Ladders Module 2. Introduction The fire service ladder is one of the most basic fire fighter tools....
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Transcript of Ladders Module 2. Introduction The fire service ladder is one of the most basic fire fighter tools....
Ladders
Module 2
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.
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
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
Ladder Construction
• Fire service ladders are similar to other types of ladders.
• Require heavy-duty construction
• Require more frequent and thorough maintenance
Basic Ladder Components (1 of 2)
• Beams • Rail • Truss Block • Rung • Tie Rod
Basic Ladder Components (2 of 2)
• Tip • Butt (Heel)
– Butt Spurs – Butt Plate
• Roof Hooks • Heat Sensor Label • Protection Plates
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
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
Rung and Tie Rod
• Rung – Crosspiece that spans the two beams of a
ladder – Serves as steps and transfer user’s weight • Tie rod
• Metal bar that runs from one beam of the ladder to the other to keep the beams from separating
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
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
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
Extension Ladder Components
• Bed Section • Fly Section • Dogs • Guides • Halyard • Pulley • Stops • Staypoles
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
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
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
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
Ladder Safety
• Several potential hazards are associated with ladder use.
• Use with caution and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.
Lifting and Moving Ladders
• Teamwork is essential when moving ladders.
• Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.
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.
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.
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.
Ladder Selection (2 of 5)
• Roof access – Ladder tip should extend five rungs above
roofline.
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.
Ladder Selection (4 of 5)
• Window rescues – Ladder tip should be at the windowsill.
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
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.
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.
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
Placing a Ladder (2 of 2)
• Climbing angle – 75° – Ladder is arm’s length away when standing
vertically. – Vertical reach 4x distance from base of the
structure – Check inclination guide.
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.
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.
Securing the Ladder (1 of 2)
• Heeling the ladder– Standing under ladder, pull back into
structure. – Place a foot against each beam.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Ladder Construction Materials
• Metal
• Wood
• Fiberglass
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.