Ground Ladder Techniques
In our previous training post titled “Proper Ground Ladder Use Procedures for Firefighters,” we discussed the basics of ground ladders, maintenance, and repair. In this article, we will continue with ground ladders discussing proper lifting, carrying, and placement techniques.
It is essential firefighters and fire emergency responders are aware of and practice proper ladder usage techniques. Without proper form and placement, ladders can cause injury to firefighters and cause unnecessary risks during fire rescues for victims.
How to Properly Lift and Carry a Ground Ladder
Although it might seem like a trivial task, lifting or lowering a ladder is an important technique to master. If done incorrectly, you can cause injury to yourself or others around you. Additionally, it is important to remember to have adequate people to lift the ladder depending on its length or weight.
Follow these steps to properly lift or lower a ladder:
- Bend your knees
- Keep your back straight
- Lift or lower with your legs, not your back or arms
- Keep your feet parallel to the ladder when lowering to avoid foot or toe injuries
In your rush to rescue someone or something from a burning building, do not overlook the essentials of proper techniques. Remember, you cannot help anyone if you end up hurting yourself in the process. Once you have committed proper lifting and lowering ladder techniques to memory, then you can move on to different ladder carrying options.
The four main methods of carrying a ladder are:
- Low-shoulder carry
- High-shoulder carry
- Tip forward or butt forward roof ladder carries
- Two or three person underarm and arm’s length carries
When carrying a ladder, be aware of your surroundings and your grip placement. Additionally, when utilizing a two-person ladder carry technique, make sure both people are on the same side of the ladder to ensure smoother movements.
How to Properly Place a Ladder to Reach Windows and Roofs
The first step in placing a ladder against a building is following proper ladder raising procedures.
Follow these five ladder raising steps to place your ladder safely every time:
- Look for electrical hazards
- Switch from a ladder carry to a ladder raise position
- Place the extension ladder fly section out
- Tie the halyard using a clove hitch around two convenient rungs and an overhand safety knot
- Secure and heel the ladder base
While proper ladder raising is essential, it is also important to place your ladder in the safest location on the building to execute your rescue or flame containment/elimination plan properly. Your main objective directly impacts where you place your ladder.
Correct ladder placement for every objective:
- To increase ventilation in a burning building or to climb in or out of a narrow window, place the ladder to the windward side of the window with the tip about even with the window top
- For a window rescue, tip the ladder to be even or slightly below the window sill or inside the window opening with two or three rungs above the sill if the window is wide enough
- To direct streams or to support a smoke fan, place the ladder directly in front of a window with the ladder tip on the wall above the window
- To access the roof, place the top five ladder rungs above the roof edge
Note:
Ground ladders should be placed against a building at approximately 75 degrees. To verify the angle placement is correct, the distance of the ladder butt from the wall equals the used length of the ladder divided by the number four.
Additionally, the climber should be able to stand upright and reach the rungs at arm’s length and the inclination markings on the outside bean should be perfectly horizontal and vertical.
Proper lifting, carrying, and ladder placement techniques are safety essentials for firefighters. Not only will these ladder procedures help to keep you and other emergency responders safe, it will also ensure any rescues and fire elimination plans are performed efficiently.
In addition to his leadership role at Ward Fire Equipment,
John May has more than 30 years of experience in the Fire Service. John is a Level I & II Fire instructor in the State of NY.
