The ladder is a basic firefighting tool. A variety of types are available to meet a wide spectrum of firefighting tasks. It is important that the types of ladders carried on your apparatus meet your local needs and that you are proficient in their use.By their design fire service ground ladders are potentially dangerous under normal circumstances and use. They are large, awkward to carry or control and limit maneuverability. Under emergency conditions, especially in hours of darkness, they become substantially more dangerous.
Observance of safety rules can minimize the potential harm to everyone on the fire ground and increase the effectiveness of ground ladder evolutions. There is no substitute for common sense, make sure you wear required safety clothing: Gloves; Helmet with shield; Turnout coat and pants; Turnout boots; Breathing apparatus if necessary.
Select correct ladder(s) for task and large enough to support operation. For proper length estimate 12 feet per story and estimate 4 feet to window sills. Have sufficient excess length to perform assigned task on the fire ground.
Assign sufficient number of fire fighters for ladder operations. Use only ladders which are well maintained. Lift with legs and keep back straight. Person at butt is generally ladder commander. ALWAYS work as a team. Use standard commands for preparing and executing ladder maneuvers Unused ladders should be returned to apparatus or staging area.
Ladders should have the right-of-way on the fire ground. Carry ladders with proper number of personnel, and use legs not back. Use standard precautionary warnings such as:
"Ladder coming through" or "Ladder coming around"
Watch for ground level hazards and obstacles.
When raising ladders have the proper number of personnel and use proper method for type and size of ladder. Make sure the path is free of overhead obstructions such as electrical lines, telephone lines, trees and other obstructions.
Use standard precautionary warnings when raising ladders:
"Fingers and toes" or "Pawls locked"
Clear the area of unnecessary personnel, position at strong points of structure, position upwind, and position out of path of potential fire extension.
Climb ladders at proper climbing angle of a 75 degree angle, less than 75 degree angle puts unnecessary stress on ladder and reduces weight bearing capacity. Greater than 75 degree angle decreases the stability of ladder.
Test ladder stability positioned on stable surface, positioned on level surface, properly resting against structure that has adequate structural integrity. Secure ladder and tie off with clove hitch.
Use assistant to heel the ladder with a person heeling ladder should exert slight inward pressure since this "load" must be factored in when determining how much weight ladder is supporting. At no time should person heeling ladder look upward. Person heeling ladder should have helmet in place and shield down. Person heeling ladder shall hold the beams NOT the rungs. Check to ensure pawls are locked prior to climbing onto each fly section. Use legs to climb, not arms. Erect posture/back straight and maximum ladder loading is one person per fly when climbing.
When lowering ladders use proper number of personnel and proper method for type and size of ladder being lowered. Keep path free of overhead obstructions such as electrical lines, telephone lines, trees. Again, use standard precautionary warnings:
"Fingers and toes," "Pawls locked," "Clear"
Make sure designated area is clear and control the speed with which ladder is being lowered.
Ground ladders are essential in rescue and fire extinguishment operations. They permit access to areas where such access would not be otherwise available. By their nature, however, they can be dangerous unless properly maintained and utilized. It is important that safety rules be followed to limit the number and severity of firefighter injuries.
One of the most basic skills a firefighter must possess is the ability to safely lift and carry 16 - 35 foot ladders. These ladders are long, heavy, and awkward. They present safety hazards to the fire fighters moving them and to all other fire fighters working on the fire grounds. Only by using proper lifting and moving techniques can the number of injuries attributable to ladder evolutions be reduced. Practice, drill, but do it safely so when the real deal comes about raising a ladder will be a task that contributes to a successful fire ground.
