to be in support of other proposals which have been rejected.

(Log #CP7) 1952- 27 - (A-~5-4.1 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Add an appendix to read: Wood materials will not normally conduct electricity. However, under conditions of high voltage or moisture, surface contamination on the wood surface may conduct enough electricity to cause injury or death. Therefore, caution should be used around electrical

ANTIATION: There appears to be confusion about wood ground ladders and their electrical conductive properties. This appendix material is designed to assist the user of wood ground ladders in understanding why they need to use caution around electrical wiring. COMMITYEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log#CeS) 1932- 28 - (A-$-5.1): Accept S U I I ~ Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Add an appendix to read:

"Fiberglass materials will not normally conduct electricity. However, under conditions of high voltage or moisture, surface contamination on the fiberglass surface may conduct enough electricity to cause injury or death. Therefore, caution should be used around electrical wiring." SUBSTANTIATION: There apl?ears to be confusion about fiberglass ground . . . . . ladders and their electrical conductive proJp_ererties. This appendix material is designed to assist the user of fiberglass ground ladders in understanding why they need to use caution around electrical wiring. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.

(Log #CP9) 1932- 29 - (A-4-3.6 (New)): Accept $UBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders, RECOMMENDATION: Add an appendix to 4-3.6 to read: Replacement halyards should be not be less than 3 /8 in. (9.5 mm) in diameter with a minimum breaking strength of 825 lb (374 kg). They should be of sufficient length for the purpose intended and should not be spliced. Wire cable should have a 5 to 1 safety factor while supporting 2 times the dead load weight of the fly sectinn(s) the cable is intended to raise ." SUBSTANTIATION: Questions have arisen as to what the halyards and wire cables should be replaced with. Adding this text as appendix material provided guidance consistent with NFPA 1931. COMM/TIT~ ACTION: Accept.

258

report of the committee on dennis n. gage, iso commercial risk … · 2016-04-07 · report of the...

Documents