Ground Ladder Safety Policy

Overview

• This document outlines TFD's policy regarding the minimum safety requirements for ground ladders used by its personnel.
• Procedures for inspecting ground ladders are in this document.
• The document applies to all uniformed TFD personnel.
• This document replaces TFD Policy 5021, "Ground Ladder Safety," dated November 2001.
• Related document forms include the Company Level Ground Ladder Inspection Log (FIR 2570 0001) and the TFD Ground Ladder Annual Inspection and Test Form.
• Refer to TFD Minimum Company Standards, TFD Policy 5016 (PPE for Structural Firefighting), and TFD Policy 5028 (Electrical Safety) for related information.

Responsibilities

• The Safety Captain must keep records of completed FIR 2570 0001 forms and maintain the current document.
• The Ladder 3 Captain must know service testing requirements, certify the condition of ground ladders through tests, schedule tests for each engine and ladder company, and maintain test records.
• Company Captains must keep records of completed FIR 2570 0001 forms for their assigned ladders and forward these forms to the Safety Office.
• Company Officers must ensure inspections are done per the guidelines and that inspection findings are documented.
• The Fire Garage Supervisor ensures ground ladders are repaired or retired appropriately and maintains repair records, while also providing the Ladder 3 Captain with a copy of ground ladder repair records.
• All TFD personnel must be aware of safety hazards like electrical, fall, and stability risks and take safety precautions during use, inspection, and testing.

Definitions

• Dogs, also known as "ladder locks" or "pawls," are devices that hold the fly section in place when extended.
• The fly is the extendible section of a ladder.
• Impact loading refers to stress applied in a sudden manner.
• A test jig is a frame for conducting repetitive evaluations.
• A test load refers to a prescribed stress.

General Guidelines

• New ground ladders purchased by TFD must adhere to the current edition of NFPA Standard 1931.
• Ground ladders used by TFD personnel must be constructed, certified, maintained, inspected, and tested per WAC 296-305.
• Ladders must be stored to allow easy access for inspection and to prevent accidents.
• Ground ladders needing repairs should be sent to the Fire Garage; temporary repairs are not allowed.

Use of Ground Ladders

• TFD personnel must use ground ladders per TFD training standards.
• Before raising ladders, check for overhead wires and maintain clearance according to TFD Policy 5028.
• Climb/descend ladders with the fly-in against the building and place ladders on a firm, level spot, which can be achieved using excavation or blocks.
• Ensure ladders are tied in or footed during climbing.
• Firefighters should wear full PPE with face shield down on the fire ground.
• Use an appropriate number of personnel and a bent-knee, straight-back lifting technique to prevent injuries when carrying and raising ladders.

Inspection Protocols

• Company Officers must inspect ground ladders monthly and after each use, according to NFPA Standard 1932.
• An inspection must occur any time a ladder is suspected of being unsafe, after being subjected to overloading, impact loading, unusual conditions, or during monthly cleaning.
• "Use" of a ground ladder includes emergency operations and training evolutions.
• Remove a ladder from service for any sign of damage or defect until repairs are made and service testing is completed.

Service Testing

• The Ladder 3 Captain schedules annual ground ladder service tests for each engine and ladder company.
• Service testing should be conducted annually and when a ladder has been exposed to direct flame contact or suspected of such, the heat sensor label indicates heat exposure, it has undergone overloading, stress, or unusual conditions, or after any repairs beyond halyard replacement.
• Metal ground ladders undergo strength service testing according to NFPA 1932.
• Extension ladders must be tested with a minimum preload load of 350 lbs and a test load of 500 lbs.
• Only trained personnel should be involved in service testing.
• Any sign of failure during service testing requires removing the ladder from service for repair or destruction.
• Scratches and dents will not cause a ladder to fail testing if it passes the service test.

Safety During Service Testing

• Take precautions to prevent damage/injury during ground ladder service tests.
• Be aware of the risk of sudden, dramatic failure of ladders being tested.
• Ensure the ladder is firm and flat on ladder stands or the test jig.
• Assign one person as the Winch Operator.
• Apply test loads carefully to avoid shocks or impacts.
• Pass the tape measure instead of reaching across the ladder when measuring.
• Keep the area around the ladder clear in case of sudden failure.
• Crawling under the horizontal ladder during testing is disallowed.
• Do not place oneself or allow others to be "in-line with a load."

Documentation Requirements

• Company Captains must keep a one-year record of completed FIR 2570 0001 forms and forward older forms to the Safety Office.
• The Ladder 3 Captain keeps permanent records of ground ladder service tests.
• Findings of ground ladder inspections, including needed repairs, are recorded by TFD personnel on FIR 2570 0001.
• The Officer or Acting Officer conducting testing records all ground ladder service testing permanently.
• The Fire Garage Supervisor keeps repair records and sends a copy to the Ladder 3 Captain when a ground ladder is repaired.

Inspection Procedure

• Check the heat sensor expiration date and changes indicating heat exposure; sensors turn from orange to black at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Inspect all rungs for snugness and tightness, looking for damage or weakness caused by overloading or bumping.
• Check all bolts and rivets for tightness.
• Inspect welds for cracks or defects.
• Check butt spurs for wear or defects.
• Halyards (ropes and cables) should be checked for signs of fraying or breaking.
  • The halyard connection must be stronger than the halyard itself.
• Roof hooks should be inspected for sharpness and proper operation.
• Beams and rungs should be inspected for punctures, wavy conditions, worn serrations, or deformation from heat or overloading.
• Look for corrosion on surfaces and cracks, gouges, and splintering on fiberglass beams.
• Check pulleys and dogs for breakage, wear, lubrication, and proper movement of springs.
• Remove any damaged or defective ladders from service.
  • Do not test damaged ladders.
  • Do not return the ladder to service before defects are corrected and service testing, if applicable, is conducted.