Firefighter Ladder Safety Training

Firefighter on a ground ladder.

Ground ladders are among the most common tools used by firefighters, and they routinely train on them. Firefighter ladder training is constantly revisited throughout a firefighter's career and always emphasizes the best safety practices, because no good comes when a ladder fails or someone falls from one during a fire.

Transporting and Raising Ladders

Removing a ground ladder from fire apparatus, transporting and raising it requires forethought and practice. Training in carrying ladders concentrates on using the right number of people for the task, proper lifting technique and ensuring adequate field of vision while moving through the scene to avoid people and obstacles. Safe raising techniques involve similar considerations plus other concerns, such as creating safe climbing angles and ladder securing practices, which are especially important to prevent firefighter injuries.

Selecting Location

Firefighters train to evaluate several safety-related factors when deciding where to place a ladder. They learn that placing a ladder over a flame- or smoke-filled window risks exposing the firefighter and the ladder to extreme heat, which can injure firefighters or deform a ladder to failure. They are instructed how to evaluate whether a wall or roof is stable enough to support a ladder and to avoid contact with charged electrical wires.

Climbing and Working on Ladders

Firefighters practice climbing ladders in a smooth rhythmic manner while always keeping at least one hand in contact with the ladder, safely spacing themselves over a ladder's length when climbing or working on one together and not overloading the ladder's capacity. They also learn to tie in to a ladder with safety belt or leg lock while working from one.

Personal Safety Equipment

A fire scene is a dangerous environment composed of flame, flying and falling debris and hot and toxic gases. Injury or death is almost certain for anyone fully exposed to it. Firefighters know the importance of their personal protective equipment--coat, helmet, boots, gloves, air supply--when using ladders at a fire and they train on ladders while wearing all of it.

Ladder Maintenance

Damaged ladders are unsafe. Firefighters are schooled in ladder inspection and minor repair. They train to examine every inch of their ladders for defects that may foretell failure. Problematic defects include frayed halyards (used for hoisting extension ladders), cracked, bent or heat-discolored rungs or beams, damaged blocks (rung mounts) and sticking locks. Ladders are inspected after every use and during scheduled maintenance. Minor maintenance includes tasks like replacing damaged halyards and lubricating hinges and pulleys.

References

• Essentials of Fire Fighting, Second Edition, Chapter 5, Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University, 1983