SB-25 Ladder Safety
November, 2015
Ladder Safety: Don’t get your bell “rung”!
PLEASE POST ON
YOUR STATION
BULLETIN BOARD
Fire Service ladders should only
be used for their intended purpose of firefighting, training
or rescue and shall meet all applicable ANSI standards.
 Loads should not exceed the duty rating of the ladder.
 If used in “slippery” conditions (i.e. ice, snow or other slippery surfaces), a means to
prevent slipping must be employed.
 When practical, ladders should be placed on a level surface.
 Proper ladder placement incudes attention to correct angle of inclination between 70 –
76 degrees.
 Appropriate use dictates that the ladder base is secured by a firefighter or mechanical
means and the top is secured by the first person climbing the ladder.
 Climbing an extension ladder without ensuring that the “pawls” are set could result in
ladder collapse.
 Repositioning ladders by rolling beam over beam and sliding along cornices or roof edges
may result in ladder damage or the ladder falling; never reposition a ladder when a
person is on the ladder (especially by the person on the ladder)!
 Exposing ladders to non-fire heat sources such as the exhaust from the apparatus (where
temps could exceed 212 degrees F may damage the ladder.
 Fly sections of extension ladders might not be designed for single ladder use. Check
design and inspections specifications.
Sources: NFPA 1932, 2015 Edition. Chapter 5; US Dept. of Labor, OSHA’s Alliance Program
M. E. (Eddie) Pyle, RN, Paramedic