Ground Ladders Flashcards
What are the four types of ladders used in firefighting?
- Single - a nonadjustable of fixed length ladder, often used for quick window access. These range in length from 6 to 32 feet but are usually between 12 to 24 feet. Also called wall or straight ladders.
- Roof - a single ladder equiped with hooks to secure it on roofs as a means for walking on slippery or unstable areas.
- Extension -an adjustable ladder comprised of a bed, or base, and one or more fly sections that extend to create longer lengths. These generally range in length from 12 to 39 feet.
- Combination - designed to be used as a self-supporting ladder (A-frame) and as a single or extension ladder. Lengths range from 8 to 14 feet with the most common length being 10 feet. These must be equipped with positive locking devices to hold the ladder open.
What are the components of a single or roof ladder?
What are the components of an extension ladder?
What is another name for a halyard?
Fly rope
What does a heat sensor label do?
It changes color from orange to black when the metal of the ladder gets to 300°F. Note that if this happens, then the ladder needs to be strength tested.
What are pawls?
Mechanisms that lock the ladder in place once it has been extended.
When are commercial ladders such as step ladders allowed to be used?
In non-emergency situations around the firehall.
True or false: extension ladders can only have one pully system according to NFPA.
False, they can have multiple pullys.
True or false: ground ladders only need to be inspected if they were subject to abuse during operations.
False, they should be thoroughly inspected and cleaned after every use.
How long can a ladder go without being ispected if it has not been used in an incident recently?
1 month
What are some of the signs that a ladder has been weaked by heat, impact, wear and cracks?
- Discolouration of the heat sticker or the metal itself
- Burn marks on paint, flaking paint, soot deposits
- Rungs are craked, or bent
- Loose bolts or cracked welds
Where can you find the length label for the ladder?
Within 12 inches of the butt plate
What five markings and labels are required on each ground ladder?
- Length
- Year and name of manufacturer
- Inventory number
- Reflective or white tip - to improve visibility in smokey or dark conditions
- Stripe at the balance point
What can affect the performance of metal ladders?
- Heat damage
- Loose or missing rivets
- Damaged rubber on footpads
- Rotten halyard
- Rust
- Damaged rungs
What can affect the performance of fiberglass ladders?
- Cracks and chips
- Heat damage
- Loose components
Should you ever put paint on wooden ladders?
No because it might hide damage.
What indicaes repairs are needed for wooden ladders?
- Burn or soot marks
- Cracks, dents, splinters
- Water damage
True or false: a ladder of any size must be carried by at least two firefighters.
False, the appropriate number of firefighters are required to lift any ladder is determine for the first number of it’s length. Therefore any ladders less than 20 feet can be carried by one person, ladders 20-29 feet should be carried by two, ladders 30-29 feet should be carried by four, etc.
True or false: the firefighter at the rear of the ladder carry is in command.
True, because that person can see all the others and therefore has the most complete information.
How many times should you inspect the area in which you intend to raise a ladder before doing so?
Twice, once before lifting the ladder and once again before the final placement.
What are the four most common methods for storing ladders on an appararatus?
What does it mean to “heel” a ladder?
To secure the ladder while it’s in use in order to prevent movement; also known as footing. There are two different ways to do this:
- From beneath the ladder:
- Grasp the ladder beams, not the rungs, at about eye level and pull the ladder towards the building
- Look forward, not up
- In front of the ladder (preferred since you can monitor fire conditions and are less likely to be hit with falling objects):
- Place one hand and foot on a beam or place a foot on the bottom rung and hold both beams
- Press the ladder against the building
How should a ladder be carried with 1 - 4 firefighters?
What are the 3 positions in which firefighters can carry conscious and unconscious victims down a ladder?
- On the knee - the victim’s legs are extended to the outside of the ladder beams and the firefighter positions their leg in between them. The firefighter will lower the victim down the ladder by replacing their knee between the victim’s legs one step at a time. Note that this can be done with the victim facing you or the ladder, but the latter is preferable in case the victim wakes up since they could scare you if facing you.
- Cross body - the victim is carried horizontally by the firefighter who places one arm between the victim’s legs and the other arm under the victim’s lowest arm at the armpit. Note that this can be done with the victim facing you or the ladder. In this case, it’s recommended that the victim faces you.
- Cradling - used for infants and small children.
How are large / heavy victims carried down a ladder?
Two ground ladders are placed side by side and two firefighters carry the victim down by laying the victim across their arms as they slide them down the beams of the ladder. One firefighter supports the victim’s waist and legs while the other supports their head and torso.
