WAC 296-305-04509   Aerial ladders.  (1) When operating aerial ladders, the manufacturer's suggested procedures shall be followed.

     (2) Aerial ladders shall be used according to the following requirements:

     (a) The number of fire fighters permitted on aerial ladders shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

     (b) Aerial ladders shall not knowingly be positioned under dangerous cornices or other loose overhanging objects that may endanger fire fighters and fire fighters working on, or climbing the ladders, except where rescue operations are essential.

     (c) When working on, or near energized electrical lines, the following minimum working clearances shall be observed:

     (i) For lines rated 50 kv or below, the minimum clearance between the lines and any part of the equipment shall be ten feet.

     (ii) For lines rated over 50 kv, the minimum clearance shall be ten feet plus 0.4 inch for each 1 kv.

     (iii) For low voltage lines (operating at 750 volts or less), the work shall be performed in a manner to prevent the fire fighters contacting the energized conductor.

     (d) Fire apparatus aerial ladders shall be positioned for the greatest stability feasible at the fire scene.

     (e) The tip of the aerial ladder shall not be forcefully extended against a solid structure.

     (f) Aerial ladders shall not be extended or retracted while fire fighters are climbing the ladder.

     (g) Locking in shall not be permitted. If it is necessary for fire fighters to be positioned on the aerial, they shall be secured by a life belt.

     (h) Ladder pipes, when in use, shall be secured to the aerial in such a manner so that the ladder pipe cannot accidentally be dislodged while in operation.

     (i) The operator of an aerial ladder shall remain on the turntable whenever fire fighters are working on the aerial. If the ladder is used only as a ground ladder, no operator is needed on the turntable.

     (3) The following shall regulate the design and use of the operating turntable and ladder:

     (a) Ladders shall be designed to have nonskid protection on the rungs.

     (b) Turntable controls and valves for rotating, extending, or elevating the aerial ladder shall be clearly and distinctly marked as to function.

     (c) Aerial controls shall be spring loaded and have a safety catch so that the controls shall return to the neutral position if the operator is incapacitated.

     (d) The operator of the aerial shall be provided with a nonskid surface on the turntable surface.

     (e) A railing of approximately 44 inches in height, and if possible, not less than 36 inches in length, shall be installed on the turntable in back of the operators position.

     (f) A light of not less than 10,000 candlepower shall be provided at the base to illuminate the ladder at night in any position of operation.

     (4) The following shall regulate the communication systems on the aerial ladder and on the automotive fire apparatus.

     (a) A two-way voice communication system shall be installed between the top fly of the ladder and the lower control station.

     (b) There shall be some type of electrical signal or voice communication located in the tractor of tillered aerial for communication signals between the tillerman and driver. The apparatus shall not be moved unless the proper signal, as shown in Appendix E, is received from the tillerman.

     (5) When maintaining the aerial ladder, the manufacturer's instructions shall be followed.

     (a) Cables, pulleys, rails and rungs of aerial ladders shall be inspected for wear and tightness on a monthly basis or every ten hours of operating time, which ever comes first.

     (b) Pulleys on the aerial with cracks or pieces broken out of rims shall be replaced.

     (c) Cables showing evidence of damage or wear shall be replaced.

     (d) Rungs or rails that have been subjected to unusual impact shall be tested before usage.

     (6) The automotive fire apparatus used in conjunction with aerial ladders shall be designed and used according to the following:

     (a) Ground jacks or outriggers shall be deployed before an aerial ladder is put into operation.

     (b) Ground plates shall be deployed under the outriggers or jacks at all times.

     (c) Hand, airbrakes, and spring brakes for fifth wheel shall be set whenever an aerial ladder is in operation.

     (d) In addition to ground jack supports and outriggers, wheel blocks shall be used whenever the aerial is in operation.

     (e) Wheel chocks shall be rated by the manufacturer of the chock for the apparatus it is to be used on.

     (f) Sand shall be put under jacks and outriggers when operating on ice or snow.

     (7) Annual testing of metal aerial ladders shall follow the recommendations of the current National Fire Protection Association Standard.

     (a) The aerial ladder, as well as the support section of the apparatus which supports the turntable, shall be nondestructively tested by a certified testing agency every five years.

     (b) After any accident that causes structural damage, the test in (a) shall be performed and all defects detected shall be corrected before the apparatus is returned to service.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-04509, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]