North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission Ladders I Updated 9/2011

Lesson One Firefighter I Terminal Objective The Firefighter I candidate shall correctly identify and describe the appropriate use of the following ladders: a) Folding / attic ladder. b) Roof ladder. c) Extension Ladder. d) Straight / wall ladder.

Enabling Objectives 1. The Firefighter I candidate shall correctly identify in writing the basic parts of a fire service ladder. 2. The firefighter I candidate shall correctly identify in writing the construction materials and designs used for fire service ladders.

Enabling Objectives Cont. 3. The Firefighter I candidate, when given a folding / attic ladder, shall correctly identify and describe in writing the use of the ladder. 4. The Firefighter I candidate, when given a roof ladder, shall correctly identify and describe in writing the use of the ladder.

Enabling Objectives Cont. 5. The Firefighter I candidate, when given an extension ladder, shall correctly identify and describe in writing the use of the ladder. 6. The Firefighter I candidate, when given a straight / wall ladder, shall correctly identify and describe in writing the use of the ladder.

The Basic Parts of a Ladder Beam

The Basic Parts of a Ladder Rungs

The Basic Parts of a Ladder Tips

The Basic Parts of a Ladder Butts

The Basic Parts of a Ladder Roof Hooks

The Basic Parts of a Ladder Halyard

Construction Materials of Ladders Metal Wooden Fiberglass

Folding Attic Ladder

Folding Attic Ladder Hinged rung Narrow 8’ to 16’ long (10’ most common) NFPA 1931 requires foot pads Limited weight loading Used for small openings

Roof Ladder

Roof Ladder Vary from 12’ to 24’ Hooks at the tip Helps to distribute weight over a greater area of the roof

Extension Ladder

Extension Ladder Have two or three sections Length ranges from 12’ to 39’ Upper sections are raised by a rope or cable (halyard) The ladder is designed for the full length it can be extended

Extension Ladder Bed Section Widest section of an extension ladder Serves as the base of the ladder

Extension Ladder Fly Section Section of ladder that extends or retracts May have more than one fly

Extension Ladder Halyard Rope or cable that extends or hoists the fly section or sections Attached to fly section(s) and runs through a pulley

Extension Ladder Pulley Small wheel used to change the direction of the halyard

Extension Ladder Pawls Locking devices used to secure the fly sections of an extension ladder Also called dogs, locks, or rung locks

Extension Ladder Stops Prevent the fly section(s) from overextending Also called stop blocks

Straight/Wall Ladder

Straight / Wall Ladder Only one section Fixed length Lengths range from 6’ to 32’ Can be quickly placed by a single firefighter

Pole or Bangor Ladders

Pole or Bangor Ladders Extension ladders with stay-poles Have two to four sections Lengths do not exceed 50’ Allow ladder operations where aerials cannot gain access NFPA 1931 requires stay-poles on extension ladders 40’ or longer

Combination or A-Frame Ladders

Combination or A-Frame Ladders Can be used as either a stepladder or single extension ladder Lengths range from 8’ to 14’ Usually employed for interior operations

Pompier Ladders

Pompier Ladders Single beam ladder Rungs project from either side of the single beam Has a large gooseneck top which is used to suspend the ladder from window or other openings Used primarily to reach points beyond the reach of aerial or ground ladders Cannot be more than 16’ in length

Review Review the parts of the fire service ladder. Review the construction features of the fire service ladder. Review the functions of the ladders listed.

Lesson Two Firefighter I Terminal Objective The Firefighter I candidate, when given the necessary equipment, shall correctly demonstrate the proper methods of carrying, raising and lowering, positioning, and using ground ladders in the performance of duties such as moving patients to safety, and moving tools and equipment while ascending and descending ladders.

Enabling Objectives 1. The Firefighter I candidate, when given a variety of ladders, shall correctly demonstrate carrying, positioning, raising and lowering the ladders. 2. The Firefighter I candidate shall correctly demonstrate two methods of safely locking off on a ladder.

Enabling Objectives Cont. 3. The Firefighter I candidate, when given a variety of tools, shall correctly demonstrate proper hand placement and techniques for carrying them while ascending and descending the ladder.

Enabling Objectives Cont. 4. The Firefighter I candidate shall correctly demonstrate one of the three methods of ladder rescue. a) Patient facing rescuer. b) Patient facing away from rescuer. c) Rescuer cradle method. Optional to use two rescuers on two ladders for light patient and three ladders for heavy patient.

Enabling Objectives Cont. 5. The Firefighter I candidate, when given the proper equipment, shall correctly demonstrate placing the roof ladder on a pitched roof using one of the methods taught.

Single Person Ladder Carry Low shoulder method from the ground a) Kneel beside the ladder, facing the tip.

Single Person Ladder Carry Low shoulder method from the ground b) Grasp the ladder at or near the middle rung.

Single Person Ladder Carry Low shoulder method from the ground c) From a kneeling position, lift the ladder keeping the back straight using the legs for lifting.

Single Person Ladder Carry Low shoulder method from the ground d) Pivot into the ladder as it is lifted.

Single Person Ladder Carry Low shoulder method from the ground e) Place the free arm between two rungs so that the upper beam rests on the shoulder.

Single Person Ladder Carry Low shoulder method from the ground

Single Person Ladder Carry High Shoulder method from the ground a) Face the tip of the ladder.

Single Person Ladder Carry High Shoulder method from the ground b) Kneel and grasp the far beam at or near the middle.

Single Person Ladder Carry High Shoulder method from the ground c) Position ladder onto its near beam.

Single Person Ladder Carry High Shoulder method from the ground d) Pivot to face the butt of the ladder while lifting onto shoulder.

Single Person Ladder Carry High Shoulder method from the ground

Single Person Ladder Carry Arms length method from the ground a) Face the butt of the ladder.

Single Person Ladder Carry Arms length method from the ground b) Kneel to grasp the ladder.

Single Person Ladder Carry Arms length method from the ground c) Grasp the far beam of the ladder and position onto its near beam.

Single Person Ladder Carry Arms length method from the ground d) From a kneeling position, lift the ladder keeping the back straight using the legs for lifting.

Single Person Ladder Carry Arms length method from the ground

Two Person ladder Carries Low shoulder method a) Face the tip of the ladder.

Two Person ladder Carries Low shoulder method b) Kneel and grasp the ladder at the far beam with the near hand.

Two Person ladder Carries Low shoulder method c) From a kneeling position, lift the ladder keeping the back straight using the legs for lifting.

Two Person ladder Carries Low shoulder method d) Place the free arm between two rungs so that the upper beam rests on the shoulder.

Two Person ladder Carries Low shoulder method

Two Person ladder Carries Arms length method from the ground a) Face the butt of the ladder.

Two Person ladder Carries Arm’s length method from the ground b) Kneel and grasp the ladder at the far beam with the near hand.

Two Person ladder Carries Arm’s length method from the ground c) From a kneeling position, lift the ladder keeping the back straight using the legs for lifting.

Two Person ladder Carries Arm’s length method from the ground

Three Person ladder Carries Flat shoulder method from the ground a) Face the tip of the ladder.

Three Person ladder Carries Flat shoulder method from the ground b) From a kneeling position, lift the ladder keeping the back straight using the legs for lifting.

Three Person ladder Carries Flat shoulder method from the ground d) Pivot to face the butt of the ladder while lifting onto shoulder.

Three Person ladder Carries Flat shoulder method from the ground

Three Person ladder Carries Flat arms length method from the ground a) Face the butt of the ladder.

Three Person ladder Carries Flat arms length method from the ground b) From a kneeling position, lift the ladder keeping the back straight using the legs for lifting.

Three Person ladder Carries Flat arms length method from the ground

Three Person ladder Carries Arm’s length on edge method from the ground a) Face the butt of the ladder.

Three Person ladder Carries Arm’s length on edge method from the ground b) From a kneeling position, lift the ladder keeping the back straight using the legs for lifting.

Three Person ladder Carries Arm’s length on edge method from the ground

Four Person ladder Carries Same methods used as three person ladder carries with a change in position. There is the: Flat shoulder method from the ground. Flat arms length method from the ground. Arms length on edge method from the ground.

Properly Positioning Ladders Identify who will normally designate the location where ladders are positioned. Firefighter placement will designate who gives ladder commands. Fly section(s) should always face out.

Properly Positioning Ladders Ladder should be placed for its intended use. Proper placement of ladder leaves the butt of the ladder at an approximate 75 degree angle. This can be easily figured by dividing the used length of the ladder by 4.

Placement and Intended Use If the ladder is to be used to provide a vantage point where a firefighter can break out a window for ventilation, it should be placed alongside the window to the windward side. The tip should be about even with the top of the window. The same position is used when firefighters climb into or out of narrow windows.

Placement and Intended Use If the ladder is to be used for rescue from a window, usually the ladder tip is placed even with or slightly below the sill. If the sill projects out from the wall, the tip of the ladder can be wedged up under the sill for additional stability. If the window opening is wide enough to permit the ladder tip to project into it and still allow room beside it to facilitate the rescue; the ladder should be placed so that two or three rungs extend above the sill.

Placement and Intended Use When a ladder is to be used as a vantage point to direct a hose stream into a window opening and no entry is to be made, it is raised directly in front of the window with the tip on the wall above the window opening.

Placement and Intended Use Ladder a minimum of two points on different sides of a structure. Avoid placing ladders over window and door openings. Take advantage of strong points on the building. Raise the ladder directly in front of a window when using it to support a smoke ejector.

Locations to Avoid When Placing A Ladders Overhead obstructions Uneven terrain Main travel paths Burning or high heat surfaces and direct flame impingement Sidewalk elevator trap doors and manhole covers Unstable walls and surfaces Overhead electrical wires

One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise Firefighter shall position butt end of ladder away from the wall to get a 750 angle when raised.

One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise b) Firefighter shall grasp both beams to walk the ladder up to raise it while watching for overhead obstructions.

One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise c) Firefighter shall raise the ladder in a controlled manner.

One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise d) Firefighter shall lower the tip of the ladder until it comes to rest against the wall.

One Firefighter Single Ladder Raise e) Firefighter shall position the butt of the ladder away from the wall to obtain a sufficient climbing angle.

One Firefighter Ext. Ladder Raise Firefighter shall position the butt of the ladder against the wall.

One Firefighter Ext. Ladder Raise b) Firefighter shall walk the ladder up to raise it watching for overhead obstructions.

One Firefighter Ext. Ladder Raise c) Firefighter shall raise the ladder in a controlled manner.

One Firefighter Ext. Ladder Raise d) Firefighter shall stabilize the ladder against the wall.

One Firefighter Ext. Ladder Raise e) Firefighter shall pivot the ladder so that the fly is out. The fly is raised to the proper height.

One Firefighter Ext. Ladder Raise f) Firefighter shall position the butt of the ladder to obtain the proper climbing angle and secure the fly section by tying off the halyard.

Two Firefighter Flat Raise a) 1 firefighter is positioned at the tip of the ladder, while the other one is positioned at the butt.

Two Firefighter Flat Raise b) Firefighter 1 shall heel the ladder by standing on the bottom rung and shifting his weight backward.

Two Firefighter Flat Raise c) The firefighter at the tip of the ladder begins to raise the ladder while checking for overhead obstructions.

Two Firefighter Flat Raise d) The ladder is raised in a controlled manner.

Two Firefighter Flat Raise e) The firefighter at the tip walks the ladder up, while the other firefighter uses his weight to heel and pivot.

Two Firefighter Flat Raise f) The ladder is raised to the vertical position and both firefighters heel the ladder.

Two Firefighter Flat Raise g) The fly is raised in a controlled manner.

Two Firefighter Flat Raise h) The tip of the ladder is placed at the proper position against the wall.

Two Firefighter Flat Raise i) The fly section is secured with the halyard.

Two Firefighter Beam Raise a) The ladder is placed on its beam.

Two Firefighter Beam Raise b) The firefighter at the butt of the ladder heels the base so the ladder will pivot on the beam vertically.

Two Firefighter Beam Raise c) The firefighter at the tip of the ladder raises the ladder in a controlled manner watching for overhead obstructions.

Two Firefighter Beam Raise d) The firefighter at the tip of the ladder walks the ladder up, while the other firefighter heels the ladder.

Two Firefighter Beam Raise e) The ladder is held vertically and pivoted so that the fly section is out, away from the wall. Both firefighters heel the ladder while the fly is raised to the proper position.

Two Firefighter Beam Raise e) The tip of the ladder is lowered to the wall. The butt of the ladder is positioned at the appropriate distance from the wall.

Three Firefighter Flat Raise a) 2 firefighters are at the tip of the ladder and one is positioned at the butt of the ladder.

Three Firefighter Flat Raise b) 2 firefighters at the tip of the ladder kneel and grasp the ladder to raise in a controlled manner watching for overhead obstructions.

Three Firefighter Flat Raise c) 1 firefighter at the butt of the ladder kneels and puts his weight on the ladder to heel and pivot it upward.

Three Firefighter Flat Raise d) The ladder is held vertically, and the fly raised to the appropriate height. The tip of the ladder is placed against the wall.

Three Firefighter Flat Raise e) The butt of the ladder is then positioned at the appropriate distance from the wall. The fly is secured with the halyard.

Locking Off There are two methods to safely lock off on a ladder. Life Belt Leg Lock

Locking Off – Life Belt

Locking Off – Leg Lock Off

Tying the Halyard

Moving Equipment Use one hand to carry a tool Slide the free hand under the beam while making the climb. Use ropes to hoist and lower tools and equipment, when possible, as opposed to carrying them by hand up and down the ladder.

Ladder Rescue Patient facing rescuer

Ladder Rescue Patient facing away from rescuer

Ladder Rescue Rescuer cradle method

Review Review the various methods of ladder carries. Review the various methods of ladder raises. Review the methods of ladder rescue.

Lesson Three Firefighter I Terminal Objective The firefighter I candidate, when given the necessary equipment, shall correctly demonstrate the methods of cleaning and inspecting different types of fire service ladders.

Enabling Objectives 1. The Firefighter I candidate, when given the necessary equipment, shall correctly demonstrate accepted procedures for cleaning different types of fire service ground ladders. 2. The Firefighter I candidate, when given the necessary equipment, shall correctly demonstrate the procedures for inspecting and maintaining different types of fire service ground ladders.

Cleaning Ground Ladders Use a soapy solution. Remove dirt with soft bristle brush and running water. Look for structural defects. Only use cleaning solutions that are recommended by the ladder manufacturer.

Inspecting Ground Ladders Inspect after each use and monthly. Check for required labels and expiration dates. Inspect halyards and cables. Ladders should be tested in accordance with NFPA 1932 “Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of Fire Department Ground Ladders”.

Ground Ladder Maintenance Keep ladders moisture free. Do not expose ladders to vehicle exhaust. Do not expose ladders to the weather elements for an extended period of time. Do not paint ladders except for the top and bottom 12 inches, and only for identification and visibility.

Review Review ladder cleaning procedures. Review ladder inspection procedures. Review ladder maintenance.