Ladders Flashcards
What is the difference between a wall ladder and an extension ladder?
Wall ladder is a fixed length ladder usually found in lengths between 12 and 20 feet. It is light and can be carried by one person. Extension ladder consists of two or more ladders that operate as a unit. The bed ladder acts as the nest for the movable fly ladder.
What is the function of the hooks on a roof ladder?
When extended the hooks are placed over the ridge of a peaked roof while the ladder rests on the sloped roof. The rungs are then used by the firefighter to gain a foothold where it would otherwise be impossible.
What is the main function of cleaning and maintenance duties?
With high levels of heat, overloading, and rough handling, ladders experience abuse that warrants inspection attention. During the cleaning process, closer inspection of the ladder will occur. Nooks and crannies of the ladder will be observed.
What is the main use of ladders at fire operations?
Provide access to elevated locations, with ropes they can assist in shoring a wall as an emergency support, can be used to channel water to drains.
Under what conditions is a ground ladder used as an elevated water stream application device?
May be employed when no other approach to the fire is available.
Describe the rules for mounting and dismounting a ladder.
Mount: step onto a secure and stable objective. Using the handmove first will permit the climber to get an immediate feel for whether the target is unstable. Dismount: Check the stability with a tool. If stability seems to be intact, the firefighter can move one foot onto the objective.
What is the climbing path?
The imaginary passageway a firefighter climbs through while ascending a ladder.
How far away from the building the ladder be placed?
Ideally a safe climbing distance about 75 degrees.
Describe two techniques a firefighter can use to heel or foot a ladder.
Beam raise, Rung raise
When stabilizing an extension ladder, the raiser who is stabilizing the ladder must take care to ensure proper hand placement. Why?
To prevent a missed grip on a rung that would permit the ladder to fall on the firefighter underneath.
What are the hazards a firefighter should look for when raising a ladder?
Overhead obstructions: tree limbs, structural overhangs, television and telephone wires, and electrical lines.
What are the considerations that come in to play when selecting a ladder to be applied?
ground condition, height needed, purpose, slope of ground, accessibility of location, available personnel, overhead considerations, raising space considerations, and stability.
