Attachment 3 - Use Maintenance and Service Testing of InService Fire Department Ground Ladders.pdf

Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders

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1932-1

NFPA and National Fire Protection Association are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169.

Copyright © 2019 National Fire Protection Association®. All Rights Reserved.

NFPA® 1932

Standard on

Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders

2020 Edition

This edition of NFPA 1932, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders, was prepared by the Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders. It was issued by the Standards Council on November 4, 2019, with an effective date of November 24, 2019, and supersedes all previous editions.

This edition of NFPA 1932 was approved as an American National Standard on November 24, 2019.

Origin and Development of NFPA 1932

In 1958, new material was added to NFPA 193, Standard Procedures for Aerial Ladder Testing, to cover the care, maintenance, and testing of fire department ground ladders. In 1975, NFPA 193 was separated into the following two documents: NFPA 1931, Standard on Fire Department Ground Ladders, and NFPA 1904, Recommended Practice for the Maintenance, Care, Testing and Use of Fire Department Aerial Ladders and Elevating Platforms.

In 1984, the text of NFPA 1931 was divided into two documents: NFPA 1931, which retained the requirements for the design and design verification testing for new ground ladders, and NFPA 1932, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of Fire Department Ground Ladders, which contained the requirements for the use, maintenance, and service testing of fire department ground ladders. The strength requirements for new ground ladders were increased in NFPA 1931, and the loads used for in-service testing of ground ladders in NFPA 1932 were increased based on research that indicated that ground ladders needed to handle greater loads. An exception allowed the authority having jurisdiction to use a reduced test weight for the horizontal bending test for extension ladders built prior to 1984 with a restriction on the use of those ladders while phasing in the more stringent testing requirement.

The 1989 edition of NFPA 1932 added requirements for routine maintenance and additional cautions regarding accidental heating of ladders. The horizontal bending test for folding ladders was added, and the horizontal bending test for extension ladders was modified to reflect changes determined acceptable from field experience with the use of the test method.

The 1994 edition removed the exception that allowed the authority having jurisdiction to use a reduced test weight for the horizontal bending test for extension ladders built prior to 1984. The standard was updated, and requirements were added for retrofitting heat sensor labels after appropriate testing.

The 1999 edition incorporated minor editorial revisions and rearranged the document to better organize the material.

The 2004 edition changed the title to Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders to better reflect that the standard pertains to ladders after they have been put in service. The document was reorganized according to the Manual of Style for NFPA Technical Committee Documents, and ambiguous wording was clarified. An alternate method for loading a ladder during the horizontal bending test was permitted. The maximum temperature that ladders can be subjected to under non-fire conditions was reduced to 212°F (100°C). The optional hardness test was deleted. The conditions for removal of ground ladders from service because of failing inspections or testing were clarified.

The 2010 edition included multipurpose ladders. NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, recognized the installation of multipurpose ladders in lieu of folding ladders on

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USE, MAINTENANCE, AND SERVICE TESTING OF IN-SERVICE FIRE DEPARTMENT GROUND LADDERS1932-2

2020 Edition apparatus. As such, testing requirements were necessary to ensure multipurpose ladders were tested and maintained for fire service duty.

The 2015 edition brought clarification and improvement to the visual inspection checklist and added an operational test for extension ladders to ensure there is no damage to the ladder.

The 2020 edition addresses the ability to recognize the recovery of a ladder from load testing more quickly than outlined in the standard for streamline testing, along with some additional updates and correlation with NFPA 1931.

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COMMITTEE PERSONNEL 1932-3

Technical Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders

Christina Spoons, Chair Westmont Fire Department, IL [U]

William R. Cole, William Scott Equipment Company, CA [M] Samuel C. Cramer, Aluminum Ladder Company, SC [M] William Bill Finegan, Philadelphia Fire Department, PA [E] Glenn Franzoi, GF Safety LLC, NJ [SE] James E. Glatts, FireOne, PA [RT] Stephen Jackson, Waterway Hudson Valley, NY [IM] James E. Johannessen, UL LLC, PA [RT]

Rep. UL LLC Kevin R. Lewis, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services, GA [U]

William McCarthy, Practical Fire Equipment LLC, MI [M] Jeremy E. Morgan, City of Spartanburg Fire & Rescue, SC [U] Scott Patton, Wing Enterprises, UT [M] A. K. Rosenhan, Mississippi State University, MS [SE] Stephen A. Speer, Fire Service Safety Testing, NY [RT] Randy T. Vandersee, Duo-Safety Ladder Corporation, WI [M] Jacob Waldschmidt, City of Kenosha Fire Department, WI [U] Tyler Williams, Ladder Technologies LLC, AR [C]

Alternates

Jeffrey Cole, City Of Poway, CA [M] (Alt. to William R. Cole)

Jim Ford, Waterway North Jersey, NJ [IM] (Alt. to Stephen Jackson)

Patrick T. Ginnaty-Moore, UL LLC, IL [RT] (Alt. to James E. Johannessen)

Kevin Gross, Cobb County Fire Department, GA [U] (Alt. to Kevin R. Lewis)

Peter F. Kertzie, Buffalo Fire Department, NY [U] (Voting Alt.)

Shawn Cramer Mizell, Alco-Lite Ladders/Sam Carbis LLC Group, SC [M]

(Alt. to Samuel C. Cramer)

Robert Fash, NFPA Staff Liaison

This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the final text of this edition.

Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred. A key to classifications is found at the back of the document.

NOTE: Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of the Association or any document developed by the committee on which the member serves.

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the design, inspection, testing, and use of ground ladders for the fire service.

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USE, MAINTENANCE, AND SERVICE TESTING OF IN-SERVICE FIRE DEPARTMENT GROUND LADDERS1932-4

Contents

Chapter 1 Administration ......................................... 1932– 5

1.1 Scope. ................................................................ 1932– 5

1.2 Purpose. ............................................................ 1932– 5

1.3 Application. ...................................................... 1932– 5

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications ......................... 1932– 5

2.1 General. ............................................................ 1932– 5

2.2 NFPA Publications. ........................................... 1932– 5

2.3 Other Publications. .......................................... 1932– 5

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory

Sections. ............................................................ 1932– 5

Chapter 3 Definitions ............................................... 1932– 5

3.1 General. ............................................................ 1932– 5

3.2 NFPA Official Definitions. ............................... 1932– 5

3.3 General Definitions. ......................................... 1932– 6

Chapter 4 Ground Ladder Mounting and Storage .. 1932– 7

4.1 Requirements for Mounting of Ground

Ladders. ............................................................ 1932– 7

4.2 Requirements for Storage of Ground

Ladders. ............................................................ 1932– 7

Chapter 5 Use of Ground Ladders .......................... 1932– 7

5.1 Requirements for All Ground Ladders. .......... 1932– 7

5.2 Additional Requirements for Extension

Ladders. ............................................................ 1932– 8

5.3 Additional Requirements for Metal Ground

Ladders. ............................................................ 1932– 8

5.4 Additional Requirements for Wood Ground

Ladders. ............................................................ 1932– 8

5.5 Additional Requirements for Fiberglass

Ground Ladders. .............................................. 1932– 8

Chapter 6 Inspection and Maintenance of Ground Ladders .................................................... 1932– 8

6.1 Inspection of Ground Ladders. ....................... 1932– 8

6.2 Maintenance of Ground Ladders. ................... 1932– 9

Chapter 7 Service Testing of Ground Ladders ....... 1932– 9

7.1 Requirements for All Ground Ladders. .......... 1932– 9

7.2 Service Testing Requirements for All Ladders

Except Pompier, Multipurpose, and Folding Ladders. ............................................................ 1932– 11

7.3 Service Testing Requirements for Pompier

Ladders. ............................................................ 1932– 12

7.4 Service Testing Requirements for Folding

and Multipurpose Ladders. ............................. 1932– 13

Annex A Explanatory Material ............................... 1932– 14

Annex B Informational References ....................... 1932– 16

Index .................................................................. 1932– 17

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DEFINITIONS 1932-5

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition

NFPA 1932

Standard on

Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders

2020 Edition

IMPORTANT NOTE: This NFPA document is made available for use subject to important notices and legal disclaimers. These notices and disclaimers appear in all publications containing this document and may be found under the heading “Important Notices and Disclaimers Concerning NFPA Standards.” They can also be viewed at www.nfpa.org/disclaimers or obtained on request from NFPA.

UPDATES, ALERTS, AND FUTURE EDITIONS: New editions of NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides (i.e., NFPA Standards) are released on scheduled revision cycles. This edition may be superseded by a later one, or it may be amended outside of its scheduled revision cycle through the issuance of Tenta‐ tive Interim Amendments (TIAs). An official NFPA Standard at any point in time consists of the current edition of the document, together with all TIAs and Errata in effect. To verify that this document is the current edition or to determine if it has been amended by TIAs or Errata, please consult the National Fire Codes® Subscription Service or the “List of NFPA Codes & Standards” at www.nfpa.org/docinfo.

In addition to TIAs and Errata, the document information pages also include the option to sign up for alerts for individual documents and to be involved in the development of the next edition.

NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter designating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on the paragraph can be found in Annex A.

A reference in brackets [ ] following a section or paragraph indicates material that has been extracted from another NFPA document. Extracted text may be edited for consistency and style and may include the revision of internal paragraph refer‐ ences and other references as appropriate. Requests for inter‐ pretations or revisions of extracted text shall be sent to the technical committee responsible for the source document.

Information on referenced and extracted publications can be found in Chapter 2 and Annex B.

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1* Scope. This standard specifies requirements for the use, maintenance, inspection, and service testing of fire department ground ladders.

1.2* Purpose.

1.2.1 The purpose of this standard is to provide requirements for the use, maintenance, and service testing of fire depart‐ ment ground ladders that will result in reasonable safety for fire fighters and victims during the use of those ground ladders.

1.2.2 This standard also provides users of fire department

ground ladders with a means to determine if in-service fire department ground ladders are fit for continued service.

1.3* Application. This standard applies to all ground ladders, regardless of year of manufacture, used by fire departments for rescue, fire-fighting operations, and training.

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document.

2.2 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 1931, Standard for Manufacturer’s Design of Fire Depart‐ ment Ground Ladders,2020 edition.

2.3 Other Publications.

2.3.1 ALI Publications. American Ladder Institute, 330 North

Wabash Avenue, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60611.

ANSI-ASC A14.2, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Metal — Safety Requirements, 2017.

ANSI-ASC A14.5, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Reinforced Plastic — Safety Requirements, 2017.

2.3.2 Other Publications.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam- Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.

NFPA 1931, Standard for Manufacturer’s Design of Fire Depart‐ ment Ground Ladders, 2020 edition.

Chapter 3 Definitions

3.1 General. The definitions contained in this chapter shall

apply to the terms used in this standard. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.

3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.

3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic‐ tion.

3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.

3.2.3 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.

3.2.4 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is

advised but not required.

3.2.5 Standard. An NFPA Standard, the main text of which

contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall be located in an appendix, annex, footnote, informational note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of Style. When used in a generic sense, such as in the phrase “standards development process” or “standards development activities,” the term “standards” includes all NFPA Standards, FOR IN

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USE, MAINTENANCE, AND SERVICE TESTING OF IN-SERVICE FIRE DEPARTMENT GROUND LADDERS1932-6

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.

including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides.

3.3 General Definitions.

3.3.1 Angle of Inclination. The angle incorporated between

the beams and a level plane. [1931, 2020]

3.3.2 Base (Bed) Section. The lowest or widest section of an

extension ladder. [1931, 2020]

3.3.3 Beam (Side Rail). The main structural side of the

ground ladder. [1931, 2020]

3.3.4 Bedded Position. The position in which the fly

section(s) of an extension ladder is fully retracted with the pawls engaged. [1931, 2020]

3.3.5* Butt. The end of the beam that is placed on the ground, or other lower support surface, when ground ladders are in the raised position. [1931, 2020]

3.3.6* Butt Spurs (Feet). That component of ground ladder support that is in contact with the lower support surface to reduce slippage. [1931, 2020]

3.3.7 Collapsible Ladder. See 3.3.14, Folding Ladder.

3.3.8 Combination Ladder. A ground ladder that is capable of

being used both as a stepladder and as a single or extension ladder. [1931, 2020]

3.3.9 Designated Length. The length marked on the ladder.

[1931, 2020]

3.3.10 Duty Rating. The maximum load the ladder is

designed to support when it is in use and properly positioned.

[1931, 2020]

3.3.11 Extension Ladder. A non-self-supporting ground

ladder that consists of two or more sections traveling in guides, brackets, or the equivalent arranged so as to allow length adjustment. [1931, 2020]

3.3.12 Fire Department Ground Ladder. Any portable ladder

specifically designed for fire department use in rescue, fire-fighting operations, or training. [1931, 2020]

3.3.13 Fly Section(s). The upper section(s) of an extension

ladder. [1931, 2020]

3.3.14 Folding Ladder. A single-section ladder with rungs that can be folded or moved to allow the beams to be brought into a position touching or nearly touching each other. [1931, 2020]

3.3.15* Free Weight. Test weights that are not controlled from any direction except by the force of gravity.

3.3.16 Halyard. Rope used on extension ladders for the

purpose of raising a fly section(s). [1931, 2020]

3.3.17 Heat Sensor Label. A label that changes color at a

preset temperature to indicate a specific heat exposure. [1931, 2020]

3.3.18 In Service. The status of a fire department ground

ladder that has been inspected, maintained, and tested and currently is in use or available for use.

3.3.19 Ladder. A device consisting of two beams (side rails)

joined at regular intervals by cross pieces called rungs on which a person is supported during climbs for ascending or descend‐ ing. (See also 3.3.24, Pompier Ladder.) [1931, 2020]

3.3.20 Maximum Extended Length. The total length of the

extension ladder when all fly sections are fully extended and all pawls are engaged. [1931, 2020]

3.3.21* Multipurpose Ladder. A ground ladder capable of being used as either a stepladder or a straight ladder and comprising two telescoping adjustable-length-section assem‐ blies connected via a hinge assembly.

3.3.22 Pawls. Devices attached to a fly section(s) to engage

ladder rungs near the beams of the section below for the purpose of anchoring the fly section(s); also referred to as "dogs." [1931, 2020]

3.3.23 Permanent Deformation. That deformation remaining

in any part of a ladder or its components after all test loads have been removed from the ladder. [1931, 2020]

3.3.24 Pompier Ladder (Scaling Ladder). A ladder having a

single center beam only with rungs protruding on either side of the beam and with a large hook on top that is used for scaling.

[1931, 2020]

N 3.3.25 Pulley. A device attached to a ladder section, consisting of a wheel(s) over which a rope or cable runs for the purpose of changing direction while extending or lowering an exten‐ sion ladder. [1931, 2020]

3.3.26 Roof Ladder. A single ladder equipped with hooks at

the top end of the ladder. [1931, 2020]

3.3.27 Rungs. The ladder cross pieces on which a person

steps while ascending or descending. [1931, 2020]

3.3.28 Scaling Ladder. See 3.3.24, Pompier Ladder.

3.3.29 Service Tests. Tests performed on a ground ladder to

determine if it meets the standard for continued service.

3.3.30 Side Rail. See 3.3.3, Beam.

3.3.31 Single Ladder. A non-self-supporting ground ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of only one section. [1931, 2020]

3.3.32 Staypoles (Tormentors). Poles attached to each beam

of the base section of extension ladders and used to assist in raising the ladder and to help provide stability of the raised ladder. [1931, 2020]

3.3.33 Tested. Verification of compliance with test require‐

ments as specified in this standard.

3.3.34 Tormentors or Tormentor Poles. See 3.3.32, Staypoles.

3.3.35 Ultimate Failure. Collapse of a ground ladder structure or component thereof. [1931, 2020]

3.3.36 Visible Damage. A permanent change in condition

that is clearly evident by visual inspection without recourse to optical measuring or observation devices. [1931, 2020]

3.3.37 Visual Inspection. Observation by eye unaided by opti‐ cal devices, except prescription eyeglasses or lenses. [1931, 2020]

3.3.38 Working Length. The length of a non-self-supporting

portable ladder measured along the beams from the base support point of the ladder to the point of bearing at the top.

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USE OF GROUND LADDERS 1932-7

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition

Chapter 4 Ground Ladder Mounting and Storage

4.1 Requirements for Mounting of Ground Ladders.

4.1.1 The storage positions and mounting brackets for ground

ladders shall be designed such that the ladders do not need to be forced into their mounting or storage positions on the fire apparatus.

4.1.2 Ground ladders shall be mounted and protected to

prevent movement, abrasion, or other damage to the ground ladder while they are on the fire apparatus.

4.1.3 When mounted on the apparatus, ground ladders shall

not be subject to exposure to heat sources (such as engine heat) of 100°C (212°F) or greater.

4.1.4 Ground ladders shall be supported to prevent any

sagging or distortion while they are mounted on the fire appa‐ ratus.

4.1.5 The rollers and other moving parts of the frame holding the ground ladders on the apparatus shall be lubricated in accordance with the apparatus manufacturer’s instructions at least every 6 months.

4.1.5.1 Prior to relubricating rollers or moving parts, old lubri‐ cant shall be removed.

4.1.5.2 If rollers and other moving parts are rusted, they shall be brushed with a wire brush and cleaned to remove all loose scale, and then painted before lubricating.

4.2 Requirements for Storage of Ground Ladders.

4.2.1 Ground ladders shall not be stored in an area where

they are exposed to the elements.

4.2.2* Wood ground ladders shall be stored away from heat sources such as steam pipes, radiators, and forced hot air heat‐ ers and out of direct sunlight.

4.2.3* Fiberglass ground ladders shall be stored out of direct sunlight.

Chapter 5 Use of Ground Ladders

5.1 Requirements for All Ground Ladders.

5.1.1* Fire department ground ladders shall be used for rescue, fire-fighting operations, and training and shall not be used for any other purpose.

5.1.2* Multipurpose ladders used by fire service personnel for fire-fighting operations, rescue, and training shall meet the requirements of ANSI-ASC A14.2, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Metal — Safety Requirements, or ANSI-ASC A14.5, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Rein‐ forced Plastic — Safety Requirements, and have a duty rating of Type 1A or 1AA.

5.1.3* Ground Ladder Loading.

5.1.3.1 The total weight on the ground ladder, including

persons, their equipment, and any other weight, such as a charged fire hose, shall not exceed the duty rating as given in Table 5.1.3.1.

5.1.3.2 The loads in Table 5.1.3.1 shall not be imposed on the ground ladder unless the ground ladder is set at the correct angle of inclination and secured as specified in Section 5.1.

5.1.4 Inspections.

5.1.4.1 Ground ladders shall be visually inspected in accord‐ ance with Section 6.1 after each use.

5.1.4.2 If ground ladders are used other than as specified in this standard, they shall be removed from service, inspected, and service tested prior to further use.

5.1.5 Ground ladders shall not be tied together to provide

longer units.

5.1.6 Ground ladder butts shall be set on a firm, level base

before ground ladders are used.

5.1.7 Ground ladders shall not be placed on ice, snow, or slip‐ pery surfaces unless means to prevent slipping are employed.

5.1.8 Angle of Inclination.

5.1.8.1 To provide the optimum combination of load carrying

and stability, ground ladders shall be set at the correct angle of inclination by positioning the base section a horizontal distance from the vertical wall equal to one-quarter the working length of the ground ladder.

5.1.8.2* An angle of inclination of between 70 and 76 degrees shall be permitted, with an angle of 751∕2 degrees being opti‐ mum.

5.1.9* Ground ladders shall be secured at the base, either by a fire fighter or by mechanical means, to prevent slippage.

5.1.9.1* Extreme caution shall be used when the angle of inclination is less than 70 degrees.

5.1.9.2 At angles less than 70 degrees, mechanical means shall be used to prevent slippage.

5.1.10 Any time a ladder is positioned or repositioned, a visual determination that the pawls are correctly latched shall be made before the ladder is climbed.

5.1.11 Ground ladders shall be secured at the top, to prevent slippage, by the first person to climb the ladder.

5.1.12 Raised ground ladders shall not be slid along cornices or roof edges.

Table 5.1.3.1 Ground Ladder Duty Rating

Maximum Load

Type kg lb

Folding ladders 136 300 Multipurpose ladders 136 300 Pompier ladders 136 300 Single and roof ladders 340 750 All extension ladders 340 750 Combination ladders 340 750

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USE, MAINTENANCE, AND SERVICE TESTING OF IN-SERVICE FIRE DEPARTMENT GROUND LADDERS1932-8

2020 Edition Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material.

5.1.13 After the ground ladder is initially set or placed, it shall not be “rolled” beam-over-beam to reach a new position.

5.1.14 Raised ground ladders shall not be repositioned from

the top, nor shall they be repositioned while a person is on the ladder.

5.1.15 Ground ladders that have been removed from their

storage location on the apparatus shall not be exposed to non– fire related heat sources (such as from the apparatus exhaust pipe) of 100°C (212°F) or greater.

5.2 Additional Requirements for Extension Ladders.

5.2.1 Fly sections of extension ladders shall not be used as

single ladders unless they have been designed and tested in accordance with NFPA 1931 for single ladder use.

5.2.2 Extension ladders shall be used in the fly-up, fly away from the building position unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

5.2.3* Halyards on extension ladders shall be tied off to the base section or shall be otherwise secured before the ground ladder is climbed.

5.2.4 Length adjustments shall not be made from the top of

extension ladders.

5.2.5 If an extension ladder is equipped with staypoles, the

staypoles shall be placed to act as stabilizers and shall not be placed so as to become load-bearing members under no-load conditions (no one on the ladder).

5.2.6* If an extension ladder is equipped with staypoles and both poles cannot be properly placed due to obstructions or terrain, then neither staypole shall be placed.

5.3 Additional Requirements for Metal Ground Ladders.

5.3.1 Extreme caution shall be used when work occurs around

charged electrical circuits because metal ground ladders conduct electricity.

5.3.2 All metal ground ladders shall be kept away from power

lines or other potential electrical hazards.

5.4* Additional Requirements for Wood Ground Ladders.

Extreme caution shall be used around electrical hazards because wet wood ground ladders can conduct electricity.

5.5* Additional Requirements for Fiberglass Ground Ladders.

Extreme caution shall be used around electrical hazards because wet fiberglass ground ladders can conduct electricity.

Chapter 6 Inspection and Maintenance of Ground Ladders

6.1 Inspection of Ground Ladders.

6.1.1 All ground ladders shall be inspected and tested in

accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and to the requirements established by this standard.

6.1.2 Ground ladders shall be visually inspected at least once every month and after each use.

6.1.3 A visual inspection shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Heat sensor labels on metal and fiberglass ladders, and on wood ladders if provided, for a change indicating heat exposure

(2) All rungs, for snugness and tightness

(3) All bolts and rivets, for tightness; bolts on wood ladders, for snugness and tightness without crushing the wood

(4) Welds, for any cracks or apparent defects

(5) Beams and rungs, for cracks, splintering, breaks, gouges, checks, wavy conditions, or deformation

(6) Butt spurs, for excessive wear or other defects (7)* Halyards, for fraying or kinking

(8) Pulleys and associated hardware, for proper operation and condition

(9) Roof hooks, for sharpness and proper operation

(10) Rungs, for punctures, wavy conditions, worn serrations in the foot contact areas, serrations worn down to base metal in any location, or deformation

(11) Base material, for loss due to corrosion

(12) Ladder slide areas, for galling or absence of wax, if required by the manufacturer

(13) Fiberglass and wood ladder beams, for loss of gloss;

wood ground ladders, for damage to the varnish finish

(14) Pawl assemblies, for correct operation

(15) Wire rope on 3- and 4-section ladders, for snugness when the ladder is in the bedded position, to ensure proper synchronization of upper sections during opera‐ tion

(16)* Labels, present and legible

(17) Ladders, clean with no buildup of grease, dirt, or grime

(18) The diagonal brace on the base of a folding ladder, for damage

(19) The hinge assembly and locking pin assemblies on a multipurpose ladder, for the presence of any visual damage and for proper operation

6.1.3.1 All conditions found unacceptable during the subject

visual inspection shall be corrected prior to the ladder being returned to service.

6.1.4 The ground ladder shall be removed from service if

there are any signs of damage beyond gouges or dents or if defective parts or welds are discovered during the visual inspec‐ tion.

6.1.4.1* If the ground ladder is removed from service, it shall be obviously marked as “out of service” with the date and a description of the defect requiring the ladder to be removed from service.

6.1.4.2 The ladder shall be repaired in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions, and service tested in accordance with Section 7.2, Section 7.3, or Section 7.4 as applicable, before it is returned to service, or it shall be destroyed.

6.1.5 Gouges and Dents.

6.1.5.1 If gouges and dents are discovered in a beam during

the visual inspection, the ladder shall be subjected to the appli‐ cable load test as specified in Chapter 7.

6.1.5.2 Gouges and dents in a beam shall not be cause to fail a ladder if it passes the applicable load test.

6.1.5.3 If gouges or dents are discovered in a rung, the manu‐ facturer shall be consulted regarding the need for repair prior to the ladder being returned to service.

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SERVICE TESTING OF GROUND LADDERS 1932-9

Shaded text = Revisions. Δ = Text deletions and figure/table revisions. • = Section deletions. N = New material. 2020 Edition

6.1.6 If a wood ground ladder develops dark streaks in the

beams, the ladder shall be removed from service and shall be service tested as specified in Chapter 7 prior to further use.

6.2 Maintenance of Ground Ladders.

6.2.1 All ground ladders shall be maintained in accordance

with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

6.2.2 Temporary repairs of damaged or missing ladder parts

shall not be made.

6.2.3 Wood ground ladders shall be maintained as free of

moisture as possible and shall be wiped dry after being sprayed with water or used in the rain.

6.2.4 Ground ladders shall not be painted except for the top

and bottom 460 mm (18 in.) of each section for purposes of identification or visibility.

6.2.5* Pawl assemblies on extension ladders shall be kept clean and lubricated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

6.2.6 Ladder slide areas on extension ladders shall be kept

lubricated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

6.2.7* Halyards and wire rope on extension ladders shall be replaced when they become corroded, frayed, or kinked.

6.2.8 Folding roof hook assemblies on roof ladders shall be

kept operational by removing rust and other contaminants and by keeping the mechanisms lubricated.

6.2.9 The surface finish on ground ladders shall be main‐

tained in accordance with the ladder manufacturer’s recom‐ mendations.

6.2.10 Heat Sensor Labels.

6.2.10.1 If the heat sensor label has an expiration date and

that date has passed, or there is no date on the label, the heat sensor label shall be replaced.

6.2.10.2 If the ladder is constructed of metal or fiberglass

materials and does not have heat sensor labels, the ladder shall be tested in accordance with Chapter 7.

6.2.10.2.1 If the ladder passes all the tests, heat sensor labels shall be applied to the ladder.

6.2.10.2.2 For all ladders, except folding ladders and multi‐ purpose ladders, the heat sensor labels shall be located on the inside of each beam of each section immediately below the second rung from the tip of each section and in the center of that section.

6.2.10.2.3 For folding ladders, the heat sensor labels shall be permitted to be applied to either the inside or outside of the ladder and shall be located immediately below the second rung from the tip of the ladder and in the center of the ladder.

6.2.10.2.4 For multipurpose ladders, the heat sensor labels

shall be located on the inside of each beam of each telescoping section assembly approximately 150 mm (6 in.) below the hinge assembly and also 150 mm (6 in.) from the bottom of each of the sections forming the telescoping section assemblies.

Chapter 7 Service Testing of Ground Ladders

7.1 Requirements for All Ground Ladders.

7.1.1* The service tests specified in this standard and any additional tests approved by the ground ladder manufacturer shall be the only tests conducted by fire department personnel, or other testing personnel, on in-service fire department ground ladders.

WARNING: Never use test protocols from NFPA 1931 as they will damage the ladder.

WARNING: All inspections outlined in Chapter 6 of this document must be performed prior to the performance of any testing prescribed in Chapter 7 of this document to minimize the possibility of sudden ladder failure due to visual defects or unacceptable conditions.

7.1.2* The service tests for ground ladders specified in this chapter shall be conducted by the fire department or by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdic‐ tion.

7.1.3* Personnel performing service tests on ground ladders shall take all possible personal safety precautions.

WARNING: A sudden failure of a ground ladder undergoing service testing could result in personal injury.

7.1.4 All test loads shall be applied to a ladder in a manner so as to avoid any shock or impact loading.

7.1.5 If the ground ladder shows any signs of failure during

service testing, it shall be removed from service.

7.1.6 All ground ladders shall be service tested on the follow‐ ing schedule:

(1) Before the ladder is placed in service for the first time

(2) At least annually

(3) At any time a ladder is suspected of being unsafe

(4) After the ladder has been subjected to overloading (see

Table 5.1.3.1)

(5) After the ladder has been subjected to impact loading or unusual conditions of use (6)* Whenever the ladder has been exposed or is suspected of having been exposed to direct flame contact

(7) Whenever the heat sensor label has changed to indicate heat exposure

(8) After any repairs have been completed, unless the only repair was replacing the halyard

7.1.6.1 All ground ladders, except pompier ladders and fold‐

ing ladders, shall be service tested as specified in Section 7.2.

7.1.6.2 Pompier ladders shall be service tested as specified in Section 7.3.

7.1.6.3 Folding and multipurpose ladders shall be service

tested as specified in Section 7.4.

7.1.7 All service test results shall be permanently recorded.

7.1.7.1 Minimum information recorded shall be as required in

Figure 7.1.7.1.

7.1.7.2 These records shall be retained by the AHJ for the life of the ladder.

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