Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook
2nd Edition
Chapter 8 — Operating Telescoping Aerial Equipment
Learning Objective 1
Discuss raising and lowering the telescoping aerial device.
8–2
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Elevating entire assembly from its stored position to a desired angle and useful position
• Consists of a series of motions that include elevating, rotating, extending, and lowering device to its objective
Raising the Aerial Device
8–3
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Place apparatus in proper position.• Apply all parking brakes.• Place apparatus into proper gear,
and operate power take-off (PTO). • Deploy stabilizers.• Switch selector valve from
stabilizer position to aerial device position.
Tasks Before Deploying Aerial Device
8–5
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Release the hold-down locks.
• Move tiller operator’s station.
• Attach ladder pipe and make hose connections.
Procedure for Raising the Aerial Device
(Continued)
8–6
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Courtesy of Ron Jeffers
• Allow personnel to board elevating platform.
• Check intended path of aerial device for obstructions.
Procedure for Raising the Aerial Device
(Continued)
8–7
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Operate controls to elevate aerial device from bedded position.
• Rotate aerial device.
• Extend the aerial device.
Procedure for Raising the Aerial Device
(Continued)
8–8
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Lower aerial device to objective.– Approximately 4 to 6 inches (100 mm
to 150 mm) above surface of target– Allow device to settle onto surface
from weight of fire fighters on board
Procedure for Raising the Aerial Device
(Continued)
8–9
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Activate all aerial device locks.
• Climb aerial device.
Procedure for Raising the Aerial Device
8–11
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Remove personnel from the aerial ladder.
• Drain waterway system and/orhoselines.
Lowering the Aerial Device
(Continued)
8–12
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Disengage hoisting cylinder locks, rotational locks, and extension fly locks.
• Raise aerial device away from work area.
Lowering the Aerial Device
(Continued)
8–13
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Retract aerial device.• Check intended
path of aerial device for obstructions.
• Lower aerial device.
Lowering the Aerial Device
(Continued)
8–14
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Allow personnel to exit platform.• Remove ladder pipe, hose, and
associated equipment.• Replace tiller operator’s station.• Activate hold-down locks.
Lowering the Aerial Device
8–15
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Describe operating a telescoping aerial device under adverse conditions.
Learning Objective 2
8–16
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Most aerial ladder failures or overturning accidents involve overloading and overextension of ladder at low angles of elevation
Low-Angle Operations
8–17
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Established by NFPA® 1901• Ladder must be capable of
accommodating minimum load from tip of ladder when fully extended
Minimum Load Requirements
8–18
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Not required to meet standard• Varying load and extension
limitations• More likely to not be capable of
supporting any load• Possibility of catastrophic failure
Aerial Devices Built Before 1991
(Continued)
8–19
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Failure can occur when water supply to ladder is shut off
• Can fail when deployed to perform special rescues
Aerial Devices Built Before 1991
8–20
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Complicates concerns with regard to dynamic stress place upon aerial device and its related components
• Can result in twisting force on entire aerial device system
• Static load requirements established by NFPA® 1901
Operating on a Grade
8–21
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Optimum positioning• Proper stabilization of apparatus• Knowing load restrictions for given
grade
Keys to Operating on a Grade
8–22
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Can adversely affect operating capabilities of aerial device
• Gusts can impose significant dynamic loads to device
High Wind Conditions
(Continued)
8–23
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Sustained winds of sufficient velocity can cause deformation or twisting.
• Most manufacturers allow full operation in winds of up to 35 to 40 mph (56 km/h to 64 km/h)
• Wind speeds beyond 40mph (64 km/h) can be very dangerous.
High Wind Conditions
8–24
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Most reliable – Calibrated wind-measuring equipment
• Information relayed by dispatch center
• Internet resources• Rough estimate using information
in Table 8.1
Determining Wind Speed
8–25
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Recommended by manufacturers of older, light duty ladders
• Used in winds exceeding 35 mph (56 km/h)
• Attached to top end of fly section when necessary to extend ladder 75 feet (23 m) or more
Guy Ropes
(Continued)
8–26
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Maintain tension in direction from which wind is coming
• Sufficient size and strength• Attached to object stronger than
dynamic stress• Used only if manufacturer
specifically approves
Guy Ropes
8–27
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Result in increased viscosity of hydraulic oil, slowing overall operation of equipment
• Physical changes in properties of steel structural members of device
Low Air Temperature Conditions
8–28
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Precipitation and/or water droplets from elevated master stream operation
• Reduces rescue capability and adversely affects stability
• Damage to structural members or auxiliary systems
Ice Formation
(Continued)
8–29
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Application of grease– To exposed sliding surfaces – Effective
to prevent immediate ice adhesion– Facilitates “shrugging off” – Extending
and retracting device
Ice Formation
8–30
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Should be avoided whenever possible
• Can be cooled by protective water hose streams
Exposure to Fire
8–32
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Courtesy of District Chief Chris Mickal, New Orleans (LA) FD Photo Unit
• Discoloration• Disfiguration• Deformed weld• Improper mechanical response• Heat sensors
Signs of Heat Damage
8–33
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done when heat damage is noted to the aerial device?
8–34
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Leaking fuel• Leaking hydraulic fluid • Leaking water from engine• Leaking motor oil• Overheating of any component• Unusual noises or vibrations
Aerial Device Mechanical or Power Failure
(Continued)
8–35
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Odor of burning fluids• Drifting of the aerial device when
raised• Overloading of the electric system• Gauges indicating abnormality
Aerial Device Mechanical or Power Failure
8–36
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if any of these indicators are present?
8–37
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Identify general safety guidelines for operating telescoping aerial devices.
Learning Objective 3
8–38
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Ladders are stronger when load is applied perpendicular to rungs.
• Shock load imposes stress. • If unable to extend ladder over
exact front or rear of a straight-chassis, try to keep it as close to these positions as possible.
Safe Operating Practices for Telescoping Aerial Devices
(Continued)
8–39
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• When placing ladder, always ease it gently toward the objective.
• Ladder locks should be engaged and hydraulic lock valves closed before loading ladder.
• Aerial ladder should not be overloaded.
Safe Operating Practices for Telescoping Aerial Devices
(Continued)
8–40
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Aerial ladder must never be used as a battering ram.
• Do not exceed rated weight capacity of platform.
• Weight of equipment mounted in platform after delivery must be considered when determining rated capacity of platform.
Safe Operating Practices for Telescoping Aerial Devices
(Continued)
8–41
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Strong winds will affect load capacity and stability of aerial device.
• Aerial platform should not be used to lift items heavier than its rated platform capacity.
• Driver/operator unsure about safe operating principles and limitations should check operator’s manual.
Safe Operating Practices for Telescoping Aerial Devices
(Continued)
8–42
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
• Never extend or retract with firefighters on ladder.
• Be aware of overhead obstructions in ladder’s path of travel.
Safe Operating Practices for Telescoping Aerial Devices
8–43
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Raise and lower a telescoping aerial device.
Objective 4 is measured in Skill Sheet 8-1.
Learning Objective 4
8–44
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Summary
• Factors such as maintenance, operator knowledge, and operator awareness contribute to aerial device failure.
• With a superior training program and strong fire department SOP’s, aerial device failures may be eliminated.
8–45
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Review Questions
1.What does “raising the aerial device” mean?2.What tasks should complete prior to deploying an aerial device?3. Why do some fire agencies prefer that the firefighters in the platform have primary control of the aerial device?
(Continued)
8–46
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Review Questions
4.Why is it important to engage the extension locks on an aerial ladder?5.What is the purpose of draining the waterway system before lowering an aerial device?6. What are the safest conditions under which an aerial device may be operated?
(Continued)
8–47
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
7.Why may aerial ladders fail when the ladder pipe is operated with the ladder placed at a low angle of elevation?8.What are the keys to operating at grade?
Review Questions
(Continued)
8–48
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator