Ladders Module 2

Introduction The fire service ladder is one of the most basic fire fighter tools. Ladder technology has not changed much over the years. Every fire fighter must be proficient in working with ladders.

Primary Functions of a Ladder Provides a vertical path between grades Provides an escape path and a means to evacuate people Can be used as a working platform Can bridge a small opening

Secondary Functions of a Ladder Provides stable footing and distribute weight on pitched roofs Creates a ladder gin to raise or lower people or objects Provides a platform for equipment Creates a ramp for equipment or patients Creates a water chute

Ladder Construction Fire service ladders are similar to other types of ladders. Require heavy-duty construction Require more frequent and thorough maintenance

Basic Ladder Components (1 of 2) Beams Rail Truss Block Rung Tie Rod

Basic Ladder Components (2 of 2) Tip Butt (Heel) –Butt Spurs –Butt Plate Roof Hooks Heat Sensor Label Protection Plates

Beams One of two main structural components that run the entire length of most ladders or ladder sections Three types of beam construction: –Trussed beam –I-beam –Solid beam

Rail and Truss Block Rail –T–Top or bottom section of a trussed beam –M–May also refer to top and bottom surfaces of an I-beam Truss block Piece that connects the two rails of a trussed beam

Rung and Tie Rod Rung –C–Crosspiece that spans the two beams of a ladder –S–Serves as steps and transfer user’s weight Tie rod Metal bar that runs from one beam of the ladder to the other to keep the beams from separating

Tip, Butt, and Butt Spurs Tip –V–Very top of the ladder Butt End of the ladder that is placed against the ground Butt spurs –M–Metal spikes attached to the butt of a ladder

Butt Plate and Roof Hooks Butt plate or footpad –Alternative to a simple butt spur –Incorporates both a spur and a cleat or pad Roof hooks –Spring-loaded, retractable, curved metal pieces attached to the tip of a roof ladder –Used to secure the ladder to the peak of a pitched roof

Heat Sensor Label and Protection Plates Heat sensor label –Identifies when the ladder has been exposed to specific heat conditions that could damage its structural integrity –Changes color when exposed to a particular temperature Protection plates Reinforcing pieces placed at chaffing and contact points to prevent damage

Extension Ladder Components Bed Section Fly Section Dogs Guides Halyard Pulley Stops Staypoles

Bed Section and Fly Section Bed section –Widest section –Serves as the base Fly section –Part that is raised or extended from the bed section –Each fly section extends from the previous section

Dogs and Guides Dogs –Mechanical locking devices used to secure the extended fly sections Guides Strips of metal or wood that guide a fly section as it is extended

Halyard and Pulley Halyard –Rope or cable used to extend or hoist the fly sections Pulley Small grooved wheel used to change the direction of the halyard pull

Stops and Staypoles Stops –P–Pieces of wood or metal that prevent the fly sections from overextending and collapsing the ladder Staypoles –L–Long metal poles attached to the top of the bed section –H–Help stabilize the ladder as it is raised and lowered

Ladder Safety Several potential hazards are associated with ladder use. Use with caution and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.

Lifting and Moving Ladders Teamwork is essential when moving ladders. Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.

Placement of Ground Ladders Survey area before placing ground ladders. ALWAYS check for overhead wires and other obstructions. Place ladders on stable and relatively level surfaces. Avoid heat and direct flame.

Using Portable Ladders Using a ladder requires that fire fighters complete a series of consecutive tasks. –Select the best ladder. –Remove the ladder from apparatus and carry it to the required location. –Raise and secure the ladder. –Lower the ladder and return it to the apparatus.

Ladder Selection (1 of 5) Select the right ladder for the job. Be familiar with all ladders carried. Ensure ladder is long enough. –Floor-to-floor height (residential): 8-10' –Floor-to-windowsill height (residential): 3' –Floor-to-floor height (commercial): 12' –Floor-to-windowsill height (commercial): 4' Length depends on use of ladder.

Ladder Selection (2 of 5) Roof access –Ladder tip should extend five rungs above roofline.

Ladder Selection (3 of 5) Window access (not rescue) –Ladder tip should be at the side of and even with the top of a window.

Ladder Selection (4 of 5) Window rescues –Ladder tip should be at the windowsill.

Ladder Selection (5 of 5) Proper climbing angle is 75° to the ground. –Ladder will need to be slightly longer than the vertical distance between the ground and the target. –Approximately one additional foot for each 15' of vertical height

Removing the Ladder from Apparatus Know what ladders are stored and where. Know how to remove them and how many people are needed. Do not lay ladders on the ground near exhaust pipes.

Lifting Ladders Use sufficient assistance to lift heavy ladders. Know the lifting commands and procedures used in your area. Bend at the knees and keep your back straight when lifting.

Placing a Ladder (1 of 2) Site selection –General area chosen by officer in charge –Specific area chosen by fire fighter at the butt end Stable, level surface No manhole covers or trap doors Free from overhead obstructions At least 10' from power lines Away from door and other high-traffic areas

Placing a Ladder (2 of 2) Climbing angle –75° –Ladder is arm’s length away when standing vertically. –Vertical reach 4x distance from base of the structure –Check inclination guide.

Raising a Ladder (1 of 2) Use a beam raise when ladder must be raised parallel to the target. Use a rung raise when ladder must be raised perpendicular to the target. Combinations of one, two, three, and four fire fighters can be used for raise.

Raising a Ladder (2 of 2) Tying the Halyard –Keeps it out of the way –Provides a backup to the dogs for securing the fly section Fly section orientation –Ladder manufacturer will specify. –Metal or fiberglass ladders are generally used fly section out.

Securing the Ladder (1 of 2) Heeling the ladder – Standing under ladder, pull back into structure. –Place a foot against each beam.

Securing the Ladder (2 of 2) Tie the ladder off. –Tie the bottom rung to a secure object. –Tie the tip of the ladder to a secure object.

Climbing the Ladder Ensure ladder is properly secured. Check climbing angle. Climb slowly; avoid bouncing. Wear proper PPE and lower face shield. Hoist tools by rope if possible. Do not overload ladder. –No more than two fire fighters on a ladder

Dismounting a Ladder Ensure roof or floor is solid and stable before dismounting. –Test with a tool before stepping off. Maintain contact with ladder at three points. –Do not shift weight until you have tested the footing.

Working From a Ladder Use a ladder belt or a leg lock to secure yourself to the ladder. Do not attempt work from a ladder without properly securing yourself first.

Placing a Roof Ladder Open roof hooks on the ground. Place on ground ladder with hooks up. Slide or hoist the roof ladder upward. Once on the roof, slide the roof ladder into position and flip it over when hooks clear the peak of the roof. Secure the roof ladder.

Ladder Construction Materials Metal Wood Fiberglass

Summary Fire fighters must be competent in the basic skills needed to use portable ladders safely. In addition to using ladders, fire fighters must be able to inspect, maintain, and field test them. Ladders are used to gain access to a higher or lower elevation, perform rescues, provide a platform from which to work, as an emergency egress, and to support equipment or fabricate a water chute. Fire fighters must know how ladders are constructed and what ladders are appropriate for what jobs.