How to Test a Fire Service Ladder
Fire service ladders are life-saving pieces of equipment which often go overlooked. It often isn't until a firefighter saves a victim from a burning building or has to use a ladder to escape himself that the usefulness of a fire service ladder becomes apparent. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that all fire service ladders be tested annually to ensure they are in proper working condition. Testing a fire service ladder is relatively easy and only requires a bit of know-how and time.
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Instructions
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Clean the ladder using a soft spray water stream and mild detergent. Use a soft bristle brush to remove stubborn dirt.
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Visually inspect the ladder for any obvious signs of damage or loss of integrity. Examples include twists, warps, bends and dents.
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Inspect each rung of the ladder for damage. Test each rung by attempting to spin it in the ladder to ensure each is attached tightly. Look for rust around the rung joints, which would indicate a loose rung.
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Observe all pulleys and halyards for wear. If the halyard is frayed or damaged, replace it following the manufacturer's guidelines.
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Inspect the heat indicator at the tip of the ladder. This indicator turns from orange or yellow to black when the tip of the ladder has been exposed to excessive heat. If the indicator is black, the ladder must be removed from service.
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Check all dogs, paws and locks for proper alignment and operation. These items are secondary safety mechanisms on extension ladders and must be in good working order.
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Inspect all rivets and welds for loose or missing rivets, broken welds or rust.
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Operate roof hooks if the ladder is equipped with them and make sure they are in proper working order.
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A poorly maintained fire ladder can make a precarious situation even more dangerous. Record the date of testing and results in a ladder log. Return the ladder to an in-service storage area if it passed all tests.
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Tips & Warnings
The newest edition of National Fire Protection Association 1911 recommends that all fire service ladders be store within the body of fire apparatus. This protects the ladders from the elements, improving their usable service life.
Fire service ladders must be removed from service if any damage is found.
References
- Photo Credit firetruck ladder image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com Fireman on Ladder image by Jeffrey Zalesny from Fotolia.com
