Types of Ladders (3)
- Combination ladder
- 8.8m Extension ladder (Div A)
- Double 9m extension ladder (Div B)
Ladder Terminology
‘All eyes to the head of the ladder’
- (Prepare to) Raise the ladder
- (Prepare to) Extend the ladder
- (Prepare to) Depress the ladder
- (Prepare to) Elevate the ladder
- (Prepare to) House the ladder
- ‘Above and behind’
- (Prepare to) Lower the ladder
- ‘Foot the ladder’
- Pitch the ladder - stand against an objective
- Plumb the ladder - Ensure perpendicular to ground
- Site the ladder - Place in most suitable position
- Slip the ladder - Remove from appliance
- Stow the ladder - Replace onto appliance
- Under-run the ladder - walking under to raise or lower
- Under below - warning that something being lowered
Ladder (8) Parts:
- Head
- Foot
- Rungs
- Strings
- Base section
- Fly section
- Safety pawl
- Extension rope
Define the 3 P’s:
Plumbing - checking the ‘L’ shaped sticker along with the position of the firefighter footing the ladder and ensure the ladder is not leaning to one side
Projection - distance of the base from the vertical objective is 1/4 the height of the extended height
Pawls - Ensure that there are at least 3 rungs above the dismount rung or the horizontal surface the ladder is rested on and that the pawls are locked in place
Combination Ladder Construction and specifications:
- Aluminum and plastic
- Spring loaded locking bolts
- Can be used as trestle, step or extension ladder
- Trestle height 1.29m
- Step ladder height 1.86m
- Max extension 4.2m
Extension Ladder 8.8m (Div A) Construction
- Fibreglass and aluminium
- One base section and one fly section
- Two wheels at head of ladder
- Brackets at head and foot
- Pawls mounted at the head of the base section
- Non skid feet with gravel spikes
- Rungs are flattened ‘D’ shape for grip
(5) Considerations necessary for safe sitting of a ladder:
- Height - will the height of the ladder achieve what we need?
- Projection - Can we achieve the required projection with the height of object and height of ladder?
- Plumbing - Can we put the ladder up in such a way that it won’t tip left or right?
- Clearances - Are there any branches, power lines, tress etc. in the way?
- Ground Condition - Is the ground slippery or uneven?
Inspection and Maintenance of ladders:
Division A:
If a ladder appears to have any damage, or does not conform to checks, complete a P798 Form (Damaged or Missing Equipment / Uniform Report) and notify OIC
Division B:
Any identified damage or faults on Div B ladders should be reported to the shift LFF or SO
