Locating the Truck

TM 5-4210-233-14&P-1

2-14. AERIAL LADDER SET-UP - Continued

WARNING

Ladder occupant(s) should not rely on "leg-lock" techniques.

The ladder extension system is powerful enough to cause

severe injury to arms or legs that are caught between rungs of

ladder sections.

(7) Ladder occupants must use approved ladder safety belts.

(8) When using the aerial ladder in sub-freezing weather, ice build-up on ladder sections can cause

dangerous loading conditions. Avoid positioning aerial ladder in water overspray to help minimize

ice build-up. The ladder load gauge should be checked often to assure ladder load does not enter

red line condition. If ice build-up becomes excessive, the ladder should be put in bedded position

and taken to a warm environment to thaw. It is recommended that when freezing conditions exist a

deicer agent be used on the ladder sections.

Locating the Truck. It is important to position the truck in the best location for safe aerial ladder

operation. Rescue and firefighting operations vary greatly. Following the guidelines below will help to

provide safe operation under most situations.

WARNING

Avoid overhead electrical power lines. Severe injury or death

may occur to ladder occupant(s) who come in contact with

power lines. When electrical power lines cannot be avoided,

contact the local utility company for assistance.

(1) Position truck far enough away from building to avoid danger in case building collapses.

(2) Block the front wheels in both directions.

(3) The outriggers extend to form a sixteen-foot base. Allow enough room for full outrigger extension.

WARNING

Do not rotate ladder to side that does not have outriggers fully

extended. Truck can tip causing injury or death to personnel

and damage to equipment.

(4) If space is limited, position truck so outriggers on the side of ladder operation can be fully extended.

(5) Position truck on a hard surface (paved road) whenever possible. If it is not possible to park on a

hard surface, use a sufficient shoring under outrigger pads.

(6) If parking on a slope, position aerial ladder turntable on downhill side.

2-54