North Idaho Emergency North Idaho Emergency Services AcademyServices Academy

ObjectivesObjectives

• Types of fire service laddersTypes of fire service ladders

• Ladder termsLadder terms

• Ladder raising proceduresLadder raising procedures

• Roof ladder operationsRoof ladder operations

Slide 12

SINGLE LADDERS

• Are nonadjustable

• Have only one section

• Are sometimes called wall ladders

• Are used for quick access to windows and roofs of one- and two-story buildings

• May be truss construction

TS 9–2

ROOF LADDERS

• Are equipped at tip with folding hooks for anchoring ladder to roof ridge

• Are used to distribute firefighter’s weight during roof work and to prevent slipping

• May also be used as single wall ladders

TS 9–3

EXTENSION LADDERS

• Are adjustable in length

• Indicated length on ladder equals the length of side rails when fully extended

• Are used to provide access to windows and roofs within their length limits

TS 9–5

GUIDELINES FOR LIFTING & LOWERING LADDERS

• Have adequate personnel for the task.

• Lift properly:– Bend the knees.– Keep your back as straight as possible.– Lift with your legs, not with your back or arms.

• When two or more firefighters are lifting a ladder, lift on command of firefighter at rear who can see the whole operation.

TS 9–16a

GUIDELINES FOR LIFTING & LOWERING LADDERS

• Reverse the lifting procedure when it is necessary to place a ladder on the ground before raising it.– Lower the ladder with the leg muscles.

– Keep your body and feet parallel to the ladder to avoid toe injury.

TS 9–16b

CORRECT LADDER PLACEMENT

• Ventilation or climbing into or out of narrow windows — To windward side of window with tip about even with window top

• Window rescue — Tip even with or slightly below sill, or inside window opening with two or three rungs above sill if window is wide enough

• Directing streams or supporting a smoke fan — Directly in front of window with tip on wall above window

TS 9–20

• Accessing roof — Top five rungs above roof edge

CORRECT LADDER PLACEMENT

CLIMBING ANGLE

• Approximately 75 degrees

• Climber can stand upright and reach the rungs at arm’s length

• Distance of butt from wall equals used length of ladder divided by four

• Inclination marking on outside beam perfectly horizontal and vertical

TS 9–21

GENERAL RAISING PROCEDURES

• Survey for electrical hazards.

• Transition from carry to raise.

• Position extension ladder fly section out.

• Tie the halyard.– Clove hitch around two convenient rungs– Overhand safety knot

• Secure and heel.

TS 9–22

GENERAL RAISING PROCEDURES

• Survey for electrical hazards.

• Transition from carry to raise.

• Position extension ladder fly section out.

• Tie the halyard.– Clove hitch around two convenient rungs– Overhand safety knot

• Secure and heel.

TS 9–22

GENERAL RAISING PROCEDURES

• Survey for electrical hazards.

• Transition from carry to raise.

• Position extension ladder fly section out.

• Tie the halyard.– Clove hitch around two convenient rungs– Overhand safety knot

• Secure and heel.

TS 9–22

LADDER MAINTENANCE

• Keep ground ladders free of moisture.

• Do not store or rest ladders in a position where they are subjected to exhaust or engine heat.

• Do not store ladders in any area where they are exposed to the elements.

• Do not paint ladders except for the top and bottom 12 inches (300 mm) of the beams for purposes of identification or visibility.

TS 9–9

CLEANING LADDERS

• Clean ladders after every use and before inspecting.

• Use a soft-bristle brush and running water for cleaning.

• Wipe the ladder dry, checking for defects.

TS 9–10

GENERAL LADDER MAINTENANCE,

INSPECTION, AND REPAIR• Two methods of determining whether metal

ladders have been exposed to high temperatures:

– Water boils when sprayed on the ladder

– Heat indicator label has changed color

• Only trained fire service personnel or an approved testing organization should service test fire service ground ladders.

TS 9–11c

Questions!