IFSTA CH 8 Ground Ladders + CFD Ladders Manual Flashcards
CFD Ladder uses
- Rescue
- Egress/Access
- Roof Operations
- Hose stream placement
- Ventilation
- Salvage and overhaul
- Ice rescue
- Bracing
Ladders used by CFD
constructed of aluminum and are of the “solid beam” variety
Two Manufacturers of ladders
Duo-safety
Alco-lite
Duo-safety ladders
Ladder beams are solid construction and smooth
Rungs are welded into place
Thimble is located to protect working end halyard loop
Working end of halyard tied to an anchor
Pulley has some movement
Generally lighter in weight than Alco-lite
alco-lite ladders
Ladder beams have I-beam construction
Rungs are pressed into place allowing replacement
Halyard tied directly to the ladder rungs
Pulley has no movement
Generally heavier than Duo-Safety ladders
Folding Ladder (Little Giant Revolution 17)
Versatile
Can be used as an A-frame ladder, staircase ladder, 90 degree ladder or an extension ladder
Max. extension height is 15’
o Ladder weight – 37.5lbs
o Working load – 300lbs
10’ Attic Ladder
Are lighter and fold into a tight configuration for storage or handling
o Ladder weight – 16lbs
o Working load – 300lbs
12’ Fresno Ladder
Used indoor where space is limited (attic and cellar hatches)
Narrow width
o Ladder weight – 30lbs
o Working load – 750lbs
14’ Roof Ladder
Straight frame ladder with two roof hooks at the tip
This ladder can be used for access to low windows, roof operations for traction on a steep pitch or to spread out weight, or gaining access to other objectives
o Ladder weight – 28lbs
o Working load – 750lbs
16’ Roof ladder
Same as 14’ roof ladder
perfect for laddering bungalow roofs and first floor windows on many homes
Only one member is required to raise the ladder, and they are simple and fast to deploy
o Ladder weight – 39lbs
o Working load – 750lbs
18’ Roof Ladder
Ideal for buildings with steeper pitched roofs
On many homes it will reach the second floor window and on commercial buildings will reach the roof
It can be raised by one member if a stationary object is available to butt against.
o Ladder weight – 44lbs
o Working load – 750lbs
20’ Wall Ladder
Straight frame ladder
Good for 2nd floor windows or commercial building roofs
Must be butted against a stationary object to raise
o Ladder weight – 48lbs
o Working load – 750lbs
24’ Extension Ladder
Most common ladder
Can reach roofs, windows and other objectives and is easily deployed by one member
o Ladder weight – 72lbs
o Working load – 750lbs
28’ Extension Ladder
Extra 4 ft of reach, assuring access to windows on a high second floor or the roof on a 2-story structure
Can reach many 3rd story balconies
Largest ladder used for a single member raise
o Ladder weight – 87lbs
o Working load – 750lbs
35’ 2 Section Extension Ladder
Raised by two members
Will reach many objectives including a 4th story window
o Ladder weight – 122lbs
o Working load – 750lbs
35’ 3 Section Extension Ladder
offers the same reach as the above 35’ but the overall length is shorter when bedded
heavier and has an extra set of dawgs to lock
o ladder weight – 129lbs
o working load – 750lbs
45’ 3 Section Bangor Ladder
will reach 5th story balcony or 4th story roof
different with the addition of tormentor poles
can be raised by two members if butted up against a stationary object and by three members if free raised
o ladder weight – 240lbs
o working load – 750lbs
For safety reasons the number of personnel on a ladder should follow these guidelines unless under extreme situations
28 ft or less – 2 Firefighters maximum load
35 or more 3 Firefighters maximum load
NFPA requires all ladders to have a safety factor of 4:1
Engine compliment
1x Folding Ladder (Combination Ladder)
1x 10’ Attic Ladder (Single Ladder)
1x 14’ Roof Ladder (Single Ladder)
1x 24’ Extension Ladder
Heat Sensor
A label that changes colour to indicate the ladder has been subject to heat greater than 149°C (300°F)
Cleaning
Ladders can be cleaned with a mild soapy solution, brush and warm water.
If the dogs are “sticky,” wash the contaminants out with citrol and warm water.
The dogs should then be lightly lubricated with spray silicone
Repairs
Crews in the station can replace halyards by requesting a length of rope and a “Halyard Splice Kit.” If any other damage is noticed on the ladder, it must be tagged with damage location and type and sent in for repair
Adjust the Butt
This positions the ladder to the objective, squares it to the building, or gives the proper climbing angle
Primary carries
Low Shoulder Carry (28’ or Less)
High Shoulder Carry (28’ or Less)
Suitcase Carry (28’ or More)
Flat Carry
High/Low Carry
High Shoulder Carry (28’ or Less) Advantages
- More versatile
- More ergonomic
- Less prone to injury
- Faster deployment
- Accurate deployment
- One hand free
- Stable raise
High/Low Carry
This carry allows the ladder to be in a better position to be raised quickly and effectively, and also works well if there are two members of different heights
what ladder heights are expected to be carried and thrown by one member
28’ in length or under
ladder raises
beam raise and flat raise
beam raise
This raise is ideal for narrow laneways, tight alleys and between buildings
Flat raise
This raise is easier for the member raising the ladder, as well as the grounding member
This raise is not always achievable due to obstructions, and the raise is slower than the beam raise
Extending a 28’ or less
A single-member extends ladders 28’ or less
4 contact points (foot, knee, shoulder and halyard)
Slight lean to the building
Extending 35’ Ladders
extended using two members
Once the ladder is raised, it is appropriately located to avoid movement of the ladder after it is extended
One member positions on the inside of the ladder, between the objective and the ladder itself. (This member is responsible for extending the fly sections using the halyard. )
The other member will position themselves on the fly section side of the ladder (this member is responsible for grounding the ladder and keeping it stable)
Spotting the Ladder
The building should be approached at 90 degrees whenever possible
Avoid setting the ladder in front of windows or doorways that could become involved in fire
Try and determine the correct amount of extension before lowering the ladder into the objective
Extending a ladder (two-section ladders, each click of the dog is 14”) (three-section ladders each click of the dog is 28”)
5 rungs above roofline if possible. This allows for a more comfortable and safer transition to the roof.
When a window or opening is large enough for the ladder tip to go inside, and it will not impede entry/egress; two rungs should be placed above the sill line; this helps with the transition
Climbing Angle
75 degrees for normal operations and 60 degrees for VEIS or emergency egress
Positioning the ladder
The Calgary Fire Department utilizes ladders in the “fly-out” position but if needed the ladder can be used in the fly-in position
The ladder should not be raised into the vertical position and crab-walked while extended
Tying the Halyard
The CFD uses two half-hitches to tie the halyards on all ground ladders
Climbing the Ladder
It is essential to climb the ladder with a smooth and steady rhythm
When climbing the ladder with a tool, place the tool in your desired hand, and grasp the rear of the beam while maintaining your grip of the tool. (This allows you to maintain three points of contact.)
Ground ladder safety factor
it is important to note that all ground ladders must have a safety factor of 4:1, required by NFPA.
Operation of Ground Ladders
important to note how many members can operate on a ground ladder at any given time.
Ladder loads should never exceed 750lbs
Ladders 28’ or Less – 2 Persons
Ladder 35’ or more – 3 Persons
never leg lock on
an aerial ladder device
different types of locks
knee lock
heel lock
tool lock
leg lock
knee lock
this lock is a quick and temporary lock performed by flexing your knees into the beams of the ladder.
It can be used when receiving a victim or when breaking glass for VEIS
heel lock
take your heel and put it through the ladder rung, locking it in one rung below; offers you a secure lock to the ladder and allows you the ability to move quickly if conditions change. This lock can be used with the lock opposite the working side or on the same side of the ladder
tool lock
this lock can be used when ventilating windows and uses the tool as a lock. Simply put one arm on either side of the ladder beam grasping the tool, then vent the window. This lock can also be used in conjunction with other locks
leg lock
this lock must be performed opposite the working side of the ladder. Reach the proper working height and climb one rung higher. Place the leg opposite of the work through the rung spacing and as the member’s knee approaches the rung bend the leg back toward the next rung. It is acceptable to lock the foot into the lower rung or onto the beam
Offensive Ladder Position
This position involves having the ladder in a potentially hazardous area close to the fire location; this would include using a ladder for rescue, secondary means of egress, VEIS, horizontal ventilation, vertical ventilation using a roof ladder, or hose stream placement
Defensive ladder position
A defensive ladder position can still be an offensive tactic. However, the ladder is placed in a position that allows you to start your task from an area of refuge.
Offensive Ladder Positions
rescue
VEIS
hose stream placement
egress ladders
Offensive Ladder Positions - rescue
Rescue is not the same as VEIS; since the victim’s location is known and often seen, a search does not have to be performed
The tip should be placed just below the sill for a window rescue, with a climbing angle of 65 degrees, allowing for a shallower climbing angle for the victim
Offensive Ladder Positions - VEIS
This is performed in areas of tenability that may have a fire or heavy smoke involvement.
The climbing angle should be placed at 60 degrees not to impede a rapid bailout if conditions deteriorate
Offensive Ladder Positions - hose stream placement
be placed beside the window on the windward side. It may also be placed in the window opening with the tip up to one rung into the window. The climbing angle should be at 75 degrees, and a leg lock should be used while operating the hose line
Offensive Ladder Positions - egress ladders
should be placed in the highest hazard areas first; in anticipation of where fire attack is, or will be operating
The ladder should be placed with the tip just inside the sill. This makes the ladder visible to members on the interior of the building. The climbing angle should be set at 65 degrees to facilitate either a bailout or climb out of the window.
horizontal ventilation - two acceptable ways to break glass
first is to use the ladder itself
The second option is to break and clear the entire window from the ground ladder with a tool
best option for ladder placement when breaking glass
The best option is with the ladder in line with the window(s) the tip of the ladder just below the sill at a 75-degree angle
Vertical Ventilation With Roof Ladder
Place the ladder to the strongest point of the building available and in a location free of roof obstructions.
The ladder should extend 3-5 rungs past the roofline. The climbing angle for this evolution should be at 75 degrees
Vertical Ventilation (walkable Roof)
When laddering for roof operations on a walkable roof, operations should be started from the unburned side.
Strong points of the roof should be considered when placing ladders. Peaks or ridges, or 8ft in from building corners
Estimating Heights and Ladder Positions - residential
Story is about 10ft (3m)
Distance from the floor to a windowsill average about 3ft (1m)
Estimating Heights and Ladder Positions - commercial
Story averages 12ft (4m)
Distance from the floor to a windowsill average about 4ft
Hoisting a Ladder with a Rope
The ladder is left fully bedded with the fly towards the building
Use a figure eight on a bight to secure the ladder around one third of the way down.
When raised the tip should be pointed away from the building
The end of the rope should be secured to an object if possible
When lowering the ladder, turn it so the tip is facing the building.
inspect ladders
after each use
monthly
Service testing ladders
Before being placed in service
Annually while in service
After any use that exposes them to high heat or rough treatment
Ventilation placement of ladders
Upwind side of the window
Tip even with the top of the window
Single Ladders
Consist of one section of nonadjustable or fixed length
Roof Ladders
Are single ladders equipped with folding hooks that provide means of anchoring the ladder over the ridge of a pitched roof or some other roof part
The ladder distributes the firefighters weight and helps prevent slipping
Extension Ladders
Consist of a base or bed section and one or more fly sections that travel in guides or brackets to permit length adjustments
Following markings are commonly found on fire service ladders
Designated ladder length
A manufacturers name plate
Apparatus designation or a locally assigned inventory number
White tip or reflective tape attached to tip
A stripe – indicates balance point
Use following guidelines when cleaning a ladder:
Use a soft bristle brush and running water to clean the ladder
Remove tar, oil or greasy residues with mild soap and water or environmentally safe solvents and apply lubrication occasionally according to departmental SOPs and manufacturer recommendations
Look for damage or wear while cleaning the ladder
Wipe the ladder dry after cleaning or use
ladder maintenance
Maintenance means keeping ladders in a state of usefulness and readiness
ladder repairs
Repair means to restore or replace that which is damaged or worn out
General maintenance requirements for ground ladders include the following:
Keeping ground ladders free of moisture
Storing or position ladders where they are free from vehicle exhaust or engine heat
Keeping ladders in an area where they are not exposed to the elements of weather
Painting ladders only for the purpose of identification or visibility
Before raising a ladder, consider:
presence of electrical hazards
the position of the extension ladder fly section
Following guidelines to avoid electrical contact hazards:
Look up to check for overhead electrical wires or equipment
Look up again before raising the ladder
Keep a distance of at least 10 feet from all energized electrical lines and equipment (circle of safety)
Maintain this distance while raising the ladder, using the ladder and lowering the ladder
Use an alternative method for raising the ladder if the ladder may come to rest a safe distance from electrical equipment but come too close to the equipment during the actual raise
the position of the extension ladder fly section
Modern metal and fiberglass ladders are designed to be used with the fly out
Wooden ladders that are designed with the rungs mounted in the top truss rail are intended to be used with the fly in
Tying the halyard
Once an extension ladder is resting against a structure and before it is climbed, the excess halyard should be secured (tied off) to prevent anyone from becoming tangled in the rope when ascending or descending the ladder
Safety considerations when carrying ground ladders include the following:
Avoid obstructions
Maintain situational awareness of other firefighters at the scene
Life the ladder with your legs
Look ahead, scanning for obstruction, other people and trip hazards in front of you
Use an appropriate number of personnel to carry the ladder based upon the conditions at the scene and the length of the ladder
Work and communicate as a team
Identify one member of your lift team as a team leader
Carry roof ladders with the hooks closed
Carry ladders with the butt end first to facilitate transition from a ladder carry to a ladder raise
Observe and communicate to crew members and your supervisor the following conditions specific to ground ladders:
Presence of overhead electrical wires and obstructions
Ground conditions: muddy, icy and/or uneven terrain
Building structural integrity: condition of the wall and windows where the ladder will be raised
Wind direction and speed
Appropriateness of the chosen ladder: length, single or extension, correct for the task
Structural features such as type of roof, wall height and presence of overhangs
Two objectives are to be met when placing ground ladders:
Position the ladder properly for its intended use
Place the butt the proper distance from the building for safe and easy climbing
A 75-degree angle provides the following benefits:
Good stability
Less stress placed on the ladder
Optimum climbing angle
Easiest climbing position: the climber can stand perpendicular to the ground, at arms length from the rungs
Two methods are used for securing a ladder:
heeling
tying in
heeling following guidelines
Wear full PPE with helmet, face shield deployed when heeling the ladder
Be alert for falling objects or debris
Stay alert for firefighters descending the ladder
Tying in guidelines
Whenever possible, a ladder should be tied securely to a fixed object
Prevents the ladder from slipping or pulling away from the building
Tying also frees personnel who would otherwise be holding the ladder in place
Rope hose tool or safety strap can be used between the ladder and a fixed object
The process of securing a ground ladder may include any or all of the following:
Lock the extension ladder locks in place before the ladder is placed against the structure
Tie the halyard with a clove hitch and an overhand safety
Heel and/or secure the ladder with a rope to a nearby, firm object to prevent ladder movement
Climbing Ladders
Ladder climbing should be done smoothly and rhythmically
You should ascend the ladder so that there is least possible amount of bounce and sway
Securing to the Ladder
-Either a ladder belt or a leg lock can be used to safely secure the firefighter to a ladder while performing work
Carrying Tools Up and Down Ladders
Disrupts your natural climbing motion either because of the added weight or the need to use one hand to hold the tool
If a tool is carried in one hand, it may be desirable to slide the free hand along the beam rather than on the rungs while making the climb (This method permits constant hand contact with the ladder)
Assisting a Victim Down a Ladder
When using a ground ladder for rescue through a window, the ladder tip is raised just below the sill
To bring victims down a ground ladder, a least four firefighters are needed:
Two inside the building
On or two on the ladder
And one to heel the ladder
Methods for assisting unconscious victims include:
On-the-knee
Cross-body method (Victim facing firefighter)
Modified Cross-body method (Victim is facing the ladder)
