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Ground Ladders

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Introduction

• Fire service ground ladders are essential in the performance of many fireground and rescue scene functions.

• It is crucial that firefighters be knowledgeable of the characteristics and proper uses of fire service ground ladders.

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Objective

• The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of ground ladder operations, positioning of ground ladders, carrying ground ladders, raising ground ladders, and climbing ground ladders.

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Ground Ladder Skills Review

• Identify the purpose of fire service ground ladders.

• Identify parts of the ladder.• Demonstrate proper placement and safe climbing

technique.• Raise portable ladders carried on apparatus.• Climb correctly the full length of those ladders.

Basic Parts

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Butt - The bottom end of a ladder; the end that is placed on the ground

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Spurs - Spikes attached to butt to prevent slippage

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Dogs(pawls) - Holds fly section in place

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Bed - Bottom section of extension ladder

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Beam - Main structural member of ladder

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Fly Section-Extendable section of ground extension ladder

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Halyard - Rope used in hoisting fly section(s) of extension ladders.

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Pulley - Small, Grooved wheel through which the halyard is drawn

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Rungs - Cross members that provide for footing

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Hooks - Secures roof ladder to roof peak

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Tip - Top of ladder

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Heat Sensor Label - Indicates if ladder has been subjected to high heat

Ground Ladder Types

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Roof Ladder

• Single ladder with hooks at tip for anchoring to roof ridge.

• Distributes firefighters weight, prevents slipping.

• Length range from 12 to 24 feet.

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Folding Ladder- Commonly called attic ladders. May be folded and used in narrow spaces (attic access). Most common length is 10 feet.

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Combination Ladder

• May be used as a stepladder or single extension ladder.

• Lengths range from 8 to 14 feet

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Extension Ladder

• Adjustable in length, it consists of a bed section and one or more fly sections

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Ground Ladder Safety

• Always wear full protective clothing

• ALWAYS check for overhead obstructions

• Use proper ladder for proper job

• Use leg muscles when lifting

• Make sure ladder is at proper climbing angle

• Do Not overload ladder

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• Always secure into ground ladders with leg lock or ladder belt when working off of

• Inspect for damage and wear after each use• Make sure pawls are locked on extension ladders

before climbing• Use proper number of firefighters for each raise• Always deploy second ladder for secondary means

of egress.( opposite ends of building if possible)

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Proper Ladder Selection

• Before raising ground ladders, the firefighter must select the proper ladder for the job.

• Residential story - 8 to 10 ft.

• Commercial story - 12 ft

• Ladder should be extended 5 rungs above roof line, provides a means to see exit off roof.

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• Place ladder even with top of window on the upwind side when used for ventilation or access from the side.

• Place ladder under windowsill for rescue.

• Place ladder directly in front of window when used to direct hose stream or to place a ventilation fan

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Ladder Selection Chart

• First Story Roof - 16 to 20 ft.

• Second Story Window - 20 to 28 ft.

• Second Story Roof - 28 to 35 ft.

• Third Story Window or Roof - 40 to 50 ft.

• Fourth Story Roof - Over 50 ft, will use aerial ladder.

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One Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry

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One Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry

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One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise

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One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise

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One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise

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One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise

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Two Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry

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Two Firefighter Low Shoulder Carry

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Two Firefighter Flat Raise

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Two Firefighter Flat Raise

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Two Firefighter Flat Raise

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Two Firefighter Arms Length On Edge Carry

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Two Firefighter Arms Length On Edge Carry

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Roof Ladder DeploymentOne Firefighter

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Roof Ladder DeploymentOne Firefighter

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Applying A Leg Lock On A Ground Ladder

• Apply leg lock to the opposite side that you are working from.

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Applying A Leg Lock On A Ground Ladder

• Note that on this leg lock the foot is around the beam instead of the rung.

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For more information on ground ladders

please reference the following

• Firehouse.Com Training Zone - Drills of the Month (Ground Ladders)

• http://www.firehouse.com/training/drills/2000/ff4.html

• Essentials of Fire Fighting ( Fourth Edition) Chapter 9

• Fire Service GROUND LADDERS (ninth edition)