Ladders

Question 0

TRENCH CUTS

Answer 0

• DEFENSIVE OPERATION
• STOP THE SPREAD OF COCKLOFT FIRE AT THAT POINT
• AT LEAST THREE (3) FEET WIDE
• APPROXIMATELY TWENTY (20) FEET FROM VENT HOLE
• MADE IN ANY DIRECTION
• CUT AT NARROWEST AVAILABLE ROOF SECTION
• MADE BETWEEN TWO EXTERIOR WALLS/OTHER FIRE STOPS
• PRECUT BUT NOT OPENED UNTIL PRIMARY VENT OVER FIRE
• 2 OR MORE INSPECTION HOLES ON FIRE SIDE OF TRENCH
• MAY NEED ADDTL. INSPECTION HOLES ON CLEAN SIDE OF
  TRENCH TO INSURE FIRE HAS NOT PASSED
• FIRE REACHES INSPECTION HOLES (PULL TRENCH/PUSH
  DOWN CEILINGS)
• NO MEMBERS ON ROOF ON FIRE SIDE OF TRENCH
• CHARGED LINE ON ROOF (PROTECT MEMBERS/OPERATE
  INTO TRENCH, BRIEF SWEEPING SIDE TO SIDE)
• NOT PRACTICAL IN LARGE ROOF AREA OF TAXPAYER WITH
  FIRE IN MAJOR PORTION OF COCKLOFT
• OIC OF ROOF OPS CAN START TRENCH (MANDATORY TO
  IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE IC)

Question 1

SIMULTANEOUS NEED FOR AERIAL LADDER FOR ROOF FF AND OCCUPANT REMOVAL “FAT SLIDE”

Answer 1

Take the occupant 1st if:

F - Frightened
A - Agitated
T - Threatening to jump

Occupant MUST receive immediate attention:

S - Smoke or fire in vicinity
L - Location or severity of fire
I - Immediate danger
D - Doubt
E - Endangered or seriously disturbed

Question 2

THE FIVE MAYDAYS - “I OWE U MY LIFE”

Answer 2

I - IMMINENT (COLLAPSE)

O - OCCURRED (COLLAPSE)

U - UNCONSCIOUS OR LIFE THREATENING INJURY

M - MISSING MEMBER

L - LOST OR TRAPPED MEMBER

Question 3

7 URGENT MESSAGES - “DISCONTINUE WIFE CHANGE RELAY”

Answer 3

DISCONTINUE - DISCONTINUE INTERIOR ATTACK
(“URGENT-ALL UNITS-URGENT-BACK OUT,
BACK OUT”)

W - WATER LOSS (“URGENT - WATER LOSS”)

I - INJURED MEMBER NON LIFE THREATENING
(“URGENT - INJURED MEMBER”)

F - FEAR OF COLLAPSE (“URGENT - COLLAPSE FEARED”)

E - EXTENSION INTO EXPOSURES
(“URGENT - FIRE EXTENDING”)

CHANGE - CHANGE IN CONDITIONS THAT WILL IMPACT OPS
(“URGENT - FOLLOWED BY CONDITIONS”)

RELAY - 1st ECC WILL ANNOUNCE WHEN UNABLE TO SECURE
A POSITIVE WATER SOURCE (“URGENT 10-70”)

ADDITIONAL URGENTS
(IC TO GAIN CONTROL OF HT NETWORK)

• ACTIVATE EMERGENCY ALERT BUTTON
• “URGENT URGENT URGENT, IC TO ALL UNITS, URGENT, ALL
  HT TRANSMISSIONS ARE TO CEASE”
• MUST THEN DEACTIVATE EMERGENCY ALERT TONE (“EM”
  PROCEEDING ID CODE WILL CAUSE CONFUSION)
• AFTER CONTROL GAINED IC CAN TRANSMIT “RESUME
  NORMAL HT TRANSMISSIONS”

Question 4

SUBWAY HT RELAY (CORE)

Answer 4

C - Chauffeur (TRUCK) BOTTOM OF SUBWAY ENTRANCE STAIR.
IF TOKEN BOOTH WITHIN 50 YARDS,
CONTACT MAIN DISPATCHER THROUGH
TOKEN CLERK.

O - OV FIREFIGHTER BOTTOM OF STAIRS LEADING TO
PLATFORM IF WITHIN 50 YARDS OF LCC.

R - ROOF FIREFIGHTER ON PLATFORM APPROX 50 YARDS
FROM STAIRS.

E - ENGINE OFFICER ON PLATFORM APPROX 100 YARDS FROM
ROOF FF.

• ADDITIONAL HTS EVERY 100 YARDS
• ESTABLISH CORE WHETHER THERE IS A REPEATER OR NOT

Question 5

OFFICER 1ST TO FIRE AREA TRANSMIT TO IC - “LO DANCE”

Answer 5

L - LOCATION OF FIRE

O - OCCUPANTS LOCATED OR MISSING

D - DIFFICULTY/DELAY GAINING ENTRY/ADVANCING LINE

A - ACCESS TO FIRE AREA

N - NUMBER OF APARTMENTS ON FIRE FLOOR IF MD

C - CONDITIONS (FIRE)

E - EXTENSION (HOW AND NEED FOR LINES)

Question 6

KNOWN LIFE HAZARD

Answer 6

KNOWN LIFE HAZARD

1. VICTIM CAN BE SEEN BY RESCUER
2. VICTIM CAN BE HEARD BY RESCUER
3. MEMBER HAS INFO FROM
   A CREDIBLE SOURCE OR
   A PERSON AT THE SCENE INDICATING
   THE LOCATION OF THE LIFE HAZARD

Question 7

OLD LAW TENEMENTS

Answer 7

• 20’ to 25’ feet wide
• 50’ to 85’ deep
• Interior stair to cellar (may have been removed if bldg. renovated)
• Limited fire stopping
• Some form of light/air shaft may be provided. Shafts open at top.
• Presence of EEW further increases heat, gases, and smoke
  conditions possibly leading to backdraft or flashover.
• Combustible contents / strucural components lead to hot, smoky fire

Question 8

LIGHT FIRE SITUATION

Answer 8

A fire which can be extinguished with the:

OPERATIONS of ONE HAND LINE AND/OR HAND EXTINGUISHER

                                            OR

Those that can be READILY EXTINGUISHED WITHOUT RESORTING TO EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

Question 9

MEDIUM FIRE SITUATION

Answer 9

A fire which may be extinguished with the OPERATION of two handlines.

Question 10

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION “SH-SH”

Answer 10

• Within SIGHT or HEARING of officer
• Working with a SEARCH LINE or HOSELINE which is under the
  supervision of an officer.
• Ex: Control man on floor below at standpipe (Immediate)
  ECC in street at pumper (Functional)
• In emergency roll call procedures the officer will account for members only within sight or hearing.

Question 11

OLT PRIORITY OF ROOF ACCESS “BAR”

Answer 11

1) Adjoining (B)uilding
2) (A)erial ladder
3) (R)ear fire escape

Question 12

ROOF FF CAN VERTICAL VENT W/O DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH OFFICER WHEN:

Answer 12

• He hears radio transmissions that the interior team has DOOR CONTROL of the fire apartment.

                                            OR

• He hears radio transmissions that a CHARGED HOSELINE is ADVANCING into the FIRE APARTMENT.

Question 13

SITUATIONS IN WHICH THE SAME CONCENTRATION OF LADDER COMPANY PERSONNEL IN ONE BUILDING IS NOT REQUIRED

Answer 13

• Fire originated in a VACANT and exposed to an OCCUPIED bldg.
• Shaft fire between two VACANT buildings
• Fire originated in bottom of the shaft.

Question 14

COFFIN CUT

Answer 14

• 3’ x 6’ cut directly over the fire (7-9-8)
• Cut #1 approx. 3’
• Cut #2 “knockout cut”
• Cut #3 approx. 6’
• Cuts #4-7 approx. 3’

Question 15

TRAPPED MEMBER IFO AN OLT

Answer 15

• A hole should be punched SLIGHTLY BELOW waist level before using short strokes to snap the lath of the near wall.
• The order of preference is the use of the Halligan, Hook, Axe (Ha H A) to break through the wall.
• For best results, keep the opposite side of the wall intact as you open up the near side of the wall.
• Use the swim move or reduced profile maneuver to move through the opening.

Question 16

JUSTIFICATION FOR CALLING FOR A LINE ON FLOOR ABOVE

Answer 16

• High temperatures even only at ceiling level
• A crackling sound heard within the apartment
• A fiery glow seen through the smoke

Note: the above are all indications of fire extension (a smoke condition at the apartment entrance IS NOT enough reason to believe that fire has extended to this floor)

Question 17

SUPPLY WATER TO A TOWER LADDER

Answer 17

1) SATELLITE is best source of supply.
2) Supply TL base at 200-250 PSI.
3) Relief valve set at 250 PSI.
4) Generally one source of supply.
5) Relay pumper CAN have more than one source.
6) Place pumper as close as possible to TL.

7) Relay pumper closest to TL shall have in excess 80 PSI intake
pressure with water flowing.

8) When shutting down TL, do so at pumper, not at TL.

9) When possible, supply TL with pumper and water source OTHER
THAN the one supplying 1st due unit hand lines.

10) Nozzle pressure generally should not exceed 100 PSI. Use pressure
gauge on Stang as guide.

Question 18

LIVE WIRES ON THE TOWER LADDER

Answer 18

1) DO NOT TOUCH APPARATUS
2) Notify Officer in Command that TL IS OUT OF SERVICE.
3) Consider supply lines as LIVE.
4) Request priority response of utility company.

Question 19

PORTABLE LADDER PLACEMENT

Answer 19

1) Placed at a window = level with sill
2) At a roof = AT LEAST 2 feet above

3) Alongside a fire escape = 1 to 3 feet above railing
A) 1st ladder to 2nd balcony, opposite drop ladder
B) 2nd ladder to second balcony, opposite first ladder

4) Against a fire escape = slightly above railing
5) Proper angle = 65 to 75 degrees
6) Nearest apparatus = No closer than 20’

Question 20

LADDERS 1 - KEY POINTS

Answer 20

1. The Leg Lock

A) Leg opposite the working side is locking leg

B) Locking leg over and under 2 rungs above the one standing.

C) Instep of the locking leg placed on the beam opposite the working
side.

D) The arch of the foot on the rung is placed against the other beam

E) Butt man repositions foot next to beam opposite the working side.

2. Used to Bridge a Fence

A) Using 2 short portable ladders

B) 16’ extension ladder and a 12’ hook ladder &

C) Short length of rope of hose strap

D) Nested 16’ extension ladder butted by a member

E) FF climbs ladder until top of fence is about WAIST LEVEL

F) Butt end of the 12’ hook ladder is passed to the member on ladder

G) Hook ladder is lowered to the ground on other side of fence and
adjusted to proper climbing angle.

H) Adjacent beams of the ladders are tied together securely.

Note: the 16’ extension ladder is used first against the fence because it
is heavier.

3. When can a portable be moved

A) When a ladder has been positioned and used by a member to gain
entry to a fire building, there is the possibility that he will also need it
as a means of retreat. He expects the ladder to be there. Therefore,
do not move or reposition a ladder used in this manner EXCEPT IF IT
IS NECESSARY TO USE THE LADDER FOR RESCUE.

4. Portable ladders to the rear of Brownstones

A) Usually all floors can be reached with portable extension ladders.

B) Extension ladders recommended because

  - easier to transport because of shorter nested length 
  - ladder height can be adjusted
  - one ladder may serve several floors

C) Generally, floor and ladder working length are:

  - 4th floor (35' extension ladder)
  - 3rd floor (24' or 35' extension ladder)
  - 2nd floor (16' or 24' extension ladder or 10 foot "A" Frame)

5. Never and Always

A) Extension ladders should NEVER be used upside down

B) When ascending or descending ALWAYS face the ladder

C) Ladders should NEVER be placed against window sashes

D) NEVER maintain a defective ladder in service

E) NEVER place a ladder of any type, wood or metal, against a metal
superstructure at electrical generating stations.

F) ALWAYS lower the fly ladder below the desired level and re-raise it in
order to insure a safe 65-75 degree climbing angle.

Question 21

REPOSITIONING LADDERS

Answer 21

1. FAST unit can reposition ladders if:

A) life threatening

B) members in area are notified

2. Portable ladders repositioned if:

A) Necessary to use the ladder for rescue.

B) Member operating in the area the ladder was used to access should
be notified regarding its repositioning.

C) The ladder should be returned to its original location or replaced
with another ladder ASAP.

3. Aerial Ladder to roof repositioned:

A) If it’s the only safe egress from that roof, it SHOULD NOT be moved
unless absolutely necessary.

B) If it must be moved, direct radio communication must be made with
members on the roof.

C) It must also be evident that there is no immediate need for roof
egress at the time.

D) This new critical task will not delay the prompt replacement of ladder
at the original location.

4. Tower Ladder basket repositioned:

A) When the roof is isolated, the pedestal FF shall make certain that
basket is not moved until all personnel are safely back in the basket
and maintain HT contact with personnel on roof.

B) If a life hazard should appear requiring movement of boom, the
pedestal man shall so advise roof personnel prior to movement.

Question 22

CONSIDERATIONS OF 2ND DUE TRUCK OFFICER WHEN GOING TO A FLOOR ABOVE AT A TENEMENT FIRE “CO-RE SL-AW”

Answer 22

“CO-RE SL-AW”

CO - Control of fire apartment door

RE - Refuge (area of refuge)

SL - Severity and Location of fire

AW - Availability of Water and line placement

Question 23

REMOVAL OF ICE FROM AERIAL LADDERS “RON REGAN LOST THE MARBLES”

Answer 23

“RON REGAN LOST THE MARBLES”

R - Rungs

R - Rung

L - Locks

T - Trussing

M - Main beam

Question 24

MULTIPLE REMOVALS "FFFF"

Answer 24

"FFFF" F - Fat guy F - First if F - Fire in F - Front

Question 25

FIRE IN REAR: SIMPLE REMOVAL 1ST BECAUSE TIME IS NOT CRITICAL. THEN HAVE 2 MEMBERS WORK ON DIFFICULT REMOVAL "BSFD"

Answer 25

"BS-FD" B - Back S - Simple F - Front D - Difficult

Question 26

PREFERRED ORDER OF REMOVAL "IN HOT FIRES LEAVE RAPIDLY"

Answer 26

"IN HOT FIRES LEAVE RAPIDLY" I - Interior stairs H - Horizontal exits F - Fire escapes L - Ladders R - Rope (LSR)

Question 27

TOOLS PLACED IN BUCKET TO VENT FLAT ROOFS - "PHIL" THE BASKET WITH:

Answer 27

"PHIL" P - Power saw H - Hook 6' I - Irons L - LSR

Question 28

WHEN TWISTING IS LIKELY TO OCCUR TO AERIALS "T-WITH"

Answer 28

"T-WITH" T - Turntable not opposite objective W - Windy days / high wind I - Ice accumulation on unsupported aerial T - Turntable rotated while aerial is extended H - Hilly locations

Question 29

AERIAL LADDER VS. TOWER LADDER

Answer 29

1) Height Limitations Aerial = 100 feet Tower Ladder = 75 feet (95 foot TLs not mentioned) 2) Distance placed from objectives Aerial = 25 to 35 feet Tower Ladder = 32 feet 3) What is lined up with the objective? Aerial = Center of the turntable Tower Ladder = Basket (angular approach, will prevent Stang from interfering with the rescue) 4) When used as a high point anchor (confined space) Aerial = 250 lb weight capacity Tower Ladder = 800 lb weight capacity 5) Collapse Operations Aerial = Kept in SECONDARY staging area (unless needed for specific rescue purposes) Tower Ladder = Initially the 1st TL should be the only unit in front of the collapse building. Subsequent TL's should be positioned to protect a different exposure. 6) Taxpayers - Tower Ladders should be positioned in front of the building in preference to conventional aerials for use of the heavy stream. - LCC duties = if apparatus is a rear mount aerial ladder, place it away from the immediate fire building/occupancy in order to leave the area accessible for a TL. 7) When must the turntable/pedestal be staffed? Aerial = LCC shall remain in the vicinity of the turntable until it is evident that the aerial ladder will not be needed. LCC should remain on the turntable when members have entered the building by aerial ladder and are in a precarious position such as a floor over a heavy fire or the roof of a building with a heavy fire. Tower Ladder = Whenever TL operations are in progress, the pedestal position must be staffed. * Exceptions = * Confined Space - when used as a high point anchor, all personnel must be removed from the turntable and the engine shut off to prevent accidental movement (both Aerial and TL) * AUC 338 - When applying water from a TL to electrical equipment at a Con Edison facility, all members are removed from the apparatus.

Question 30

AERIAL LADDER NOTES

Answer 30

1) General A) The OV shall assist the LCC in placement of the apparatus before carrying out their duties. B) When operating at a fire or emergency, the apparatus shall not be backed up unless the LCC has the assistance of at least one guide person. 2) Two methods that may be used to attain accuracy in lining up ladder with a window: A) For the experienced member, accuracy obtained by sighting along the ladder rail of the top section. B) For the less experienced member, this accuracy will be attained by the sighting along the underside of the ladder beam on the top sliding section. 3) Recommended distance of the tip from the objective: A) Normally 2" to 6" B) In case of rescue = 2" C) When placed to a window = tip less than 6" over window sill 4) Where should turntable be placed A) One target at window = line up turntable with center of window B) People at 2 windows = place turntable midway between locations C) Narrow building (30' or less) No people showing = position turntable in the center of building D) Large building (over 30') No people showing = place turntable approx. 15' from sidewall passed on your approach. E) Venting windows with Aerial = center of turntable lined up with the center span of windows. 5) 2 victims to be removed from a window: "BS-FD" A) Fire in BACK - Simple removal 1st (ambulatory, less trouble) B) Fire in FRONT - Difficult removal 1st (elderly, heavy, hysterical) 6) Precautions A) Never move the truck with the ladder raised to one side B) Always properly secure hoselines to the ladder. Do not allow hose to be passed through the rungs. C) The area immediately around the turntable is designated as the "danger zone". It should be clear of members, tools or any impediments before rotation of the Aerial. D) If a firefighter is to climb the Aerial at the start of an operation, he should be on the turntable before the Aerial is raised and rotated. E) At night, keep the top of the ladder rungs well illuminated. F) At extended operations, or if the turntable will be left unattended, disengage the power take off (PTO) in order to prevent accidental movement of the ladder.

Question 31

TOWER LADDER USED FOR ROOF VENTILATION PURPOSES | "HARSH"

Answer 31

Place following tools in the bucket: "HARSH" H - Halligan A - Axe R - LSR S - Power saw H - 6' hook