11 - ground ladders - ig - amazon s3 · 2011. 5. 5. · ground ladders missouri division of fire...

GROUND LADDERS

MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II

UNIT OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this unit of study, the student should be able to:

1. Identify the parts of fire service ground ladders.

2. Identify the use of the various types of fire service ladders.

3. Demonstrate how to carry, position, and raise fire service ground ladders.

4. Demonstrate how to climb the full length of fire service ladders while carryinga tool and while bringing down an injured person.

5. Demonstrate how to work from ladders with tools.

6. Demonstrate how to use a roof ladder on a pitched roof.

7. Identify the materials used in ladder construction.

8. Identify load capacities for ladders.

9. Demonstrate inspection, cleaning, and maintenance procedures for differenttypes of ladders.

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Successful completion of the information in this section is necessary to fulfill therequirements of the following sections of NFPA 1001-2008:

Fire Fighter I Standard

5.3.6* Set up ground ladders, given single and extension ladders, an assignment, and teammembers if needed, so that hazards are assessed, the ladder is stable, the angle is correctfor climbing, extension ladders are extended to the necessary height with the fly locked, thetop is placed against a reliable structural component, and the assignment is accomplished.(A) Requisite Knowledge. Parts of a ladder, hazards associated with setting up ladders,what constitutes a stable foundation for ladder placement, different angles for varioustasks, safety limits to the degree of angulation, and what constitutes a reliable structuralcomponent for top placement.(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to carry ladders, raise ladders, extend ladders and lockflies, determine that a wall and roof will support the ladder, judge extension ladder heightrequirements, and place the ladder to avoid obvious hazards.

5.3.9* Conduct a search and rescue in a structure operating as a member of a team, givenan assignment, obscured vision conditions, personal protective equipment, a flashlight,forcible entry tools, hose lines, and ladders when necessary, so that ladders are correctlyplaced when used, all assigned areas are searched, all victims are located and removed,team integrity is maintained, and team members’ safety - including respiratory protection -is not compromised.(A) Requisite Knowledge. Use of forcible entry tools during rescue operations, ladderoperations for rescue, psychological effects of operating in obscured conditions and waysto manage them, methods to determine if an area is tenable, primary and secondary searchtechniques, team members’ roles and goals, methods to use and indicators of findingvictims, victim removal methods (including various carries), and considerations related torespiratory protection.(B)* Requisite Skills. The ability to use SCBA to exit through restricted passages, set upand use different types of ladders for various types of rescue operations, rescue a firefighter with functioning respiratory protection, rescue a fire fighter whose respiratoryprotection is not functioning, rescue a person who has no respiratory protection, and assessareas to determine tenability.

NFPA STANDARDS

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NFPA STANDARDS

5.3.10* Attack an interior structure fire operating as a member of a team, given an attackline, ladders when needed, personal protective equipment, tools, and an assignment, so thatteam integrity is maintained, the attack line is deployed for advancement, ladders arecorrectly placed when used, access is gained into the fire area, effective water applicationpractices are used, the fire is approached correctly, attack techniques facilitate suppressiongiven the level of the fire, hidden fires are located and controlled, the correct body postureis maintained, hazards are recognized and managed, and the fire is brought under control.(A) Requisite Knowledge. Principles of fire streams; types, design, operation, nozzlepressure effects, and flow capabilities of nozzles; precautions to be followed whenadvancing hose lines to a fire; observable results that a fire stream has been properlyapplied; dangerous building conditions created by fire; principles of exposure protection;potential long-term consequences of exposure to products of combustion; physical states ofmatter in which fuels are found; common types of accidents or injuries and their causes;and the application of each size and type of attack line, the role of the backup team in fireattack situations, attack and control techniques for grade level and above and below gradelevels, and exposing hidden fires.(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to prevent water hammers when shutting down nozzles;open, close, and adjust nozzle flow and patterns; apply water using direct, indirect, andcombination attacks; advance charged and uncharged 38 mm (1 in.) diameter or largerhose lines up ladders and up and down interior and exterior stairways; extend hose lines;replace burst hose sections; operate charged hose lines of 38 mm (1 in.) diameter or largerwhile secured to a ground ladder; couple and uncouple various handline connections; carryhose; attack fires at grade level and above and below grade levels; and locate and suppressinterior wall and subfloor fires.

5.3.12 Perform vertical ventilation on a structure as part of a team, given anassignment, personal protective equipment, ground and roof ladders, and tools, so thatladders are positioned for ventilation, a specified opening is created, all ventilationbarriers are removed, structural integrity is not compromised, products of combustionare released from the structure, and the team retreats from the area when ventilation isaccomplished.(A) Requisite Knowledge. The methods of heat transfer; the principles of thermallayering within a structure on fire; the techniques and safety precautions for ventingflat roofs, pitched roofs, and basements; basic indicators of potential collapse or rooffailure; the effects of construction type and elapsed time under fire conditions onstructural integrity; and the advantages and disadvantages of vertical and trench/stripventilation.

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(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to transport and operate ventilation tools andequipment; hoist ventilation tools to a roof; cut roofing and flooring materials to ventflat roofs, pitched roofs, and basements; sound a roof for integrity; clear an openingwith hand tools; select, carry, deploy, and secure ground ladders for ventilationactivities; deploy roof ladders on pitched roofs while secured to a ground ladder; andcarry ventilation-related tools and equipment while ascending and descending ladders.

5.5.1 Clean and check ladders, ventilation equipment, SCBA, ropes, salvageequipment, and hand tools, given cleaning tools, cleaning supplies, and an assignment,so that equipment is clean and maintained according to manufacturer’s or departmentalguidelines, maintenance is recorded, and equipment is placed in a ready state orreported otherwise.(A) Requisite Knowledge. Types of cleaning methods for various tools andequipment, correct use of cleaning solvents, and manufacturer’s or departmentalguidelines for cleaning equipment and tools.(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to select correct tools for various parts and pieces ofequipment, follow guidelines, and complete recording and reporting procedures.

NFPA STANDARDS

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Fire Fighter II Standard

6.3.2* Coordinate an interior attack line for a team’s accomplishment of an assignment in astructure fire, given attack lines, personnel, personal protective equipment, and tools, sothat crew integrity is established; attack techniques are selected for the given level of thefire (e.g., attic, grade level, upper levels, or basement); attack techniques arecommunicated to the attack teams; constant team coordination is maintained; fire growthand development is continuously evaluated; search, rescue, and ventilation requirementsare communicated or managed; hazards are reported to the attack teams; and incidentcommand is apprised of changing conditions.(A) Requisite Knowledge. Selection of the nozzle and hose for fire attack, given differentfire situations; selection of adapters and appliances to be used for specific firegroundsituations; dangerous building conditions created by fire and fire suppression activities;indicators of building collapse; the effects of fire and fire suppression activities on wood,masonry (brick, block, stone), cast iron, steel, reinforced concrete, gypsum wallboard,glass, and plaster on lath; search and rescue and ventilation procedures; indicators ofstructural instability; suppression approaches and practices for various types of structuralfires; and the association between specific tools and special forcible entry needs.(B) Requisite Skills. The ability to assemble a team, choose attack techniques for variouslevels of a fire (e.g., attic, grade level, upper levels, or basement), evaluate and forecast afire’s growth and development, select tools for forcible entry, incorporate search andrescue procedures and ventilation procedures in the completion of the attack team efforts,and determine developing hazardous building or fire conditions.

NFPA STANDARDS

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TEACHING OUTLINESLIDESMaterial in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual

GROUND LADDERS


I. Fire Service Ladders

A. Fire service ladders are essential in the performance ofboth saving human life and extinguishing fires

B. Fire service ladders resemble any other ladder inshape, design, and purpose

1. The way they are used requires them to be con-structed under rigid specifications

2. Their use under adverse conditions requires them toprovide a margin of safety not usually expected ofcommercial ladders

3. Must meet the requirements of NFPA 1931,Manufacturer's Design of Fire Department GroundLadders

II. Basic Ladder Terminology (Essentials p. 472)

A. Beams: the two principal structural sides of a ladder

B. Bed section: the lower section of an extension ladder,also called main or base section

C. Butt or heel: the bottom or ground end of a ladder

D. Butt spurs: metal plates, spikes, or cleats attached tothe butt end of ground ladders to prevent slippage

E. Fly section: the upper section or top section of anextension ladder

F. Foot pads: swivel plates attached to the butt of theladder, also known as shoes

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TEACHING OUTLINEMaterial in italics is NOT included in the Student Manual

SLIDES

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G. Guides: wood or metal strips on an extension ladderwhich guide the fly section while being raised

H. Halyard: a rope used for hoisting fly sections

I. Heat sensor label: label on each beam which changescolor if the ladder is exposed to enough heat that itrequires testing

J. Hooks: curved, sharp, metal devices which fold out-ward from each beam at the top end of a roof ladder

K. Pawls, dogs, or locks: metal devices used to hold thefly section in place after it has been extended

L. Protection plates: metal strips attached to ladders atchafing points, such as the tip or areas the come intocontact with apparatus mounts

M. Pulley: a small grooved wheel through which thehalyard is drawn

N. Rails: the two lengthwise members of a trussed ladderbeam which are separated by truss or separation blocks

O. Rungs: cross members between the beams on whichpeople climb

1. Not less than 1.25" in diameter

2. Spaced 14" apart

P. Spurs: metal points at lower end of tormentor poles

Q. Staypoles or tormentor poles: the poles which areattached to long extension ladders

R. Stops: wood or metal pieces which prevent the flysection from being extended too far

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S. Tip or top: the extreme top of a ladder

T. Toggle: a device by which a tormentor pole is attachedto a ladder

U. Truss: an assembly of beam members so combined as toform a rigid framework

V. Truss blocks: separation pieces between the rails of atrussed ladder

III. Types of Ladders (Essentials p. 476)

A. Ground ladder: designates the difference betweenladders raised on the ground and those raised fromapparatus

B. Single or straight ladders: a ladder of one section

1. Nonadjustable lengths

2. Lengths: 12, 14, 16, 18, and 24, 28 feet

3. Often used for quick access to windows or roofs ofone and two story buildings

C. Roof ladders

1. Equipped with folding hooks to anchor ladderover peak of a pitched roof

2. Nonadjustable lengths: 12-20 feet

D. Folding ladders or attic ladders

1. Single ladders often used for interior attic access

2. Hinged rungs allowing them to be collapsible

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3. Allows ladder collapse for carrying in narrowareas

4. Most common length is 10 feet

E. Extension ladder: a ladder with two or more sections

1. Adjustable length with one or more fly sections

2. Lengths: 24 feet to 50 feet

3. Staypole or Bangor ladder

a. An extension ladder of such length that requirespoles attached to the top of the bed section foradded leverage and stability when raising

b. Range from 35 to 65 feet

c. NFPA 1931 requires ladders over 40 feet tohave staypoles

F. Combination ladder

1. Adjustable length

2. Can be made into an self-supporting stepladder (A-frame ladder)

3. Lengths range from 8 to 14 feet

4. Must have a positive locking device to hold in theopen position

G. Pompier ladder

1. Single beam ladder with a large metal "gooseneck"at the top for inserting into windows

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2. Ranged from 10 to 20 feet

3. Not commonly used in the United States

H. Aerial ladders

1. Mounted on apparatus

2. Range from 50 to 135 feet

I. Construction Materials

1. Aluminum alloy

a. Lightweight with less maintenance

b. Easy to inspect

c. Conducts electricity, cold, and heat

2. Wood

a. Heavier than aluminum

b. Difficult to perform visual inspection

c. Highest cost

d. Retains strength when exposed to heat

e. Very durable

3. Fiberglass

a. Nonconductor of electricity

b. Relatively heavy

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c. May chip or crack when struck or fail whenoverloaded

d. Can burn when exposed to flame

F. Load capacities

1. Folding ladder - 300 pounds

2. Single/roof ladder - 750 pounds

3. Extension ladder - 750 pounds

4. Combination ladder - 750 pounds

IV. Inspection, Care, and Maintenance of Ladders

A. Ladders meeting NFPA 1931 must have certificationlabel attached by the manufacturer indicating that itmeets the standard

B. All ground ladders should be tested before placed inservice, annually, and after exposure to high heat orrough treatment

C. Maintenance of ladders

1. Keep ladders free of moisture

2. Halyard should be replaced if frayed

3. Do not store or rest ladders near vehicle exhaust orengine heat

4. Do not store ladders where they are exposed toweather

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5. Do not paint ladders except for the top and bottom18 inches of the beam for visibility

D. Cleaning of ladders

1. A brush and running water should be used to cleanladders

2. Tar, grease, or oil can be removed with a safetysolvent according to manufacturer's recommenda-tions

3. Pawl assemblies should be clean and lubricatedaccording to manufacturer's instructions

4. Dry or spray lubricant can be used for the slideareas on metal and fiberglass ladders

5. Candle wax can be used to lubricate slide areas onwooden ladders

E. Inspection of ladders

1. Ladders should be inspected monthly and aftereach use

2. Check for signs of physical damage (cracks, splin-tering, warping, discoloration, bending, dents, etc.)

3. Test rungs for tightness by twisting them

4. Check for bent beams and rungs

5. Check halyard for frays, cuts, or bunching

6. Check halyard for snugness and freedom of move-ment

7. Check for free-turning pulleys

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8. Check heat sensor for signs of heat exposure

9. Check dogs or pawls for freedom of movement andoperation

10. Check condition of guides and free movement of flysections

11. Check rivets, welds, and bolted connections fortightness and defects

12. Check for any unusual wear

13. Check ladder for cleanliness

14. Mark and report all defects

15. If problems are found, the ladder should be re-moved from service until repaired and tested

16. Wooden ladders require closer inspection

a. Trusses and beams may crack or splinter

b. Rungs may be damaged where in contact withlocks

V. Handling Ladders (Essentials p. 481)

A. NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus,sets the types and lengths of ground ladders to becarried on apparatus

1. Pumper requirements:

a. One straight ladder equipped with hooks

b. One extension ladder

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c. One attic ladder

2. Aerial apparatus

a. One 10-foot or longer attic ladder

b. Two roof ladders at least 16 feet long

c. One combination ladder at least 14 feet long

d. One 24-foot or longer extension ladder

e. One 35-foot or longer extension ladder

B. Ladder Safety

1. Wear a full body harness with belay line whentraining on ladder

2. Choose proper ladder for the job

3. Always use full protective clothing

4. Use leg muscles when lifting ladders below thewaist

5. Use the proper number of fire fighters for carriesand raises

6. Always set ladder at proper angle and check theangle before climbing

a. The ladder should be at approximately 75° tothe ground

b. The ladder should be placed so that climber isperpendicular to the ground

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(1) Stand erect with toes against bottoms ofladder siderails

(2) Extend arms straight out

(3) Palms of hands should touch top of rung atshoulder level

7. Have a reasonably solid base for the butt

8. Check locks and halyards

9. Check for overhead obstacles

10. Do not overload ladders

11. Never climb a ladder which is not heeled orsecured

12. Use ladders only for their intended purpose

13. Inspect ladders for damage after each use

C. Selecting the proper ladder for the job

1. Selecting the appropriate ladder requires judgingdistance

2. Correct distance from wall for height used

a. Divide by four the used length of the ladder

b. If 16 feet of a ladder is used, the base should befour feet from the building

c. Provides the proper angle of approximately 75°to the ground

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3. Proper length of ladders for use

a. First story roof: 16 to 20 feet

b. Second story window: 20 to 28 feet

c. Second story roof: 28 to 35 feet

d. Third story window or roof: 40 to 50 feet

e. Fourth story roof: over 50 feet

4. Rules of thumb for ladder length

a. Extend a ladder three to five rungs above aroof edge to provide both a footing andhandhold for someone stepping on or off theladder

b. Place the tip of a ladder even with the top of awindow and to the windward (upwind) side togain access to a narrow window or for ventila-tion

c. Place the tip of a ladder just below a window-sill when rescue from a window is to be per-formed

d. If a ladder is to be used to direct a fire streaminto a window, the ladder tip should be on thewall above a window

e. If a ladder is to be used to support a smokeejector to remove smoke after extinguishment,raise the ladder directly in front of the windowwith tip above the window opening

5. Ladder reach is less than ladder length becauseladders are set at 75° to the ground for climbing

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a. For ladders of 35 feet or less, reach is about 1foot less than designated length

b. For ladders over 35 feet, reach is about 2 feetless than designated length

D. Removing and replacing ladders on apparatus

1. Ladders are mounted on apparatus in a variety ofways

a. On edge at or above shoulder level on one sideof the apparatus

b. Ladder storage may be hydraulically lowered onthe side of apparatus

c. Ladders may be stored in a compartment andpulled outward

d. Departments must develop their procedures forremoving and replacing ladders on apparatusbecause of these differences

2. Before removing ladders from apparatus, firefighters must know:

a. What ladders are carried and where and howare they mounted?

b. Are ladders stored with the butt toward the frontor rear of the apparatus?

c. How are the ladders nested together, can one beremoved and leave the others in place?

d. In what order are they nested together?

e. How are the ladders secured?

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f. What rungs go in or near the mounted brackets?

3. Fire fighters must use proper lifting and loweringtechniques when working with ladders

a. Adequate personnel must be available for theneeded ladder

b. Lift with the legs, not the back

c. When two or more are lifting a ladder, they mustlift in unison and on the command of a firefighter at the butt of the ladder

d. Reverse the lifting procedure when placing aladder on the ground

VI. Ladders Carries (Essentials p. 487)

A. Because of the many differences in how ladders aremounted on various types of fire apparatus, all of theladder carries in this curriculum are demonstrated andto be performed from the ground

Departments must develop their procedures for remov-ing and replacing ladders on apparatus because of thesedifferences

B. Ladders should be carried with the forward end slightlylowered:

1. Provides better balance

2. Allows the fire fighters to see the way ahead

3. If the ladder strikes someone, the butt spurs willmake contact with the body area instead of the head

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C. One-fire fighter low-shoulder carry

1. Used for a single or roof ladder

2. Involves resting the upper beam of the fire fighter'sshoulder with the arm between two rungs

3. Picking up from ground

a. Crouch next to ladder, facing tip and grabmiddle rung

b. Stand the ladder on edge

c. Stand and pivot into ladder, inserting other armthrough rungs so upper beam rests on shoulder

d. Face the butt and slightly lowers it

D. Two-fire fighter low-shoulder carry

1. Most commonly used for extension ladders over24 feet

2. Allows for good ladder control

3. From ground

a. Both fire fighters kneel on the same side of theladder, one near tip, the other near the butt end

b. Both grasp a convenient rung with near hand

c. Stand the ladder on edge

d. Fire fighter at the heel gives command to "shoul-der the ladder" and both stand, lifting with theirlegs

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e. As ladder is lifted, the far beam is tilted out-ward and fire fighters pivot, placing other armthrough rungs

f. Both place the upper beam on their shoulders

g. The fire fighter at the butt places the free handover the upper butt spur to help prevent injury ifsomeone is struck

E. Three-fire fighter flat-shoulder carry

1. Typically used on extension ladders up to 35 feet

2. From ground

a. While facing the tip, two fire fighters kneel onside at each end and the third fire fighters kneelson the opposite side near the middle of theladder

b. Fire fighter at the heel gives command to "shoul-der the ladder" and all three stand, lifting withtheir legs

c. All pivot toward the butt when the ladder ischest high

d. All place the beam onto their shoulders

F. Four-fire fighter flat-shoulder carry

1. The same method is used for four fire fighters as forthree

2. Two fire fighters are positioned at each end onopposite sides of the ladder

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G. Carrying roof ladders

1. If a roof ladder is to be used to be placed on asloped roof, it should be carried with the tip for-ward instead of the butt

2. Normally the roof ladder is carried with the hooksclosed

3. When at the base of a second raised ladder, the roofladder is set down and the hooks opened before theroof ladder is to be raised

H. Ladder placement

1. Normally an officer determines where ladders willbe placed for the task to be performed, however, theexact spot where the butt is placed is usually deter-mined by personnel carrying the ladder

2. Ladders must be positioned for their intended use

3. The butt must be placed the proper distance fromthe building for safe climbing

a. Ladder set at 75° to the ground for climbing

b. Divide by four the used length of the ladder

4. Ladders should be placed on different sides of abuilding for emergency egress

5. Look for strong points on the building when placingladders

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6. Avoid placing ladders:

a. Over windows and doors from which fire canextend

b. On uneven terrain or soft ground

c. On main paths of travel that fire fighters willuse

d. Where they can contact burning surfaces

e. Against unstable walls or surfaces

f. Where they may contact overhead obstructions,such as limbs, wires, and signs

g. On top of sidewalk elevator doors or sidewalkdeadlights

VII. Raising Ladders (Essentials p. 494)

A. General procedures

1. The transition from the carrying position to the raiseof a ladder should be done in one smooth andcontinuous action

2. Always check for overhead obstructions beforeraising any ladder

a. Electrical wires

b. Trees

c. Overhangs

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3. Aluminum and fiberglass extension ladders aredesigned to be used with fly section out (awayfrom the building)

4. Wooden ladders are intended to be used with fly intoward the building

5. After a ladder has been raised and resting against abuilding and before it is climbed, the excess hal-yard should be tied to the ladder

a. The halyard is tied with a clove hitch andoverhand safety

b. Prevents the fly section from slipping

c. Prevents anyone from tripping on the excessrope

B. One-fire fighter raise

1. Check for overhead obstructions

2. Lower the butt to the ground with the butt spursagainst the building

3. Raise ladder to vertical position by lifting hand-over-hand on the rungs

4. Bring the ladder upright until it rests against thebuilding

5. Carefully move the ladder butt out from the buildingto the desired climbing angle

6. Check the climbing so that climber is perpendicularto the ground

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C. Two-fire fighter raise

1. When two or more personnel raise a ladder, the firefighter at the butt end (the heeler) is responsible forplacing it in the desired location and giving com-mands during the operation

2. Flat raise procedures

a. Heeler places butt end on ground at desiredlocation while other fire fighter rests ladder onshoulder

b. Heeler heels ladder by placing both feet onbottom rung and crouches to grab a convenientrung and leans back

c. Fire fighter at tip steps under ladder and ad-vances hand-over-hand toward the butt untilladder is vertical

d. Fire fighters face each other and heel ladderwith their toes

e. Ladder is pivoted with fly away from building(fly toward building for wooden ladders)

f. Heeler raises fly with hand-over-hand motionuntil ladder reaches the desired height

g. Tip of ladder is lowered to building and properangle checked

h. Halyard is tied

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3. Beam raise procedures

a. Heeler places beam on ground at desired loca-tion while other fire fighter rests ladder onshoulder

b. Heeler heels ladder by placing one foot on buttspur on bottom rung and grabs upper beam

c. Fire fighter at tip advances hand-over-handdown upper beam toward the butt until ladder isvertical

d. Fire fighters face each other and heel ladderwith their toes

e. Ladder is pivoted with fly away from building(fly toward building for wooden ladders)

f. Heeler raises fly with hand-over-hand motionuntil ladder reaches the desired height

g. Tip of ladder is lowered to building and properangle checked

h. Halyard is tied

D. Three-fire fighter raise

1. Heeler places butt end on ground at desired locationwhile other fire fighters rest ladder on their shoul-ders

2. Heeler heels ladder by placing both feet on bottomrung and crouches to grab a convenient rung

3. Fire fighters at tip advance together with outsidehands on beams and inside hands on rungs towardthe butt until ladder is vertical

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4. Fire fighters face each other and heel ladder withtheir toes

5. Ladder is pivoted with fly away from building (flytoward building for wooden ladders)

6. Heeler raises fly with hand-over-hand motion untilladder reaches the desired height

7. Tip of ladder is lowered to building and properangle checked

8. Halyard is tied

E. Four-fire fighter flat raise

1. With larger and heavier ladders, four fire fighterscan handle the ladder better than three

2. A flat raise is normally used and the procedures aresimilar to those for a three-fire fighter flat raise

F. Raising and positioning a roof ladder

1. One ladder is placed in the desired location againstthe building and extended three to five rungs abovethe edge of the roof

2. After carrying roof ladder to the ladder to beclimbed, the roof ladder is placed on ground and thehooks opened

3. One fire fighter raises the roof ladder up so it restsagainst other ladder with hooks facing out

4. One fire fighter then climbs the main ladder until hisor her shoulder is about two rungs above middle ofroof ladder

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5. The fire fighter reaches through rungs of roof ladderand places it onto his or her shoulder

6. The fire fighter climbs to the top of the ladder anduses a leg lock or life safety harness to lock intoladder

7. The fire fighter takes the roof ladder off of theshoulder and uses hand-over-hand method to slideroof ladder onto roof with hooks facing down

8. The roof ladder is pushed up until hooks go overpeak of roof

9. To remove, reverse procedure

G. Moving ground ladders

1. It may be necessary to move a ladder after it hasbeen extended

2. If a ladder has been raised with the fly in the wrongposition, it is necessary to pivot the ladder

a. Two fire fighters raise the ladder to a verticalposition while facing each other

b. Both personnel place a foot against the side ofthe beam on which the ladder will pivot

c. The ladder is tilted on the pivot beam

d. Both fire fighters pivot the ladder to the desiredposition and simultaneously adjust their posi-tions as needed

3. It may also be necessary to move a ladder whilevertical

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4. One fire fighter can usually safely shift a singleladder that is less than 20 feet long

a. The fire fighter faces the ladder and heels it

b. The beams are grasped and the ladder broughtaway from the building to a vertical position

c. The fire fighter grasps a convenient low rungwith one hand, palm upward

d. A second convenient high rung is grasped withthe other hand, palm down

e. The fire fighter turns slightly in the direction tobe travelled and checks for overhead obstruc-tions

f. The ladder is lifted and moved a short distanceand then lowered into position

H. Securing ladders

1. Ground ladders must be secured whenever climbedfor safety

a. Extension ladder locks must be checked beforethe ladder was placed against the building

b. The halyard must be properly tied

c. Ladder movement must be prevented by heelingor tying in

2. Heeling

a. It is vital that the ladder is properly heeledwhenever being climbed

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b. Fire fighter stands under ladder, grabs bothbeams and pulls back to press ladder againstbuilding

c. Alternate method is to stand facing the ladderand place feet against butt and lean towardbuilding

3. Ladder can be tied to a fixed object to secure it inplace

a. Frees personnel from having to heel the ladder

b. A rope hose tool or safety strap can be used totie the ladder to a fixed object at the top orbottom

VIII. Functioning on Ladders (Essentials p. 503)

A. Climbing ladders

1. Ladder climbing must be done smoothly and rhyth-mically

2. Check ladder angle before climbing any ladder

3. The climber's eyes should be focused forward withan occasional look to the top

4. Ascend slowly grasping the rungs, keeping thearms straight

5. Climber's back and arms should be kept straight

6. Some fire fighters find there is less bounce to theclimb if the foot and hand are on the same side areraised together

Ground Ladders - 29


GROUND LADDERS


B. Ascending with tools

1. Slide free hand under beam while climbing to haveconstant contact with ladder

2. If hands are large enough, hand with tool shouldalso be in contact with beam

C. When performing work on a ladder, fire fighters mustbe safely secured to the ladder

1. Using a leg lock

a. Climb to desired height and advance one runghigher

b. Slide leg from opposite side from working sideover and behind rung to be locked onto

c. Hook foot on rung or beam

d. Rest on thigh

e. Step down with opposite leg

2. Using a life safety harness

a. Hook may be moved to one side while climbingladder

b. Hook is returned to center when desired heightis reached and attached to rung

D. Assisting a victim down a ladder

1. When using a ground ladder for rescue, the laddertip should be raised to just below the windowsill

30 - Ground Ladders


SLIDES

GROUND LADDERS


2. To bring victim down a ladder, four fire fighters areneeded

a. Two inside the building to lower the victimfrom the window onto the ladder

b. One on the ladder

c. One heeling the ladder

3. Conscious victims

a. Rescuers inside building, lower victim feet firston to ladder

b. Fire fighter on ladder supports victim and keepsboth arms under the victim's arm with hands onthe rungs, in case victim slips

4. Unconscious victims

a. Victim is held the same as conscious victim butrested on rescuer's knee

b. Place victim's feet outside beams

c. Victim may be turned around to face rescuer asresting on rescuer's knee

d. Victim's armpits are supported by rescuer's arms

e. Rescuer climbs down by sliding hands downbeams

f. Rescuer can lean into victim for control

g. An unconscious victim who regains conscious-ness may panic and grab the ladder or therescuer or fight the fire fighter

Ground Ladders - 31


GROUND LADDERS


(1) May cause the fire fighter to lose his or hergrip or footing

(2) Fire fighters must watch the victim and beprepared if the victim regains conscious-ness

5. Small children can be cradled across the rescuer'sarms while the rescuer maintains contact with theladder

IX. Ground Ladders Summary

A. Safely using ground ladders is an essential part ofevery fire fighter's duties

B. Fire personnel must be familiar with:

1. The parts of ladders

2. The types of ladders available in a fire department

3. The capabilities and limitations of various ladders

4. The hazards associated with ladders

5. Proper angles for ladder applications

6. What constitutes a stable surface and reliablestructural elements for ladder placement

32 - Ground Ladders

GROUND LADDERS


Name: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________________

1. A recommended practice for a metal ladder is that the fly section be ___________.a. in toward the buildingb. out away from the buildingc. either in or outd. There is no preferred method

2. Ladders placed to the roof should be extended ________ rungs above the roofedge.

a. one to twob. two to threec. three to fived. four to six

3. If a ladder is to be used for rescue from a window, the ladder tip should be placed___________.

a. into the windowb. above the windowsillc. over the top of the windowd. even with or slightly below the windowsill

4. An angle of ______ gives adequate stability, insures safe stress on the ladder andis easy to climb.

a. 60o

b. 70o

c. 75o

d. 80o

5. To determine the proper distance between the base of a ladder and a building,divide the used length of the ladder by _________.

a. 2b. 3c. 4d. 5

GROUND LADDERS QUIZ

Ground Ladders - 33

GROUND LADDERS


GROUND LADDERS QUIZ

6. A nonadjustable (in length), one section ladder is known as a/an ___________ladder.

a. foldingb. straightc. extensiond. aerial

7. What should be used to remove tar, oil, and grease from ladders?a. Distilled waterb. Gasolinec. Diesel fueld. Safety solvents

8. The proper length of a ladder to reach a second story window should be___________.

a. 14 to 16 feetb. 20 to 28 feetc. 28 to 35 feetd. 35 to 45 feet

9. Where should a ladder be placed if it is to be used to ventilate from a window?a. Between the window sill and the top of the windowb. Even with the top of the window on the windward sidec. Even with the top of the window on the leeward sided. Two rungs below the window sill

10. Who should give the lift command when two or more fire fighters are lifting aladder?

a. Fire fighter at the tipb. Fire fighter at the buttc. Fire fighter in the middled. Fire fighter with the most experience

34 - Ground Ladders

GROUND LADDERS


PRACTICAL SKILLS

These Lead Instructor Practical Skills are designed to provide the LeadInstructor for a Fire Fighter I and II course with a more detailed overviewof the practical skills required of all students.

The appropriate skills from NFPA 1001-2008 are listed at the front of eachskill's section. Although the skills from NFPA 1001-2008 are written as JobPerformance Requirements, these have been divided into individual skillelements. This is to allow for consistency in the evaluation of each skillelement.

Students must successfully complete each step of each practical skill duringthe practical skills evaluation portion of a Fire Fighter I and II course. Atthe time of a Fire Fighter I and II Certification Examination, the skill stepshave been prioritized to allow a student to miss a predetermined number ofsteps.

INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE

36 - Ground Ladders

MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY

FIRE FIGHTER I & II PRACTICAL SKILLS

Successful completion of the practical skills in this section are necessary to fulfill therequirements of the following sections of NFPA 1001-2008:

Fire Fighter I Standard

5.3.6* Set up ground ladders, given single and extension ladders, an assignment, and team members ifneeded, so that hazards are assessed, the ladder is stable, the angle is correct for climbing, extensionladders are extended to the necessary height with the fly locked, the top is placed against a reliablestructural component, and the assignment is accomplished.

5.3.9* Conduct a search and rescue in a structure operating as a member of a team, given anassignment, obscured vision conditions, personal protective equipment, a flashlight, forcible entrytools, hose lines, and ladders when necessary, so that ladders are correctly placed when used, allassigned areas are searched, all victims are located and removed, team integrity is maintained, andteam members’ safety - including respiratory protection - is not compromised.

5.3.12 Perform vertical ventilation on a structure as part of a team, given an assignment, personalprotective equipment, ground and roof ladders, and tools, so that ladders are positioned forventilation, a specified opening is created, all ventilation barriers are removed, structuralintegrity is not compromised, products of combustion are released from the structure, and theteam retreats from the area when ventilation is accomplished.

5.5.1 Clean and check ladders, ventilation equipment, SCBA, ropes, salvage equipment, and handtools, given cleaning tools, cleaning supplies, and an assignment, so that equipment is clean andmaintained according to manufacturer’s or departmental guidelines, maintenance is recorded, andequipment is placed in a ready state or reported otherwise.

Ground Ladders

Ground Ladders - 37



Skill Objectives: The candidate, provided with necessary assistance and appropriate ladders, andwearing personal protective equipment, shall demonstrate a one-fire fighter ladder carry. All of theladder carries must be demonstrated by each student.

Skill Procedure: The evaluator shall have the candidate wear personal protective equipment (SCBAis optional). The candidate shall be provided with ladders that his or her fire department utilizes. Thecandidate shall provide all directions and commands to the other fire fighters that are assisting.

Students are allowed two chances at each skill for successful completion. Any step listed initalics missed shall result in failure of the skill. Otherwise, students are allowed to miss a maxi-mum of two of the following steps and pass this skill.

Items to be checked

If the candidate:

One-fire fighter carry (14 ft. ladder)1. Crouches next to ladder, facing tip and grabs middle rung

2. Stands the ladder on edge

3. Stands and pivots into ladder, inserting other arm through rungs so upper beam rests onshoulder

4. Face the butt and slightly lowers it

5. Carries the ladder in a controlled manner a minimum distance of 50 feet

6. Keeps knees bent and back straight during lifting

7. Lowers the ladder or returned ladders to service in a safe, controlled manner

8. Avoided obstructions and observed surroundings

9. Maintained controlled actions and movements

Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.3.6Demonstrate One-Fire Fighter Ladder Carry

38 - Ground Ladders



Skill Objectives: The candidate, provided with necessary assistance and appropriate ladders, andwearing personal protective equipment, shall demonstrate a two-fire fighter ladder carry. All of theladder carries must be demonstrated by each student.

Skill Procedure: The evaluator shall have two candidates, working as a team, wear personal protec-tive equipment (SCBA is optional). The candidates shall be provided with ladders that their firedepartment utilizes. The candidates shall provide all directions and commands to the other firefighters that are assisting.


Items to be checked

If the candidate:

Two-fire fighter carry (24 ft. extension)1. Both fire fighters kneel on the same side of the ladder, one near tip, the other near the

butt end

2. Both grasp a convenient rung with near hand

3. Both stand the ladder on edge

4. Fire fighter at the heel gives command to "shoulder the ladder" and both stand, liftingwith their legs

5. As ladder is lifted, the far beam is tilted outward and fire fighters pivot, placing otherarm through rungs

6. Both place the upper beam on their shoulders

7. The fire fighter at the butt places the free hand over the upper butt spur to help preventinjury if someone is struck on the shoulder



Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.3.6Demonstrate Two-Fire Fighter Ladder Carry

Ground Ladders - 39



Skill Objectives: The candidate, provided with necessary assistance and appropriate ladders, andwearing personal protective equipment, shall demonstrate a three-fire fighter ladder carry. All of theladder carries must be demonstrated by each student.

Skill Procedure: The evaluator shall have three candidates, working as a team, wear personal protec-tive equipment (SCBA is optional). The candidates shall be provided with ladders that their firedepartment utilizes. The candidates shall provide all directions and commands to the other firefighters that are assisting.


Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.3.6Demonstrate Three-Fire Fighter Ladder Carry

Items to be checked

Three-fire fighter carry (35 ft. extension ladder)1. While facing the tip, two fire fighters kneel on side at each end and the third fire

fighters kneels on the opposite side near the middle of the ladder

2. Grasps a convenient rung with hand near the ladder

3. Fire fighter at the heel gives command to "shoulder the ladder" and all three stand,lifting with their legs

4. All pivot toward the butt when the ladder is chest high

5. All place the beam onto their shoulders


7. Lowered the ladder or returned ladders to service in a safe, controlled manner

8. Avoided obstructions and observed surroundings


40 - Ground Ladders



Skill Objective: The candidate, given a 12 to 20 foot single ladder, shall properly carry the ladderand raise the ladder to the building.

Skill Procedure: The evaluator shall have the candidate wear protective equipment (SCBA optional)and perform a one-fire fighter flat raise to the building wall using a single ladder between 12 and 20feet in length. Explain to the candidate that because of overhead obstructions a flat raise must beperformed.


Items to be checked

If the candidate:

One-fire fighter raise

1. Properly carries the ladder

2. Lowers the butt to the ground with the butt spurs against the building

3. Checks for overhead obstructions

4. Raises the ladder to a vertical position by lifting hand-over-hand down the rungs

5. Brings the ladder upright until it rests against the building

6. Carefully moves the ladder butt out from the building to the desired climbing angle

7. Checks the climbing so that climber is perpendicular to the ground

Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.3.6Demonstrate One-Fire Fighter Ladder Raise

Ground Ladders - 41



Items to be checked

If the candidate:

Two-fire fighter raise1. Carries the ladder in a low-shoulder position

2. Heeler places butt end on ground at desired location while other fire fighter restsladder on shoulder

3. Checks for overhead obstruction & electrical lines

4. Heeler heels ladder by placing both feet on bottom rung and crouches to grab aconvenient rung and leans back

5. Fire fighter at tip steps under ladder and advances hand-over-hand toward the buttuntil ladder is vertical

6. Raises the ladder to a vertical position by advancing hand-over-hand down the rungs

7. Positions the ladder with fly AWAY from the building.

8. Raises the ladder a minimum of 5 rungs by pulling the halyard in a hand-over-handmethod

9. Secures the halyard with a clove hitch and ensures the locks are engaged

10. Checks the ladder for proper climbing angle

Skill Objective: The candidate, given a 24 to 35 foot extension ladder as a member of a team, shallcarry the ladder in a low-shoulder position and raise the ladder extending it a least 5 rungs.

Skill Procedure: The evaluator shall have the candidate wear protective equipment (SCBA optional)and perform a two-fire fighter flat raise perpendicular to the building wall using extension ladderbetween 24 and 35 feet. The two fire fighters shall raise the ladder perpendicular to the building walland extend the ladder.


Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.3.6Demonstrate Two-Fire Fighter Ladder Raise

42 - Ground Ladders



Skill Objective: The candidate, wearing protective equipment (SCBA optional) and provided with a14 to 24 foot ground ladder in place and a fire axe shall climb to a height of at least 15 feet with thefire axe. The candidate shall then secure the life belt to the ladder and then demonstrate a leg lock asif using the axe on the left side of the ladder.

Skill Procedure: The candidate shall ascend the ladder with axe in hand and proceed to demonstratethe proper use of a leg lock The candidate shall then simulate working with the axe. A butt personshould also be provided in order to secure the ladder.


Items to be checked

If the candidate:

1. Checks the ladder for proper climbing angle, butt person and locks are secured onrung

2. Climbs the ladder with axe in one hand and the other hand slides underneath thebeam

3. Climbs smoothly and rhythmically

4. Raises one leg up and over two consecutive rungs

5. Places foot through the rung underneath knee

6. Hooks tip of boot over beam or rung

7. Places free leg/foot against left beam

8. Appears stable to perform work with axe

Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.3.6Demonstrate Leg Lock and Working With a Tool

Ground Ladders - 43



Skill Objective: The candidate, wearing full protective equipment (SCBA optional) and providedwith appropriate ladder and a victim, shall bring a simulated unconscious person down the ladderfrom a height of at least 20 feet.

Skill Procedure: Locate and have in place, a secured extension ladder of at least 24 feet. Placeanother fire fighter on the ladder at a height of approximately 20 feet to simulate an unconsciousvictim. When the candidate ascends the ladder and reaches the victim, the fire fighter should simulatebeing unconscious (it is recommended that the fire fighter also wear full protective equipment withoutSCBA). The candidate shall then descend with the victim in a manner described in the Essentials ofFire Fighting (victim supported by knee and arms of rescuer). The ladder butt should also be secured.

Students are allowed two chances at each skill for successful completion. Any step listed initalics missed shall result in failure of the skill. Otherwise, students are allowed to miss a maxi-mum of one of the following steps and pass this skill.

Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.3.9Demonstrate Bringing an Unconscious Victim Down a Ladder

Items to be checked

If the candidate:

1. Checks the ladder for proper climbing angle, heeler, and secured locks with fly away

2. Ascends the ladder and checks condition of the victim

3. Supports the victim on his/her knee

4. Places the victim’s feet outside the rails

5. Keeps both arms around the victim under the armpits, with hands on the rungs in front ofthe victim

6. Descends the entire length of the ladder with the victim in a safe and secure manner

7. Brings the victim completely down without injury or incident

44 - Ground Ladders



Skill Objective: The candidate, wearing full personal protective equipment, and provided with thenecessary equipment, shall properly secure a roof ladder on a pitched roof for fire fighting operations.

Skill Procedure: The evaluator shall set an appropriate ground ladder on a structure with a pitchedroof. The candidate shall wear full personal protective equipment. The evaluator shall have thecandidate carry a roof ladder from the apparatus and deploy the ladder on the pitched roof.


Items to be checked

If the candidate:

1. Carries the roof ladder to the ladder placed at the structure

2. Sets the roof ladder on the ground near the ladder to be ascended and opens the hooks

3. Tilts the roof ladder up so that it rests against the other ladder, with the hooks facingoutward

4. Climbs the main ladder until his/her shoulder is about two rungs above the midpointof the roof ladder

5. Reaches through the rungs of the roof ladder and hoists it onto his/her shoulder

6. Climbs to the top of the ladder, and uses a leg lock or life safety harness to lock intothe ladder

7. Takes the roof ladder off the shoulder

8. Uses a hand-over-hand method to push the ladder onto the roof with the hooks in thedown position

9. Pushes the roof ladder up the roof until the hooks go over the edge of the peak

10. Pulls the ladder down so the hooks catch solidly over the peak

Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.3.12Demonstrate Securing a Roof Ladder on a Pitched Roof

Ground Ladders - 45



Skill Objective: The candidate, provided with an appropriate ladder and cleaning equipment, shalldemonstrate how to clean and maintain a fire service ground ladder.

Students are allowed two chances at each skill for successful completion. Any step listed initalics missed shall result in failure of the skill. Otherwise, students are allowed to miss a maxi-mum of one of the following steps and pass this skill.

Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.5.1Demonstrate Cleaning a Ground Ladder

Items to be checked

If the candidate:

1. Thoroughly removes dirt from ladder with soapy water and a brush

2. Examines all braces, slides, stop locks, halyards, rivets, pulleys, and moveableparts

3. Checks lubrication of movable parts

4. Makes notation of any loose parts, cracks, dry rot, or unusual wear

5. Thoroughly dries the ladder

6. Returns inspected ladder to apparatus utilizing a proper carry and lift

46 - Ground Ladders



Skill Objective: The candidate, given a fire service ground ladder, shall demonstrate and verballyexplain the proper techniques and procedures for inspection and maintenance.


Ground Ladders - NFPA 1001-2008, 5.5.1Demonstrate Inspecting a Ground Ladder

Items to be checked

If the candidate:

1. Checks for signs of physical damage (cracks, splintering, warping,discoloration, bending, dents, etc.)

2. Tests rungs for tightness by twisting them

3. Checks for bent beams and rungs

4. Checks halyard for frays, cuts, or bunching

5. Checks halyard for snugness and freedom of movement

6. Checks for free-turning pulleys

7. Checks heat sensor for signs of heat exposure

8. Checks dogs or pawls for freedom of movement and operation

9. Checks condition of guides and free movement of fly sections

10. Checks rivets, welds, and bolted connections for tightness and defects

11. Checks for any unusual wear

12. Checks ladder for cleanliness

13. States that ladders should be inspected monthly and after each use

Ground Ladders - 47

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