LADDERS (Firefighting & Rescue Training
LADDERS
Firefighting & Rescue Training
for
The National Petroleum Company-Iran
The
Moreton-in-Marsh
Gloucestershire
LADDERS
Contents Page
1 Key Information
1.1 Aims & Learning Outcomes 3
2 Primary Information
2.1 Terminology 4 - 5
2.2 Criteria for Pitching Ladders 6
2.3 Ladders in the Fire Service 6
2.4 Bridging Ladders 10
2.5 Safety Aspects 11
2.6 Ascending and Descending 11
2.7 Taking a Leg Lock 11
3 Supporting Information
3.1 Improvising a Step Ladder 12
3.2 Handling Ladders 12
3.3 Hoisting a Ladder 12
3.4 Using an Extension Ladder 13
3.5 Use as a Stretcher 13
3.6 Forming a Dam 13
3.7 Technical Data 14
LADDERS
1 KEY INFORMATION
1.1 AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
The aim of this session is to:
Introduce the student to all extension ladders used within the Service and the terminology used with these ladders.
At the end of the session the student will be able to:
· List the standard terminology in relation to pitching ladders
· List four criteria for pitching Fire Service Ladders
· Identify the different ladders used in the Service
· Identify the principle parts of a ladder
· State the function, use and construction of all ladders used within the Service
· State, and put into practice, the safety points and notes on extension ladder drills as detailed in the Fire Service Manual.
LADDERS
2 PRIMARY INFORMATION
2.1 TERMINOLOGY
Words of Command
The following words of command are to be used during training and where applicable, at incidents.
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Action or meaning |
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Extend |
To increase the overall length of a ladder |
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Extend to lower |
To raise the extending portion of a ladder to clear pawls for lowering |
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Head in |
To move the head of the ladder towards a building |
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Head out |
To move the head of the ladder away from a building |
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Heel in |
To move the heel of the ladder into the building |
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Heel out |
To move the heel of the ladder away from the building |
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House |
To reduce the overall length of a ladder |
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Pawls |
To indicate when descending a ladder that the pawls are fitted on the next round below and the feet should be laced towards the centre of the round. This command (along with ‘Step in’ and ‘Step out’) should be used during drills to accustom personnel to the procedure, particularly when performing rescue drills. The order should be given when the leading foot reaches the round immediately above the hazard |
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Pitch |
To erect a ladder against a building, e.g., ‘Pitch to the third floor’ |
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Props – down |
Used by the No 1 of a crew during the ‘High Wind’ procedure of a 13.5m ladder drill. Once the ladder has been sited, the props are then rested on the ground to support it for extension. |
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Words of Command Command Slip |
Action or meaning To remove a ladder from the appliance |
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Stand from Under |
· To be used by anybody who has to lower equipment or drop debris from a height when there is a risk that it might strike someone. · When lowering items, personnel should ensure that no-one is immediately below. · Also to be used when equipment is accidentally dropped from a height. |
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Stand by to Lower |
To be used when two or more firefighters are to take the strain in preparation to lower a heavy object. |
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Lower |
After taking the strain the firefighters all lower simultaneously. |
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Stand by to lift |
To be used when two or more firefighters are to take the strain to lift a heavy object |
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Lift |
After taking the strain the firefighter all lift simultaneously |
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Step in |
To indicate that the overlap of extension is reached when descending a ladder with extensions on the underside (see note on ‘Pawls’ above). |
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Step out |
To indicate that the overlap of the extension has been reached when descending ladder with extensions on the face side (see notes on ‘Pawls’ above) |
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Under Run |
To raise a ladder from a horizontal to a vertical position and vice versa. |
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2.2 CRITERIA FOR PITCHING FIRE SERVICE LADDERS
Heel: positioned one third of the working height from the building
Head: Standard pitch – positioned between three to five rounds clear of the cill
Cill pitch – positioned level or just below level of the cill
Plumbing: not grater than 7 degrees from the vertical.
2.3 LADDERS IN THE FIRE SERVICE
All appliances carry two or three section aluminium short extension ladders.
Use:
· When using the complete ladder each section may be extended to the limit determined by the stops fitted.
· Each extension may be used individually, or as an adaptation to other equipment, e.g., part of a temporary dam, ‘A’ frame, or step ladder
· Each extension is pawled to leave a minimum of three rounds overlap.
9m Ladders
Some appliances carry 9m or 10.5 ladders.
There are two manufacturers of these ladders in use in the service (Bayley and Angus Sacol).
Bayley 9m Ladders
§ They are manufactured from high tensile aluminium alloy. The extending section runs on nylon or steel rollers in guide channels integral with the strings. Claw-pendulum pawls are fitted which engage on a convenient and appropriate round of the main ladder, therefore applying the weight of the sliding extension to the main ladder rather than the extending line.
§ The sliding extension is operated from a 16mm line running over a top metal pulley. Stops are provided on the main ladder to prevent over extension. The extending line consists of the current length of line to allow for shrinkage. This line should never be shortened or tied in a knot when the ladder is stowed.
§ Pivoted heel plates are fitted to each string of the main ladder and wooden plugs to the other open ends of all strings.
§ The ladder may be adapted for use as a step ladder, bridge, or can be split to separate individual ladders.
§ Whenever the ladder extension is separated from the pawls, on re-assembly, the ladder must be tested for correct operation.
2.3 LADDERS IN THE FIRE SERVICE
Angus Sacol 10.5m Ladders
§ This ladder is manufactured from heat treated and hardened aluminium alloy.
§ The extending section runs on nylon rollers in guide channels integral with the strings. The ladder is fitted with double action automatic pawls with strong return springs to ensure positive action.
§ As an added safety feature the ladder is fitted with an automatic arrest device, which is identical to the one fitted to the AS 13.5m ladder.
§ The As 9m ladder may be bridged or split. However, the splitting and re-assembling procedure is not as described in the Fire Service Training Manual (See S.I.S Tech 2/061).
§ A wheel assembly is fitted to locate the ladder on its mounting and also to allow the head of the ladder to facilitate even running against wall surfaces.
§ A velcro strap is fitted to the main extension of the ladder and secures the two section together.
Gantry
Two different gantries are in use within the service; a fixed roof gantry and Sacol sliding gantry. After re-stowing, ladders must be checked for security.
13.5m Extension Ladder
· The 13.5m extension ladder is a three-section ladder carried on all WrL’s.
· It is manufactured from heat treated and hardened aluminium alloy. The two moving sections of the ladder run on nylon rollers in guide channels that form an integral part of the strings. The rounds are square sectioned to prevent turning and the tread surfaces are serrated to give non-slip qualities.
· An 18mm cotton/nylon rot-proof and non-hardening line running over the metal sheaves operates the upper section.
· To prevent the middle and upper sections from ‘running out’ whilst carrying the ladder a 50mm nylon webbing strap is fixed to the fifth round of the main ladder and secured by Velcro.
· Double action positive action automatic pawls with strong return springs are fitted to the first and top extension.
· A wheel assembly is fitted to the head of the ladder to facilitate easy running against wall surfaces.
2.3 LADDERS IN THE FIRE SERVICE
Extending Line Quadrants Jack Beam
2.3 LADDERS IN THE FIRE SERVICE
· Stability is provided by twin screw jacks attached to a robust stabilizer bar at the heel of the ladder permitting safe operation on uneven ground. The jacks are fitted with 200mm diameter operating wheels with universal joints to the pads.
· Tormenter poles (props) used for the structural support of the ladder and as an aid to handling are provided and fitted with universal joints at the head and metal spikes at the foot. Clips on the main ladder hold the props in the fold-away position when not required and during transit.
· Carrying handles are fitted to the head of the ladder and to the stabilizer bar.
· The yellow mark on the props should be on the underside of the ladder facing up.
Gantries
Two gantries are in use in the Service, a fixed roof gantry and a Sacol sliding gantry. After re-stowing, ladders must be checked for security.
Roof Ladders
Construction is of an aluminium alloy. The two sections are of unequal length – the upper C-shaped hook with protective edging and small diameter wheels (120mm) are fitted in the head. The ladder is held in the fully open position by positive spring-loaded locking pins, which engage automatically, when the ladder is opened up.
Note: It is important to ensure that the locking pins have fully engaged before the ladder is used.
Five U-shaped ladder supports are fitted to the underside of the ladder to spread the load more effectively with the roof surface when the ladder is in use.
Roof ladders are used to gain safe access to pitched roofs. Care must be taken to ensure the hook is properly secured on the roof reverse slope before mounting the ladder. Although the ladder is of lightweight construction it can be unwieldy in high winds or on roofs of unusual construction, i.e., mansard roofs, deep valley, etc.
Roof ladders are not to be used in the vertical position, either as a free-standing ladder, or supported by the C hook.
The ladder must not be used for bridging purposes.
All tests to conform to Service Information System – Technical 1/036.
All defects should be reported to Technical Services for the ladder technician to effect repair.
2.3 LADDERS IN THE FIRE SERVICE
NOTES ON THE USE OF ROOF LADDERS
Whilst it is not possible to cater for all the circumstances in which roof ladders may be used, the following points of guidance should be observed wherever practicable.
An extension ladder should be pitched to a point slightly on one side of the position that a roof ladder is to be used. The ladder should be extended, preferably about 5 round above the eaves, to enable a leg lock to be taken above eaves level. Extra care should be taken when ladders are resting on plastic guttering. (The weight of a ladder could cause damage to or flexing of the guttering resulting in the ladder becoming unstable).
The roof ladder should be under run, hook uppermost, and positioned adjacent to the strings of the extension ladder on the side that it is to be used with the hook pointing towards the opposite string. One firefighter should mount the extension ladder and ascend until they are able to place one arm between the fourth and fifth round of the roof ladder with the round resting firmly on their shoulder. The firefighter should then continue to ascend to a point above the eaves when a leg lock can be taken with the leg opposite to the side that the roof ladder is being carried.
The roof ladder should be transferred from the shoulder and, grasping both strings with the wheels resting on the roof, maneuvered towards the ridge at an angle of approximately 10 degrees away from the extension ladder. Once the hook has passed beyond the ridge, the roof ladder should be turned over towards the extension ladder, and adjusted to ensure that the hook is resting firmly on the opposite side of the roof.
When transferring to or from the roof ladder the sequence of movements must be foot, hand, hand, foot, with the nearest foot/hand being transferred first.
When making up the roof ladder the reverse procedure must be adopted, one crewmember receiving the roof ladder when the firefighter on the extension ladder approaches the ground. The roof ladder should be under-run and carried clear of operations.
2.4 BRIDGING LADDERS
When bridging 9m ladders the following points of guidance should be observed:
· There should be not less than 650mm of ladder on each side of the gap being bridged.
· When bridging, the overall extended length should not exceed 5m.
· Except in an emergency, not more than one firefighter should be allowed on the bridged portion.
· Safety lines should be used. Personnel must be aware of the danger of losing their balance when crossing a bridged ladder.
· Undue oscillation must be avoided when moving across bridged ladders (the turning over of the ladder is a common safety practice).
2.5 SAFETY ASPECTS
Firefighters will know the best angles at which to pitch a particular ladder but on the fireground the perfect angle is seldom possible. Angles will vary: ladders may be nearly vertical where access is narrow, or semi-bridged over a basement area. Where ladders are at fairly steep angles, on slippery surfaces or uneven ground, likely to be in situ for some time, or providing a line of retreat for a crew, firefighters should, for security, lash the ladder head to the building. Whenever anyone is on a ladder there must be a firefighter at its heel to steady it. S/he should place one foot on the bottom round or jack beam, bracing the other leg back on the ground and grasping the strings with both hands. Firefighters will know the number of personnel allowed on a ladder at any one time under normal conditions. They must however take into account factors at the time, eg., the angle and extension of the ladder, the ground conditions, whether the ladder is carrying any additional weight such as hose.
2.6 ASCENDING AND DESCENDING
Ascending and descending ladder is a matter of rhythm and balance. Firefighters should practice a smooth movement, which feels comfortable for the conditions and type of ladder. The angle, extension and ‘whip’ of the ladder will dictate the method to be used. Where the ground is firm and the ladder at its optimum angle, the firefighter should raise their hands and feet in unison (ie, left with left, right with right); they should keep their arms fairly straight, their body away from the ladder, their head slightly angled up to see where they are going and their feet sufficiently apart to give balance on that particular ladder. As a general guide the firefighter should grasp the round level to his/her chest with palms down and thumbs underneath. Obviously if the ladder is angled steeply, leaning back to the proper angle may be impossible owing to lack of space or may tend to pull the ladder from the building. Conversely, at a shallow angle, the firefighter must bend their knees and arms and be more careful not to make the ladder roll.
2.7 TAKING A LEG LOCK
Often when working on a ladder a firefighter will need both hands free for such operations as directing a jet, handling small gear or pitching a hook ladder. In these circumstances they must first take a leg-lock. To do so they should grasp an appropriate round above that on which they are standing. They should bend this leg using the inside of their knee and back of their calf to ‘lock’ himself/herself on. If possible they should also bring the foot of this leg back through the rounds, placing their toes under the round immediately above the one on which they are standing. If working to the right they should use their left leg to make the lock, if to the left their right.
LADDERS
3 SUPPORTING INFORMATION
3.1 IMPROVISING A STEP LADDER
Occasionally, when firefighters are working inside a building, they need to reach the centre of high ceiling or roof. This is difficult with a conventional pitch. A solution to the problem is to make the two sections of a ladder into a stepladder. The ladders are extended horizontally on the floor to the required length, one being extended a round further than the other to allow them to interlock. They are then lashed securely at the head and spread at the heel. The spread should not be more than 2.5m for 9m ladders. It may be possible, according to type, to use one section of a short extension ladder as a fixed spreader for a 9m ladder. The section is passed through the bottom rounds at the base of the spread ladders and the three sections are lashed together. If a line is used as a spreader it should be attached by a clove hitch to about the third round of each ladder. The ladders are then raised with one person footing each.
To make a short stepladder, firefighters should use the sections of a short extension ladder lashed in a similar way, ensuring the spread is not more than 1m. Usually one person is sufficient for footing.
3.2 HANDLING LADDERS
The ability to handle ladders safely and quickly under adverse conditions is the hallmark of a good firefighter. The contrast between slipping, manoeuvring and pitching a ladder on a calm day with plenty of room and on firm ground and the same operations attempted about midnight, in rain, a strong wind, up a narrow alley, amongst industrial debris, is obvious. Firefighters should practice usual pitches under whatever unusual conditions they can simulate. It is especially important that they practice working in darkness or at least with the illumination of appliance searchlights only, as this would often be the case at incidents.
Carrying ladders safely, especially under adverse conditions requires skill. The Fire Service Drill book describes the basic methods, but firefighters should remember that, at large fires, they may have to step over numerous lines of hose, pass ladders across walls, negotiate narrow openings and twisting passages, and so on. They should even practice carrying a ladder down a slope. They must discover the problems they are likely to face and evolve satisfactory methods of dealing with them.
3.3 HOISTING A LADDER
Firefighters may find it necessary to haul up a ladder or section of a ladder to an upper floor or flat roof. the easiest and safest method is to haul up the ladder vertically by line, preferably with a guy line attached to keep it clear of projections. If the hoisting line is tied to the ladder approximately one third of its length from the top, this can help when the ladder is levered over a sill, balcony rail or roof edge.
3.4 USING AN EXTENSION LADDER
As already noted, extension ladders can be put to a variety of uses; the short extension ladder being particularly versatile.
3.5 USE AS A STRETCHER
When a stretcher is not available firefighters can use one section of a short extension ladder for carrying an injured person. They should ensure they are practised in this operation and, for the following reasons, the practice should involve the use of a live body.
· It will teach them to secure the body properly to the ladder: neither a dummy nor an unconscious person can explain if the lines are too tight or too loose or the ladder unpadded and uncomfortable.
· A dummy cannot complain if its head or feet are not adequately supported.
· The weight and posture of a live body will be as at an incident.
· The manoeuvring of the ladder and patient will have to be more realistically careful, as at an incident.
3.6 FORMING A DAM
Circumstances sometimes arise when firefighters need a large open container for water e.g., to immerse items needing to be kept cool or during decontamination. They can then use sections of extension ladders to form a dam. They should lay three or four horizontally on one string and lash them together into a square or triangle. They should then cover this framework with a salvage sheet, holding it in place by a running bowline passing round the outside of the dam at centre height. When the sheet has settled and the water has reached the required level they should draw the line tight and secure the free end to the standing part with a rolling hitch.
Short Extension Ladder
Height (housed) 2.7 metres
Height (extended) 6.4 metres
Width 410mm
Weight 16 Kgs (approx)
9m Ladder Bayley
Height (housed) 5.5 metres
Height (extended) 9 metres
Width (main extension) 450mm
Width (top extension) 360mm
Weight 48 Kgs
10.5m Angus Sacol
Height (housed) 6.25 metres
Height (extended) 10.5 metres
Width 550 mm
Depth 185mm
Weight 63.5 Kgs
N.B The length identification refers to the effective working height of its maximum extension and correct pitch on both Bayley and AS type ladders.
Angus Sacol 13.5m
Height (housed) 5.8 metres
Height (extended) 14.9 metres
Width (main extension) 66 cm
Width (middle extension) 56 cm
Width (top extension) 43 cm
Weight 113 Kgs
N.B The 13.5m identification refers to the effective working height of its maximum extension and correct pitch.
Roof Ladders
Overall length, extended 4.5 - 5.4 metres
Distance between rounds 30 cms
Width outside strings 38 cm
Weight complete 16 Kgs.
Each ladder is identified by a Service identification number riveted to the inside of a string.