Ladder Checks

Raising and climbing ladders is inherently risky.These ladder checks act as good safety reminders and should be performed every time.

Clear The Overhead

Prior to raising or lowering a ground ladder you must clear the overhead. This means you must look up and around for anything the ladder might hit. This includes trees, branches, apparatus, structures, and most importantly wires.

During a fire things change. Structures change shape, apparatus move, wires sag. You must clear the overhead before moving a ladder away from a building and/or lowering it to the ground.

Action: Look up and around scanning for obstructions. If clear, say "Overhead clear."

Ladder Checks

Once the ladder is in place there are several checks that must be completed prior to climbing. These can be completed quickly and should be said aloud.

• Tips Square: Check that the tips (upper end) of the ladder rest evenly on the structure. Are both tips touching? Are they leaning to one side?
• Dogs Locked: Are all of the dogs (pawls) in their fully locked position? Visually inspect each of the dogs. Our ladders have 4 dogs, 2 per fly.
• Halyard Secured: Is the halyard properly secured? It should be tied snugly down the center of the ladder so that it is not a trip hazard for climbing or operating near the ladder. It must be secured with a clove hitch on a rung and an overhand safety knot. See Tying A Halyard.
• Butts Grounded: Are the butts (base) of the ladder secure on the surface so they won't slip? Check by hopping forcefully on the bottom rung of the ladder to make sure it is stable.
• Climbing Angle Good: Stand on the bottom rung and hold onto the rung that is in front of you at shoulder height with arms fully extended. If you are vertical then your climbing angle is good. If you are leaning into or away from the ladder you may need to readjust the ladder position. See the sticker on the outside of each beam of the bed section for a reminder of proper angle.
• Ready To Climb: Once you have passed all of the previous checks and have someone to toe, or if necessary foot, the ladder you are ready to climb.

If you move or reposition the ladder in any way, repeat the ladder checks prior to climbing.