VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

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VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY
FIRE SERVICE LADDERS Robert Sepulveda, VFA
Instructor
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SCHEDULE

• Ladder Lecture/DVD (0800-1000)
• Break (1000-1015)
• Rotation 1 (1015-1145) straight ladders
• Lunch (1200-1300)
• Rotation 2 (1300-1430) extension ladders
• Break (1430-1445)
• Rotation 3 (1445-1615) misc ladders
• Clean up Dismissal (1630-1700)

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BASIC TRUCK OPERATIONS

• L-adders (ground aerial)
• O-verhaul (interior exterior)
• U-tilities (gas, electrical, water)
• V-entilation (horizontal vertical)
• E-xtrication (all types vehicles)
• R-escue (fires, swiftwater, technical etc.)
• S-alvage (water removal, contents etc.)

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OBJECTIVES

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

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OBJECTIVES

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

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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.

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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

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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 with use of tarp/salvage
  cover

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Ladder Construction

• Fire service ladders are similar to other types
  of ladders.
• But are specialized tools, not general purpose
  ladders
• Require heavy-duty construction
• Require more frequent and thorough maintenance

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Basic Ladder Components

• Beams
• Rail
• Truss Block
• Rung
• Tie Rod

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Basic Ladder Components

• Tip
• Butt (heel)
• Butt spurs
• Butt plate
• Roof hooks
• Heat sensor label
• Protection plates

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Beams

• One of two main structural components
• Run the length of most ladders
• Three types of beam construction
• Trussed beam
• I-beam
• Solid beam

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Rail and Truss Block

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

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Rung and Tie Rod

• Rung
• Crosspiece that spans the two beams of a ladder
• Serves as steps and transfer user