Ladders

Question 1

Uses of Ladders?

Answer 1

1. Rescue - Retrieving people from 2 storey buildings etc 2. Access - Gain entry to structures above or below ground level 3. Ventilation - Gain access to roof and open to ventilate 4. Crawl-board - Use on unsteady ground or roof 5. Bridging - Bridge between structures, holes, caved in areas

Question 2

Types of ladders and descriptions

Answer 2

2-step A frame - Aluminium construction - 2 flat slip resistant steps Little Jumbo/telescopic ladder - Aluminium construction - As an A frame it is 1.2-2.1m - While stored its 1.4m, extend to 4.5m- Can lock to different lengths so it is usable on surfaces like stairs- Just adjust one side to be shorter for the higher step 9m ladder - Aluminium construction - Weighs approx. 30kg - When closed its 5m, extends full 9m - Can hold 324kg both vertically and horizontally (three people at 108kg average) - Safety factor 3:1 - can withstand 3 times recommended weight - Can handle: - Three fireys in turnout gear +BA - Two fireys plus rescued person - Two fireys plus fully charged hose

Question 3

Ladder Components

Answer 3

1. Main section (fitted section) 2. Sliding section 3. Head (Top of ladder) 4. Heel 5. Non-skid feet 6. Strings 7. Rungs 8. Hauling line 9. Pawl (Catches at the length you want the ladder)10. Pulley (Wheel that assists with hauling and lowering via the hauling line)11. Extension stops (Prevent overextending/coming apart)

Question 4

Ladder Terminology

Answer 4

Slip - Remove ladder from appliance - Elevate - raider head from to a vertical by under-running - under-run - Hand over Hand motion to slowly extend the ladder - extend - sliding section by using pulley system - Pitch - Place gentle against structure - Heel-in/Heel-out - Move Heel of the ladder to or away from a building- Foot - Brace the Heel of the ladder - Strike - Remove the ladder from against structure - extend to lower - Raise sliding section so pawls Move and you are able to lower - lower - Hand over Hand motion until sliding section is retracted House - Replace ladder onto appliance

Question 5

Process for POSITIONING a ladder

Answer 5

• On ground, heel approx. 2 metres from base of structure/building - General rule is 1/4 the height that the ladder will go from the base of the structure - Avoid soft ground, overhead wires and plate glass. Area above and around are clear.

Question 6

Process for ELEVATING a ladder

Answer 6

Ensure non-slip feet are in contact with the ground - One firey underruns - One holds strings of ladder - sliding section should be facing structure

Question 7

Process for EXTENDING a ladder

Answer 7

Ensure it is stable - One firey should hold the strings of the ladder while it is extended - Pull On hauling line Hand over Hand - Stay close to ladder - Ensure pawls have engaged before releasing hauling line

Question 8

Process for PITCHING a ladder

Answer 8

• Pitch gently - Heel out approx 1/4 the height (greater if carrying heavy stuff - Ideally make sure ladder is 5 rungs above ledge

Question 9

Process for FOOTING the ladder

Answer 9

Ensure Heel of ladder is firmly On the ground at all times - Place some weight On lowest rung - hold both strings - Must be footed while firey is climbing or descending

Question 10

Process for LOWERING the ladder

Answer 10

• Two fireys - Strike the ladder (remove from building/structure) - Remove pawls - Hand over hand movement to lower sliding section - Engage pawls on lowest rung

Question 11

Safety precautions for a ladder

Answer 11

Wear a helmet - Check for overhead wires, branches, projections ie. Awnings - footed while ascending, descending and working On ladder - Tie of head of ladder for security

Question 12

Climbing ladders - how should it be done

Answer 12

Briskly but smoothly- balance by keeping body erect, arms straight but not too tense- feet centre of rungs - Look slightly upwards (not at feet)- Hands smooth On the rungs at shoulder level - Palms down and thumbs around rungs - Never Place both Hands On same rung at same time - Legs carry your weight (not arms)- Match left Hand with left Foot and visa versa when climbing

Question 13

Working on ladders

Answer 13

Leg lock for stability - Do this On opposite side to work being done so you dont obstruct your movement

Question 14

Inspecting the ladders, what to look for?

Answer 14

Visually and by feel- extend to full working height and lower, checking all parts e.g. pawls, pulley system, anti skid pads- Look for breaks, loose or strained nuts and bolts If faults found, inform S.O