Most ladder accidents happen during training exercises. This occurs for several reasons:
• Many departments use older equipment in their training exercises. Remember, even older equipment must pass the current N.F.P.A. 1932 test loads in order to remain in service. Failure to test your ground ladders can result in ladder failure and fire fighter injury.
• Many departments do not take all appropriate safety precautions in performing ladder drills; i.e., tying the ladder off at the top, tying the halyard to the base section of the ladder, bracing the foot of the ladder to prevent movement, or overloading the ladder. These items all cause unnecessary risk and injury potential for the fire fighters involved.
• Never use a damaged ladder. Take it out of service until repaired and tested in accordance with N.F.P.A. 1932.
Inspection, Maintenance and Testing
Fire ladders are part of your total apparatus inventory. Just as your engines, pumps and other equipment require inspection, maintenance and testing, so do your ladders. Begin by establishing a logbook for each ladder with its model number and serial number. Now you can record each inspection, maintenance performed, and annual test results.
Inspect and test ladders prior to placing in service. Always visually inspect a ladder before and after each use. Items of special concern are indications of structural strain or damage on the side rails and/or rungs, loose rungs, worn or frayed halyards and cables, damaged pawls/locks, and heat sensor dots indicating high temperature exposure. Other areas needing attention include ease of extension with two and three-piece ladders, loose fasteners (nuts, rivets, etc.), damaged or missing end caps, foot spikes, and safety shoes (if equipped).
You must maintain, inspect and test your ladders in accordance with N.F.P.A. 1932 standards.
Ladder maintenance can be separated into two procedures. The first, Repair Maintenance, should be performed any time the Visual Inspection discloses any defect; The Repair Maintenance procedure must be performed prior to using the ladder again. The second, the Preventative Maintenance procedure reduces the likelihood of ladder damage and injuries. All ladders, regardless of the manufacturer or material of construction, require both procedures to ensure a safe ladder.
Repair Maintenance must be performed at any time the Visual Inspection discovers any problems as noted above. Remove the ladder from service until such repairs can be completed! The manufacturer can supply you with the necessary parts to correct any discrepancies. Should you have any questions concerning the condition of a ladder, please contact the manufacturer immediately for guidance.
General maintenance should begin by cleaning the ladder with soap and water, taking care to flush the inside of the rungs to remove debris, road salt, etc. (Aluminum ladders can be cleaned with a fine steel wool pad; fiberglass and wood ladders can be cleaned with a rag or sponge). Use caution near the labels so as not to remove the outer label coating. Once the ladder is clean, perform a visual inspection to log any possible defects. After the defects are repaired, you can protect the ladder by applying a mild liquid car wax to the side rails. On extension ladders, apply paraffin wax or candle wax to the friction (slide) areas to lubricate the contact areas. Additionally, apply the wax to accessible lock parts. Under normal conditions, the inspection, washing, and waxing should be done twice yearly. In a hostile environment, complete these steps more frequently as required.
Testing is the word everyone loves to hate. You have a plan in force to test your personal protection gear and your unit’s brakes, as your life depends upon these items working properly when the need is greatest. Are ladders any different? No, they are not! That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.) requires that ground ladders be tested annually. The N.F.P.A. also requires you test ladders any time the ladders are damaged or exposed to high temperatures.
For more information about Alco-Lite’s products and services, visit their website at www.fireladder.com.