Firefighting I

Main structural member of the ladder supporting the rungs or rung blocks

Lowest and widest section of the ladder, always remains in contact with the ground or other support surface

Bottom end of the ladder; the end that is placed on the ground or support surface

Metal plates, spikes or cleats attached to the butt that prevent slippage

Upper sections of extension ladder or some combination ladders. The section that moves

Swivel plates attached to the butt of the ladder; usually have rubber or neoprene bottom surfaces

Wood or metal strips on an extension ladder that guide the fly

Rope or cable used for hoisting and lowering the fly sections of an extension ladder; also called the fly rope

Label affixed to the inside of each beam of each ladder section: changes color when exposed to a sufficient degree of heat. When exposed it must be put out of service until it can be tested and replaced.

Curved metal devices installed near the top end of the roof ladders to secure the ladder to the highest point on a peaked roof of a building

Devices attached to the inside of the beams on the fly sections used to hold the fly section in place after it has been extended

Strips of metal attached to the ladders at chaffing points

Small, grooved wheel through which the halyard is drawn on an extension ladder

The two lengthwise members of a trussed ladder beam that are separated by truss or separation blocks.

Cross members that provide the foothold for climbing; the rungs extend from one beam to another

Wooden or metal pieces that prevent the fly section from being extended too far

Metal rods located beneath the rungs extending from one beam to the other of a wooden ladder

Extreme top of the ladder

Spacers set between the rails of a trussed ladder; sometimes used to support rungs

6-32 ft tall

Common length of 12-20 ft

12-24 ft and have hooks at the tip to hook into the peak of a roof. Used when completing vertical ventilation

Footpads attached to the butts

8-16 ft

10 ft most common height

Most commonly used as attic ladders

Made up of 2-4 sections (1 bed and remainder are flies)

12-39 ft

Commonly handled by 3 people at a time

All ladders 40 ft or more must have poles

Pole ladders do not exceed 50 ft

Poles are also known as tormentors

Used as an A frame, extension ladder or folding ladder

8-14 ft

Must have positive locking devices in order to hold the ladder in position

Single beam with rungs projecting from both sides

Used to climb from floor to floor

10-16 ft

1) Do not expose ladders to elements

2) keep free of moisture

3) do not store where subjected to exhaust or engine heat

4) do not paint except for 12" from tip of beams on top or bottom for identification

1) a 10 ft folding ladder

2) a 14 ft roof ladder

3) a 24 ft extension ladder

Must be placed 5 rungs above roofs edge

Upwind side of window with tip even with the top of the window frame

Tip must be placed below the window sill

1) for lengths of 35 ft or less, reach is 1 ft less than length

2) for lengths of 35 ft or more, reach is 2 ft less than length