1 Essentials of Fire Fighting 6 th Edition Firefighter I Chapter 12 Ground Ladders Learning Objective 1 2 Describe different construction types of ground ladders. 12 2 Learning Objective 2 3 Identify the parts of a ladder including markings and labels. 12 3 Ground ladder construction is regulated by two NFPA standards. 4 12 4
Firefighters should know the basic parts of a ladder. 5 (Cont.) 12 5 Firefighters should know the basic parts of a ladder. 6 (Cont.) 12 6 Firefighters should know the basic parts of a ladder. 7 12 7 8 REVIEW QUESTION What are the basic parts of fire service ladders? 12 8
Materials used for ladders must meet NFPA 1931 specifications. 9 12 9 Ladder materials have various advantages and disadvantages. 10 12 10 11 REVIEW QUESTION How does a fire service ladder constructed of metal differ from one constructed of fiberglass? 12 11 Fire service ladders must have required markings and labels. 12 12 12
Ladders must have a certification label and other warning labels. 13 Ladder positioning label 12 13 REVIEW QUESTION 14 What types of markings and labels do fire service ladders have? 12 14 Learning Objective 3 15 Recognize the types of ladders used in the fire service. 12 15 Single ladders are also called wall or straight ladders. 16 12 16
Roof ladders are equipped with folding hooks to anchor the ladder. 17 12 17 Folding ladders are often single ladders used for interior attic access. 18 12 18 Extension ladders are made up of a base section and fly sections. 19 12 19 Combination ladders are designed to be self-supporting. 20 12 20
NFPA 1901 contains information on apparatus-mounted ground ladders. 21 12 21 22 REVIEW QUESTION How do the five types of ladders used in the fire service compare with one another? 12 22 Learning Objective 4 23 Explain the considerations addressed by ladder inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. 12 23 Some elements must be inspected on all types of ladders. 24 12 24
25 WARNING Any ladder that has been subjected to direct flame contact, has been exposed to high heat, or has a heat sensor label that has changed color is unsafe for use and should be removed from service for testing. 12 25 There are inspection elements specific to each type of ladder. 26 12 26 27 CAUTION Any indication of deterioration of the wood is reason for the ladder to be removed from service until it can be service tested. 12 27 Once inspection is complete, select the correct procedure to follow. 28 12 28
Service testing must be performed to ensure a ladder is fit for use. 29 12 29 30 REVIEW QUESTION What types of information do general ladder inspections look for? 12 30 Cleaning is more than just a matter of appearance, it can also impact function. 31 12 31 Maintenance and repair are two different processes firefighters should understand. 32 12 32
REVIEW QUESTION 33 What are the general maintenance requirements for ground ladders? 12 33 Learning Objective 5 34 Describe safety guidelines used when handling ladders. 12 34 Learning Objective 6 35 Explain considerations taken when selecting, lifting, and lowering a ladder. 12 35 There are several ladder safety guidelines firefighters should know. 36 (Cont.) 12 36
37 WARNING Ladders coming in contact with power sources may result in electrocution of anyone in contact with the ladder. 12 37 There are several ladder safety guidelines firefighters should know. 38 (Cont.) 12 38 There are several ladder safety guidelines firefighters should know. 39 (Cont.) 12 39 40 WARNING Sliding down a ladder either feet first or head first even in an emergency is unsafe and may result in serious injury or death. 12 40
There are several ladder safety guidelines firefighters should know. 41 12 41 42 REVIEW QUESTION What are the guidelines for safely carrying, raising, lowering, and working on ladders? 12 42 The IC considers several factors when deciding where to place the ladder. 43 12 43 Ladder selection also requires other important information. 44 12 44
45 There are several guidelines to use for ladder length selection. 12 45 46 A ladder s reach is not the same as the designated length. 12 46 47 REVIEW QUESTION What factors must be considered when selecting a ladder placement location? 12 47 48 Use proper lifting and lowering techniques to prevent personal injuries. 12 48
49 REVIEW QUESTION What techniques should be used to prevent personal injuries when lifting and lowering ladders? 12 49 Learning Objective 7 50 Describe various methods for ladder carries. 12 50 Ladder carry requirements vary depending on the type. 51 12 51 Methods to remove ladders from apparatus depend on ladder location. 52 12 52
53 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS How are the ground ladders mounted on the different apparatus in your jurisdiction? Have you observed ladders being removed from racks, compartments, or a mechanically operated rack? 12 53 Firefighters must know certain information when using ground ladders on apparatus. 54 12 54 Procedures for removing side and top mounted ladders differ from flat mounted ladders. 55 12 55 56 REVIEW QUESTION What information must a firefighter know in order to use ground ladders? 12 56
The one-firefighter low-shoulder carry is for some single and roof ladders. 57 12 57 58 CAUTION Carrying the forward end of a ladder at eye level impedes the carrier s balance and visibility and increases the risk of the butt spurs striking someone else in the head. 12 58 The two-firefighter low-shoulder carry is also for some single and roof ladders. 59 12 59 The three-firefighter flat-shoulder carry is typically used on extension ladders. 60 12 60
The three-firefighter flat arm s length carry begins with the fly section up. 61 12 61 The four-firefighter flat-shoulder carry is similar to the three person method. 62 12 62 The two-firefighter arm s length on-edge carry is best with lightweight ladders. 63 12 63 There are some general procedures to use for carrying roof ladders. 64 12 64
Learning Objective 8 65 Identify basic considerations and requirements for ground ladder placement. 12 65 Ladder placement responsibilities are often shared by different personnel. 66 12 66 There are two objectives when placing ground ladders. 67 12 67 Positioning will vary based on the task being accomplished. 68 12 68
Other ladder placement guidelines are also important to know. 69 (Cont.) 12 69 Other ladder placement guidelines are also important to know. 70 (Cont.) 12 70 Other ladder placement guidelines are also important to know. 71 12 71 72 REVIEW QUESTION What are the two objectives that must be met when placing ground ladders? 12 72
The distance of the butt end from the building is what determines ladder angle. 73 12 73 There are several ways to determine proper distance for ladder angles. 74 12 74 REVIEW QUESTION 75 How can a firefighter determine the proper distance between the heel of the ladder and the building? 12 75 Learning Objective 9 76 Describe various methods for ladder raises. 12 76
Methods for ladder raises require teamwork, smoothness, and rhythm. 77 12 77 The transition from ladder carry to raise should be done in one smooth motion. 78 12 78 Several considerations must be addressed before raising a ladder. 79 (Cont.) 12 79 80 WARNING All ladders will conduct electricity, especially when wet, regardless of their construction material. 12 80
Several considerations must be addressed before raising a ladder. 81 (Cont.) 12 81 Several considerations must be addressed before raising a ladder. 82 12 82 The one-firefighter raise can be used for both single and extension ladders. 83 12 83 There is little difference if the ladder is parallel or perpendicular to the building for two-firefighter raises. 84 12 84
The three-firefighter flat raise can be used for heavier ladders. 85 12 85 The four-firefighter flat raise can be used for heavier extension ladders. 86 12 86 There are a number of ways a roof ladder can be deployed. 87 12 87 88 REVIEW QUESTION What considerations must be addressed before raising a ladder? 12 88
Learning Objective 10 89 Compare procedures for moving ground ladders. 12 89 Two firefighters are required to pivot a ladder when needed. 90 12 90 Shifting raised ground ladders should be limited to short distances. 91 12 91 92 REVIEW QUESTION What are two methods of safely moving a ground ladder after it has been raised? 12 92
Learning Objective 11 93 Explain the methods used to secure ladders. 12 93 Ground ladders must be secured whenever firefighters are climbing or working from the ladder. 94 12 94 There are several methods that can be used for heeling a ladder. 95 12 95 Tying in secures the ladder to a fixed object and should be done if possible. 96 12 96
REVIEW QUESTION 97 How do the two methods used for securing ladders compare with one another? 12 97 Learning Objective 12 98 Describe ladder climbing considerations. 12 98 There are several factors to consider when climbing ladders. 99 (Cont.) 12 99 There are several factors to consider when climbing ladders. 100 12 100
101 REVIEW QUESTION How can a firefighter climb a ladder so that there is the least possible amount of bounce and sway? 12 101 Learning Objective 13 102 Indicate what methods can be used to work from a ladder. 12 102 Firefighters may be required to work with both hands while standing on a ground ladder. 103 12 103 104 WARNING Do not exceed the rated load capacity of the ladder. To avoid overloading the ladder, allow only one firefighter on each section of a ladder at the same time. Be careful about stressing ladders laterally. 12 104
When working from a ladder, the ladder belt must be tightly strapped around your waist. 105 12 105 106 WARNING Use a leg lock only when working from a ground ladder. Never use a leg lock on an aerial ladder. Extending or retracting the ladder could result in serious injury. 12 106 107 REVIEW QUESTION What methods can be used to secure a firefighter to a ladder when performing work? 12 107 Learning Objective 14 108 Explain methods used for assisting a victim down a ladder. 12 108
109 Assisting a victim through a window requires specific placement. 12 109 110 At least four firefighters are needed to bring victims down the ground ladder. 12 110 111 The method chosen depends on whether the victim is conscious or unconscious. 12 111 112 Victim size also plays a part in the method used for lowering. 12 112
REVIEW QUESTION 113 to How many firefighters are needed bring a victim down a ladder? 12 113 Summary 114 Ground ladders are an essential tool used to access levels above and below ground level. You must know the types of ground ladders your department uses, the parts and construction materials, and how to care for and maintain them. (Cont.) 12 114 Summary 115 You must be able to select, carry, and place them to effectively gain access and perform your assigned tasks. You must know the correct methods for safely climbing, working from, and assisting victims down ground ladders. 12 115 Learning Objective 15 116 Clean, inspect, and maintain a ladder. Sheet 12-I-1. 12 116
Learning Objective 16 117 Carry a ladder One-firefighter lowshoulder method. Sheet 12-I-2. 12 117 Learning Objective 17 118 Carry a ladder Two-firefighter lowshoulder method. Sheet 12-I-3. 12 118 Learning Objective 18 119 Carry a ladder Three-firefighter flatshoulder method. Sheet 12-I-4. 12 119 Learning Objective 19 120 Carry a ladder Three-firefighter flatarm's length method. Sheet 12-I-5. 12 120
Learning Objective 20 121 Carry a ladder Two-firefighter arm s length on-edge method. Sheet 12-I-6. 12 121 Learning Objective 21 122 Tie the halyard. Sheet 12-I-7. 12 122 Learning Objective 22 123 Raise a ladder One-firefighter method. Sheet 12-I-8. 12 123 Learning Objective 23 124 Raise a ladder Two-firefighter flat raise. Sheet 12-I-9. 12 124
Learning Objective 24 125 Raise a ladder Two-firefighter beam raise. Sheet 12-I-10. 12 125 Learning Objective 25 126 Raise a ladder Three- or fourfirefighter flat raise. Sheet 12-I-11. 12 126 Learning Objective 26 127 Deploy a roof ladder One-firefighter method. Sheet 12-I-12. 12 127 Learning Objective 27 128 Pivot a ladder Two-firefighter method. Sheet 12-I-13. 12 128
Learning Objective 28 129 Shift a ladder One-firefighter method. Sheet 12-I-14. 12 129 Learning Objective 29 130 Shift a ladder Two-firefighter method. Sheet 12-I-15. 12 130 Learning Objective 30 131 Heel a ground ladder. Sheet 12-I-16. 12 131 Learning Objective 31 132 Leg lock on a ground ladder. Sheet 12-I-17. 12 132
Learning Objective 32 133 Assist a conscious victim down a ground ladder. Sheet 12-I-18. 12 133 Learning Objective 33 134 Assist an unconscious victim down a ground ladder. Sheet 12-I-19. 12 134