List and describe the parts of a ladder.
Describe the different types of ladders.
Describe how to clean, inspect, and store
ladders.
Describe the hazards with ladders.
Describe how to deploy a ladder.
Describe how to work on a ladder.
Describe general safety rules for ladders.
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.
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
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
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
Beams
Rail
Truss Block
Rung
Tie Rod
Tip
Butt (heel)
◦ Butt spurs
◦ Butt plate
Roof hooks
Heat sensor label
Protection plates
One of two main
structural
components
Run the length of
most ladders
Three types of
beam construction:
◦ Trussed beam
◦ I-beam
◦ Solid beam
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
◦ 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
◦ 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 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
◦ 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
Bed section
Fly section
Guides
Halyard
Pawls/Dogs
Pulley
Stops
Staypoles
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
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
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
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
Aerial ladders
◦ Permanently mounted and operated from fire
apparatus
Portable ladders
◦ Carried on fire apparatus
◦ Designed to be removed and used in other
locations
Permanently
mounted, power-
operated ladders
Have at least two
sections
Straight chassis:
straight-stick
aerials
Tractor trailer
chassis: tillered
aerials or trucks
Includes
passenger-
carrying platform
attached to tip
Ladder or boom
must have at least
two sections
◦ Telescoping
◦ Articulating
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'.
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
Straight ladder
with roof hooks
Sometimes called a
hook ladder
Provides stable
footing
Usually 12' to 20'
long
Adjustable length
Multiple sections
Usually heavier
than a straight
ladder of the same
length
Extension ladder
with staypoles
Staypoles are
planted in the
ground on either
side for additional
stability.
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
Also called an attic
ladder
Narrow, collapsing
ladder
Designed to allow
access to attic
scuttle holes and
confined areas
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.
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.
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.
Clean regularly and
after each use with
warm, soapy water
and a soft-bristle
brush.
Dry ladder before
storing it.
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.
Several potential hazards are associated with
ladder use. (overhead obstructions!)
Use with caution and follow manufacturers’
recommendations.
Use full PPE around ladders.
Fire fighters must be able to work with and
on ladders while wearing SCBA.
Teamwork is essential when moving ladders.
Ask for help lifting or moving heavy ladders.
Survey area before
placing
Always check for
overhead wires and
other obstructions.
Place on stable and
level surfaces
Avoid heat and
direct flame.
Check climbing
angle before
climbing.
Ensure dogs are
locked and halyard
is tied before
climbing.
Secure the base by
heeling/footing.
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.
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.
Ladders may be easily damaged while in use.
Remove from service any ladder used outside
of normal limits.
◦ Even if no damage is visible
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.
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.
Roof access
◦ Ladder tip should
extend several feet,
or five rungs above
roofline.
Window access
(not rescue)
◦ Ladder tip should be
at the side of and
even with the top of
a window.
Window rescues
◦ Ladder tip should be
at the windowsill.
Proper climbing angle is 75 degrees 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
Basic types:
◦ Single fire fighter carry
◦ Shoulder carry (low and high)
◦ Flat shoulder carry
Carries can be done in combinations of two,
three, or four fire fighters.
Site selection
◦ General area chosen by officer in charge
◦ Specific area chosen by fire fighter
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
Climbing angle
◦ 75 degrees
◦ Ladder is arm’s length away when standing
vertically.
◦ Vertical reach 4x distance from base of the
structure
◦ Check inclination guide.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
