LESSON PLAN

COURSE : Fire Basic Recruit Course (FBRC)

MODULE : IV – Basic Firefighting Training

SUBJECT : Ground Ladder Operation

METHODOLOGY : Lecture/Discussion/Demonstration

NUMBER OF HOURS : Eight Hours (8)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES : At the end of the lesson, the trainees should be able to:

1. identify the different parts of ladder within 30 minutes;

2. classify the types of ladder correctly;

3. demonstrate the proper ladder carries with caution and

commitment for work effectiveness.

4. perform proper ascending and descending at ladder

with prudence and effortless.

5. appreciate the use of ladders in firefighting with full

understanding and appreciation.

6. value the importance of ladder with awareness as

demonstrated through proper care.

LEARNING AIDS : LCD Projector, Screen, Portable Computer, Ladders

REFERENCES : Hall, Richard et. al. IFSTA Essentials of firefighting

(4th edition). Oklahoma, USA. 2001

Module on Aviation Basic Firefighting

http://www.NFPA.org/education

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I. INTRODUCTION

Preparatory Activities

 Opening Prayer
 Introduce the instructor
 Checking of attendance thru class marcher of the day
 Administrative announcement

Developmental activities: Students will be asked:

 What are the common tools that you see in the fire station?
 Can you name some of them?
 Would you know how they are properly used and how to take good care of them?

II. PRESENTATION
 Introduce and discuss the following specific subject areas, given examples
to make point clear when necessary.

- Parts, types and use of ladder

 Emphasis on the following key points

- Parts of ladder
- Types of ladder
- Ladder carries
- Raising of ladder
- Safety techniques and procedures

 Summarize the Lesson/Important Points Discussed

- Ladder is as important as other techniques and procedures in fire fighting.

- Proper handling should be observed so as to attain the desired use of ladder.

III. APPLICATION

 Instructor will demonstrate and show the parts, ladder carries and ladder raise.
Trainees will be grouped by team composing of 7 – 10 members and will practice
the ladder carries and raise.
IV. TEST

 Trainees will be evaluated in the afternoon as to the proper carry and raise by
group.

 Closing Prayer

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 LESSON TIMETABLE

MODULE : IV – Basic Firefighting Training

SUBJECT : Ground Ladder Operation

METHODOLOGY : Lecture/Discussion/Demonstration

DURATION : Eight Hours (8)

STRATEGY / REFERENCE / EVALUATION

DURATION CONTENT / TOPIC
ACTVITY TOOLS / OUTPUT
10 mins. Introduction    
  - Opening Prayer    
- Name some tools Discussion
commonly seen in
  the fire station.  
1 Hr. & 30 -Types of ladder Discussion / Manual/Books/
mins. -Parts of ladder Lecture/ Internet/
-Ladder Carry Demonstration Pamphlet/
-Ladder Raise Ladder  
15 mins. Break      
2 Hrs.& 5 (Application) Practice Demonstration / Manual/Books/  Trainees
mins. of trainees on proper Practical Internet/ should be
ladder carry and raise. Pamphlet/ able to carry
Ladder and raise
ladder
properly.
1 Hr. Lunch Break  
2 Hrs. (Test) Evaluation of Demonstration Trainees
trainees by team on should be
proper ladder carry and able to carry
raise and raise
ladder
  properly.
15 mins. Break

1 Hr. & 45  Application Demonstration Trainees

Mins. should be
(Test) Evaluation of able to carry
trainees by team on and raise
proper ladder carry and ladder
raise properly.
 Closing Prayer

Page 3 of 9
 LESSON MANUSCRIPT
( GROUND LADDER OPERATION )

Ladder is a structure consisting of two long sides crossed by parallel rungs, used to
climb up and down and as a means of ascent and descent; it also refers to two rails or beams
with steps or rungs spaced at intervals; or any fire department ladder of varying types of
construction.

Ladder is commonly and advantageous used in confined spaces to gain access to the
fire scene; it is also used to rescue victims who are trapped inside the burning building; and it s
used n bridging the outside and inside of buildings, replacing destroyed staircases, descending
into basements, improvised stretchers, bridging ditches, etc.

Ladders, which are carried into position by hand, are an important part of a fireman’s
equipment. It is essential that a fireman understand the construction and uses of ladders. Apart
from roof and hook ladders they all consist of a main ladder plus one or two extensions. The
extensions are raised either by hauling on an extension line or by pushing up by hand.

The main advantage of all the ladders mentioned above is that firemen can use them in
awkward positions, e.g. narrow alleys, over walls and under arches. These sort of working
conditions would be completely inaccessible for turntable ladders and hydraulic platforms.

Other common uses where these types of ladders are utilized are as follows:

a) Bridging the outside and inside of buildings

b) Replacing destroyed staircases
c) Descending into basements
d) Improvised stretchers
e) Bridging ditches, etc.

TERMINOLOGY

Firemen must ensure that they are familiar with the proper terms used for the various
parts of a ladder. Firemen should also familiarise themselves with the following terms used in
the operation of ladders:

i) EXTEND = to raise the extending section of a ladder.

ii) EXTEND TO LOWER = to take the ladder of pawls for lowering.
iii) HEEL IN/OUT = to move the heel of a ladder towards or
away from a building.
iv) HOUSE = to lower the extending section of a ladder to
its original position.
v) PITCH = to erect a ladder against a building.
vi) SLIP = to remove a ladder from an appliance.

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 Principal parts of a ladder

PARTS OF A LADDER

1. BEAM
2. BASE OR BED
3. BUTT OR HEEL
4. FLY
5. HALYARD
6. HOOKS
7. PAWLS
8. PULLEY
9. RUNGS
10.TIP

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CONSTRUCTION AND TYPES OF LADDERS

Short Extension Ladder

These consist of two or three extensions and are constructed of aluminum. Fully
extended, these ladders should be between 5.5m and 6.7m long. The weight is
approximately 24.6 kg. and the distance from round to round should be between
280mm and 305mm.

Nine Meter Extension Ladders

Metal Ladder
These are of a riveted trussed construction made with a high tensile aluminum
alloy. It has square rounds, which are ribbed on the tread surface to make them
less slippery. The ladder’s weight is approximately 56 kg.

Wooden Ladder

Most wooden ladders are trussed. The trussing must be on the underside when
the ladder is in use. They are constructed from Oregon pine and oak and should
be varnished and not painted. The reason for this is to make it easy to detect
cracks or splintering.

10.5 Meter Ladders

The same construction as the 9m metal ladder. This type of ladder’s weight
is approximately 63,5 kg.

13.5 Meter Ladders

This ladder is constructed from the same materials as the 9m metal and the
10,5m extension ladders. The specifications and design however differ in
several areas. The main difference is that this ladder has two extending
sections and suitable props with universal joints to give the ladder stability.
Furthermore the ladder has two adjustable jacks for plumbing purposes.

0,5m Metal Ladder 13,5 m. Ladder

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 Roof Ladders

Roof ladders are light and strong, can be readily handled by one man and are
suitable for securing by means of a hook, which fits over the ridge of a roof. The
ladder is of one-piece construction and not less than 4,5m. long. The weight of
the ladder is approximately 16 kg.

Hook Ladders

This ladder is suitable for suspension by means of a hook from a windowsill so

that one man can ascend or descend a building unassisted. The ladder weighs
approximately 13,5 kg. and has a total length of 4,1m.

Hook Ladder

WORKING WITH LADDERS

The ability to handle ladders safely and quickly under all types of conditions is a
requirement of all firemen. It is one thing to slip, maneuver and pitch a ladder on a calm,
clear day with plenty of room and firm level ground and the same operation attempted at
midnight, in rain, a strong wind, up a narrow alley amongst lots of debris. Firemen
should therefore practice pitching a ladder under whatever unusual conditions they can
simulate.
NB. This section is intended to give the reader a theoretical knowledge about ladders in
general. Ladder drills and techniques will be dealt with in detail in the module “Hose
Drills, Techniques and Squad Drill” and on the practical drill ground.

STANDARD TESTS

In the following tests the reference to jumping the rounds applies only to wooden
ladders. It is not necessary to jump the rounds of a metal ladder. In order to test the top
rounds, which cannot be jumped, a line should be made fast at the center of the top
round of the upper extension by means of a round turn and two half hitches. The weight
of two men should steadily be applied to the line and then released.

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EXTENSION LADDERS

The ladder should be pitched to its full working height with the head resting against the
building and the heel of the ladder approximately one quarter of the working height away
from the building where it is pitched. (Where props are fitted, it is important that they be
kept stowed in their clips for the test.) For the remainder of the test it should be carried
out as follows: -
13.5m Ladder

Two lines to be made fast to the center round of the middle section. The weight
of three men should be steadily applied and then released. The ladder should resume
its normal position. To test the extending line sees the test for the 9m and 10,5m
ladder.

9m and 10,5m Ladder

A line should be made fast to two adjacent rounds at the center of the overlap of
the two sections of the ladder. The weight of three men should be steadily applied to
the two lines and then released. The ladder should resume its normal position. In the
case of a wooden ladder a man should jump the rounds after this test has been carried
out.
Applying the weight of two men when the ladder is at full extension should test
the extending lines. While this is being done the weight of an additional two men must
be applied to the extension to prevent it from moving.

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 Ladder Carries

1. One firefighter low shoulder carry

2. Two firefighter low shoulder carry
3. Three firefighter shoulder carry
4. Three firefighter flat carry
5. Three firefighter flat shoulder carry
6. Four Firefighter flat shoulder carry
7. Two firefighter arm’s length on-edge carry

Ladder Raise

1. One firefighter raise

2. Two firefighter raise
3. Three firefighter raise

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