12

Essentials of Fire Fighting6th Edition

Firefighter I

Chapter 12 — Ground Ladders

Describe different construction types of ground ladders.

Learning Objective 1

12–2

Identify the parts of a ladder including markings and labels.

Learning Objective 2

12–3

Ground ladder construction is regulated by two NFPA® standards.

12–4

Firefighters should know the basic parts of a ladder.

12–5

(Cont.)

Firefighters should know the basic parts of a ladder.

12–6

(Cont.)

Firefighters should know the basic parts of a ladder.

12–7

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the basic parts of fire service ladders?

12–8

Materials used for ladders must meet NFPA® 1931 specifications.

12–9

Ladder materials have various advantages and disadvantages.

12–10

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

Ladders must have a certification label and other warning labels.

12–13

Ladder positionin

g label

REVIEW QUESTION

What types of markings and labels do fire service ladders have?

12–14

Recognize the types of ladders used in the fire service.

Learning Objective 3

12–15

Single ladders are also called wall or straight ladders.

12–16

Roof ladders are equipped with folding hooks to anchor the ladder.

12–17

Folding ladders are often single ladders used for interior attic access.

12–18

Extension ladders are made up of a base section and fly sections.

12–19

Combination ladders are designed to be self-supporting.

12–20

NFPA® 1901 contains information on apparatus-mounted ground ladders.

12–21

REVIEW QUESTION

How do the five types of ladders used in the fire service compare

with one another?

12–22

Explain the considerations addressed by ladder inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.

Learning Objective 4

12–23

Some elements must be inspected on all types of ladders.

12–24

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.

12–26

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.

12–28

Service testing must be performed to ensure a ladder is fit for use.

12–29

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.

12–31

Maintenance and repair are two different processes firefighters should understand.

12–32

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the general maintenance requirements for ground ladders?

12–33

Describe safety guidelines used when handling ladders.

Learning Objective 5

12–34

Explain considerations taken when selecting, lifting, and lowering a ladder.

Learning Objective 6

12–35

There are several ladder safety guidelines firefighters should know.

12–36

(Cont.)

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.

12–38

(Cont.)

There are several ladder safety guidelines firefighters should know.

12–39

(Cont.)

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.

12–41

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.

12–43

Ladder selection also requires other important information.

12–44

There are several guidelines to use for ladder length selection.

12–45

A ladder’s reach is not the same as the designated length.

12–46

REVIEW QUESTION

What factors must be considered when selecting a ladder placement location?

12–47

Use proper lifting and lowering techniques to prevent personal injuries.

12–48

REVIEW QUESTION

What techniques should be used to prevent personal injuries when lifting and lowering ladders?

12–49

Describe various methods for ladder carries.

Learning Objective 7

12–50

Ladder carry requirements vary depending on the type.

12–51

Methods to remove ladders from apparatus depend on ladder location.

12–52

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.

12–54

Procedures for removing side and top mounted ladders differ from flat mounted ladders.

12–55

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.

12–57

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.

12–59

The three-firefighter flat-shoulder carry is typically used on extension ladders.

12–60

The three-firefighter flat arm’s length carry begins with the fly section up.

12–61

The four-firefighter flat-shoulder carry is similar to the three person method.

12–62

The two-firefighter arm’s length on-edge carry is best with lightweight ladders.

12–63

There are some general procedures to use for carrying roof ladders.

12–64

Identify basic considerations and requirements for ground ladder

placement.

Learning Objective 8

12–65

Ladder placement responsibilities are often shared by different personnel.

12–66

There are two objectives when placing ground ladders.

12–67

Positioning will vary based on the task being accomplished.

12–68

Other ladder placement guidelines are also important to know.

12–69

(Cont.)

Other ladder placement guidelines are also important to know.

12–70

(Cont.)

Other ladder placement guidelines are also important to know.

12–71

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.

12–73

There are several ways to determine proper distance for ladder angles.

12–74

REVIEW QUESTION

How can a firefighter determine the proper distance between the heel of the ladder and the building?

12–75

Describe various methods for ladder raises.

Learning Objective 9

12–76

Methods for ladder raises require teamwork, smoothness, and rhythm.

12–77

The transition from ladder carry to raise should be done in one smooth motion.

12–78

Several considerations must be addressed before raising a ladder.

12–79

(Cont.)

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.

12–81

(Cont.)

Several considerations must be addressed before raising a ladder.

12–82

The one-firefighter raise can be used for both single and extension ladders.

12–83

There is little difference if the ladder is parallel or perpendicular to the building for two-firefighter raises.

12–84

The three-firefighter flat raise can be used for heavier ladders.

12–85

The four-firefighter flat raise can be used for heavier extension ladders.

12–86

There are a number of ways a roof ladder can be deployed.

12–87

REVIEW QUESTION

What considerations must be addressed before raising a ladder?

12–88

Compare procedures for moving ground ladders.

Learning Objective 10

12–89

Two firefighters are required to pivot a ladder when needed.

12–90

Shifting raised ground ladders should be limited to short distances.

12–91

REVIEW QUESTION

What are two methods of safely moving a ground ladder after it

has been raised?

12–92

Explain the methods used to secure ladders.

Learning Objective 11

12–93

Ground ladders must be secured whenever firefighters are climbing or working from the ladder.

12–94

There are several methods that can be used for heeling a ladder.

12–95

Tying in secures the ladder to a fixed object and should be done if possible.

12–96

REVIEW QUESTION

How do the two methods used for securing ladders compare with one another?

12–97

Describe ladder climbing considerations.

Learning Objective 12

12–98

There are several factors to consider when climbing ladders.

12–99

(Cont.)

There are several factors to consider when climbing ladders.

12–100

REVIEW QUESTION

How can a firefighter climb a ladder so that there is the least possible amount of bounce and sway?

12–101

Indicate what methods can be used to work from a ladder.

Learning Objective 13

12–102

Firefighters may be required to work with both hands while standing on a ground ladder.

12–103

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.

12–105

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

REVIEW QUESTION

What methods can be used to secure a firefighter to a ladder when

performing work?

12–107

Explain methods used for assisting a victim down a ladder.

Learning Objective 14

12–108

Assisting a victim through a window requires specific placement.

12–109

At least four firefighters are needed to bring victims down the ground ladder.

12–110

The method chosen depends on whether the victim is conscious or unconscious.

12–111

Victim size also plays a part in the method used for lowering.

12–112

REVIEW QUESTION

How many firefighters are needed to bring a victim down a ladder?

12–113

• 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.

Summary

12–114

(Cont.)

• 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.

Summary

12–115

Clean, inspect, and maintain a ladder.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-1.

Learning Objective 15

12–116

Carry a ladder – One-firefighter low-shoulder method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-2.

Learning Objective 16

12–117

Carry a ladder – Two-firefighter low-shoulder method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-3.

Learning Objective 17

12–118

Carry a ladder – Three-firefighter flat-shoulder method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-4.

Learning Objective 18

12–119

Carry a ladder – Three-firefighter flat-arm's length method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-5.

Learning Objective 19

12–120

Carry a ladder – Two-firefighter arm’s length on-edge method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-6.

Learning Objective 20

12–121

Tie the halyard.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-7.

Learning Objective 21

12–122

Raise a ladder – One-firefighter method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-8.

Learning Objective 22

12–123

Raise a ladder – Two-firefighter flat raise.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-9.

Learning Objective 23

12–124

Raise a ladder – Two-firefighter beam raise.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-10.

Learning Objective 24

12–125

Raise a ladder – Three- or four-firefighter flat raise.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-11.

Learning Objective 25

12–126

Deploy a roof ladder – One-firefighter method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-12.

Learning Objective 26

12–127

Pivot a ladder – Two-firefighter method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-13.

Learning Objective 27

12–128

Shift a ladder – One-firefighter method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-14.

Learning Objective 28

12–129

Shift a ladder – Two-firefighter method.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-15.

Learning Objective 29

12–130

Heel a ground ladder.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-16.

Learning Objective 30

12–131

Leg lock on a ground ladder.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-17.

Learning Objective 31

12–132

Assist a conscious victim down a ground ladder.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-18.

Learning Objective 32

12–133

Assist an unconscious victim down a ground ladder.

This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 12-I-19.

Learning Objective 33

12–134