Chapter #12 Ground Ladders Flashcards
Fire service ladders have similar construction, shape, and design as those designed for private industry and general use, but they are capable of what?
Supporting heavier loads
Standard for manufacturers design of fire department ground ladders.
NFPA 1931
This requires that folding ladders hold 300lbs. Single, roof, combination, and extension ladders support 750lbs.
NFPA 1931
Standard on use, maintenance, and service testing of in service fire department ground ladders.
NFPA 1932
Label affixed to the inside of each beam of each section; a color change indicates the ladder has been exposed to significant heat and should be tested before further us.
Heat-sensor label
Two other names for Pawls.
Dogs or Ladder logs
Wooden or metal pieces that prevent the fly section from being extended to far.
Stops
Most common ladder material in use in the fire service. Least expensive, Easy to repair. Can suddenly fail when exposed to heat greater then 200 F.
Metal (aluminum heat treated) Ladders
Doug fir used for the beams. Hickory for the rungs. Red oak for the pulley block, slide glides, and other misc parts. Do not conduct heat, Retain strength when exposed to heat, less bouncing when climbing, very durable. Highest cost, Can be very heavy.
Wood Ladders
Least common ladder material in the fire service. Cost less then wood more then metal. Very strong. Can suddenly crack and fail when overloaded, can burn when exposed to flame.
Fiberglass Ladders
Ladder length on each beam with in 12” of the butt plate. Manufacture name along with month and year made. Electrical hazard warning. Ladder positioning (climbing angle and side of ladder is to be away from the building), Heat sensor label on metal and fiberglass (placed on the inside rung of each beam, below the second rung of the tip of the section, preset at 300 F, must have a expiration date)
Required NFPA 1931 ladder markings.
Name the five types of fire service ladders.
Single, Roof, Extension, Combination, Folding
Also called wall ladders or straight ladders. Fixed length. Some are of the trussed type, intended to maximize their strength while reducing weight. Lengths vary from 6 - 32’, most common lengths are from 12-24’.
Single Ladders
Single ladder with folding hooks at the tip. Lengths of 12-24’.
Roof Ladders.
Single ladder with hinged rungs. Lengths from 8-16’ most common is 10’. NFPA 1931 requires foot pads on the bottom to prevent slipping.
Folding Ladders
Adjustable. Potential full length is the ladders length. Range from 12 -39’.
Extension Ladders
Can be A-frame, single, or extension ladder. Lengths of 8-14’, most common 10’. May be equipped with positive locking devices to hold the ladder in place.
Combination Ladders
Standard For Automotive Fire Apparatus.
NFPA 1901
One single (roof) ladder with roof hooks. One extension ladder. One folding Ladder. Recommendation that a 35’ extension be carried where no ladder truck is in service.
Required ladders on a pumper. NFPA 1901
Must carry a minimum of 115’ of ground ladders. Ex: One folding ladder, Two single (roof) ladders w/ hooks. Two extension ladders.
Required ladders on a Aerial Apparatus. NFPA 1901
Must carry a minimum of 85’ of ground ladders. Types of ladders are the same as required for a pumper.
Required ladders for a Quint. NFPA 1901
Requires ground ladders to be inspected after each use and monthly.
NFPA 1932
When inspecting a ladder without a heat sensor what should be looked for?
Heavy carbon (soot) deposits or blisters paint on the ladder tips. Discoloration on fiberglass ladders.
Requires all ground ladders be service tested before being put into use, annually while in service, and after any expose to high heat or rough treatment.
NFPA 1932
Ladders should be cleaned when?
After every use.
Tools for cleaning a ladder?
Soft bristle brush and running water. Mild soap or safe solvents to get rid of tar, oil, or grease.