Fort Blackmore Volunteer Fire Department

Fort Blackmore Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

S. O. G.’s

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Standard Operating Guidelines

Chapter 13: Ground Ladders

Working Copy | Revised August, 2007

Fort Blackmore VFD has created these Guidelines to help our Firefighters continue to be safe on the Fire Ground. NOTE: This is a guideline and not a FBVFD-required policy. All Guidelines developed by the Officers at FBVFD are to be viewed as Guidelines and not as Standard Operating Procedures.

Ground Ladder Hazards

Improper placement of ladders and defective parts usually cause fire department ladder accidents. Proper placement is a training issue, while defective parts can be addressed through a proper and thorough inspection. Prevention starts with good standard operating guidelines, adequate ladder maintenance, and inspections.

Ground Ladder Maintenance

Wood Ladders: should be protected with a clear sealer varnish, shellac, linseed oil or wood preservative. Wood ladders should not be painted. Paint will hide defects.

Fiberglass Ladders: should have a surface coat of lacquer maintained. If it is scratched beyond normal wear, it would be lightly sanded before applying a thin coat of lacquer.

Aluminum Ladders: should be checked for signs of physical damage [cracks, splintering, warping, discoloration, bending, dents, etc.

Fire Service Ground Ladder Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines [ • ]

Check for signs of physical damage

Test rungs for tightness by twisting them

Check for bent beams and rungs

Check halyard for frays, cuts, or bunching

Check halyard for snugness and freedom of movement

Check for free-turning pulleys

Check heat sensor for signs of heat exposure

Check dogs and pawls for freedom of movement and operation

Check condition of guides and free movement of fly sections

Check rivets, welds, and bolted connections for tightness and defects

Check for any unusual wear

Check ladder for cleanliness: wash with mild soapy water and brush

Ladders should be visually inspected each month and after each use

[ • ] Taken from Virginia Department of Fire Programs Firefighter 1 and 2 Performance Standards, LADR#1-2, Dated July 1, 2000]

[ • ] Consult IFSTA Fire Service Ground Ladder Practices, 9^th Edition, pa 149-151 [not available at FBVFD at this time]

[ • ] Consult IFSTA, Essentials of Fire Fighting, 4^th Edition, pg 304-305, 340-341.

Working Off Ground Ladder with Tools

Working off a ground ladder can be done by FBVFD firefighters with training. A life safety belt does not need to be worn while using a firefighting axe, pike pole, etc. The firefighter shall check for the proper angle of inclination before climbing. After reaching the height needed, the firefighter shall use a leg lock, if possible. Properly ascending and descending the ladder is a skill learned during training. Fire ladders should be used while wearing full PPE for structural fire fighters, including helmet, gloves, coat, trousers, boots, and SCBA [if needed]. The Firefighter will not have to have a face pieced donned.

Firefighters should keep these tips in mind while using Ground Ladders:

Check ladder for proper climbing angle

Climb ladder smoothly with an axe [or other tool] in one hand and the other hand sliding underneath the beam

Secure your body to the ladder utilizing a proper leg lock method if possible

When the firefighter is at the proper height, he/she may begin to use the tool in a stable and timely manner

Proper Carrying and Raising Techniques

All firefighters should have a basic knowledge of carrying ground ladders safely, setting ground ladders, and proper raising techniques. These will be addressed during a Training. For these proper carrying and raising techniques, the FBVFD Instructor will be aware of NFPA 1001 3-3.5[b], and 3-3.11[b], which are not currently available at the Fire Department. However, the Instructor shall consult IFSTA Essentials, 4^th Edition, VDFP Performance Standards, and the VDFP Instructor Manual.

Ground Ladder Duty Ratings

All firefighters should have a basic knowledge of ground ladder duty ratings. The type of ladder determines how much weight it can safely handle. Here is a list of Maximum Loads for different ground ladders:

Type	Max. Pounds	Max. Kilograms
Folding Ladders	300	136
Pompier Ladders	300	136
Single & Roof Ladders	750	340
All extension Ladders	750	340
Combination Ladders	750	340

Fire Service Ladder Inspection Guideline

All ground ladders should be inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, as often as necessary. All firefighters should have a basic knowledge of ground ladder inspection.

General	OK	Needs Repair	Date Repaired

Loose steps or rungs [consider loose if they can be moved at all with one hand]
Loose nails, rivets, screws, bolts, or other metal parts
Cracked, split, or broken uprights, braces, or rungs
Slivers on uprights, rungs, or steps
Worn, rotted, or frayed ropes
Surface corrosion

Wood	OK	Needs Repair	Date Repaired
Cracks or Rot
Painted Surfaces
Broken or missing rungs
Hardware in poor condition

Metal or Aluminum Extension Ladders	OK	Needs Repair	Date Repaired
Any rough burrs or sharp edges
Loose joints or bolts
Faulty welds or cracks
Loose, broken, or missing extension locks
Defective locks that do not seat properly while extended
Bent beams or rungs
Unusual wear
Wire rope on 3 and 4 section ladders snug
Roof Ladders	OK	Needs Repair	Date Repaired

Roof hooks sharp and operate properly