Ch 7 pg 166-174 aerial ladders

Selecting appropriate ladders for a community involves surveying inaccessible areas, considering alternative options, and ensuring the ladder complement matches the response area's conditions.

Extension ladders are prioritized when selecting ladders due to their adjustable lengths and ability to replace shorter ladders.

Calculating the necessary ladder length is more complex than presumed; it depends on the building type and work location.

Residential buildings usually have approximately 9 feet between floors.

Commercial buildings typically have approximately 12 feet between floors.

A 70° climbing angle is best for firefighters using a ladder. It allows them to walk almost upright while holding the rungs.

At a 70° angle, about 6% of the ladder's total length is lost due to the incline, which affects the actual working height.

To get the right climbing angle, roughly divide the desired working height by four to find where to place the ladder's base away from the building.

The bottom rung should be placed so a firefighter can reach chest-height rungs with outstretched arms without adjusting their position on the ladder.

Eaves, balconies, and overhangs need to be considered when placing the ladder to ensure firefighters can reach the target areas without obstruction.

Aluminum ladders, despite being lighter and generally preferred, are susceptible to weakening when exposed to high heat due to their manufacturing process.

High heat exposure to aluminum ladders can weaken them significantly without visible changes, only subtle discoloration like bluing.

NFPA 1932 mandates a heat-indicating label on new aluminum and fiberglass ladders that changes color when the ladder reaches dangerous temperatures (300°F).

Ladders are designed with a 750 lb load capacity to safely support two firefighters carrying an unconscious person.

Regularly inspecting ladders and removing them from service if damaged or showing signs of heat exposure is crucial for firefighter safety.

Modern ladders are heavier due to increased weight of firefighters and equipment, safety standards, and stability requirements.

Modern ladder sections are wider (at least 16 inches) compared to older ones (as narrow as 12 inches) for better stability.

Firefighters must have thorough training on ladder parts, operation, capacities, standard methods, and nomenclature.

Training scenarios should mimic real-world situations, including full gear, tools, hoses, and climbing through windows or onto roofs.

Frequent inspections and testing are vital, especially if damage is apparent. Follow service testing schedules and usage guides.

The angle at which the ladder is placed against a wall. It should be steep enough for stability, but not so steep that it becomes unsafe.

The location where the base of the ladder is placed on the ground. It should be a safe distance away from the wall, to ensure the proper angle and stability.

Using a ladder beyond its designed weight capacity. This can lead to instability and potential collapse.

Maintaining a grip on the ladder with one hand at all times while climbing. This aids balance and stability.

The risk of electric shock when using a ladder near power lines or electrical equipment.

Reaching too far while on a ladder, increasing risk of falling. Repositioning the ladder is necessary to prevent this.

Securing the ladder's base to a sturdy object prevents it from moving or tipping over. Additional measures include securing the tip if the base is unstable, especially for lighter ladders.

Checking for stability before dismounting a ladder, especially in areas with poor visibility or potential hidden dangers. Use tools to check for weak supports.

Forces applied to the side of a ladder can cause it to twist and become unstable, leading to potential injury.

Ensuring ladder stability through proper placement, securing the base, and checking the area below is crucial for preventing injuries during ladder usage.

Aerial devices are commonly used for tasks like search, rescue, ventilation, roof access, and overhauling or inspecting an area.

An aerial ladder is the most efficient for ventilating windows on a building's front.

An elevating platform is more suitable for rescuing an unconscious person.

While aerial devices are helpful, they shouldn't replace portable ladders as they are better suited for specific tasks.

Large building fires might demand an aerial ladder or ladder tower instead of an articulating boom or tower ladder.

A tower ladder is a platform on a boom, not for climbing, while a standard ladder is for climbing and provides ready access.

Tower ladders have a lower platform weight capacity and restrictions on how master streams can be operated due to their design.

Ladders are suitable for areas with many structures, offer improved visibility, and allow easy mounting and dismounting.

Key considerations for using aerial devices include proper positioning, ensuring clear sight lines, managing obstacles, and safe roof placement.

Position the platform basket directly on the roof, allowing firefighters to step onto the roof through the platform gate.

Position the top rail of the platform basket slightly above the top of the parapet wall.

If possible, relocate the platform; otherwise, use an attic ladder or extend the boom ladder to the top sliding section.

Before retracting the boom, raise the platform basket above the roof to prevent the boom from making contact with the building.

Prioritize preventing damage to the building, equipment, or injury to people below.