Chapter 8: Ground Ladders Flashcards
Beam
Main structural member of a ladder supporting the rung or rung blocks
Bed Section (Base section, main section)
Lowest and widest section of an extension ladder.
Butt (Heel or base)
Bottom end of the ladder; the end that is placed on the ground or other supporting surface when the ladder is positioned.
Butt Spurs
Metal plates, spikes, or cleats attached to the butt end of ground ladder beams to prevent slippage.
Fly Section
Upper section(s) of extension or some combination ladders; the section that moves.
Footpads (Shoes)
Swivel plates attached to the butt of the ladder; usually have rubber or neoprene bottom surfaces.
Guides
Wood or metal strips, sometimes in the form of slots or channels, on an extension ladder that guide the fly section while being raised
Halyard (Fly rope)
Rope or cable being used for hoisting and lowering the fly sections of an extension ladder.
Heat Sensor Label
Label affixed to the inside of each beam of each ladder section; a color change indicates that the ladder has been exposed to a sufficient degree of heat that it should be tested before further use.
Hooks
Curved metal devices installed near the top end of roof ladders to secure the ladder to the highest point on a peaked roof of a building.
Pawls (Dogs, Ladder locks)
Devices attached to the inside of the beams on fly sections used to hold the fly section in place after it has been extended.
Protection Plates
Strips of metal attached to ladders at chafing points, such as the tip, or at areas where it comes in contact with the apparatus mounting brackets
Pulley
Small, grooved wheel through which the halyard is drawn on an extension ladder.
Rails
The two lengthwise members of a trussed ladder beam that are separated by truss or separation blocks.
Rungs
Cross members that provide the foothold for climbing; the rungs extend from one beam to the other.
Stops
Wooden or metal pieces that prevent the fly section from being extended too far.
Tie Rods
Metal rods located beneath rungs extending from one beam to the other of a wood ladder
Tip (Top)
Extreme top of a ladder
Truss Block
Spacers set between the rails of a trussed ladder; sometimes used to support rungs.
What are the 4 main types of ladders used, and the occasional 5th ladder used?
Single, Combination, Roof, Extension and sometimes the commercial ladder.
Single ladders (wall ladders, straight ladders)
Consists of one section of a fixed length. Used for quick access to windows and roofs on 1-2 story buildings. Run from 6-32 feet but usually 12-24
Roof Ladders
Single ladders with folding hooks that anchor over the ridge of a pitched roof or some other roof part. 12-24 feet. May also be used as wall or straight ladders.
Extension ladders
Consist of a base or bed section, they have one or more fly sections so you can adjust to a specific length. The full length to which it extends indicates it size. Average between 12-39 feet.
Combination Ladder
Can be used as a step ladder or as a single or extension ladder. Usually, 8-14 feet but most commonly 10 feet.
How often should ground ladders be inspected?
After every use???
What markings are commonly found on ground ladders?
- Designated ladder length
- Manufacturers name plate
- Apparatus designation or a locally assigned inventory number
- White tip or reflective tape attached to the tip
- A stripe
What is stenciled on the beam as required by the AHJ?
Apparatus designation or locally assigned inventory number.
Bedded position
When the fly(s) of an extension ladder is (are) fully retracted, the position in which the ladder is carried on the apparatus.
The halyard cable should be taught in this position.
Firefighters should all be able to perform what in regards to ladders?
Routine ground ladder maintenance
Who should repair the ladder if needed?
A trained ladder repair technician
When painting ladders, you should limit the painting areas to what?
18 inches at the top and bottom of the beams.
When raising ladders, how far should you raise in regards to electrical wires?
Do not raise any ladders within 10 feet (3m) of electrical wires.
Never overload the ladder, what is the spacing per firefighter on a ladder?
One firefighter every 10 feet (3m) per one section
Which ladders will conduct electricity?
All ladders, regardless of their construction material
Which way should the fly be on modern and fiberglass ladders?
Fly out
Which way should the fly be on wooden ladders that are designed with the rungs mounted in the top truss rail?
Fly in
A residential story averages how many feet?
10 feet with the windowsill about 3 feet from the floor
A commercial story averages how many feet?
12 feet with about 4 foot from the floor to the windowsill
Designated ladder length
A measurement of the total length of a single section ladder and the maximum extended length of an extension ladder.
Will the ladders reach be more or less than the designated length?
Less
How many rungs beyond the roof edge should you go for roof access?
3-5 rungs
What two objects are to be met when placing ground ladders?
- Position the ladder properly for its intended use
2. Place the butt the proper distance from the building for safe and easy climbing.
What is the desired angle to place a ladder at?
75 degrees
What should you divide by to get the proper distance from the butt of the ladder and the building?
he working length (length being used) of the ladder by 4
What two methods are used for securing a ladder?
Heeling and tying-in
Rope Hose Tool
Piece of rope spliced to form a loop through the eye of a metal hook; used to secure hose to ladders or other objects.
What are the two basic ways for firefighters to raise a ladder?
Flat and beam raises
At least how many firefighters should be used to raise ladders of 35 feet (11m) or longer?
3
When pivoting a ladder, which beam should be pivoted on?
The beam closest to the structure.
Which two methods can be used to safely secure the firefighter to a ladder while performing work?
A ladder belt or a leg lock
How many firefighters are needed to bring victims down a ladder?
At least 4
How should conscious victims be brought down a ladder?
Feet first facing the building or rungs
How should an unconscious victim be brought down a ladder?
Feet outside the rails, victims body resting on the rescuers supporting knee.
The cross body method
Modified cross body method
See pg 342
How should you lower a very heavy person down a ladder?
Get another rescuer and have two rescuers on two separate ladders. One covering the victim’s waist and legs and the other the victims head and upper torso
How should you lower small children on a ladder?
Cradled across the rescuer’s arms.
