MODULE 3

FIRE FIGHTING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT - is the main firefighter equipment designed to extinguish fires or protect
the user from fire. It may be used by trained fire fighters, untrained users at the scene of a fire, or built
into a building's infrastructure (such as a sprinkler system).

Firefighting equipment includes not only fire hoses and fire extinguishers but also fire-resistant
protective clothing, fire-resistant gloves, respirators, and communication equipment.

CATEGORIES OF FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT

 Extinguishers – using water, dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, or other substances.

 Fire fighter’s gear – fire resistant outer suit, inner lining suit, inner and outer gloves, woolen
socks, fire resistant shoes, helmet (with or without headlight), communication system, and
breathing apparatus.

 Installed firefighting system – main water supply network, hydrant, sprinkler (automatic or
manual), emergency fuel and electric cut off system, portable generators, and portable pumps.

 Communication equipment – walkie-talkie, radio, broadcasts, landline telephone, sound

powered telephone, cell or mobile phone, and voice pipe.

 Fire detection and alarm systems – smoke, frame, spark detectors, local, centralized automatic,
semi-automatic, and manual fire alarm systems.

 Other accessories – water and sand bucket, shovel, hammer, fire axe, cutters, hooks, fire blanket,
emergency lifesaving apparatus, and emergency lights.
 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
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%E2%80%99s-Gear1/

A. USUAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

1. boots
2. helmets
3. gloves
4. rain gear – made of rubber

B. OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT THAT MAY BE WORN AS SITUATION DEMANDS

1. Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA). An entirely self-contained unit designed to protect the
wearer in an atmosphere that lacks oxygen or that contains harmful gases, vapors, smokes or
dusts.

2. Air-line Masks. Not used in fighting fires, however, it may be used to enter smoke filled spaces,
for the rescue of personnel.

3. Tending Lines. Facilitates the rescue of an overcome firefighter with an OBA, air-line mask, or
similar equipment; 50-foot nylon covered steel wire with the OBA or air-line mask.

4. Proximity Fire Fighting Suit. Provides the wearer with thermal protection but does not
contemplate the wearer to move to the flames, or through flaming and burning liquid fuel. The
material used is asbestos, cotton, aluminized on the outside for reflective purposes. The suit also
resists the penetration of liquid. It consists of:

C. ATMOSPHERIC TESTING DEVICES

1. Combustible Gas Indicator. This can quickly, safely, and accurately detect all combustible gases
or vapors associated with fuel oils, alcohol, gasoline, hydrogen, acetylene in mixture with air or
oxygen, etc., sensitive in detecting small quantities of gases and vapors up to the lower explosive
limit, and it gives a reliable indication of the mixture if in the upper explosive range. However, it
does not identify the explosive or combustible gases that are present.

2. Flame Safety Lamp. It is intended for the detection of oxygen deficiency. It also detects the
presence of flammable vapors, but its intentional use for this purpose is very dangerous
particularly in an atmosphere that may contain acetylene or hydrogen.

Under normal condition, the flame looks like an ordinary flame. If oxygen becomes lower than
normal, the flame will go dim. If the oxygen becomes less than 16 percent by volume, the flame of
the lamp is extinguished.

D. FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS

1. Most Commonly Used.

a. sledge hammer
b. fire axle
c. crowbar
d. wrecking bar
e. Claw tool, etc.

3. Hacksaw- To use properly, mount the blade with the teeth pointed away from the handle. Tighten
the blade until it hums when plucked. Use long, steady strokes, about 40-50 per minute. Apply
pressure on the forward stroke; release the pressure on the return stroke.

4. Bolt cutter- This can be used to cut mild steel sock up to half an inch in diameter. Do not twist the
bolt cutter when using them as they may break the jaws or blades. In an emergency that requires
cutting electrical cables, make sure that the cables have been de-energized.

5. Oxyacetylene Cutting Outfit- The portable pack type may be used to rescue workers on metal
plating or metal obstructions that would hinder rescue workers or fire fighters. The outfit consists
of two cylinders (oxygen and acetylene), regulator, hoses, torch and tip.

E. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

Considering the danger and hazards posed by a fire, extra-productive equipment should be worn
by fire fighters to minimize injury or death. Other equipment are also recommended to expedite
the extinguishment of the destructive fire or to prevent the spread of fire.

1. ALL-PURPOSE NOZZLE
- It is attached to the end of the fire hose and is used to direct a solid stream of water, low or
high velocity fog to the fire. The nozzle can be adjusted easily and quickly by the handle.

2. FIRE HOSE
- This term identifies a type of flexible tube used by firefighters to carry water under
pressure from the source of supply to a point where it is discharged to extinguish fire. Fire
hose is the most used item in the fire service and the way it is used requires it to be flexible,
water tight, have a smooth lining and durable covering.
 - It is made up of double-jacketed, rubber-lined cotton in size of 1 ½ inch, 2 ½ inch, and 3 ½
inch.
- The standard length is 50 feet. A 50-foot length is normally referred to as “length”.

PARTS OF A FIRE HOSE:

1. HOSE HOIST- It is a device which rope and hose may be pulled to hoist or lower equipment
when fire fighters are operating in buildings above the ground level.

2. HOSE CLAMP- It is a tool to shut off the water in the hose lines when other control valves are
not applicable. It is used to replace the burst section of hose, to extend lines or to hold water
back for line advancement without shutting off the source of supply.
3. HOSE JACKET- It is used to seal small cuts or breaks which may occur in a fire hose or to
connect damaged couplings of the same size.

4. HOSE SPANNER WATCH- It is used to tighten or loosen hose couplings, but this versatile tool
can be used to close utility cocks, pry and hammer.

5. FIRE HOSE RAMPS and BRIDGES- It protect hose from injuries from vehicles crossing hose
lines.

6. NOZZLE- A piece of firefighting equipment used to direct and control a stream of water.

THREE (3) SPECIFIC BASIC CONSTRUCTIONS OF FIRE HOSE:

a) Braided
b) Wrapped
c) Woven

Some of the major fibers used in the construction of the outer jacket of the fire hose are cotton,
nylon, rayon, vinyl and polyester fibers.

LISTINGS OF THE MOST COMMONLY USED SIZES OF FIRE HOSE

1. The ¾ or 1 inch rubber-covered, rubber-lined hose with 1 inch couplings- commonly called
Booster or Chemical Hose.
2. The 1 inch woven-jacketed runner-lined hose, equipped with 1 inch couplings sometimes
used on Booster Pumps.
3. The 1-1/8 inch woven jacket rubber lined single jacket hose with 1-1/8 inch couplings-
commonly called Forestry Hose.
4. The 1-1/2 inch woven jacketed rubber-lined hose, single or double jacket equipped with 1-
1/2 inch couplings.
5. The 2 inch woven jacketed rubber-lined hose, single or double jacket, equipped with 2-1/2
inch couplings.
6. The 2-1/2 inch woven jacketed rubber-lined hose, single, double or triple jacket, equipped
with 2-1/2 inch coupling.
7. The 3 inch woven jacketed rubber lined hose, single, double, or triple jacket equipped with
2-½ inch reducing couplings or 3 inches couplings.
8. The 3-1/2 inch woven jacketed rubber-lined hose single, double or triple jacket, equipped
with 2-1/2 inch or 3 inch reducing couplings, or 3-1/2 inch couplings.
9. The 4-, 5-, and 6- inch woven jacketed rubber lined Intake or Supply Hose.
10.The 2-1/2-, 3-, 4-, 4-1/2, 5-, 6-inch- Non-Collapsible Intake Hose.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE AGAINST HEAT:

The exposure of hose to excessive heat or its contact with fire will char, melt, or weaken the fabric
and dry the rubber lining. A similar drying effect may occur to interlinings when hose is hung in m
a drying tower for a long period of time in high temperatures. In order to prevent these damage
fire-fighters should conform to the following recommended practices:

1. Protect hose from excessive heat or fire when possible;

2. Do not allow the hose to remain in any heated area after it is dry;
3. Use moderate temperature for drying. A current of warm air is much better than hot air;
4. Keep the outside woven jacket of the hose dry;
5. Hose hat has not been used for sometimes should have water run through it to prolong its life;
It is not a good practice to dry the fire hose on hot pavement.

PREVENTION OF HOSE DAMAGE AGAINST MILDEW AND MOLD:

1. Remove all wet hose from the apparatus after a fire and replace it with dry hose
2. If hose has not been removed from the apparatus during a period of 30 days, it should be
removed, inspected, swept, and reloaded.
3. Some fire hose has been chemically treated to resist mildew and mold but such treatment is
not always 100 percent effective. Regardless of this hose must be exercised every thirty days,
and water run through it every 90 days to prevent drying and cracking of the rubber lining.

PREVENTION AGAINST CHEMICAL CONTACTS

1. Thoroughly scrub and brush all traces of acid contacts with a solution of bicarbonate of soda
and water. The soda will neutralize the acid.
2. Guard against spilling gasoline on hose when filling the fuel tanks;
3. Remove the hose from apparatus periodically, wash it with plain water and dry thoroughly;
4. if the least suspicion of injury exists, the hose should be properly tested;
5. Avoid laying hose in the gutter or where automobiles have parked next to the curb, because
parked cars drip oil from the mechanical components an acid from the battery.
6. Run off water from the fire may also carry various foreign materials that can damage fire hose.

KINDS OF PRESSURE

 Pressure is defined as a force or energy that may be measured in pounds per square inch
(PSI).

 Velocity refers to the speed of travel.

 Static Pressure - is the stored potential energy that is available to force water through pipe,
fittings, fire hose and adapters.

 Normal Operating Pressure – is that pressure which is found on a water distribution system
during normal consumption demands.

 Residual Pressure- is that part of the total available pressure that is not used to overcome
friction or gravity while forcing water through pipe, fittings, fire hose, and adapters.
 Flow Pressure – is that forward velocity pressure at a discharge opening while water is
flowing.

 Pressure or Friction Loss – is that part of total pressure that is used to overcome friction
while forcing water through pipe, fittings, fire hose and adapters. (The difference in pressure
on a hose line between a nozzle and a pumper is an example of friction loss).

HOW TO REDUCE PRESSURE LOSS DUE TO FRICTION?

1. Check for rough linings in old hose;

2. Replace crushed couplings;

3. Eliminate sharp bend;

4. Use adaptors only when necessary;
5. Keep nozzle and valves fully open when possible;
6. Use proper size gaskets;
7. Use short lines as much as possible;
8. When flow must be increased, use larger hose or multiple lines.

HOSE TOOLS

1. Universal thread adapter

2. Hose Jacket is a tool that is used to seal small cuts or breaks which may occur in fire hose
or to connect mismated or damaged couplings of the same size.

3. Hose Clamp is a tool that is used to shut off water in hose lines when other control valves
are not applicable. It is also used to replace a burst section of hose, to extend lines, or to
hold water back for line advancement without shutting off the source of supply.

4. Spanner Wrench is a tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying
torque to turn objects—usually rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts—or keep them
from turning.

5. Hydrant Wrenches is a tool used to remove fire hydrant caps and open the valve of the
hydrant. They are usually adjustable so as to fit different sized hydrant nuts.

6. Hose Strap is a piece of fire fighting equipment. It can be "a short length of rope with an
eye loop at one end and a metal hook at the other

7. Rope is used to lower or hoist people to safety, rappel in or out of areas with limited or
perilous access, or hoist equipment during emergencies. They also tie a rope when they
enter a smoky space and hold the line so they can find their way out with less risk of
becoming lost or separated.

8. Hose Bridge or Ramps – is a fire fighting equipment which is utilized to prevent damage
to hose whenever traffic must cross the hose.

9. Chafing Blocks – this prevents damage to hose near the water pump caused by vibration.
 10.Rubber Mallet is a block on a handle, which is usually used for driving chisels. These types
of hammers deliver softer impact than hammers with metal heads. They are essential if your
work needs to be free of impact marks.

HOSE APPLIANCES
1. Valves
- Ball valves
- Gate valves
- Butterfly valves
- Clapper valves

2. Valve Devices
- Gated Wyes
- Siamese fire hose appliance consists of two or more hose lines which are brought into
one hose line or device while Wye hose on the other hand is a hose appliance that divides
a single hose line into different lines.

3. Fire Hose Couplings – are a hose appliance that is used to connect sections of fire hose
together. The part of the fire hose coupling into which the hose is attached may be known
by several different names such as tail piece, bowl, shell and shank. A hose coupling can
be a three-piece or five-piece reducer or a quick connect such as a quarter coupling or
a snap coupling.

TYPES OF HOSE COUPLINGS:

a. Cast Couplings
b. Extruded Coupling
c. Drop-Forged Couplings

4. Fire Hose Nozzles- are fire fighting equipment that is attached to the fire hose for the
purpose of controlling the stream or water during extinguishment. The following are the
types of fire hose nozzles:

a) Hand Solid Stream Nozzle- is a nozzle used for fire fighting having a control to
regulate the stream of water coming out whether it may be in a shut, Fog, and jet
operations.

 Shut – to stop the flow of water from the nozzle.

 Fog – used to spray water in a circular pattern providing protection for fire-fighters
against harm from smoke and heat coming from open fire.
 Jet- is a solid stream of water coming out from the nozzle with a high pressure
intended to put-out deep seated fires and embers.

b) Adjustable Pattern Fog Stream Nozzle – is a nozzle capable of having different

patterns of water stream coming out of the nozzle and it is quite advance as compared
with hand line solid stream.

c) High Pressure Fog Stream Nozzle – A special kind of nozzle capable of producing fog
stream at a very high pressure and it is effective in putting out flammable liquid fire.
 d) Fixed Pattern Fog Stream Nozzle – another special kind of nozzle capable of
producing a single pattern of jet stream similar to the hand line solid stream.

e) Master Solid Stream Nozzle – a nozzle which is designed to produce only one pattern
of fire stream similar to hand solid stream but has no control device attached on its
body.

f) Master Fog Stream Nozzle – a special kind of nozzle designed to produce different
patterns of fog stream usually used as monitor.

g) Special Purpose Nozzles – designed to fit operations which other nozzle is not
capable of handling.

1. Distributor Cellar Nozzles

2. Puncture Nozzles
3. Water Curtain Nozzles

MANEUVERING OR WORKING WITH THE NOZZLE

a) ADVANCING THE NOZZLE

1. Self-contained protective breathing equipment should be worn to provide self-protection
against toxic gases that may be encountered;
2. When advancing a nozzle through a smoke filled area a fire-fighter should feel his way to
avoid falling through burned floor areas, elevator shaft pits or stairways;
3. Feeling the walls or contents with the hands will help guide a fire-fighter around obstacles
when he is advancing through smoke filled areas;
4. When it is necessary to enter an oxygen deficient area, some type of self-contained
protective breathing equipment should be provided and worn;

5. When fire-fighters are entering an atmosphere containing noxious gases such as ammonia,
sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, Freon, and other substances, the same precaution should be
observed and equipment worn;
6. When entrance is made, fire-fighter should advance in pairs or groups and never without
charged hose lines;
7. If necessary to retreat, close the nozzle and follow the hose lines to the outside of the
building;
8. The value of water fog is dissolving and settling gases of combustion and in expelling smoke
should not be minimized. Water fog should be used as a safety precaution when fire-fighters
are entering a highly heated area.

b) SAFETY FACTORS IN HANDLING THE NOZZLE

1. Wye hose – a device which makes it desirable to divide a line of hose into two or more hose
lines.
2. Siamese hose – is consisting of two or more hose lines, which are brought into one hose line
or device.
3. Hose hoist tool – a device over which a rope or hose may be pulled to hoist or lower
equipment when firefighter are operating in a building above the ground level.
4. Hose clamp – a tool used to shut off the water in hose lines when other control valves are
not applicable.
 5. Fire house ramps or fire hose bridges – a device, which prevents damage to hose
whenever traffic crosses on it.
6. Fire hose control – a device that enables one man to control and operate a 2-1/2 inches
hose line more easily.
7. Chafing blocks – a device made to clamp around the fire hose, when it is subjected to
rubbing due to vibrations.

TYPES OF FIRE STREAMS

1. Low Volume Stream – is one which discharges less than 40 gpm including those fed by
booster hose lines.

2. Hand Line Streams – is supplied by 11/2 inch (40 to 125 gpm) to 2-1/12 inches hose (251
to 300 gpm).

3. Large Volume or Master Stream – is one, which discharges more than 300 gpm, and are
not recommended for hand lines. This is usually fed by two or more hose lines Siamese into
a master stream device.

4. BROKEN STREAMS – is a solid stream that has broken into coarsely divided drops for the
purpose of protecting exposed buildings by spraying water curtains. Some of the means
employed to produce broken streams can be by the se of rotary distributor nozzle, flat
spoonbill nozzles or by directing two solid streams together in the midair.

5. FOG OR SPRAY STREAMS – a term used to describe a jet of water that is divided into drops
with a definite shape or design. “Fog”-means a condensed water drops from a firefighting
nozzle.

6. SOLID STREAM – is designed to reach areas, which have not been reach, by other mediums.
NOMINAL HOSE DIAMETER MAXIMUM EFFICIENT
IN INCHES WATER CAPACITY US GPM
1 30
1-1/2 100
2-1/2 300
2-3/4 400
4 500
3-1/2 750
4 1000
5 1700
6 2500

GPM capacities for 1 inch to 6 inches hose diameters.

HANDLING FIRE STREAMS

1. ONE MAN METHOD – (1-1/2 Inch Hose) – the nozzle man should hold the nozzle with one
hand & with the other hand hold the hose just back of the nozzle. The hose line should be
straightened at least 3 feet behind the nozzle man and he should face on the direction in which
the stream is to be projected. Permit the hose to cradle against the inside of the closest leg and
 brace or hold it against the front of the body and hip. Anchor the hose to the ground or floor by
the foot of the supporting leg upon the hose.

2. TWO MAN METHOD – (1-1/2 Inch Hose) – this method should be used when possible to attain
greater degree of safety especially when the hose lines needs the nozzle to be advanced. The
nozzle man holds the hose with one hand and with the other holds the hose back of the nozzle,
he then rests the hose against his waist and across his hip. The back-up man takes his position
on the opposite side of the hose 3 to 4 feet back, hr then holds the hose with both hands and
rests it against his waist and his hip, keeping the hose straight behind the nozzle man.

3. ONE MAN METHOD (2-1/2Inch Hose) – whenever a fog or solid stream nozzle is used
connected to a 2-1/2 inch fire hose, a minimum of two, and preferably three men should be
employed. One man may however use 2-1/2 charged hose line alone by securing clack hose
from the line, forms a large loop and crosses the loop over the line about two feet back of the
nozzle, he then sits where the hose crosses and directs the stream.

4. TWO MAN METHOD (2-1/2 Inch Hose) – when two men are available to handle a nozzle on a
2-1/2 inch hose line, some means of anchoring the hose must be provided because of the
kickback. One method is for the nozzle man to hold the nozzle with one hand and the hose just
back of the nozzle, with the other hand, he then rests the hose line against his waist and across
his hip. The back-up man serves as an anchor-man and his position is about four feet back. The
back-up man places his closest knee upon the hose line. While kneeling on one knee both hands
holds the hose line near the knees to prevent the hose line from moving.

Utilizing rope hose tools to assist in anchoring the hose does another method under this
technique. The anchor-man loops a rope hose tool around the hose, a short distance from, the
nozzle and places the large loop over his outside shoulder. He holds the hose with one hand
and the hose just back of the nozzle, with the other hand, & then rests the hose line against his
body and leans slightly toward the nozzle to hold some of the back pressure.

5. THREE MAN METHOD (2-1/2Inch Hose) – this type of handling hose can be done more easily,
it can be that the back-up man position directly behind the nozzle man with his knee behind
the backup man or both of them may kneel side by side on the opposite of the hose lines.

F. FIRE LADDERS
Originally, ladders were made from hard wood, with solid beams. Even in short lengths these
ladders were heavy and hard to handle. As the years passed by, an improved metal ladder
made of lightweight metal alloys were introduced and to date are most commonly used in fire
service.

LADDER – a device with rungs to climb on: a portable piece of equipment with rungs attached
to sides made of metal, wood, or rope, used for climbing up or down.

PARTS OF A LADDER:

1. Side Rails - the longest portion of the ladder. On an extension ladder there are a total of four
side rails, two on each section.

2. Ladder Rungs - the portion of the ladder that you use to stand on and hold on to. The ladder
rungs are placed horizontally between the side rails, approximately 12 inches apart.
3. Rope and Pulley On 24 Foot and 40 Foot Ladders - two pulleys, one on each section of the
ladder. The rope is wound through the pulleys and connected together to make a loop. The
rope gives you the ability to raise the ladder to its maximum height.
4. Extension Locks - hook on to a rung when you raise the height of the ladder. The locks
prevent the upper section of the ladder from moving when it is extended.
5. Ladder Stop - located at the top of the lower section of the ladder. This prevents the ladder
from being extended too far and potentially coming apart.
6. Feet - two feet on an extension ladder. They are located on the side rails of the lower section.
The feet provide stability and balance.
7. Butt or heel - Bottom end of the ladder, the end that is placed on the ground.

TYPE OF LADDERS

1. Ground Ladder - Ground ladders vary in sizes from 3.1 to 17 meters (10-55 feet) long. It is
being carried on a pumper or fire trucks.

Uses:
a. For rescue
b. To stretch lines into a fire building
c. Provide ventilation by giving access to ports, scuttles, windows, roofs, or other places
that are hard to reach.

Forms of Ground Ladder:

a. Straight ladder – is nonadjustable in length & consist of only one section. This is
sometimes called wall ladder, used for quick access to windows and rooftop one 7 two
storey buildings. This type is used in length of 12, 14, 16, 18, and 24 feet.

b. Combination ladder – is adjustable in length and has a suitable means for unlocking the
sections so that the two separate sections can form equal angles with the floor or ground
as a stepladder.

c. Wall/Pompier Ladder
- This type of ladder best used in rescue where a ladder in place is already falls short of
the endangered person. It allows the user to climb up and down, one storey at a time.

d. Extension Ladder
- This consists of a bed and one or more fly ladders. The fly ladder slides through guides
on the upper end of the bed ladder. It contains locks (pawls or dogs) which hook over
the rungs of the bed ladder.

An extension ladder that has stay poles is called tormentors. Tormentors support the
beams and give extra stability when raising or lowering the ladder.

PARTS OF AN EXTENSION LADDER:

 Base Section/Bed Section/Main Section- It refers to the lower section of an

extension ladder.
 Beam- It refers to the side rail (Bar) of a ladder.
  Bed Ladder/Bed Section – The lower section of an extension ladder into which the
upper section retracts.
 Dogs/Locks/Pawls- these are metal devices used to hold the fly section in place
after it has been raised.
 Fly Section- It refers to the upper section or top portion of an extension ladder.
 Guides- These are woods or metal strips on an extension ladder which guide the fly
section while being raised.
 Halyard- A rope used for hoisting (raising) fly sections.
 Heat Sensor Label- A level affixed to the ladder beam near the tip used to provide
warning that the ladder has been subjected to excessive heat.
 Heel (Butt) - It is the bottom or ground end of a ladder.
 Heel Plates- These are metal safety plates attached to the heel of a ground ladder to
stabilize the ladder has been subjected to excessive heat.
 Hooks- A curved, sharp mental device (two-in-number) which folds outward from
each beam at the top end of a roof ladder.
 Ladder Locks – A locking mechanism that secures an extension ladder in the
desired extended position by engaging the beams of the fly ladder to the rungs of
the bed of the ladder. It is also called dogs or pawl.
 Latching Device – A device used on combination ladders to lock the ladder in
position. This is consisting of hinges and pins.
 Protective Plates- These are plates fastened to a ladder designed to prevent wear
at point where it comes in contact with mounting brackets.
 Pulley- a small grooved wheel through which the halyard is drawn.
 Rails- The two lengthwise members of a trussed ladder beam which are separated
by truss or separation blocks.
 Rungs- These are cross members (usually round) between the beams in which the
people climb.
 Safety Shoes or Shoes- These are rubber or neoprene spike plates, usually of the
swivel type, attached to the heel of the ground ladders.
 Spurs- These are metal points at the lower of tormentor’s poles.
 Stay Poles- These are poles which are attached to the long extension ladder to
assist in raising and steadying the ladder, some of which are permanently attached
and some are not.
 Stops – A limiting device on extension ladders to prevent fly ladder from over
extending out of the bed of the ladder.
 Straight Ladder – A ladder with only one section.
 Tip or Top – The upper end of a ladder.
 Trussed Ladder – A ladder with beams of open construction consisting of rails and
gusset plates.

e. Hook (Roof) or Straight Ladder

- This is a type of ladder which contains only one section. It ranges from length from 12-
16 ft. the roof or hook ladder adapted for a special purpose.

f. Attic Ladder
- It provides means of reaching through an opening into attics, lofts, and other area that
are somewhat difficult to reach without a special ladder.

TYPES OF LADDER ACCORDING TO ITS BEAM

 1. SOLID BEAM GROUND LADDER- made of heavy hard wood and lightweight metal
alloys.
2. TRUSSED BEAM GROUND LADDER- a lightweight metal alloy easier to handle and
carry.

g. Aerial Ladder- This type of ladder that is mounted on a turntable, capable of extending up
to 30.5 meters (100 feet) may have three or four metal fly sections of ladder that can be
raised or lowered hydraulically controlled cables.

Uses:

1. Provide a source of heavy streams in combating fire;

2. Best used for rescue operations;
3. Used an elevator to lift hand lines, hand tools and short ladders up to its load limits;
4. Used as a reconnaissance platform or a place from which to direct operations.

Forms of Aerial Ladder

1. Hydraulic
2. Elevating Platform(Articulated Boom)

h. Tower ladder – apparatus combines some features of both aerial ladder equipment and
elevating platforms. A telescopic boom has a ladder mounted on it, but the top working
area is a partially enclosed platform. Various ground ladders are also carried.

SIZES AND TYPES OF PORTABLE LADDERS IN USE

LADDER TYPE CLOSED LENGHT WEIGHT

Extension Ladders
35’ 20’ 135 lbs.
25’ 15’ 100 lbs.
24’ 14’ 80 lbs.
16’ 10’ 70 lbs.
Straight Ladders
20’ 55 lbs
20’ (Hook) 60 lbs.
12’ (Hook) 35 lbs.
.
Special Ladders
14’ “A” Frame 7 35 lbs.
10’ “A” Frame 6 22 lbs.
19’ Little Giant 5’7” 40 lbs.
15’ Little Giant 4’7” 36 lbs.
11’ Little Giant 3’7” 32 lbs.
10’ Folding 11’ 16 lbs.