Ladders

Question 1

Types of Ladders (3)

Answer 1

• Combination ladder
• 8.8m Extension ladder (Div A)
• Double 9m extension ladder (Div B)

Question 2

Ladder Terminology

Answer 2

‘All eyes to the head of the ladder’

• (Prepare to) Raise the ladder
• (Prepare to) Extend the ladder
• (Prepare to) Depress the ladder
• (Prepare to) Elevate the ladder
• (Prepare to) House the ladder
• ‘Above and behind’
• (Prepare to) Lower the ladder
• ‘Foot the ladder’
• Pitch the ladder - stand against an objective
• Plumb the ladder - Ensure perpendicular to ground
• Site the ladder - Place in most suitable position
• Slip the ladder - Remove from appliance
• Stow the ladder - Replace onto appliance
• Under-run the ladder - walking under to raise or lower
• Under below - warning that something being lowered

Question 3

Ladder (8) Parts:

Answer 3

• Head
• Foot
• Rungs
• Strings
• Base section
• Fly section
• Safety pawl
• Extension rope

Question 4

Define the 3 P’s:

Answer 4

Plumbing - checking the ‘L’ shaped sticker along with the position of the firefighter footing the ladder and ensure the ladder is not leaning to one side

Projection - distance of the base from the vertical objective is 1/4 the height of the extended height

Pawls - Ensure that there are at least 3 rungs above the dismount rung or the horizontal surface the ladder is rested on and that the pawls are locked in place

Question 5

Combination Ladder Construction and specifications:

Answer 5

• Aluminum and plastic
• Spring loaded locking bolts
• Can be used as trestle, step or extension ladder
• Trestle height 1.29m
• Step ladder height 1.86m
• Max extension 4.2m

Question 6

Extension Ladder 8.8m (Div A) Construction

Answer 6

• Fibreglass and aluminium
• One base section and one fly section
• Two wheels at head of ladder
• Brackets at head and foot
• Pawls mounted at the head of the base section
• Non skid feet with gravel spikes
• Rungs are flattened ‘D’ shape for grip

Question 7

(5) Considerations necessary for safe sitting of a ladder:

Answer 7

1. Height - will the height of the ladder achieve what we need?
2. Projection - Can we achieve the required projection with the height of object and height of ladder?
3. Plumbing - Can we put the ladder up in such a way that it won’t tip left or right?
4. Clearances - Are there any branches, power lines, tress etc. in the way?
5. Ground Condition - Is the ground slippery or uneven?

Question 8

Inspection and Maintenance of ladders:

Answer 8

Division A:
If a ladder appears to have any damage, or does not conform to checks, complete a P798 Form (Damaged or Missing Equipment / Uniform Report) and notify OIC

Division B:
Any identified damage or faults on Div B ladders should be reported to the shift LFF or SO