Continuing Education
for the Fire Fighter
Copyright: IFSTA, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition
Ground Ladders
Module 2
Chapter 12
Copyright: IFSTA, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Explain
considerations Identify basic
taken when considerations and
selecting, lifting, requirements for
and lowering a ground ladder
ladder. placement.
Describe various Describe various
methods for ladder methods for ladder
carries. raises.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Carry a ladder
Carry a ladder Carry a ladder – Two-
– One- – Three- firefighter
firefighter firefighter flat- arm’s length
low-shoulder shoulder on-edge
method. method. method.
Carry a ladder Carry a ladder
– Two- – Three-
firefighter firefighter flat-
low-shoulder arm's length
method. method.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Raise a
Raise a ladder –
ladder – Three- or
Two- four-
Tie the firefighter firefighter
halyard. flat raise. flat raise.
Raise a Raise a Deploy a
ladder – ladder – roof ladder
One- Two- – One-
firefighter firefighter firefighter
method. beam method.
raise.
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LADDER CARRY REQUIREMENTS VARY
DEPENDING ON THE TYPE.
Pumper Aerial
• One or • Three or
two four
firefighters firefighters
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METHODS TO REMOVE LADDERS FROM
APPARATUS DEPEND ON LADDER LOCATION.
• Vertically in racks on right side
Pumpers • Vertically in compartment between hose bed, right side
• Horizontally in compartment under right side of hose bed
• In mechanically operated rack under right side of hose bed
Aerial, • Vertically on left or right side of bed
quints • Horizontally in racks within bed
Specialized • Generally vertically on outside of body
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FIREFIGHTERS MUST KNOW CERTAIN INFORMATION
WHEN USING GROUND LADDERS ON APPARATUS.
Nested ladders
Types, length,
How ladders are • How to remove
location on
stored • Order racked
apparatus
Location of
mounting brackets Method used to Ladder fly is located
for vertically secure on inside or outside
mounted
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PROCEDURES FOR REMOVING SIDE AND TOP
MOUNTED LADDERS DIFFER FROM FLAT MOUNTED
LADDERS.
Vertically • Unlatch
• Lift off to correct carrying
mounted position
• Open access panel
Stored • Slide out to proper carrying
point
internally • Multiple firefighters – Take
assigned location as ladder
is pulled out
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THE ONE-FIREFIGHTER LOW-SHOULDER CARRY IS
FOR SOME SINGLE AND ROOF LADDERS.
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CAUTION
Carrying the forward
end of a ladder at eye
level impedes the
carrier’s balance and
visibility and increases
the risk of the butt
spurs striking someone
else in the head.
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THE TWO-FIREFIGHTER LOW-SHOULDER CARRY IS
ALSO FOR SOME SINGLE AND ROOF LADDERS.
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THE THREE-FIREFIGHTER FLAT-SHOULDER CARRY
IS TYPICALLY USED ON EXTENSION LADDERS.
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THE THREE-FIREFIGHTER FLAT ARM’S LENGTH
CARRY BEGINS WITH THE FLY SECTION UP.
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THE FOUR-FIREFIGHTER FLAT-SHOULDER CARRY
IS SIMILAR TO THE THREE PERSON METHOD.
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THE TWO-FIREFIGHTER ARM’S LENGTH ON-
EDGE CARRY IS BEST WITH LIGHTWEIGHT
LADDERS.
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THERE ARE SOME GENERAL PROCEDURES TO
USE FOR CARRYING ROOF LADDERS.
Carry butt or tip
first
• If butt first, heel at
base of extension
ladder
• If carried tip first, carry
to base of extension
ladder
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LADDER PLACEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES ARE
OFTEN SHARED BY DIFFERENT PERSONNEL.
Officer Personnel Follow
designates carrying decide department
location, task exact spot SOPs
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THERE ARE TWO OBJECTIVES WHEN PLACING
GROUND LADDERS.
Proper distance
Properly for
from building for
intended use
safe, easy climbing
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POSITIONING WILL VARY BASED ON THE TASK
BEING ACCOMPLISHED.
To break
window for
ventilation Entry or rescue
from window
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OTHER LADDER PLACEMENT GUIDELINES ARE
ALSO IMPORTANT TO KNOW.
Place at two points, different sides of building
Avoid exposure to heat, direct flame contact
Take advantage of construction strong points
Raise directly in front of window when support for smoke ejector
Avoid contact with overhead obstructions
Avoid uneven terrain, soft spots
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OTHER LADDER PLACEMENT GUIDELINES ARE
ALSO IMPORTANT TO KNOW.
Avoid top of
Avoid in front of Do not place
sidewalk elevator
doors, other paths against unstable
trapdoors, sidewalk
of travel walls, surfaces
deadlights
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THE DISTANCE OF THE BUTT END FROM THE
BUILDING IS WHAT DETERMINES LADDER
ANGLE.
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THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO DETERMINE
PROPER DISTANCE FOR LADDER ANGLES.
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METHODS FOR LADDER RAISES REQUIRE
TEAMWORK, SMOOTHNESS, AND RHYTHM.
Depends on
• Type, size of ladder
• Number of personnel available
• Weather conditions
• Topography conditions
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THE TRANSITION FROM LADDER CARRY TO RAISE
SHOULD BE DONE IN ONE SMOOTH MOTION.
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SEVERAL CONSIDERATIONS MUST BE
ADDRESSED BEFORE RAISING A LADDER.
Identify electrical hazards
Example: Look up before lifting
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WARNING
All ladders will
conduct electricity,
especially when
wet, regardless of
their construction
material.
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SEVERAL CONSIDERATIONS MUST BE
ADDRESSED BEFORE RAISING A LADDER.
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SEVERAL CONSIDERATIONS MUST BE
ADDRESSED BEFORE RAISING A LADDER.
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THE ONE-FIREFIGHTER RAISE CAN BE USED FOR
BOTH SINGLE AND EXTENSION LADDERS.
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THERE IS LITTLE DIFFERENCE IF THE LADDER IS PARALLEL
OR PERPENDICULAR TO THE BUILDING FOR TWO-
FIREFIGHTER RAISES.
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THE THREE-FIREFIGHTER FLAT RAISE CAN BE
USED FOR HEAVIER LADDERS.
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THE FOUR-FIREFIGHTER FLAT RAISE CAN BE
USED FOR HEAVIER EXTENSION LADDERS.
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THERE ARE A NUMBER OF WAYS A ROOF
LADDER CAN BE DEPLOYED.
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SUMMARY
You must be able to select, carry, and
place them to effectively gain access
and perform your assigned tasks.
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