VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMYVERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

FIRE SERVICE LADDERS

Robert Sepulveda, VFA Instructor

FIRE SERVICE LADDERS

Robert Sepulveda, VFA Instructor

SCHEDULE SCHEDULE

Ladder Lecture/DVD (0800-1000)Ladder Lecture/DVD (0800-1000)

Break (1000-1015)Break (1000-1015)

Rotation 1 (1015-1145) straight laddersRotation 1 (1015-1145) straight ladders

Lunch (1200-1300)Lunch (1200-1300)

Rotation 2 (1300-1430) extension laddersRotation 2 (1300-1430) extension ladders

Break (1430-1445)Break (1430-1445)

Rotation 3 (1445-1615) misc laddersRotation 3 (1445-1615) misc ladders

Clean up & Dismissal (1630-1700)Clean up & Dismissal (1630-1700)

BASIC TRUCK BASIC TRUCK OPERATIONSOPERATIONS

LL-adders (ground & aerial)-adders (ground & aerial) OO-verhaul (interior & exterior)-verhaul (interior & exterior) UU-tilities (gas, electrical, & water)-tilities (gas, electrical, & water) VV-entilation (horizontal & vertical)-entilation (horizontal & vertical) EE-xtrication (all types vehicles)-xtrication (all types vehicles) RR-escue (fires, swiftwater, technical etc.) -escue (fires, swiftwater, technical etc.) SS-alvage (water removal, contents etc.)-alvage (water removal, contents etc.)

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

List and describe the parts of a ladder.List and describe the parts of a ladder. Describe the different types of ladders. Describe the different types of ladders. Describe how to clean, inspect, and store Describe how to clean, inspect, and store

ladders.ladders.

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

Describe the hazards with ladders.Describe the hazards with ladders. Describe how to deploy a ladder. Describe how to deploy a ladder. Describe how to work on a ladder.Describe how to work on a ladder. Describe general safety rules for ladders.Describe general safety rules for ladders.

IntroductionIntroduction

The fire service ladder is one of the most The fire service ladder is one of the most basic fire fighter tools.basic fire fighter tools.

Ladder technology has not changed Ladder technology has not changed much over the years.much over the years.

Every fire fighter must be proficient in Every fire fighter must be proficient in working with ladders. working with ladders.

Primary Functions of a Primary Functions of a LadderLadder

Provides a vertical Provides a vertical path between gradespath between grades

Provides an escape Provides an escape path and a means to path and a means to evacuate peopleevacuate people

Can be used as a Can be used as a working platformworking platform

Can bridge a small Can bridge a small openingopening

Secondary Functions of a Secondary Functions of a LadderLadder

Provides stable footing Provides stable footing and distribute weight on and distribute weight on pitched roofspitched roofs

Creates a ladder gin to Creates a ladder gin to raise or lower people or raise or lower people or objectsobjects

Provides a platform for Provides a platform for equipmentequipment

Creates a ramp for Creates a ramp for equipment or patientsequipment or patients

Creates a water chute Creates a water chute with use of tarp/salvage with use of tarp/salvage covercover

Ladder ConstructionLadder Construction

Fire service ladders are similar to other Fire service ladders are similar to other types of ladders.types of ladders. But are specialized tools, not general But are specialized tools, not general

purpose ladderspurpose ladders

Require heavy-duty constructionRequire heavy-duty construction Require more frequent and thorough Require more frequent and thorough

maintenancemaintenance

Basic Ladder ComponentsBasic Ladder Components

BeamsBeams RailRail Truss BlockTruss Block RungRung Tie RodTie Rod

Basic Ladder ComponentsBasic Ladder Components

TipTip Butt (heel)Butt (heel)

Butt spursButt spurs Butt plateButt plate

Roof hooksRoof hooks Heat sensor labelHeat sensor label Protection platesProtection plates

BeamsBeams

One of two main One of two main structural structural components components

Run the length of Run the length of most laddersmost ladders

Three types of beam Three types of beam construction:construction: Trussed beamTrussed beam I-beamI-beam Solid beamSolid beam

Rail and Truss BlockRail and Truss Block

RailRail Top or bottom section of a trussed beamTop or bottom section of a trussed beam May also refer to top and bottom surfaces of May also refer to top and bottom surfaces of

an I-beaman I-beam

Truss blockTruss block Piece that connects the two rails of a trussed Piece that connects the two rails of a trussed

beambeam

Rung and Tie RodRung and Tie Rod

RungRung Crosspiece that spans the two beams of a Crosspiece that spans the two beams of a

ladderladder Serves as steps and transfer user’s weightServes as steps and transfer user’s weight

Tie rodTie rod Metal bar that runs from one beam of the Metal bar that runs from one beam of the

ladder to the other to keep the beams from ladder to the other to keep the beams from separatingseparating

Tip, Butt, and Butt SpursTip, Butt, and Butt Spurs

TipTip Very top of the ladderVery top of the ladder

ButtButt End of the ladder that End of the ladder that

is placed against the is placed against the groundground

Butt spursButt spurs Metal spikes attached Metal spikes attached

to the butt of a ladderto the butt of a ladder

Butt Plate and Roof Butt Plate and Roof HooksHooks

Butt plate or footpadButt plate or footpad Alternative to a simple butt Alternative to a simple butt

spurspur Incorporates both a spur Incorporates both a spur

and a cleat or padand a cleat or pad Roof hooksRoof hooks

Spring-loaded, retractable, Spring-loaded, retractable, curved metal pieces curved metal pieces attached to the tip of a attached to the tip of a roof ladderroof ladder

Used to secure the ladder Used to secure the ladder to the peak of a pitched to the peak of a pitched roofroof

Heat Sensor Label and Heat Sensor Label and Protection PlatesProtection Plates

Heat sensor labelHeat sensor label Identifies when the ladder has been exposed Identifies when the ladder has been exposed

to specific heat conditionsto specific heat conditions Changes color when exposed to a particular Changes color when exposed to a particular

temperaturetemperature

Protection platesProtection plates Reinforcing pieces placed at chaffing and Reinforcing pieces placed at chaffing and

contact points to prevent damagecontact points to prevent damage

Extension Ladder Extension Ladder ComponentsComponents

Bed sectionBed section Fly sectionFly section GuidesGuides HalyardHalyard Pawls/DogsPawls/Dogs PulleyPulley StopsStops StaypolesStaypoles

Bed Section and Fly Bed Section and Fly SectionSection

Bed sectionBed section Widest sectionWidest section Serves as the baseServes as the base

Fly sectionFly section Part that is raised or Part that is raised or

extended from the extended from the bed sectionbed section

Each fly section Each fly section extends from the extends from the previous sectionprevious section

Guides and HalyardGuides and Halyard

GuidesGuides Strips of metal or Strips of metal or

wood that guide a fly wood that guide a fly section as it is section as it is extendedextended

HalyardHalyard Rope or cable used to Rope or cable used to

extend or hoist the fly extend or hoist the fly sectionssections

Pawls and PulleyPawls and Pulley

Pawls (Dogs)Pawls (Dogs) Mechanical locking Mechanical locking

devices used to devices used to secure the fly secure the fly sections of an sections of an extension ladderextension ladder

PulleyPulley Small grooved wheel Small grooved wheel

used to change the used to change the direction of the direction of the halyard pullhalyard pull

Stops and StaypolesStops and Staypoles

StopsStops Pieces of wood or metal that prevent the fly Pieces of wood or metal that prevent the fly

sections from overextending and collapsingsections from overextending and collapsing

StaypolesStaypoles Long metal poles attached to the top of the Long metal poles attached to the top of the

bed sectionbed section Help stabilize the ladder as it is raised and Help stabilize the ladder as it is raised and

loweredlowered

Types of LaddersTypes of Ladders

Aerial laddersAerial ladders Permanently mounted and operated from Permanently mounted and operated from

fire apparatusfire apparatus

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

locationslocations

Aerial LaddersAerial Ladders

Permanently Permanently mounted, power-mounted, power-operated laddersoperated ladders

Have at least two Have at least two sectionssections

Straight chassis: Straight chassis: straight-stick aerialsstraight-stick aerials

Tractor trailer Tractor trailer chassis: tillered chassis: tillered aerials or trucksaerials or trucks

Elevating PlatformElevating Platform

Includes passenger-Includes passenger-carrying platform carrying platform attached to tipattached to tip

Ladder or boom must Ladder or boom must have at least two have at least two sectionssections TelescopingTelescoping ArticulatingArticulating

Portable LaddersPortable Ladders

Number and lengths of ladders used by a Number and lengths of ladders used by a department depend on the maximum department depend on the maximum height of buildings in the response area.height of buildings in the response area.

Generally, portable ladders are limited to Generally, portable ladders are limited to a length of 50'.a length of 50'.

Straight LadderStraight Ladder

Single-section, fixed-Single-section, fixed-length ladderlength ladder

May also be called May also be called wall ladders or single wall ladders or single laddersladders

Commonly 12' to 20' Commonly 12' to 20' long, but can be up long, but can be up to 30' and longerto 30' and longer

Roof LadderRoof Ladder

Straight ladder with Straight ladder with roof hooksroof hooks

Sometimes called a Sometimes called a hook ladderhook ladder

Provides stable Provides stable footingfooting

Usually 12' to 20' Usually 12' to 20' longlong

Extension LadderExtension Ladder

Adjustable lengthAdjustable length Multiple sectionsMultiple sections Usually heavier than Usually heavier than

a straight ladder of a straight ladder of the same lengththe same length

Bangor LadderBangor Ladder

Extension ladder with Extension ladder with staypolesstaypoles

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

Combination LadderCombination Ladder

Convertible from a Convertible from a straight ladder to an straight ladder to an A-frame, stepladderA-frame, stepladder

Generally 6' to 10' in Generally 6' to 10' in the A-frame the A-frame configuration and 10' configuration and 10' and 15' in the and 15' in the extension extension configurationconfiguration

Folding LadderFolding Ladder

Also called an attic Also called an attic ladderladder

Narrow, collapsing Narrow, collapsing ladderladder

Designed to allow Designed to allow access to attic scuttle access to attic scuttle holes and confined holes and confined areasareas

Inspection, Maintenance, Inspection, Maintenance, and Service Testingand Service Testing

NFPA 1931NFPA 1931 Standard for Manufacture’s Design of Fire Standard for Manufacture’s Design of Fire

Department Ground Ladders. (establishes Department Ground Ladders. (establishes requirements for ladder construction)requirements for ladder construction)

NFPA 1932NFPA 1932 Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service

Testing of In-Service Fire Department Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders.Ground Ladders.

InspectionInspection

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

gouges, fraying, or other conditionsgouges, fraying, or other conditions Components fit snugly and operate Components fit snugly and operate

smoothly.smoothly. Heat sensor labelHeat sensor label

If deficiencies are revealed, remove If deficiencies are revealed, remove ladder from service and repair it.ladder from service and repair it.

MaintenanceMaintenance

All fire fighters should be able to perform All fire fighters should be able to perform routine maintenance.routine maintenance.

Basic maintenance tasks:Basic maintenance tasks: Clean and lubricate the dogs and slides.Clean and lubricate the dogs and slides. Replace worn halyards and wire rope.Replace worn halyards and wire rope. Clean and lubricate roof hooks.Clean and lubricate roof hooks. Maintain finish.Maintain finish. Replace ladder in storage racks.Replace ladder in storage racks.

CleaningCleaning

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

Dry ladder before Dry ladder before storing it.storing it.

Service TestingService Testing

NFPA 1932 requires periodic testing of NFPA 1932 requires periodic testing of ground ladders.ground ladders.

Test new ladders before use and Test new ladders before use and annually thereafter.annually thereafter.

Test ladders after any repairs before Test ladders after any repairs before placing back in service.placing back in service.

Maintain service and testing records for Maintain service and testing records for each ladder.each ladder.

Ladder SafetyLadder Safety

Several potential hazards are associated Several potential hazards are associated with ladder use. (with ladder use. (overhead obstructionsoverhead obstructions!)!)

Use with caution and follow Use with caution and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.manufacturers’ recommendations.

General Safety General Safety RequirementsRequirements

Use full PPE around ladders.Use full PPE around ladders. Fire fighters must be able to work with Fire fighters must be able to work with

and on ladders while wearing SCBA.and on ladders while wearing SCBA.

Lifting and Moving Lifting and Moving LaddersLadders

Teamwork is essential when moving Teamwork is essential when moving ladders.ladders.

Ask for help lifting or moving heavy Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.ladders.

Placement of Ground Placement of Ground LaddersLadders

Survey area before Survey area before placingplacing

AlwaysAlways check for check for overhead wires and overhead wires and other obstructions.other obstructions.

Place on stable and Place on stable and level surfaceslevel surfaces

Avoid heat and direct Avoid heat and direct flame.flame.

Working on a LadderWorking on a Ladder

Check climbing angle Check climbing angle before climbing.before climbing.

Ensure dogs are Ensure dogs are locked and halyard is locked and halyard is tied before climbing.tied before climbing.

Secure the base by Secure the base by heeling/footing.heeling/footing.

Working on a LadderWorking on a Ladder

Do not exceed ladder’s rated weight.Do not exceed ladder’s rated weight. Distribute weight along the length of the Distribute weight along the length of the

ladder.ladder. No more than one fire fighter on each ladder No more than one fire fighter on each ladder

sectionsection Be prepared for falling debris.Be prepared for falling debris. Be prepared to climb down quickly if Be prepared to climb down quickly if

conditions change rapidly.conditions change rapidly.

Rescue OperationsRescue Operations

Anticipate actions of people you are Anticipate actions of people you are trying to rescue.trying to rescue. Do not let people jump to the ladder.Do not let people jump to the ladder. Do not let more than one person on each Do not let more than one person on each

section.section.

Make verbal contact with victim.Make verbal contact with victim. Safeguard victims as they climb down.Safeguard victims as they climb down.

Ladder DamageLadder Damage

Ladders may be easily damaged while in Ladders may be easily damaged while in use.use.

Remove from service any ladder used Remove from service any ladder used outside of normal limits.outside of normal limits. Even if no damage is visibleEven if no damage is visible

Using Portable LaddersUsing Portable Ladders

Using a ladder requires that fire fighters Using a ladder requires that fire fighters complete a series of consecutive tasks.complete a series of consecutive tasks. Select the best ladder.Select the best ladder. Remove the ladder from apparatus and Remove the ladder from apparatus and

carry it to the required location.carry it to the required location. Raise and secure the ladder.Raise and secure the ladder. Lower the ladder and return it to the Lower the ladder and return it to the

apparatus.apparatus.

Ladder SelectionLadder Selection

Select the right ladder for the job.Select the right ladder for the job. Ensure ladder is long enough.Ensure ladder is long enough.

Floor-to-floor height (residential): 8–10'Floor-to-floor height (residential): 8–10' Floor-to-windowsill height (residential): 3'Floor-to-windowsill height (residential): 3' Floor-to-floor height (commercial): 12'Floor-to-floor height (commercial): 12' Floor-to-windowsill height (commercial): 4'Floor-to-windowsill height (commercial): 4'

Length depends on use of ladder.Length depends on use of ladder.

Ladder SelectionLadder Selection

Roof accessRoof access Ladder tip should Ladder tip should

extend several feet, extend several feet, or five rungs above or five rungs above roofline.roofline.

Ladder SelectionLadder Selection

Window access (not Window access (not rescue)rescue) Ladder tip should be Ladder tip should be

at the side of and at the side of and even with the top of a even with the top of a window.window.

Ladder SelectionLadder Selection

Window rescuesWindow rescues Ladder tip should be Ladder tip should be

at the windowsill.at the windowsill.

Ladder SelectionLadder Selection

Proper climbing angle is 75 degrees to Proper climbing angle is 75 degrees to the ground.the ground. Ladder will need to be slightly longer than Ladder will need to be slightly longer than

the vertical distance between the ground the vertical distance between the ground and the target.and the target.

Approximately one additional foot for each Approximately one additional foot for each 15' of vertical height15' of vertical height

Removing the Ladder Removing the Ladder from Apparatusfrom Apparatus

Know what ladders Know what ladders are stored and are stored and where.where.

Know how to remove Know how to remove them and how many them and how many people are needed.people are needed.

Do not lay ladders on Do not lay ladders on the ground near the ground near exhaust pipes.exhaust pipes.

Lifting LaddersLifting Ladders

Use sufficient Use sufficient assistance to lift assistance to lift heavy ladders.heavy ladders.

Know the lifting Know the lifting commands and commands and procedures.procedures.

Bend at the knees Bend at the knees and keep your back and keep your back straight when lifting.straight when lifting.

Carrying LaddersCarrying Ladders

Basic types:Basic types: Single fire fighter carry Single fire fighter carry Shoulder carry (low and high)Shoulder carry (low and high) Flat shoulder carryFlat shoulder carry

Carries can be done in combinations of Carries can be done in combinations of two, three, or four fire fighters.two, three, or four fire fighters.

Placing a LadderPlacing a Ladder

Site selectionSite selection General area chosen by officer in chargeGeneral area chosen by officer in charge Specific area chosen by fire fighterSpecific area chosen by fire fighter

Stable, level surfaceStable, level surface No manhole covers or trap doorsNo manhole covers or trap doors Free from overhead obstructionsFree from overhead obstructions At least 10' from power linesAt least 10' from power lines Away from door and other high-traffic areasAway from door and other high-traffic areas

Placing a LadderPlacing a Ladder

Climbing angleClimbing angle 75 degrees75 degrees Ladder is arm’s length away when standing Ladder is arm’s length away when standing

vertically.vertically. Vertical reach 4x distance from base of the Vertical reach 4x distance from base of the

structurestructure Check inclination guide.Check inclination guide.

Raising a LadderRaising a Ladder

Use a beam raise when ladder must be Use a beam raise when ladder must be raised parallel to the target.raised parallel to the target.

Use a rung raise when ladder must be Use a rung raise when ladder must be raised perpendicular to the target.raised perpendicular to the target.

Combinations of one, two, three, and four Combinations of one, two, three, and four fire fighters can be used for raise.fire fighters can be used for raise.

Raising a LadderRaising a Ladder

Tying the halyardTying the halyard Keeps it out of the wayKeeps it out of the way Provides a backup to the dogs for securing Provides a backup to the dogs for securing

the fly sectionthe fly section

Fly section orientationFly section orientation Ladder manufacturer will specify.Ladder manufacturer will specify. Metal or fiberglass ladders are generally Metal or fiberglass ladders are generally

used fly section out.used fly section out.

Securing the LadderSecuring the Ladder

Heeling the ladderHeeling the ladder Standing under Standing under

ladder, pull back into ladder, pull back into structure.structure.

Place a foot against Place a foot against each beam.each beam.

Securing the LadderSecuring the Ladder

Tie the ladder off.Tie the ladder off. Tie the bottom rung to a secure object.Tie the bottom rung to a secure object. Tie the tip of the ladder to a secure object.Tie the tip of the ladder to a secure object.

Climbing the LadderClimbing the Ladder

Ensure ladder is properly secured.Ensure ladder is properly secured. Check climbing angle.Check climbing angle. Climb slowly; avoid bouncing.Climb slowly; avoid bouncing. Wear proper PPE and lower face shield.Wear proper PPE and lower face shield. Hoist tools by rope if possible.Hoist tools by rope if possible. Do not overload ladder.Do not overload ladder.

No more than two fire fighters on a ladderNo more than two fire fighters on a ladder

Dismounting a LadderDismounting a Ladder

Ensure roof or floor is Ensure roof or floor is solid and stable before solid and stable before dismounting.dismounting. Test with a tool before Test with a tool before

stepping off.stepping off.

Maintain contact with Maintain contact with ladder at three points.ladder at three points. Do not shift weight until Do not shift weight until

you have tested the you have tested the footing.footing.

Working From a LadderWorking From a Ladder

Use a ladder belt or Use a ladder belt or a leg lock to secure a leg lock to secure yourself to the yourself to the ladder.ladder.

Do not attempt work Do not attempt work from a ladder without from a ladder without properly securing properly securing yourself first.yourself first.

Placing a Roof LadderPlacing a Roof Ladder

Open roof hooks on the ground.Open roof hooks on the ground. Place on ground ladder with hooks up.Place on ground ladder with hooks up. Slide or hoist the roof ladder upward.Slide or hoist the roof ladder upward. Once on the roof, slide the roof ladder Once on the roof, slide the roof ladder

into position and flip it over when hooks into position and flip it over when hooks clear the peak of the roof.clear the peak of the roof.

Secure the roof ladder.Secure the roof ladder.

SummarySummary

Fire fighters must be competent in the Fire fighters must be competent in the basic skills needed to use portable basic skills needed to use portable ladders safely.ladders safely.

In addition to using ladders, fire fighters In addition to using ladders, fire fighters must be able to inspect, maintain, and must be able to inspect, maintain, and field test them.field test them.

SummarySummary

Ladders are used to gain access to a Ladders are used to gain access to a higher or lower elevation, perform higher or lower elevation, perform rescues, provide a platform from which to rescues, provide a platform from which to work, as an emergency egress, and to work, as an emergency egress, and to support equipment or fabricate a water support equipment or fabricate a water chute.chute.

Fire fighters must know how ladders are Fire fighters must know how ladders are constructed and what ladders are constructed and what ladders are appropriate for what jobs.appropriate for what jobs.

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?