VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

1. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY FIRE SERVICE LADDERS Robert Sepulveda, VFA Instructor

2. SCHEDULE Ladder Lecture/DVD (0800-1000) Break (1000-1015) Rotation 1 (1015-1145) straight ladders Lunch (1200-1300) Rotation 2 (1300-1430) extension ladders Break (1430-1445) Rotation 3 (1445-1615) misc ladders Clean up & Dismissal (1630-1700)

3. BASIC TRUCK OPERATIONS L-adders (ground & aerial) O-verhaul (interior & exterior) U-tilities (gas, electrical, & water) V-entilation (horizontal & vertical) E-xtrication (all types vehicles) R-escue (fires, swiftwater, technical etc.) S-alvage (water removal, contents etc.)

4. OBJECTIVES • List and describe the parts of a ladder. • Describe the different types of ladders. • Describe how to clean, inspect, and store ladders.

5. OBJECTIVES • Describe the hazards with ladders. • Describe how to deploy a ladder. • Describe how to work on a ladder. • Describe general safety rules for ladders.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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 with use of tarp/salvage cover

9. Ladder Construction • Fire service ladders are similar to other types of ladders. • But are specialized tools, not general purpose ladders • Require heavy-duty construction • Require more frequent and thorough maintenance

10. Basic Ladder Components • Beams • Rail • Truss Block • Rung • Tie Rod

11. Basic Ladder Components • Tip • Butt (heel) • Butt spurs • Butt plate • Roof hooks • Heat sensor label • Protection plates

12. Beams • One of two main structural components • Run the length of most ladders • Three types of beam construction: • Trussed beam • I-beam • Solid beam

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Heat Sensor Label and Protection Plates • Heat sensor label • Identifies when the ladder has been exposed to specific heat conditions • Changes color when exposed to a particular temperature • Protection plates • Reinforcing pieces placed at chaffing and contact points to prevent damage

18. Extension Ladder Components • Bed section • Fly section • Guides • Halyard • Pawls/Dogs • Pulley • Stops • Staypoles

19. 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

20. Guides and Halyard • Guides • Strips of metal or wood that guide a fly section as it is extended • Halyard • Rope or cable used to extend or hoist the fly sections

21. Pawls and Pulley • Pawls (Dogs) • Mechanical locking devices used to secure the fly sections of an extension ladder • Pulley • Small grooved wheel used to change the direction of the halyard pull

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

23. Types of Ladders • Aerial ladders • Permanently mounted and operated from fire apparatus • Portable ladders • Carried on fire apparatus • Designed to be removed and used in other locations

24. Aerial Ladders • Permanently mounted, power-operated ladders • Have at least two sections • Straight chassis: straight-stick aerials • Tractor trailer chassis: tillered aerials or trucks

25. Elevating Platform • Includes passenger-carrying platform attached to tip • Ladder or boom must have at least two sections • Telescoping • Articulating

26. Portable Ladders • Number and lengths of ladders used by a department depend on the maximum height of buildings in the response area. • Generally, portable ladders are limited to a length of 50'.

27. Straight Ladder • Single-section, fixed-length ladder • May also be called wall ladders or single ladders • Commonly 12' to 20' long, but can be up to 30' and longer

28. Roof Ladder • Straight ladder with roof hooks • Sometimes called a hook ladder • Provides stable footing • Usually 12' to 20' long

29. Extension Ladder • Adjustable length • Multiple sections • Usually heavier than a straight ladder of the same length

30. Bangor Ladder • Extension ladder with staypoles • Staypoles are planted in the ground on either side for additional stability.

31. Combination Ladder • Convertible from a straight ladder to an A-frame, stepladder • Generally 6' to 10' in the A-frame configuration and 10' and 15' in the extension configuration

32. Folding Ladder • Also called an attic ladder • Narrow, collapsing ladder • Designed to allow access to attic scuttle holes and confined areas

33. Inspection, Maintenance, and Service Testing • NFPA 1931 • Standard for Manufacture’s Design of Fire Department Ground Ladders. (establishes requirements for ladder construction) • NFPA 1932 • Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders.

34. Inspection • Ground ladder visually inspected monthly or after each use • Splintering, cracking, deformity, breaks, gouges, fraying, or other conditions • Components fit snugly and operate smoothly. • Heat sensor label • If deficiencies are revealed, remove ladder from service and repair it.

35. Maintenance • All fire fighters should be able to perform routine maintenance. • Basic maintenance tasks: • Clean and lubricate the dogs and slides. • Replace worn halyards and wire rope. • Clean and lubricate roof hooks. • Maintain finish. • Replace ladder in storage racks.

36. Cleaning • Clean regularly and after each use with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. • Dry ladder before storing it.

37. Service Testing • NFPA 1932 requires periodic testing of ground ladders. • Test new ladders before use and annually thereafter. • Test ladders after any repairs before placing back in service. • Maintain service and testing records for each ladder.

38. Ladder Safety • Several potential hazards are associated with ladder use. (overhead obstructions!) • Use with caution and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.

39. General Safety Requirements • Use full PPE around ladders. • Fire fighters must be able to work with and on ladders while wearing SCBA.

40. Lifting and Moving Ladders • Teamwork is essential when moving ladders. • Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.

41. Placement of Ground Ladders • Survey area before placing • Always check for overhead wires and other obstructions. • Place on stable and level surfaces • Avoid heat and direct flame.

42. Working on a Ladder • Check climbing angle before climbing. • Ensure dogs are locked and halyard is tied before climbing. • Secure the base by heeling/footing.

43. Working on a Ladder • Do not exceed ladder’s rated weight. • Distribute weight along the length of the ladder. • No more than one fire fighter on each ladder section • Be prepared for falling debris. • Be prepared to climb down quickly if conditions change rapidly.

44. Rescue Operations • Anticipate actions of people you are trying to rescue. • Do not let people jump to the ladder. • Do not let more than one person on each section. • Make verbal contact with victim. • Safeguard victims as they climb down.

45. Ladder Damage • Ladders may be easily damaged while in use. • Remove from service any ladder used outside of normal limits. • Even if no damage is visible

46. 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.

47. Ladder Selection • Select the right ladder for the job. • 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.

48. Ladder Selection • Roof access • Ladder tip should extend several feet, or five rungs above roofline.

49. Ladder Selection • Window access (not rescue) • Ladder tip should be at the side of and even with the top of a window.

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