• General knowledge in proper operation of Ladder
2807
• Ability to recognize safety hazards during ladder operations
• Demonstrate rescuing a conscious victim using the aerial ladder.
• Ability to perform monthly Aerial Ladder inspection.
• Ability to perform the Aerial Ladder post use inspection.

• NFPA 1904 Standard For Aerial Ladder and Elevated Platform Operations
• WAC 296-305-04511 Elevated Platforms
• IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting fourth edition chapter 14
• Sutphen fire apparatus owners manual

• Aerial ladders shall not be positioned under dangerous cornices or other loose overhanging objects that may endanger fire fighters working on, or climbing the ladder. The only exception to this rule is where rescue operations are essential.
• Fire apparatus aerial ladders shall be positioned for the the greatest stability according to the WAC and manufacturer’s recommendation.
• When working on a slope the aerial ladder apparatus shall be placed facing downhill.

• Ground jacks shall be deployed before the aerial ladder is put into operation
• Ground plates shall be deployed under jacks at all times
• Sand should be placed under the ground plates when operating in ice or snow
• Wheel chocks shall be deployed at all times while the aerial ladder is in use

• A maximum number of two fire fighters are permitted on the ladder at one time
• Aerial ladders shall not be extended or retracted while fire fighters are climbing the ladder
• When necessary to position fire fighters on the aerial ladder, they shall be secured by a life belt
• Firefighters are not permitted to “lock in” to the aerial ladder with their legs.

• The operator of an aerial ladder shall remain at the turntable whenever firefighters are working off of the aerial ladder
• *Exception* If the aerial ladder is left in position as a ground ladder, no operator is needed at the turntable

• The minimum clearance for electrical lines rated 50 kv and below shall be 10 feet
• For lines rated above 50 kv the minimum clearance shall be 10 feet plus 0.4 inches for each additional kv
• The hydraulic jacks on an aerial ladder shall not be “short jacked” at any time during operation

• A daily inspection of the aerial ladder shall be performed. The daily inspection shall include, but is not limited to the following:
• All equipment that is normally attached to the ladder is properly secured
• Spotlights are operational and secured
• All accessory items have been removed from the ladder
• Aerial hours: Check and note the hours of use documented in the “Aerial Use Logbook” located in the watch room at headquarters

• A visual inspection shall be made of the aerial ladder following each use before it is retracted and bedded if possible. The inspection shall include but is not limited to the following.
• All equipment that was used on the aerial is properly secured
• All equipment that is normally mounted on the aerial apparatus is properly secured
• Check for obstacles that may interfere with the aerial ladder during retraction

• A visual inspection should be made of any surface of the aerial ladder that came into contact with a building or any obstruction prior to retraction
• Anytime the aerial ladder is subjected to direct flame contact, the affected area shall be examined for discoloration, deformity and blistering.

Monthly Aerial Ladder Inspection, Care and Maintenance
• Power Take Off: Check for proper shifting and operation
• Automatic Transmission: Check for fluid leakage
• Hydraulic System: Check Fluid level, valves, lines, fittings and cylinders for leakage.
• Slides/Rollers: Check for breakage and proper operation.

Monthly Aerial Ladder Inspection, Care and Maintenance
• Emergency operation: Check for proper operation
• Load Chart: Check Legibility
• Intercom: Check operation and condition
• Hydraulic Pressure Gauge: Check pressure at fast idle/full elevation, record on aerial ladder monthly inspection form.
• Jacks: Check operation, condition, locks and pins
• Cables: Check for even tension among pairs and signs of damage or wear

Monthly Aerial Ladder Inspection, Care and Maintenance
• Rungs: Check for bends, deformities and condition of rung covers
• Beams/Rails: Check alignment and signs of heat damage, physical damage.
• Rivets: Check for loose rivets and apparent defects
• Pulleys: Check for cracks or pieces missing out of rims.
• Function Test: Check for proper operation of lights, controls, indicators, hydraulic operations

• The aerial ladder ladder as well as the support section for the turntable, shall undergo a nondestructive test conducted by a certified testing agency every five (5) years
• If at any time the aerial ladder incurs structural damage it shall be placed out of service. The damaged aerial shall not be placed back into service until the damaged section has been repaired and the ladder re-certified
• Rungs or rails that have been subject to unusual impact shall be tested before usage

• Always use hydraulic jacks and wheel chocks
• When operating on a slope always place apparatus facing down hill

• Never “short jack”
Hydraulic jacks

• Load chart located left of the pump panel
• Never exceed manufacturers specifications

• Improper use of equipment may result in serious injury or death

• Hydraulic jacks can cause serious crushing injury

• With all jacks in position the maximum tip load is 500 LB

• Be aware of electrical lines before any attempt is made to place aerial ladder into position

• In the event the PTO fails there is an auxiliary motor. Be efficient in moving the aerial ladder and personnel out of harms way.
• Never “power in” when bedding , extending, or retracting the aerial ladder

• Always use the intercom system when operating on the ladder

• Located near the turn table.
• Three controls
• Extend and Retract
• Rotate Left and Right
• Raise and Lower
• Never operate two controls at once

• Always wear PPE
• Minimum of
Helmet,Gloves and
Safety Belt

• Place ladder along side of the roof so fire fighters may step off of the ladder directly on to the roof
• When possible extend ladder six feet above the roof access. This provides better ladder visibility in the event of rapid egress for firefighters who are conducting roof top operations.

• When possible try to align ladder rungs.
• Increases climbing ease
• Reduces firefighter injuries

• Check for bent rungs
• Look for damaged rivets
• Make sure rung coverings are in place
• Make sure anti-skid surface is in good shape

• Has no welds
• Held together by rivets
• Heat causes thermal expansion resulting in rivet failure and possible ladder failure

• Located in cab
• Step by step instructions located on the dashboard
• Engage PTO before pump

• Must always remain at the turntable when firefighters are on the ladder unless it is being used as a ground ladder
• Never rotate the Aerial ladder when the water pipe is in use. The nozzle reaction can cause the ladder to fail

• Should always be in a position where a clear line of sight can be maintained with firefighters working on the ladder
• Should always have a spotter when positioning the aerial ladder

• Never use the ladder as battering ram (with the exception of window glass)

• Completely drain the waterway before retracting the Aerial
Ladder
• Failure to due this will damage the seals of the waterway

• Rated at 1,500gpm at
150psi

• Ability to change your nozzle pattern
• Rotate your ladder left and right
• Raise or lower your nozzle
• The remote nozzle control on the turntable has been disconnected

• To have 100psi at the aerial ladder tip the waterway pressure gauge should read
180psi

• Always have three points of contact on the ladder while ascending or descending
• Always test start power tools to ensure proper function before ascending the aerial

• A conscious victim should be lowered feet first facing the same direction of the rescuer

• Make entry
• Conduct a search and rescue
• Conduct salvage
• Place ladders
• Perform ventilation
• Check for fire extension
• Set up lighting equipment
• Control utilities
• Place elevated master streams
• Conduct overhaul

• Primarily a defensive tactic
• Can be used in a transitional attack
• Should never be sprayed into a structure while interior fire suppression is ongoing
• Can be used for gross decontamination