Aerial Fall Protection V2
FIRE SERVICES DIVISION
SOP F19-XXX
Issued:
SUBJECT: Aerial Ladder Fall Prevention
Purpose:
The fire ground can be a rapidly evolving environment of both a predictable,
unpredictable nature. It is impossible to foresee every situation and dictate how
personnel should perform an evolution to mitigate the emergency. Personnel may find
themselves in an emergency situation where they cannot secure themselves to the
aerial ladder or platform as outlined below, and perform necessary emergency
operations. This document is designed establish a procedure to prevent fall accidents
while personnel are working on the aerial ladder and platform when they are in an
elevated position. This SOP will provide recommended procedures for when personnel
should and should not be secured to the aerial ladder and platform while operating on
the fire ground. It will also provide guidance on how to safely climb the aerial ladder.
It is up to Department members to understand the hazards of working on the aerial
ladder and platform, and to protect themselves accordingly for the work they are
performing.
Required Equipment
1) NFPA 1901 requires that aerial apparatus be equipped with a minimum of four (4)
ladder belts of various sizes meeting the minimum requirements of NFPA 1983.
2) NFPA 1983 – Ladder Belt Requirements
a. Ladder belts shall conform to NFPA 1983, section 6.4
b. 6.4.1.1 – A belt that fastens only around the waist, includes at least one
positioning attachment point, and is a positioning device for a person on a
ladder shall be designated as a ladder belt.
c. 6.4.6 – Ladder belts shall include a tether or device that connects the wearer
to the ladder. The tether or device shall not extend greater than 24 inches in
total length including connection hardware on each end when measured
from the surface of the belt to the inside of the connector device at the
greatest distance from the belt.
3) NFPA 1983 – Inspection Requirements
a. Ladder belts shall be inspected in accordance with NFPA 1983 and
manufacturer’s recommendations. Inspections shall be documented on form
XX?? (I need to figure out who the manufacturer is)
b. Ladder belts shall be replaced every 10 years or when found to be damaged
during inspection. Ladder belts found unsuitable for service shall be
destroyed and discarded.
4) Ladder Belt Use
a. Personnel should use ladder belts while the aerial ladder and platform are
elevated
i. Personnel should be secured to designated anchor points in the
platform while riding in the platform.
ii. Personnel climbing the aerial should wear a ladder belt so they can
secure themselves to a rung should the need arise. Leg locks shall not
be used on the aerial ladder. Personnel should maintain three points
of contact with the aerial ladder at all times while climbing.
Personnel should avoid carrying tools and equipment by hand when
climbing the aerial.
iii. Personnel climbing the aerial ladder or moving into or out of the
platform need not be secured by a belt. Personnel working on a roof
via aerial ladder should place their equipment/PPE on in the following
manner to facilitate using fall protection:
1. Turnouts
2. Ladder Belt
3. Axe Belt
4. SCBA
By Order Of___________________
Tim Mattos,
Director