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Fire Department Ladder Safety Guideline
(NOTE: This is a guideline and not Bureau of Labor Standards-required policy.)
Ladder Hazards
Improper placement and defective parts usually cause fire department ladder accidents. Proper placement is a training issue, while defective parts can be addressed through a proper and thorough inspection. Prevention starts with good standard operating guidelines, adequate ladder maintenance, and inspection procedures.
Wood Ladders – Should be protected with a clear sealer varnish, shellac, linseed oil or wood preservative. Wood ladders should not be painted. Paint will hide defects.
Fiberglass ladders – Should have a surface coat of lacquer maintained. If it is scratched beyond normal wear, it should be lightly sanded before applying a thin coat of lacquer.
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Maximum Load |
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Type |
lbs. |
Kg |
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Folding ladders |
300 |
136 |
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Pompier ladders |
300 |
136 |
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Single & roof ladders |
750 |
340 |
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All extension ladders |
750 |
340 |
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Combination ladders |
750 |
340 |
Fire Service Ladder Inspection Guideline
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General |
O.K. |
Needs Repair |
Date Repaired |
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Loose steps or rungs (consider loose if they can be moved at all with one hand)? |
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Loose nails, rivets, screws, bolts or other metal parts? |
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Cracked, split, or broken uprights, braces, or rungs? |
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Slivers on uprights, rungs, or steps? |
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Worn, rotted or frayed ropes? |
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Surface corrosion? |
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Wood
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O.K. |
Needs Repair |
Date Repaired |
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Cracks or Rot? |
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Painted Surfaces? |
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Broken or missing rungs? |
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Hardware in poor condition? |
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Metal or Aluminum Extension ladders
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O.K. |
Needs Repair |
Date Repaired |
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Any rough burrs or sharp edges? |
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Loose joints or bolts? |
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Faulty welds or cracks? |
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Loose, broken, or missing extension locks? |
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Defective locks that do not seat properly while extended? |
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Bent beams or rungs? |
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Unusual wear? |
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Wire rope on 3 and 4 section ladders is snug? |
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Roof Ladders (in addition to above if
applicable)
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O.K. |
Needs Repair |
Date Repaired |
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Roof hooks sharp and operate properly? |
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Note: All ground ladders should be inspected in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.