Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Chapter 15

Aerial Ladder Specifications

• NFPA 1901 requires a minimum tip load capacity of 500 pounds for aerial ladders.
• An aerial device is considered a secondary means of egress above the 3rd floor.

Types of Aerials

• Three types of aerials are: Platforms, Ladders, and Telescoping aerials.

Tactical Priorities During Firefighting

• First tactical priority: Rescue of victims in life-threatening situations.
• Second priority: Fire suppression and control.
• Third priority: Property conservation.

Testing and Maintenance

• Recommended interval for nondestructive testing of aerials: every 5 years.
• Hydraulic fluid levels should be checked daily before operation.

Stability and Maneuverability

• Modern aerials are stabilized using hydraulic stabilizers and maneuvered with precision controls.
• Short jacked stabilizers can be used to adjust to uneven ground.

Operational Safety

• Primary concern at commercial or industrial structures: safe access for firefighters and equipment.
• Recommended angle for aerial ladder: generally raised between 70 to 75 degrees for optimal vertical reach.

Nondestructive Testing Procedures

• Nondestructive testing should be conducted after significant operational use or following any incidents.
• Rotation interlock prevents the rotation of the aerial when it is short jacked.

Communication and Safety Systems

• An intercom system must be provided at the tip of the aerial ladder for communication between firefighters.
• The most critical aspect of preparing the aerial for operation is ensuring the stabilizers are deployed correctly.

Surface Conditions and Hazards

• When unevenness exceeds a 6% drop over 100 ft, stabilization methods must be reassessed.
• Unsafe surfaces for fully extended stabilizers include mud or soft ground.

Approach and Positioning

• When approaching a reported fire location with the aerial, utilize cautious navigation techniques.
• Full jacking refers to extending all stabilizers to their maximum reach for stability.

Electrical Safety Precautions

• Minimum separation distance around electrical lines is typically 10 feet.
• Only one firefighter should occupy the extreme tip of an aerial ladder.

Aerial Operations Under Adverse Conditions

• Recommended maximum extension of the aerial under ice and snow conditions: stay within safe operational limits.
• Newer aerials must support at least 500 pounds load capacity at the tip.

Load Management

• Recommended position for loads on the ladder: centered and balanced.
• The driver must ensure the ladder's stability and readiness before allowing firefighters to climb.

Water Flow Management

• To ensure desired water flow with a prepiped waterway, monitor pump pressure and hose connections.
• A flow rate of 1,000 gpm adds approximately 8.34 pounds per gallon of water per minute.

Angle and Positioning for Streams

• Maintain a stream angle between 15 to 30 degrees relative to the ladder beams when using elevated streams.
• When rescuing victims from a window, the tip of the ladder should align just below the windowsill for safety.

Senior Operation Guidelines

• For horizontal ventilation via windows, loads should always be positioned to avoid overextension.
• A pressure of approximately 100 psi can achieve a reach of more than 100 ft for solid elevated streams.

Aerial Length and Impact Forces

• About 25% of the rated length of a fully extended aerial is attributable to the chassis and turntable.
• A 150 lb person impacts with a force of approximately 750 lbs when jumping down 5 ft.

Operational Recommendations

• Elevated streams are rarely operated above 100 ft elevation for safety.
• Aerial should be operated on stable, level ground to maximize stability and load-bearing capacity.