Ladders

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Ladders

• Module 2

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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

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Ladder Construction

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

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Basic Ladder Components (1 of 2)

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

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Basic Ladder Components (2 of 2)

• 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 that run
  the entire length of most ladders or ladder
  sections
• 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 users weight
• Tie rod
• Metal bar that runs from one beam of the ladder
  to the other to keep the beams from separating

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Tip, Butt, and Butt Spurs

• Tip
• Very top of the ladder
• Butt
• End of the ladder that is placed against the
  ground
• Butt spurs
• Metal spikes attached to the butt of a ladder

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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

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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

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Extension Ladder Components

• Bed Section
• Fly Section
• Dogs
• Guides
• Halyard
• Pulley
• Stops
• Staypoles

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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

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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

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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

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Stops and Staypoles

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

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Ladder Safety

• Several potential hazards are associated with
  ladder use.
• Use with caution and follow manufacturers
  recommendations.

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Lifting and Moving Ladders

• Teamwork is essential when moving ladders.
• Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ladder Selection (2 of 5)

• Roof access
• Ladder tip should extend five rungs above
  roofline.

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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.

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Ladder Selection (4 of 5)

• Window rescues
• Ladder tip should be at the windowsill.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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Placing a Ladder (2 of 2)

• Climbing angle
• 75
• Ladder is arms length away when standing
  vertically.
• Vertical reach 4x distance from base of the
  structure
• Check inclination guide.

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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.

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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.

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Securing the Ladder (1 of 2)

• Heeling the ladder
• Standing under ladder, pull back into structure.
  
• Place a foot against each beam.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ladder Construction Materials

• Metal
• Wood
• Fiberglass

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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.