Ch. 7: Ladder Co. Ops Flashcards
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #1)
The reason we have all held up our hand and been sworn in to the fire service is to protect:
Life and property
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #2)
L.O.V.E.R.S. U:
(each letter stands for)
- Laddering
- Overhaul
- Venting
- Forcible Entry
- Rescue
- Search & Salvage
- Control of Utilities
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #3)
A good aggressive interior attack is the result of balance between:
The attack team, and supporting cast, ladder personnel
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #4)
Way to avoid these dangers (increased civilian & FF deaths/injuries & greater property damage) is to ensure that sufficient personnel are assigned to ladder company functions such that the following critical duties can be accomplished early enough in the fire to make a difference:
- Make sure victims are discovered & removed while survival is still possible.
- Fire traveling in void spaces if found & exposed for Engine Co before it gains control of the structure.
- Ventilation takes place in time to permit hoseline to penetrate the seat of fire.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #5)
(Cont. from previous card) – last item is salvage covers are used and other protective measures before:
Everything has been ruined by fire, smoke or water
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #6)
A plan of action is needed that specifies what areas need covered & by whom, what tools to be taken & what/when/why certain actions must occur. Having a plan does many things, first it:
Formalizes thinking
making people consider in advance what must be done
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #7)
A plan also assigns a ___ to each element:
Degree of priority
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #8)
Moreover, a plan establishes ___ for one’s actions, since it should establish what particular players should do:
Accountability
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #9)
Although difficult to determine all of the variables that may be present on the firegound & establish a procedure to cover each one, its far more difficult to establish these variables as you:
Pull up to an incident & develop the plan of action ‘on the fly’ where there is tremendous pressure to ‘do something’
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #10)
By nature, the operational plan may have to be quite general, but it should at least provide the following specifics:
- Number of people to be committed initially to each of the major areas of responsibility
- Tools to be provided at each area
- General scope of duties
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #11)
Fig 7-2: The most important ingredient to successful ladder company operations is:
A plan that spells out what is to be done, where, by whom and with what tools.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #12)
From past experience – the following 3 basic tools will be required at almost all structure fires:
- F/E of some type – halligan,
- Flathead axe – for driving f/e bar in as well as chopping,
- Hook/pole – pull ceilings, open walls, extend our reach.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #13)
As a rule, when deciding the number of personnel assigned to an area, always try to use the ___ system:
Buddy system
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #14)
Compliance with OSHA’s 2-in-2-out requirement means that before a member enters any IDLH atmosphere, that member must ___ & ___. Unless:
- Team up w/ another ff &
- Report their position.
• Unless – human life at risk demands immediate action to save a life.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #15)
Factors to consider when planning assignments that mean a member may be operating alone for even part of the time:
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #15)
Factors to consider when planning assignments that mean a member may be operating alone for even part of the time:
• 1st is - Experience
• 2nd factor is - Availability of portable radios
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
(NC #16)
Normally, a M responding with w/ the pumper will always be operating in the vicinity of other FF’s on the hoseline – not always the case with those assigned truck duties. For this reason, the plan must cover:
Majority of cases likely to be encountered in a unit’s response area.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladder Co. Functions At Structure Fires (NC #17)
Going back to the basic sequence of actions – locate, confine, extinguish – which 1 is often considered a truck duty:
- Locate
* (Generally, a pumper won’t wait for a truck before taking this 1st step, but at times its an absolute must)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladder Co. Functions At Structure Fires (NC #18)
On a plan – the 1st item to be decided is:
The # of people that will be part of the plan
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladder Co. Functions At Structure Fires (NC #19)
The idea is to outline responsibilities & activities of the initial responding units at the most common types of structure fires, and then make the plan:
Flexible enough to work in the rest of the bldgs in that area.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #20)
Mistakes have been made & will continue to be made as new situations are encountered. Still, FDNY has realized that by ___ & ___, they can develop a plans that work for their most common structures:
- Formalizing a game plan &
* Capturing the experience of its most knowledgeable members
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #21)
The officer’s main duty is much like that of an orchestra conductor – supervising the rest of the team to ensure:
Produce the maximum benefit and safety for all.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #22)
1 thing that has been learned over the years is that you cannot assume that there is no one inside. Considering that the brain can survive without ___ only a few minutes, there is no room for error in getting to victims as soon as possible:
Oxygen
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #23)
Most people who become aware of a fire will attempt to flee via
Their normal path of egress
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #24)
(Cont. from previous card) – an interior team is an absolute must, they must be equipped to (perform 4):
- Force entry for hoseline
- Expose hidden fire
- Vent as they move
- Report progress to IC
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #25)
(CFPC) – Which basic tools must be provided:
___ should also be considered necessities:
- F/E iron,
- Flat head axe,
- Hook
• Portable radio, powerful flashlight, personal flashlight
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #26)
In Ladders 4, Officer & 2 FFs make up the interior search team. In addition to 3 basic tools, they also bring a 2½” water extinguisher for:
- Containing mattress & incipient fires or for
* Knocking down extension on the floor above the fire.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #27)
By providing ___ at this position, the officer can have a great influence on the outcome:
Strong leadership
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #28)
The primary duty of the interior team is to:
Search the immediate fire area and the means of egress.
in addition, provided needed f/e, open up blind spaces & vent to ensure rapid advance of hoselines
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #29)
Having 1 member operate alone is not a good idea – but may at times be required. However the risks are minimized by -
Assigning the member specific duties and a location
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #30)
Vent, enter, search (VES) is highly useful for:
Getting to possible victims located above the fire.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #31)
Fig. 7-4: A FF performing VES has on the front of a bldg has ___ if conditions inside deteriorate. And this member can call for reinforcements if assistance is needed in victim removal.
A safe area to retreat
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #32)
The primary duty of officers is to:
Protect their people
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #33)
Regardless of time of day, the area of the highest life hazard is?
- Bedroom
* (high priority placed on search of means of egress & bedrooms)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #34)
Alert human beings will flee a fire if they are physically able. Persons who are ___ aren’t alert, and thus cannot flee:
Asleep
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #35)
Persons who are asleep include:
- People who work nights – sleep during the day &
* Older folks who nap
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #36)
The great majority of the time, (which 3 categories of people) will all be found in bedrooms:
- Young children in cribs
- Temporarily disabled
- Older bedridden people
- (Odds are if you are going to rescue a victim from a dwelling fire, it will be from bedroom)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #37)
Fires most frequently start on lower floors, severely exposing the interior stairway and rendering it useless as a means of access until after:
Fire has been darkened down
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #38)
Fig. 7-6: VES is used to:
Horizontal venting – which greatly speeds the advancement of the hoseline is required
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #39)
Examination of the important points, first → an interior team, a minimum of 2 members, must begin the search & assist the attack team in the interior. 2nd point is that roof venting isn’t initially required, but ___ is:
Horizontal venting – which greatly speeds the advancement of the hoseline is required
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #40)
Examination of the important points, 3rd point is that by properly selecting a window for entry – you have a good chance of:
Entering the location of any missing occupants.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #41)
As a rule, the interior team should always be assigned and equipped with the following at minimum:
- Halligan tool,
- Flathead axe,
- Pike pole,
- Lights,
- Portable radio.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Ladders 4 (NC #43)
On the plan – establish duties and positions based on:
Priorities
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Laddering (NC #44)
Portable ladders have a variety of uses, such as providing:
- Access
- Rescue routes
- Escape routes
- Ventilation points
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Laddering (NC #45)
Portable ladders may replace aerial devices where:
Access to an area can’t be made by vehicle
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Laddering (NC #46)
The proper placement and use of a portable ladder in the early stages of a fire can often (3):
- Prevent loss of life
- Cut off fire extension
- Make FF’s task easier
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Laddering (NC #47)
If used properly, a ladder can simplify the task. Improperly used, it can be a:
Handicap
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Laddering (NC #48)
Factors that affect the selection and placement of a portable ladder:
- Reach
- Weight
- Nested or stored length
- Material of construction
- # of personnel required to place ladder into operation
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Laddering (NC #49)
By selecting the proper ladder for the task, you improve your unit’s efficiency, increasing:
The speed at which a task is accomplished.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Laddering (NC #50)
Fig. 7-9: The selection of portable ladders available to FFs must reflect:
The structures in the response area
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #51)
Of all factors affecting ladder selection – whether for purchase or use, the most important item must be:
Its length
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #52)
45’ & 55’ ladders require 5 ff’s to raise (6 if they’re wooden). Rooms byond the reach of any portable ladders & are inaccessible by aerial devices – that may be acceptable in bldgs of ___ construction, but not in which bldgs:
- Acceptable in bldgs of fire-resistive construction.
* Not acceptable in frame or ordinary construction bldgs without sprinklers or fire escapes.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #53)
Fig. 7-11: The selection of ladders for a department should only be made after a thorough survey of:
The entire community – looking for locations that are inaccessible to aerial devices, and careful consideration of alternatives.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #54)
The ladder compliment on apparatus should be consistent with:
The conditions encountered in the response area.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #55)
The NFPA requirement for total feet required for ground ladders is:
168’
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #56)
When selecting ladders for length, the 1st consideration should go to ___ ladders:
Extension ladders
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #57)
The nested length of a 2-section 35’ extension ladder is:
The 35’ extension ladder will replace which ladders:
- 35’ nested is 20’
* 28’ 24’ and in a pinch, a 20’
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #58)
The ability to adjust a ladder to the required working length is a major plus for the extension ladder. The alternatives are:
- Carrying more ladders of various lengths -or-
* To use an incorrect ladder at an improper angle.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #59)
Selecting a length for the task depends to a large extent on the floor at which the task will be performed. Rule of thumb – from floor to floor, estimate height of residential bldgs & commercial bldgs is?
- Residential – 9’
* Commercial – 12’
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #60)
An average windowsill is ___ above the floor is:
3’
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #61)
Average window height is:
4’
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #62)
You can begin to estimate the required length of your ladder by adding:
- Add length of residential bldg (9’ floor to floor) or commercial bldg (12’) +
- Average windowsill height of 3’ above the floor +
- A window height of 4’
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #63)
Members must also have an idea of the intended use of the ladder. If a task is window entry, rescue, FF escape or hoseline advance, a shorter ladder may suffice than if ___ need to be performed:
- Ventilation or
* Overhaul of the exterior
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #64)
Fig. 7-12: Select the right ladder for the job based on:
- The task &
* The floor to floor height of the structure
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #65)
Fig. 7-12 (cont): Floor to floor height in residential buildings is typically:
9’
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #66)
Fig. 7-12 (cont): Ladder placement →
- Venting from a ladder:
- For entry/exit:
- Venting – tip at top of window
* Entry/exit – tip just at or slightly below window sill
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Factors Affecting Ladder Selection (NC #67)
A quick size up should indicate to the FF that the 2nd floor windowsill is about ___ above grade, while the 3rd story windowsill would be about ___ above grade (residential):
- 2nd – 12’ above grade
* 3rd – 21’ above grade
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Climbing Angle (NC #68)
The proper Climbing Angle for a portable ladder is?
- 70 degrees
* (Puts climber in position to walk nearly erect while holding rungs or beams)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Climbing Angle (NC #69)
The 700 climbing angle eats up the vertical height of ladder since ladder must also cover a ___ distance.
Horizontal
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Climbing Angle (NC #70)
The 70 degree climbing angle eats up the vertical height of ladder since ladder must also cover a horizontal distance. For this reason, a 12’ ladder won’t reach windowsill of 2nd floor. At 70 degree climbing angle, about ___ of ladder’s total length lost:
6%
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Climbing Angle (NC #71)
At 70-degree climbing angle, 6% of ladder’s total length is lost. The remaining 94% is called:
The working length
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Climbing Angle (NC #72)
The ‘working length’ of a ladder is:
- The height that the ladder will actually reach above grade
* (To reach 2nd floor windowsill requires reach of 13’)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Climbing Angle (NC #73)
To ensure proper climbing angle (70 degrees) – a quick estimate of ___ gives you the approximate location to place the butt of the ladder away from the bldg:
Estimate of the working height divided by 4.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Climbing Angle (NC #74)
When ensuring proper climbing angle and location for butt of ladder – take ___ (3) into account before placing butt of ladder on the ground:
- Eaves,
- Balconies,
- Other overhangs.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Climbing Angle (NC #75)
Take eaves, balconies or overhangs into acct before placing butt of ladder on ground. Set butt down at this location, hoist & lower ladder into position – check climbing angle by:
- Standing on bottom rung, then
- Reach out for rungs at chest height.
- If can touch w/ arms fully extended & without having to lean in/out of ladder → good angle
- (Idea is to achieve a comfortable & stable position, rather than a preset figure that requires a protractor to measure)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #76)
___ (what) will determine the proper location of a ladders tip:
The intended task for the ladder’s use
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #77)
The intended task for the ladder’s use will determine the proper location of its tip. If ff is going to vent window by breaking it while working from a ladder – the best position for the tip of the ladder is:
- Even w/ the top of the window frame –
* Just off to the upwind side of the objective.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #78)
Placement of ladder tip for FF that is venting a window while working from the ladder does what 2 things:
- Allows M to ascend to a height from which the M can break the glass without being in its path as it falls.
- Keeps M’s hands high enough so that glass won’t slide down handle of tool.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #79)
Reason we are venting is to allow ___ (3) to escape:
- Heated gases, smoke & flame.
- (these usually at upper level of window – too high on the ladder & M can be caught in fire driven at them by shifts of the wind)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #80)
If entering or exiting through a window – proper location for the tip of the ladder will be at or just below the windowsill. This is because:
The entire width of the window is kept clear for ff – any other placement will impede an entry or exit.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #81)
Some recommend extending ladder 1 or 2 rungs into the window with the thought that a FF can looking for a route of escape will be able to see the ladder tip and move more quickly. The fact is that a ___ is more readily found under fire conditions than the ladder:
A vented window
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #82)
What sends a signal that a window is an escape window, which also helps achieve superior ventilation (as opposed to placing ladder w/ 1-2 rungs into the window):
Completely clearing the window of glass and sash where the ladder is in placed
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #83)
Avg. width of a residential window is:
30”
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #84)
A FF with an air pack on is nearly ___ wide:
20”
there’s just enough room to fir a 16” wide ladder in the window opening
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #85)
In addition, placing tip of ladder at the sill allows the M to climb onto it without
Rising up into the greatest area of heat or even fire (as do other methods), further reducing the chances of injury.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Proper Tip Placement (NC #86)
Fig. 7-13: Any ladder that a FF might be required to use as an escape route should be positioned (how):
With the tip at or just below the windowsill
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #87)
Currently, most ladders in the fire service are made out of:
- Aluminum
* (lighter & require less maintenance than wood ladders, which have largely been replaced)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #88)
The lightweight of aluminum allows 1 person to handle most ladders up to ___ in length, both straight & extension.
Up to 20’ in length
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #89)
2 members can handle a ___ ft aluminum ladder, if they butt it against the bldg while they raise it:
35’
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #90)
The most common drawback of aluminum ladders is:
Electrical conductivity
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #91)
Fig. 7-14: Aluminum ladders are great conductors of electricity. All ladders should be kept ___ or more (how far) from electrical lines, or extra precautions against electrical shock should be taken:
10 ft or more
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #92)
Offering at least a partial solution to the problem - composite ladders, primarily used by electric companies (not yet fully caught on w/ fire service) have beams made of ___ and rungs of ___.
- Beams → nonconducting fiberglass
- Rungs → aluminum
- (composite ladders – weight is slightly heavier than aluminum ladders & load carrying capacity is comparable)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #93)
All ladders – wood, aluminum and fiberglass can conduct electricity if they are:
Coated with water
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #94)
Always use extreme care when operating near:
Power lines
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #95)
A drawback of both fiberglass and aluminum is their lack of resistance to:
Heat
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #96)
The process used in manufacturing ___ ladders, requires heat treating
Aluminum
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #97)
Process used in manufacturing aluminum ladders requires heat-treating. Subsequent exposure to high heat can weaken a ladder’s strength w/ out any outward changes in shape. The only visible evidence of loss of strength may be:
Subtle discoloration similar to bluing
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #98)
If detect bluing on ladder or if ladder experiences direct exposure to flame, take it OOS until:
It can be properly tested.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #99)
NFPA for ground ladders (# & title)
- NFPA 32
* Std on Use, Maintenance & Service Testing of In-service FD Ground Ladders
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #100)
NFPA 1932 requires a heat-indicating label on ea. section of new aluminum & fiberglass ladders. The label will change color when:
Exposed to dangerous temps (300 degrees F)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #101)
From NFPA 32 → A design load of ___ (weight) has been selected for most ladders, since it usually takes 2 FFs to remove a single unconscious person:
750 lbs.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #102)
From NFPA 32 → The working strength (of ladders) is explained by assigning an average weight of ___ for each person:
250 lbs – including fire apparel & SCBA
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #103)
Load carrying capabilities, coupled with another requirement to facilitate safety and stability during any activity (but particularly rescue), results in ladders that are:
Heavier than the past
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #104)
The 2nd feature common on all ladders purchased since 1984 in an increased width of the sections. Old ladders had sections as little as ___. Newer ladders are how wide:
- Pre – 1984: 12”
* 1984 & newer: 16” wide at narrowest point
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Materials of Construction (NC #105)
A good working knowledge of (4 items pertaining to ladders) are a must before anyone is sent out to ladder a building:
- The ladder parts
- How they work
- Capacities
- Proper usage
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ladders (NC #118)
Fig. 7-15: Carrying a power saw ___ (how) allows you to use both hands for the climb:
On a sling
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ladders (NC #119)
- When working on ladder, always used ___ to secure yourself:
Ladder locks or a ladder belt
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ladders (NC #120)
Don’t overextend yourself. If necessary, reposition ladder. One of the easiest ways to fall from a ladder is to try to:
- Overextend your horizontal reach
- (sideways motion places great twisting stress on ladder, possibly causing ladder to spin - simplest way to avoid is to reposition the ladder)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ladders (NC #121)
- Tie off base of ladder – secure ladder to bldg or other substantial object (rarely possible). With extension ladder - secure halyard to bed section when at proper height (acts as insurance for ladder locks). Alternative to securing ladder at base is:
Secure the tip
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ladders (NC #122)
10 (cont): In the event that it is necessary to leave a ladder unattended, it should always be secured (where):
At the tip (tying off at the base won’t prevent it from being blown over sideways – especially true on lighter ladders)
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ladders (NC #123)
- Before stepping off ladder, be sure of:
- The stability of the area you’re about to enter
* Even if you can see the surface – use tool to probe area for strength
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ladders (NC #124)
Portable ladders are very useful tools, allowing us to reach areas otherwise made inaccessible by:
- Fire,
- Structural Collapse, or
- Architectural designs.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Aerial Devices (NC #125)
Aerial devices add to a unit’s capabilities, but they shouldn’t be viewed as replacement for portable ladders. Aerial devices are commonly used for:
- Search
- Rescue
- Vent
- Roof access
- Heavy stream application
- Platforms for overhaul or inspecting
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Aerial Devices (NC #126)
Certain tasks lend themselves to being performed by specific kinds of devices. Example - Ventilating windows on the front of a bldg is rapidly accomplished by using:
Aerial ladder.
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Aerial Devices (NC #127)
(cfpc) Certain tasks lend themselves to being performed by specific kinds of devices. 2nd Example – removing an unconscious victim is far easier with an:
Elevating platform
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Aerial Devices (NC #128)
Roof access is often required for ___ purposes:
Ventilation
Ch. 7: Norman – Ladder Company Operations
Section: Aerial Devices (NC #129)
For serious fires in larger bldgs, the initial roof crew may not be sufficient to complete all of the needed tasks. To supply reinforcements, an ___ is superior to an articulating boom or a tower ladder:
- Aerial ladder or ladder tower
- (same is true when need to evacuate large # of personnel from roof or other area – a continuous ladder is superior if they can climb on their own)