ADO-A Chapter 08

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


Series of Motions

8–4


• 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


• 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


Courtesy of Ron Jeffers

• Allow personnel to board elevating platform.

• Check intended path of aerial device for obstructions.


(Continued)

8–7


• Operate controls to elevate aerial device from bedded position.

• Rotate aerial device.

• Extend the aerial device.


(Continued)

8–8


• 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


(Continued)

8–9



(Continued)

8–10


• Activate all aerial device locks.

• Climb aerial device.


8–11


• Remove personnel from the aerial ladder.

• Drain waterway system and/orhoselines.

Lowering the Aerial Device

(Continued)

8–12


• Disengage hoisting cylinder locks, rotational locks, and extension fly locks.

• Raise aerial device away from work area.


(Continued)

8–13


• Retract aerial device.• Check intended

path of aerial device for obstructions.

• Lower aerial device.


(Continued)

8–14


• Allow personnel to exit platform.• Remove ladder pipe, hose, and

associated equipment.• Replace tiller operator’s station.• Activate hold-down locks.


8–15


Describe operating a telescoping aerial device under adverse conditions.


8–16


• Most aerial ladder failures or overturning accidents involve overloading and overextension of ladder at low angles of elevation

Low-Angle Operations

8–17


• Established by NFPA® 1901• Ladder must be capable of

accommodating minimum load from tip of ladder when fully extended

Minimum Load Requirements

8–18


• 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


• 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


• 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


• Optimum positioning• Proper stabilization of apparatus• Knowing load restrictions for given

grade

Keys to Operating on a Grade

8–22


• Can adversely affect operating capabilities of aerial device

• Gusts can impose significant dynamic loads to device

High Wind Conditions

(Continued)

8–23


• 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


• 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


• 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


• 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


• 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


• 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


• Application of grease– To exposed sliding surfaces – Effective

to prevent immediate ice adhesion– Facilitates “shrugging off” – Extending

and retracting device

Ice Formation

8–30


Deicing

8–31




• Should be avoided whenever possible

• Can be cooled by protective water hose streams

Exposure to Fire

8–32


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


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done when heat damage is noted to the aerial device?

8–34


• 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


• 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


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done if any of these indicators are present?

8–37


Identify general safety guidelines for operating telescoping aerial devices.


8–38


• 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


• 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.


(Continued)

8–40


• 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.


(Continued)

8–41


• 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.


(Continued)

8–42


• Never extend or retract with firefighters on ladder.

• Be aware of overhead obstructions in ladder’s path of travel.


8–43


Raise and lower a telescoping aerial device.

Objective 4 is measured in Skill Sheet 8-1.


8–44


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


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


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


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


9. How does ice reduce rescue capability?

10.For what signs of mechanical trouble or impending failure must the driver/operator continually watch?

Review Questions

8–49


Education

ADO-A Chapter 08