Proper Use of Departmental Ladders

• One or two firefighters may raise roof ladders.
• Two or three firefighters are to be used to raise two section ladders up to 35 feet.
• All ladders are to be raised according to established procedures, and placed on the ground one-fourth the vertical distance used, away from the base of the building.
• All ladders are to be held by a firefighter or secured by ropes at all times while in use.
• All charged hose lines on ladders are to be secured by hose straps or rope tools.
• Leg locks are to be used by all members working from ground ladders.
• The first member up an extension ladder must check for proper seating of the ladder locks (or “dogs”).

April 2001