Chapter 8 Set 01: Extension Ladders: Uses, Types, and Safety

What are the main uses of fire service ground ladders?

Access to upper stories and roofs, and access below ground into places such as drains, trenches, and pits.

How many firefighters may be needed to carry and raise a ground ladder?

One to six, depending on its length and the operation.

What is a ladder beam?

The main structural side member that supports the rungs or rung blocks.

What is the bed section of an extension ladder, and what are its other names?

The lowest and widest section; also called the base or main section.

Which extension ladder section remains in contact with the ground during raising and lowering?

The bed section.

What is the butt of a ladder, and what are its other names?

The bottom end that rests on the supporting surface; also called the heel or base.

What are butt spurs, and what do they do?

Metal plates, spikes, or cleats at the bottom of the beams that help prevent slipping.

What is the fly section?

The movable upper section of an extension ladder or some combination ladders.

What are ladder footpads or shoes?

Swiveling plates at the butt, commonly fitted with rubber or neoprene bottoms.

What are ladder guides?

Strips, slots, or channels that guide the movement of the fly section.

What is a halyard, and what is another name for it?

The rope or cable used to raise and lower the fly; also called the fly rope.

What should happen when a ladder's heat sensor label changes color?

Remove the ladder from service and have it tested before reuse.

What are roof hooks?

Curved metal devices near the tip of a roof ladder that secure it over a roof peak.

What are pawls, and what are their other names?

Devices that hold the fly section in its extended position; also called dogs or ladder locks.

Where are extension ladder pawls located?

On the inside of the fly section's beams.

What are ladder protection plates, and where are they used?

Metal strips that protect against chafing, commonly near the tip and mounting-bracket contact areas.

What is the ladder pulley?

A small grooved wheel through which the halyard runs.

What are rails on a trussed ladder?

The two lengthwise members of each trussed beam, separated by blocks.

What are rungs?

Crossmembers between the beams that provide footholds.

What are ladder stops?

Wood or metal devices that prevent the fly from being extended too far.

What are tie rods on a wooden ladder?

Metal rods beneath the rungs that extend from one beam to the other.

What is the tip of a ladder?

The extreme top end.

What is a truss block?

A spacer between the rails of a trussed beam that may also support a rung.

What four ground ladder types does the chapter discuss?

Single, roof, extension, and combination ladders.

Why may an ordinary commercial ladder be unsuitable for firefighting?

It may not meet the NFPA requirements for fire service emergency use.

What is a single ladder, and what are its other names?

A fixed-length, nonadjustable ladder; also called a wall or straight ladder.

How is the length of a single ladder measured?

By the overall length of its beams.

What are common uses of single ladders?

Quick access to windows and roofs of one- and two-story buildings.

Why are some ladder beams constructed with a truss design?

To provide strength while limiting weight.

What single-ladder lengths are described in the chapter?

Approximately 6-32 feet, with 12-24 feet common.

What feature distinguishes a roof ladder?

Folding hooks used to secure it over a roof ridge or another suitable roof feature.

What benefits does a roof ladder provide when deployed on a roof?

It distributes weight and provides more secure footing to reduce slipping.

What roof-ladder lengths are common, and can a roof ladder serve as a straight ladder?

Approximately 12-24 feet; yes, it can also be used as a straight ladder.

How does an extension ladder adjust its length?

One or more fly sections move through guides or brackets above the bed section.

How is an extension ladder's designated size determined, and can it be used at intermediate lengths?

By its fully extended length; it can be adjusted to intermediate lengths.

What extension ladder length range is listed in the chapter's ladder-types discussion?

12-39 feet.

What configurations can a combination ladder provide?

A self-supporting A-frame configuration and a single- or extension-ladder configuration.

What combination-ladder lengths are described in the chapter?

Approximately 8-14 feet, with 10 feet common.

What keeps a combination ladder securely open in its A-frame position?

Positive locking devices.

How should firefighters select a ladder for an assignment?

Follow the incident commander or supervisor's direction; otherwise assess the required length, type, suitability, and safe placement.

How many separate escape routes should be provided for firefighters working above ground?

At least two remote escape routes, using ground or aerial ladders as appropriate.

What height estimates does the chapter give for residential buildings?

Approximately 10 feet per story and 3 feet from the floor to the windowsill.

What height estimates does the chapter give for commercial buildings?

Approximately 12 feet per story and 4 feet from the floor to the windowsill.

What does a ladder's designated length represent?

The total length of a single ladder or the maximum intended extended length of an extension ladder.

Why is a ladder's vertical reach less than its length?

The ladder is positioned at an angle.

How do the actual and designated lengths of single, roof, and folding ladders compare?

They are the same.

How much shorter than its designated length may an extension ladder's actual extended length be?

Up to 6 inches.

How far should a ladder extend above a roof edge for access?

At least three to five rungs, providing a handhold and secure transition.

What additional ladder may be needed when a parapet is more than 6 feet above the roof?

A ladder on the roof side, beside the access ladder, to reach the roof deck.