Seattle Fire Dept's Basic Ladder Training: Identifying & Operating Various Ladders, Summaries of Construction

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Chapter 5

Basic

Ladders

Chapter 5 – Basic Ladders

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

BASIC GROUND LADDERS

Overview

Ladders have a major role in the fire service. A member must be able to ascend and descend from one level to another when performing emergency operations.

Stairways are ordinarily accessible, but sometimes they may be involved in fire or other hazards. Members must therefore need to provide their own means of ascent or descent to upper floors. Rescue, roof top operations, ventilation, and fire stream operation may also require the extension and proper placement of fire service ladders.

Fire service ladders demand close and coordinated teamwork. The safety of citizens and members depends on the member's ability to perform all operations quickly, using established and proper techniques.

GENERAL LADDER INFORMATION

Ladder Uses

RESCUE - The principle use of fire service ladders is for rescue work..

ACCESS - Fire service ladders are used to gain access to attics, upper floors, or to the roof of a structure as well as spaces that may be difficult to access otherwise.

VENTILATION – Windows may be vented from the exterior using ground ladders.

FIRE STREAMS - Ladders provide a means of access for hose lines from the ground level. Fire streams can be operated directly off of properly supported ladders.

BRACING - Ladders can be used as braces and as shoring in many applications.

SALVAGE - Ladders can be used to effect efficient salvage operations; forming catch-all basins, providing a means of attaching tarps, etc.

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

PULLEY - The grooved metal wheel over which the halyard or cable is drawn when extending or retracting the flies.

ROOF LADDER - A straight ladder with folding hooks at the tip end used for maintaining secure footing when operating on a pitched roof.

RUNGS - Horizontal cross members of the ladder, used when climbing. Rungs on fire service ladders are usually round and spaced 14 inches apart.

RUNG PLATES - The metal plate where the rungs are set in the beam.

SPIKE - The metal point at the butt end of a tormentor pole.

SPURS - Protrusions at the butt of a ladder to prevent slipping when in the raised position, and to protect the end of the beams.

STOPS - Prevents the extension of a fly section out of the top of the bed.

SWIVEL - Attaches the tormentor pole to the right and left beams on the bed section of a 40 foot or longer ladder.

TIP - The uppermost end of the ladder (opposite the butt).

TORMENTOR POLES - The poles attached to the upper bed section of a 40' or larger extension ladder. They are used to assist in raising, lowering, pivoting, and stabilizing of the ladder.

Figure 5.1 - Ladder nomenclature

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

LADDER CONSTRUCTION

Solid and Trussed Beam Ladder Construction

Ladders are designed with solid or trussed beams. The solid beam is a solid piece of material of the shape and size to provide the maximum strength for fire service work.

Trussed ladders are designed to increase strength in relation to weight. When using longer ladders, trussed beam ladders are often used rather than solid beam because the weight of the trussed beam ladder will be less, although just as strong. Trussed ladders come in several designs. Although trussed beamed ladders are used in the fire service, Seattle uses them for certain roof ladders and those too, will soon be phased out.

NOTE: It is good practice to write the measured length (of the ladder when the fly(s) are retracted) on the inside of each beam near the butt. This allows members to better judge the distance in which they must extend the fly(s) to the desired target height.

A typical solid beam ladder

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

Folding Ladder

This ladder is constructed so that when folded, it measures approximately 4 inches in width. It is usually 10 feet in length and cannot be extended. Since it can be difficult to maneuver an extension or straight ladder around corners, in hallways, and in stairwells, this ladder proves itself very useful. It is also commonly called an “attic” ladder.

Extension Ladder

Extension ladders have two or more sections and are extended with a halyard. The only exception to this is a baby ladder, which does not have a halyard due to its height. In Seattle, extension ladders vary in measured length from 10 to 45 feet. A bangor ladder is pictured in Fig. 5.6 next page

They are adjustable in height and their size is designated by the length of the ladder measured when the ladder is fully extended. Ladders 40 feet or longer are equipped with poles to assist in handling and placement. These poles are called “tormentor” poles. The following table of weight comparison is a source of Duo-Safety ladder company maufacturer.

Fire Service Ladder Approximate Weight 24’ Extension Ladder 72 lbs 26’ Extension Ladder 92 lbs 35’ Extension Ladder 129 lbs 40’ Extension Ladder 215 lbs 45’ Extension Ladder 240 lbs 12’ Roof Ladder 24 lbs 14’ Roof Ladder 28 lbs 18’ Roof Ladder 44 lbs

Folding or Attic Ladder

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Use extreme caution when reaching arms through the rungs of extended ladders, making sure that all dogs are locked and that the halyard is secured.
• Do not adjust the butt of an extended ladder until the tip is against the building and the fly is properly secured with the halyard or body loop.
• Keep hands, fingers, and feet clear of the fly sections and rungs of extension ladders when extending or retracting the fly.
• Use approved safety gear while manipulating ladders. At a minimum, wear gloves, helmets, and steel toed shoes.
• Avoid walking backward while carrying ladders.
• Attempt to maintain as many points of contact with the ladder to safely complete the required task, unless you are locked in on the ladder.
• Never lock in on an unsecured ladder.
• Never lock in on an aerial ladder.
• Check overhead for wires or obstructions prior to raising and lowering ladders.
• Always watch the tip of the ladder whenever it is in the vertical position, when lowering the ladder into the building, and when pivoting.
• Do not walk backwards when maneuvering tormentor poles.
• Do not step over ladders lying on the ground, walk around instead.

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

(d) Butt spurs for excessive wear or other defects.

(e) Halyards for the same defects listed for wood ladder halyards and cables halyards, for fraying or breaking.

(f) Heat sensor label, when provided, for change indicating heat exposure.

(6) Not applicable for Seattle Fire Department. This deals with wooden ladders.

(7) Methods of fastening ladder halyards, either of wire or fibrous material, shall be in a manner that the connection is stronger than the halyard.

(8) Any defect noted in the above visual inspection shall be corrected prior to testing.

Lifting Ladders

Lifting should be done with the knees bent in a squatting position, with the back straight. This places the load on the heavy muscles in the thighs and not on the back. Lift with the legs and keep the load close into the body.

Do not lift by stooping over with the legs straight. This places the load on the sensitive back and abdominal muscles.

Keeping the toes pointed slightly inward rather than spread out lessens the chance of abdominal injury.

Ensure good footing before lifting and that the hand grip is firm and substantial. When two or more members lift together, their actions should be in unison.

The use of preparatory commands, such as "Prepare to lift, ---Lift," will ensure that all members are in unison.

If in doubt or a member is not ready, early communication from members is vital to preventing unnecessary injuries.

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

LADDER OPERATION PROCEDURES

Members must know what action to take when the ladder command is given to ensure a smooth, coordinated movement in lifting, carrying, spotting, raising, pivoting, extending, retracting and lowering a ladder.

Commands shall be given by the member in charge in a loud, clear, and concise voice: prompt and exact response is required.

Members will be able to take charge of a ladder and issue all the commands and directions necessary to accomplish needed movements of a ladder.

When using tormentor poles, the member in charge will be on the right pole.

When two or more members are carrying a ladder, the member in charge shall be in the position noted below for correct spotting of the ladder:

1. On the right beam, at the center, for a cradle carry.
2. On the right beam, at the center or butt, for a 3 member flat carry.
3. At the right butt on a 4 or 5 member flat carry.
4. At the butt for all beam carries.

NOTE : If a sufficient number of members are available to carry the ladder, the officer may opt to stand out and give commands.

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

WORKING LOAD LIMITS

For safety, there are a maximum number of people permitted on a ground ladder at one time. These recommendations are from the ladder manufacturer.

Length or Type of Ladder Maximum Load Less than 30 feet 2 30 feet or longer 3

The maximum number of people listed above includes anyone being rescued or carried down the ladder and should not be exceeded. Loads exerted on these ladders for drill purposes or normal fire ground operations should not exceed 750lbs.

NOTE : NFPA requires that ALL fire service ground extension and roof ladders have a 4:1 safety factor designed into the working load limits.

When a member is working on a ladder, the fly section(s) shall be properly secured using the halyard or a body loop, so that the fly(s) cannot retract.

Refer to the manufacturer's manual for the maximum load specifications for aerial ladder apparatus.

LADDER COMMANDS

The importance of proper and adequate communication between members that are handling ladders cannot be over emphasized. Ladder commands must be spoken clearly and loud enough to be heard by all members of the ladder team. During fire operations, there is often a great deal of noise - members must hear the commands.

Commands will normally be given by the member in charge of the operation. The officer, or member in charge, should be positioned on the right beam of the ladder during the removal and carrying of ladders. When poles are used, the member in charge will be positioned at the right pole. When the ladder is in position, the member on the right beam (or right pole when applicable) will give the commands to complete the raise and placement of the ladder into the objective. If additional personnel are available, the member in charge may stand out, achieving a better vantage point to give commands. Members shall be alert to warn others of danger, or to inform the member in charge of unsafe conditions.

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

LADDER COMMANDS – ALPHEBETICAL

“ADJUST THE BUTT” - The command given to adjust the butt of the ladder (to the right, left, in or out) to the proper climbing angle or squaring it to the building.

“ALL DOGS ARE LOCKED” - Statement made by members after checking to ensure that the dogs are secured properly to the desired rung after extending the flies.

“EXTEND THE FLY” - The fly section of the ladder is extended to the desired height by pulling down on the halyard.

“FLY SIDE AROUND” - A command given by the member on the tormentor poles to the member on the fly side of the ladder to come and take the left tormentor pole once the ladder has come to the vertical and is stabilized.

The dog on the right is NOT locked

Dogs between rungs during extension of the fly

Correctly locked dog

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

“ON THE (RIGHT OR LEFT) BEAM, PIVOT IN” - The ladder is pivoted toward the flies on the designated beam. (Ladders are pivoted 1/4 turn unless directed otherwise.)

“ON THE (RIGHT OR LEFT) BEAM, PIVOT OUT” - The ladder is pivoted toward the bed on the designated beam. (Ladders are pivoted 1/4 turn unless directed otherwise.)

“ONCE AROUND” - All members working with the ladder, move one position clockwise. (This command is generally used only for training purposes to ensure that all members get an equal chance to practice in each position.)

“OUT FROM THE BUILDING” - The tip of the ladder is pulled away from the building to a vertical position.

“OUT WITH THE POLES” – The command given by the person in charge to move the poles from the set position into position to pull the ladder “out from the building”.

“OVERHEAD CLEAR” - The statement issued prior to raising, or prior to passing the poles on a tormentor ladder, to indicate that the area above the ladder is clear of wires or obstructions. Announce before lowering the ladder if it is lowered in a different direction than it was raised or lowered by different personnel. Also used prior to shifting a ladder.

“PASS THE POLES” - The command given by the member in charge to the member(s) who will be footing the ladder on the raise, to unseat the tormentors and pick them straight up so the two members on the beams can continue the movement of the poles to the member in charge.

“PREPARE TO RAISE” - The preparatory command which precedes the next command, “RAISE.”

“PREPARE TO SHIFT (RIGHT/LEFT)” – The preparatory command to cue the member(s) to move into position to perform the lift/shift.

“READY” (pause one step) “HALT” - A preparatory command for spotting given when bringing in a ladder to raise it. When it is given the personnel carrying the ladder will take one more step before stopping forward motion.

“RAISE” - Indicates that the members should now begin to raise the ladder toward the vertical position.

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

NOTE: This shouldn’t be confused with the command “LIFT”, which is the command for the ladder coming horizontally off the ground into the member’s hands or to the shoulders.

“RELEASE THE HALYARD” - The halyard is untied by the member on the right beam. This accomplished all while the left foot is on the bottom rung near the center.

“RELEASE THE TIP” - Remove the ladder anchor from the fly or tip.

“SECURE THE HALYARD” - The member on the right beam places their left foot on the bottom rung, in the center. The member then pulls the slack rope through the second and third rung space, wraps the excess slack around the third rung, then ties a round turn and two half-hitches around the halyard above the third rung. The bight or slack on the last half-hitch should be moved to the objective side of the ladder so that it will be out of the way of the climbing member(s). (Fig’s 5.54-5.60)

“SECURE THE TIP” - The tip of the ladder (fly section) will be secured to the building with a ladder anchor.

“SET” - The command given when the member moving with a tormentor pole has reached their ready position and is prepared for the next action.

“SET THE POLES” - When the ladder is in the proper position for climbing, the poles are moved from the butt to a position parallel to the objective and the spike is allowed to rest on the ground.

“SHIFT” - start moving the ladder in the indicated direction while it is in the raised position.

“STOW THE LADDER” - Return the ladder to the apparatus or storage area, tip first.

“TO THE SHOULDER” – An optional statement given after “PREPARE TO LIFT” that alerts members of the intent to lift the ladder to the shoulder

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

Place the inside arm between the rungs, by or at the center (balance point), and grasp the upper beam of the ladder in front of the rung so the rung will rest against the arm to keep it from twisting.

Rise to a standing position with the ladder resting on the shoulder. The outside hand takes hold of the most comfortable rung in front of the chest for stabilization and balance.

The butt end of the ladder should be tilted slightly downward to allow for clear forward vision. (Fig. 5.11)

OPTION TWO: High Shoulder Beam Carry

Identify the center of the ladder. Position yourself at the top 1/3 of the ladder and face it.

Squat down and grasp hold of the closest beam with both hands.

Lift the beam from the ground and step in toward the ladder allowing it to rest on its outside beam so the bed of the ladder is now next to you. Lift the tip of the ladder leaving the spur on the ground as you come to a standing position. Move toward the butt raising the tip until you can step under the lower beam with your shoulder at the center of the ladder. Lift the butt end off the ground.

The inside hand takes hold of the bottom beam to secure the ladder to the shoulder. The outside hand grasps the upper beam for the best stabilization and balance. (Fig. 5.12 next page)

Low shoulder beam-carry

Chapter 5 · Basic Ladders

Beam Carry

One Member – (LADDER TRUCK) 28' or Less Extension Ladder

OPTION ONE: Low Shoulder Beam Carry

Unlock ladders. Pull the ladder straight back and when the ladder is free of the ladder rack, set the butt end on the ground. Face the butt while standing at the center of the ladder. With your inside hand grasp the closest beam and rotate it up so the bed section is toward you. It is then carried the same as a side mounted ladder.

OPTION TWO: High Shoulder Beam Carry

Same as above, but use the high shoulder carry.

Beam Carry

One Member – (ENGINE) 26' or Less Ground Extension Ladder

OPTION ONE: Low Shoulder Beam Carry

High shoulder beam-carry