BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE NO. 52

LADDER COMPANIES

I. EQUIPMENT
II. MAINTENANCE
III. DUTIES
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S.O.P. # 52

LADDER COMPANIES

I. EQUIPMENT

52.1 The following ground ladders shall be carried:

a. One 50 foot extension ladder with tormentor poles;

b. One 40 foot extension ladder with tormentor poles;
c. Two 35 foot extension ladders;
d. One 28 foot extension ladder;
e. One 20 foot roof ladder;
f. One 16 foot roof ladder;
g. One 10 foot pencil ladder;
h. One Baby Bangor.

52.2 Six dog chains with claw hammer and carrying belt.

52.3 Forcible Entry Tools:

a. Four pick head axes;

b. One Halligan bar with maul;
c. One battering ram;
d. One tin roof cutter;
e. One hammer head pick;
f. One claw tool;
g. One buster bar and/or callahan jimmy;
h. One adz;
i. One pair of bolt cutters;
j. One lock breaker;
k One flat head axe.
l. One hydraulic Forcible entry tool (if so equipped)

52.4 Rakes:

a. One 16 foot;
b. One 14 foot;
c. One 12 foot;
d. Three 8 foot (one to be carried on the tip of the aerial);
e. Three 6 foot;
f. One closet rake with D handle ring.
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52.5 XL 98 Multi Purpose Saw: (refer to S.O.P. # 10 for a detailed description of the XL 98)

a. Wood cutting or metal blade attached as determined by Fire Captain of the company.
b. Spare blades as follows:
One of each type (wood, metal, masonry);
the metal and masonry blades to be stored in
polypropylene bags;
c. One gallon of gasoline in compliance with S.O.P. 10.2;
d. Saw to be carried in canvas bag with shoulder harness (if so equipped);
e. Two pair of safety goggles;
f. The wrench and the spare blades to be carried in the canvas bag.

52.6 Body bag.

52.7 Stokes basket.

52.8 Wire cutters with pair of rubber gloves.

52.9 Portable Generator:

a. One gallon of gasoline in a safety can;

b. Smoke ejector;
c. Three lengths of cord;
d. Junction box;
e. Three 300 watt floor lights;
f. One 500 watt flood light;
g. Adapter male twist lock to female 3 wire Y ground;
h. Adapter from male 3 wire Y ground to female twist lock.

52.10 Ladder Pipe:

a. Guide wire (set);

b. Tip sizes 1-3/8, 1-1/4, 1-1/2;
c. A length of 3" hose;
d. 2-1/2" Morse Gate
e. Siamese connection (two 2-1/2" female x 2-1/2" male);
f. 4" Stortz x 2-1/2" male NST adapter;
g. Two hose lines;
h. Two safety belts.

52.11 Cellar Pipe.

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52.12 Hose:

Three hundred feet of 2-1/2 hose connected with the female end out and a 2-1/2 inch
playpipe attached to the male end;

300 feet of 1-3/4 hose with the female end out and an 1-1/2 inch playpipe attached to the
male end.

52.13 Hydrant Bag - Equipment to be carried:

a. Hydrant wrench of the type that can be used in conjunction with high pressure hydrants;
b. 2-1/2 to 1-1/2 reducer;
c. Morse gate: for use on hydrants and/or cellar pipe;
d. Two spanners;
e. A pipe to assist in opening hydrant;
f. An adjustable hydrant wrench.

52.14 Magnetic anti-

(not in the bag).

52.15 1 dry chemical extinguisher

1 CO2 extinguisher

52.16 Assorted Equipment:

a. Four brooms;
b. Four shovels;
c. Ten pound sledge hammer;
d. One crow bar.

52.17 Ropes:

a. A one hundred foot 5/8 inch nylon rope to be used as a life line.
This nylon life line shall always be stored in the special nylon protective bag when not in
use.
b. Twenty-five feet of 1/2 inch nylon rope to be used as a signal safety line.
c. Search Rope Bag containing the 400 feet of search rope.

52.18 Two wheel chocks.

52.19 Assorted hand tools.

S.O.P. # 52 4

52.20 Equipment for MBTA and elevator emergencies (if so equipped):

a. Jack for MBTA or elevator emergencies, including handle;

b. "T" handle for MBTA emergency exits;
c. Third rail tester;
d. Assorted wooden blocks and wedges in carrying case.

52.21 High rise cart (if so equipped).

52.22 EMS equipment:

a. Resuscitator
b. Semi-Automatic External Defibrillator (SAED)
c. Trauma kit;
d. Long backboard;
e. Short backboard with straps attached
f. KED extrication device (if so equipped)
g. Cervical collars;
h. Straps for long backboard;
i. Two spare "D" bottles.

52.23 Breathing apparatus:

a. Five 4.5 Scott masks;

b. Four spare 30 minute air bottles;
c. Two 4.5 Scott masks with 60 minute air bottles attached;
d. Two spare 60 minute air bottles.

52.24 Hydraulic Extrication Tool (if so equipped):

Gasoline mixture in safety can for the hydraulic extrication tool;

Assorted attachments to be used with the hydraulic extrication tool.

52.25 Set of tire chains and spreaders with assorted monkey links.

52.26 Flotation suit (if so issued).

52.27 Flotation line. (One 50 foot section of 2 1/2 line and end caps affixed) air supply inlet and
adapter for Scott 4.5 cylinder (if so equipped).

52.28 Box key, Christmas tree type box key, elevator key carried in the glove compartment.
S.O.P. # 52 5

II. MAINTENANCE

52.29 Form M1 (Motor Report) shall be completed and forwarded to the Training and
Maintenance Division on the 1st of each month.

52.30 Luminous paint has been issued to each ladder company to identify ground ladders.
Company Commanders shall use the following procedure to mark ladders (also refer to S.O.P. #
5):

1. Clean ladders to prepare for painting.

2. Paint the ladder beams on the outside, back to the second rung (do not paint the rungs),
tip of fly, and bed sections of the ladder.
3. Use yellow to mark 35 ft. ladders.
4. Use orange to mark 40 ft. ladders.
5. Use green to mark 50 ft. ladders.

52.31 It is imperative that both ends of the halyard of ground ladders be connected properly either
by splicing or by means of hook and eye. The purpose being to raise extensions without necessity
of unhitching or untying the halyard before raising. Tying the halyard with knots and/or half-
hitches causes a delay because the knots become tight or frozen. Under NO conditions shall
halyards be tied or wrapped around rungs.

52.32 On April 1 and October 1, the Company Commander shall forward a Form 5A indicating
that all ladders have been raised, the halyards are in good condition, the pawl oiled and working,
and that both aerial and ground ladders are operational.

52.33 Daily checks by chauffeurs.

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III. DUTIES

52.34 The Duties of a Ladder Company:

a. Rescue, including the raising of aerial and ground ladders;

b. Forcible entry;
c. Opening up operations;
d. Axe, rake, adz, power saw operations;
e. Ventilation:
1. Horizontal by opening door/windows, etc.;
2. Vertical by opening roofs of all types, removal of skylights, pressurization of
stairwells, etc.;
f. Overhauling operations including:
1. Use of bale hooks;
2. Removal of smoke/toxic residue by natural and/or mechanical means;
g. Ladder pipe operations;
h. Breaching of brick walls;
i. Cellar pipe operations;
j. Checking for extension of fire, particularly in floors above the fire and adjoining
buildings;
k. Extinguishing of small fires with extinguishers;
l. Assisting in running and operations of hose lines;
m. Patrolling for flying sparks and brands;
n. First responder treatment and equipment;
o. Extrication from elevators, vehicle, industrial accidents, etc.;
p. Water rescue;
q. Use of generator for emergency lights at fires or other incidents and emergencies;
r. Salvage duties including:
1. Shutting down/draining of sprinklers/standpipes.
2. Shutting off of electric, gas, domestic water and other hazards;
3. Removal of water from building;
s. Securing of and protection of building;
t. Removal of hazards and dangerous conditions, e.g., overhead wires, signs, walls in danger,
limbs of trees.
u. Proper and accurate reporting of conditions forwarded to the Incident Commander
(extension of fire, structural hazards, etc.);
v. Company Commander to be accountable for manpower after initial duties. Company to
operate as a unit as much as possible.

52.35 First Arriving Company:

a. Operate in front of building unless otherwise ordered by the Incident Commander;

b. Place apparatus in order to raise the aerial;
c. If any life is in jeopardy, raise aerial and/or ground ladders forthwith;
d. Do not block hydrants or park on hose lines.
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52.36 Duties of Members of First Arriving Truck:

Company Commander:

a. Shall designate assignments of duties and tools at commencement of the tour of duty
including duties while raising ladders;
b. Shall report to the Incident Commander.
c. Shall pay particular attention to any extension of the fire and report conditions to the
Incident Commander.

Driver/Operator:

a. Position apparatus, set brakes, chock wheels;

b. Set all jacks;
c. Use jack plates;
d. Raise aerial to roof;
e. Stay on the turntable if a member is on the roof;
f. If conditions allow, assist member on the roof, take necessary tools to the roof.

Roof Person:

a. Ascend to the roof by ladder or interior stairway;

b. Take appropriate tools to open or vent the roof.

Open Up Person:

a. Carry the halligan and maul;

b. Open up for the engine company.

Rake Person:

a. Perform the duties of rake person.

Other Members:

a. Carry rakes unless otherwise ordered.

52.37 Second Arriving Truck Company:

a. Place apparatus where it may be in position to take whatever action is ordered by the
Incident Commander;
b. In the absence of any order to the contrary, take the rear of the building.
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52.38 Duties of Members of the Second Arriving Truck:

Company Commander:

a. Shall designate assignments of duties and equipment at commencement of tour of duty;

b. Report to the Incident Commander;
c. Report conditions to the Incident Commander.

Driver/Operator:

a. Position apparatus where ordered;

b. If aerial is raised, follow guidelines in 52.52 Driver/Operator a. through f.

Roof Person

a. Assist members of first arriving truck with operations on the roof;

b. Carry necessary tools and equipment to the roof.

Open Up Person:

a. Carry the halligan and maul;

b. Go to the rear of the building and open up rear entrances.

Rake Person:

a. Perform the duties of rake person.

Other Members:

a. All other members to carry rakes unless ordered otherwise.

52.39 Multiple Alarms

a. Be alert for radio orders and change to appropriate channel when responding;
b. Do not block hydrants;
c. Do not park on lines of hose;
d. Do not leave the apparatus blocking access to the fire building;
e. Use ladders from trucks nearest the fire.
S.O.P. # 52 9

52.40 Duties of Members: Multiple Alarms

a. Be alert for orders from Incident Commander or his/her aide via radio;
b. Size up en route by the Company Commander may dictate other procedures;
c. Report to the Incident Commander.

52.41 Tool Assignments: Multiple Alarms: The assignments listed below are guidelines:

a. Incident Commander or Company Commander may order whatever tools and equipment
he/she deems necessary.

b. Residential and taxpayer fires:

1. One member carries axe or adz;
2. All others carry rakes of appropriate size(s).
c. Mercantile, Industrial, Retail, Office Occupancies:
1. One member with axe or adz;
2. One member with halligan and maul;
3. All others with rakes.
d. Other occupancies or incidents:
1. Incident Commander or size up by company commander shall determine
distribution of tools to be carried;
2. Where S.O.P. exist (MBTA, High Rise, etc.), the procedures outlined in the
S.O.P. will be followed.

52.42 Procedures and precautions when venting roofs:

a. Wear protective clothes especially gloves and eyeshields;

b. Open penthouse doors;
c. Remove scuttles;
d. Skylights
1. First try to lift off;
2. Make small hole with peen of axe and yell warning to members below;
3. Use flat of axe and clear out glass;
4. Use rake to push down any obstructions blocking free vent;
5. Clean out glass completely.

e. Roof Openings
1. Work with wind at your back;
2. Any opening anywhere that enhances life safety is justified;
3. Do not make openings that create an exposure hazard to life or to other buildings;
4. Make openings directly over the fire to give the fire a vertical channel;
5. Do not draw fire across roof by making openings remote from the fire;
6. Open around chimneys and stacks;
7. Open roof over stairway.
S.O.P. # 52 10

f. Tar & gravel roofs

1. Scrape away gravel;
2. Cut tar on three sides;
3. A hole 4' x 4' is big enough;
4. Peel back tar;
5. Cut roof boards between rafters;
6. Make all cuts before removing roof boards;
7. Push a rake down through hole to push ceiling or other obstruction through;
8. One large hole is better than several small ones;
9. Make openings over where tar is bubbling.
g. Lie down on roof and break open windows on top floor with rake;
h. Be careful that you don't fall through hole that you just made.

52.43 Precautions to be taken when working on roofs:

a. Do not step or jump off parapet or false fronts onto a roof which is any distance below;
b. Do not step from a ladder onto a gutter or an unsafe roof. Use an axe or rake to feel
for unsafe areas on a roof;
c. Note whether there is a sag in roof, fire through roof or heavy fire on the top floor;
d. What is the type of roof construction: flat, mansard, bar & joist, sawtooth, truss, etc.;
e. Type of roof covering: tar & gravel, asphalt, slate, composition, tin, rubber, etc.;
f. Note the age of the building and the type of occupancy and construction.
g. Is the roof covered with snow or is there excessive water lying on the surface;
h. Snow will mask weak points, holes, shafts, etc.; get down on hands and knees;
i. Watch out for plain glass covering light shafts flush with roof line;
j. Be alert for presence of inner or outer courts; light shafts are gaining in popularity;
k. What evidence is there of previous fires or renovations;
l. Do not become trapped;
m. Do not make opening between you, a ladder or other means of escape;
n. Use roof ladders on pitched roofs;
o. Consider the use of a personal rope to escape or to secure yourself to a firm object;
p. Penthouses:
1. Sometimes built near edge of roof;
2. Do not step out of penthouse door and step off the roof;
3. Be careful of opening door from outside so as not to be blown off edge;
4. When going up interior stairway to roof, penthouse door may be locked
and bolted from inside thus preventing rapid escape to the outside.
q. Be alert for roof signs, billboards, antennas, wires, clothes lines, air conditioning units,
other structures;
r. Be careful of automatic operating skylights;
s. Do not fall in holes that were opened for ventilation;
t. Be extremely careful of heavy fire pushing through openings without visible fire on top
floor.
S.O.P. # 52 11

u. Members assigned to operate on roofs should complete their activities and return to the
street via the aerial ladder. They should not routinely descend down through the building
interior unless necessary to attempt to rescue or evacuate the occupants to safety.
v. Where members from different ladder companies work on the same roof they should
maintain contact with each other for mutual safety. If a member has to leave a roof where
he/she is working with another member he/she shall notify the other member that he/she is
leaving the roof and upon returning to the turntable shall notify the aerial ladder operator that
there is another member on the roof. He/She shall report to his/her Company Commander
for further orders.
w. If the aerial ladder operator has had to leave the turntable due to circumstances that arise,
the member descending from the roof should pull the ladder away from the building in
compliance with S.O.P. # 52.44, Item a. 3.
x. Members of both engine and ladder companies assigned to double houses shall be drilled
on the operation of the aerial ladder and the pump until they are proficient in both
operations.

52.44 Rules of safety while working with aerial and/or ground ladders:

a. After an aerial or ground ladder is placed on the roof it shall not be relocated except
under the following conditions:
1. To effect a rescue of an endangered person who is threatening to jump or is
trapped on upper floors and no other method of rescue is immediately available.
After the rescue, the ladder is to be placed back on the roof forthwith;
2. On the orders of the Incident Commander;
3. After members complete roof ventilation and descend, pull the aerial at least (10)
ten feet from the roof until needed.
4. Under no conditions will any member move aerials off roofs except in
those circumstances defined above.
b. Do not leave pedestal controls unattended when members are on the roof.
c. Pull aerials out of windows and at least (10) ten feet away when they are not needed for
rescue or other firefighting operations.
d. When extending aerials, attempt to raise them between windows to the roof rather than
directly over windows which may vent the fire and expose the ladder unnecessarily.
e. Whenever the tip or any part of a ladder is engulfed by fire, remove it immediately and
examine it for damage when operations are concluded.
f. Ladders, both ground and aerial, should be run 5 feet above the roof line so as to
facilitate locating by members on the roof.
g. Except under the most severe life hazard, ground jacks shall be lowered before raising
aerials.
h. Be careful not to have ladders come in contact with live electrical lines when raising,
moving or lowering.
i. While aerials may be used to break glass on upper floors, they shall not be used as
battering rams or to lift roofs, buildings, etc.
j. Pawls are to be engaged on ground ladders. The first member over a ground ladder
shall check to see if pawls are caught.
S.O.P. # 52 12

k. If there is any question as to the stability of any ground ladder due to wind, ice, snow,
uneven terrain, precarious angle, etc., a dog chain will be used to secure the ladder, two
chains shall be used on the roof.
l. Two dog chains will be used when ladders are thrown against fire escapes.
m. Staypoles give ladders additional stability.
n. On sloping ground use wheel chocks, blocks of wood or wedges to even beams.
o. Do not break glass below member on a ladder.
p. Raise and lower ground ladders in accordance with S.O.P. # 5.
q. Grasp rungs not beams when climbing. It is easier to climb and to prevent injury to
hands from glass and debris sliding down beams.
r. Do not look up.
s. Hose lines shall be in place before lines are charged.
S.O.P. # 52 13

AERIAL LADDER OPERATIONS

52.45 Safety Precautions

a. Properly set truck for ladder operation before leaving cab. See that handbrake is set and
locked in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.
b. Use jacks, locking same if so provided, utilizing ground plates. Chock rear wheels.
(These operations are to be performed by member(s) riding in jump seats).
c. Emergency One aerial ladders can be moved with members on the aerial ladder. Use
caution when moving aerials with members on them
d. Do not elevate or lower the ladder while members are climbing it.
e. Do not forcefully extend end of aerial against a structure.
f. Do not use aerial as a battering ram.
g. When stepping off ladder, step from right side.
h. Perform only one evolution at a time.
Ex. 1. ladder out of bed
2. raise to height
3. rotate turntable, etc.
i. Watch toes and feet when turning turntable.
j. After every use, and periodically, inspect cables, pulleys, rails, and rungs for wear and
tightness.
k. Take special precautions both in securing vehicle and in placing ladder when on steep
hills.
l. When ladder is extended at low angles, the following precautions should be taken:
1. Raise ladder in line with chassis.
2. Give special attention to jacks.
3. Place the bed ladder at desired angle before extending fly sections, and retract fly
sections before raising or lowering bed ladder.
4. Reduce the load.
m. Remember the aerial ladder is only as good or as safe as the operator is competent.

52.46 AERIAL LADDER RATINGS:

HEAVY DUTY LADDER

One which, with the jacking system fully engaged, is capable of being used and moved at any
angle from 0 degrees to 90 degrees elevation at full extension (95 feet), operating one or more
heavy stream appliances and supporting a maximum of 800 pounds weight in the elevated
platform. The department is equipped with two of these units, one in service with the Tower
Company and one in reserve.

MODERATE DUTY LADDER

One which, with the jacking system fully engaged, is capable of being used and moved at any
angle from 0 degrees to 82 degrees elevation at full extension (110 feet) with a maximum of 200
S.O.P. # 52 14

pounds (one member) at the top of the ladder. A ladder pipe, supplied by a 3" line, can be
operated by a member from the top of the ladder at full extension and can be moved while doing
so, at any angle from 35 degrees to 80 degrees.