Firefighting Ladder parts

beam

the main structure that supports the rungs or rung blocks

bed section or base section

the lowest or widest section of an extension ladder

butt

also called the heel this is the part that rests on the ground or other surface when the ladder is raised

butt spurs

these are the metal safety plates or spikes that are attached to the ladder's beams to prevent the ladder from slipping

fly

this refers tot he upper sections of an extension ladder or combination ladder

footpads

these are rubber or neoprene footplates that are attached to the butt

guides

these are metal or wooden strips, slots, or channels that guide the fly section on extension and combination ladders when the ladder is being raised

halyard

also called the fly rope. this is the rope or cable that raises and lowers the fly section on extension and combination ladders

heat sensor label

this is the label that is attached to the inside of each beam of each bed section. if the color changes, it indicates that the ladder has been exposed to a sufficient degree of heat, and the ladder should be tested before it is used again

hooks

these are the curved metal devices attached to the tip of roof ladder.

pawls

dogs, or locks-these are the devices that are attached to the inside beams of the fly section that hold the fly section in place after it has been raised

protection plates

these are strips of metal that are attached to the beams to prevent scuff damage. they are usually attached to the tip of the ladder and where the ladder touches the mounting brackets on the fire truck

pulley

the small grooved wheel at the tip of the bed section that the halyard is drawn through when raising an extension or combination ladder

rails

the two lengthwise parts of a trussed ladder beam that are separated by truss blocks

rungs

the cross members that provide the foothold for climbing. Regular ladders support the rungs with two beams . pompier ladders support the rungs with one beam.

stops

the wood or metal supports that prevent the ladder from being raised or lowered too far.

tie rods

these are metal rods that run from one beam to the other

tip

also called the top

truss block

these are the separation pieces between the rails on a trussed ladder. they are suometimes used to support the rungs

combination ladders

these ladders are designed to be used as a self-supporting step ladder and as a single or extension ladder. the ladder must be equipped with positive locking devices to hold the ladder in place. Sizes range from 8 - 14 feet, with the most popular being 10

extension ladders

these ladders are adjustable in length. they consist of a bed section and one or more fly sections that travel in guides that permit the length adjustment. they are heavier than single ladders, so more firefighters are needed for safe handling. fully exte

pole ladders

also called bangor ladders - they are extension ladders that are 40 feet or longer, have two to four fly sections.

pompier ladders

also called scaling ladders

roof ladders

single ladders iwth folding hooks at the top

single ladders

also called wall laders