NFPA 1932 Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders

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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 f 1 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 refer­ences and other references as appropriate. Requests for inter­pretations 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.

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

  • 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.
  • NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Battery march Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

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

  • Other Publications.
    • 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.

  • Other Publications.

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

  • References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.

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

Chapter 3 Definitions

  • 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.
  • NFPA Official Definitions.

3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic­tion.

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.

  • Indicates a mandatory requirement.
  • Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.

1932-5

DEFINITIONS

  • 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, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides.

3.3 General Definitions.

  • Angle of Inclination. The angle incorporated between the beams and a level plane. [ 1931, 2020]
  • Base (Bed) Section. The lowest or widest section of an extension ladder. [1931, 20201
  • Beam (Side Rail). The main structural side of the ground ladder. [1931, 2020]
  • 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, 20201

3.3.6* Butt Spurs (Feet). That component of ground ladder support that is in contact with the lower support surface to reduce slippage. [1931,20201

  • Collapsible Ladder. See 3.3.14, Folding Ladder.
  • Combination Ladder. A ground ladder that is capable of being used both as a stepladder and as a single or extension ladder. [1931,2020]
  • Designated Length. The length marked on the ladder. [1931,2020]
  • Duty Rating. The maximum load the ladder is designed to support when it is in use and properly positioned. [1931,20201
  • 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]
  • Fire Department Ground Ladder. Any portable ladder specifically designed for fire department use in rescue, fire- fighting operations, or training. [1931, 2020]
  • Fly Section(s). The upper section(s) of an extension ladder. [1931,2020]
  • 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.

  • Rope used on extension ladders for the purpose of raising a fly section (s). [1931, 2020]
  • Heat Sensor Label. A label that changes color at a preset temperature to indicate a specific heat exposure. [1931, 2020]
  • 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.

1932-6

  • 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 descend­ing. (See also 3.3.24, Pompier Ladder.) [1931, 20201

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 assem­blies connected via a hinge assembly.

  • 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]
  • 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, 20201
  • 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. [1931,20201
  • 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 exten­sion ladder. [1931,20201
  • Roof Ladder. A single ladder equipped with hooks at the top end of the ladder. [1931, 20201
  • The ladder cross pieces on which a person steps while ascending or descending. [1931, 2020]
  • Scaling Ladder. See 3.3.24, Pompier Ladder.
  • Service Tests. Tests performed on a ground ladder to determine if it meets the standard for continued service.
  • Side Rail. See 3.3.3, Beam.
  • Single Ladder. A non-self-supporting ground ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of only one section. [1931, 2020]
  • 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]
  • Verification of compliance with test require­ments as specified in this standard.
  • Tormentors or Tormentor Poles. See 3.3.32, Staypoles.
  • Ultimate Failure. Collapse of a ground ladder structure or component thereof. [1931, 20201
  • Visible Damage. A permanent change in condition that is clearly evident by visual inspection without recourse to optical measuring or observation devices. [1931, 2020]
  • Visual Inspection. Observation by eye unaided by opti­cal devices, except prescription eyeglasses or lenses. [1931, 2020]

USE, MAINTENANCE, AND SERVICE TESTINC OF IN-SERVICE FIRE DEPARTMENT (.ROUND LADDERS

  • 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.

 

Chapter 4 Ground Ladder Mounting and Storage

  • Requirements for Mounting of Ground Ladders.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ground ladders shall be supported to prevent any sagging or distortion while they are mounted on the fire appa­ratus.
  • 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.
  • Prior to relubricating rollers or moving parts, old lubri­cant shall be removed.
  • 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.
  • 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 heat­ers 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 Rein­forced 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.

Table 5.1.3.1 Gro und Ladder Du ty Rating

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

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.

  •  
  • Ground ladders shall be visually inspected in accord­ance with Section 6.1 after each use.
  • 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.
  • Ground ladders shall not be tied together to provide longer units.
  • Ground ladder butts shall be set on a firm, level base before ground ladders are used.
  • Ground ladders shall not be placed on ice, snow, or slip­pery surfaces unless means to prevent slipping are employed.
  • Angle of Inclination.
  • 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 75!4 degrees being opti­mum.

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.

  • At angles less than 70 degrees, mechanical means shall be used to prevent slippage.
  • 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.
  • Ground ladders shall be secured at the top, to prevent slippage, by the first person to climb the ladder.

Maximum Load

  • Raised ground ladders shall not be slid along cornices or roof edges.
  • Af ter the ground ladder is initially set or placed, it shall not be “rolled” beam-over-beam to reach a new position.
  • Raised ground ladders shall not be repositioned from the top, nor shall they be repositioned while a person is on the ladder.
  • 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.
  • Additional Requirements for Extension Ladders.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Length adjustments shall not be made from the top of extension ladders.
  • 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.

  • Additional Requirements for Metal Ground Ladders.
    • Extreme caution shall be used when work occurs around charged electrical circuits because metal ground ladders conduct electricity.
    • 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.

  • All ground ladders shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and to the requirements established by this standard.
  • Ground ladders shall be visually inspected at least once every month and after each use.

1932-8

  • A visual inspection shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
    • Heat sensor labels on metal and fiberglass ladders, and on wood ladders if provided, for a change indicating heat exposure
    • All rungs, for snugness and tightness
    • All bolts and rivets, for tightness; bolts on wood ladders, for snugness and tightness without crushing the wood
    • Welds, for any cracks or apparent defects
    • Beams and rungs, for cracks, splintering, breaks, gouges, checks, wavy conditions, or deformation
    • Butt spurs, for excessive wear or other defects
    • * Halyards, for fraying or kinking
    • Pulleys and associated hardware, for proper operation and condition
    • Roof hooks, for sharpness and proper operation
    • Rungs, for punctures, wavy conditions, worn serrations in the foot contact areas, serrations worn down to base metal in any location, or deformation
    • Base material, for loss due to corrosion
    • Ladder slide areas, for galling or absence of wax, if required by the manufacturer
    • Fiberglass and wood ladder beams, for loss of gloss; wood ground ladders, for damage to the varnish finish
    • Pawl assemblies, for correct operation
    • 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 opera­tion
    • * Labels, present and legible
    • Ladders, clean with no buildup of grease, dirt, or grime
    • The diagonal brace on the base of a folding ladder, for damage
    • The hinge assembly and locking pin assemblies on a multipurpose ladder, for the presence of any visual damage and for proper operation
  • All conditions found unacceptable during the subject visual inspection shall be corrected prior to the ladder being returned to service.
  • 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 inspec­tion.

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.

  • 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.
  • Gouges and Dents.
  • If gouges and dents are discovered in a beam during the visual inspection, the ladder shall be subjected to the appli­cable load test as specified in Chapter 7.
  • Gouges and dents in a beam shall not be cause to fail a ladder if it passes the applicable load test.

USE, MAINTENANCE, AND SERVICE TESTINC OF IN-SERVICE FIRE DEPARTMENT (.ROUND LADDERS

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

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.

  • All ground ladders shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Temporary repairs of damaged or missing ladder parts shall not be made.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Folding roof hook assemblies on roof ladders shall be kept operational by removing rust and other contaminants and by keeping the mechanisms lubricated.
  • The surface finish on ground ladders shall be main­tained in accordance with the ladder manufacturer’s recom­mendations.
  • Heat Sensor Labels.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • If the ladder passes all the tests, heat sensor labels shall be applied to the ladder.
  • For all ladders, except folding ladders and multi­purpose 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 senice 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 jurisdic­tion.

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.

  • All test loads shall be applied to a ladder in a manner so as to avoid any shock or impact loading.
  • If the ground ladder shows any signs of failure during service testing, it shall be removed from service.
  • All ground ladders shall be service tested on the follow­ing schedule:
    • Before the ladder is placed in service for the first time
    • At least annually
    • At any time a ladder is suspected of being unsafe
    • After the ladder has been subjected to overloading (see Table 5.1.3.1)
    • After the ladder has been subjected to impact loading or unusual conditions of use
    • * Whenever the ladder has been exposed or is suspected of having been exposed to direct flame contact
    • Whenever the heat sensor label has changed to indicate heat exposure
    • After any repairs have been completed, unless the only repair was replacing the halyard
  • All ground ladders, except pompier ladders and fold­ing ladders, shall be service tested as specified in Section 7.2.
  • Pompier ladders shall be service tested as specified in Section 7.3.
  • Folding and multipurpose ladders shall be service tested as specified in Section 7.4.
  • All service test results shall be permanently recorded.
  • Minimum information recorded shall be as required in Figure 7.1.7.1.

1932-9

SERVICE TESTING OF GROUND LADDERS

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

approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. Where public safety is primary, the authority having jurisdiction may be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or indi­vidual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire preven­tion bureau, labor department, or health department; building official; electrical inspector; or others having statutory author­ity. For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection depart­ment, rating bureau, or other insurance company representative may be the authority having jurisdiction. In many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designa­ted agent assumes the role of the authority having jurisdiction; at government installations, the commanding officer or depart­mental official may be the authority havingjurisdiction.

A.3.3.5 Butt. A butt can be the lower end of beams or can be added devices.

A.3.3.6 Butt Spurs (Feet). Butt spurs can be the lower end of beams or can be added devices.

A.3.3.15 Free Weight. Free weights typically include sandbags, concrete blocks, water tanks, or lead weights.

A.3.3.21 Multipurpose Ladder. Multipurpose ladders are typi­cally manufactured in accordance with commercial standards. Because these ladders have a typical duty rating of only 136 kg to 170 kg (300 lb to 375 lb), which is far less than that of a ladder manufactured in accordance with NFPA 1931, it is highly recommended that multipurpose ladders be loaded with only a single person and not used for the rescue of victims where both the victim and the fire fighter are required to be on the ladder simultaneously.

A.4.2.2 Continued exposure to a heating source or direct sunlight will cause wood ladders to deteriorate.

A.4.2.3 Continued exposure to direct sunlight will cause ultra­violet erosion of the surface of fiberglass ladders, causing the glass fibers to become exposed.

A.5.1.1 Ladders used by fire department personnel solely at fire stations for maintenance and reaching high places should be covered by the applicable ANSI and OSHA standards for the same.

A.5.1.2 Multipurpose ladders are typically manufactured in accordance with commercial standards and have a typical duty rating of only 136 kg to 170 kg (300 lb to 375 lb), which is far less than that of a ladder manufactured in accordance with NFPA 1931. As such, multipurpose ladders should be loaded with only a single person and not used for the rescue of victims where both the victim and the fire fighter are required to be on the ladder simultaneously.

A.5.1.3 The design criteria for ladders are based on the weight of a fire fighter with protective clothing, SCBA, and equipment being 113 kg (250 lb). Ladders rated for 136 kg (300 lb) are designed for one person. Ladders rated for 340 kg (750 lb) are designed for a maximum of three persons on the ladder at any time. On a three-person ladder, not more than two persons should be grouped together, such as a rescuer and a victim.

ANNEX A

Ladders are designed so that the stress on the ladder struc­ture and component parts or materials does not exceed 25 percent of the yield strength of the structure, component parts, or materials when the ladder is statically loaded in accordance with Table 5.1.3.1.

A.5.1.8.2 Using a ladder at an angle less than 70 degrees dras­tically reduces the ladder’s load-carrying capacity. Using a ladder at an angle greater than 76 degrees dramatically reduces the ladder’s stability.

A.5.1.9 Mechanical means of securing a ground ladder can include trying a lower rung or the beams to a bar driven into the ground or to a fixed object directly under the ladder near the ground.

A.5.1.9.1 Using a ladder at an angle less than 70 degrees dras­tically increases the possibility of ladder slippage.

A.5.2.3 Tying off or securing the halyard provides a secondary method of securing the fly section in the event of pawl disen­gagement. When a continuous halyard prevents tying off, a camlock, as is used for securing a sailboat halyard, might be used.

A.5.2.6 The use of one staypole introduces an artificial twist in the ladder that is dangerous to the climber and can cause permanent damage to the ladder.

A.5.4 Wood materials normally do not conduct electricity. However, under conditions of high voltage or moisture, contamination on the wood surface can conduct enough elec­tricity to cause injury or death. Therefore, caution should be used around electrical wiring.

A.5.5 Fiberglass materials normally do not conduct electricity. However, under conditions of high voltage or moisture, contamination on the fiberglass surface can conduct enough electricity to cause injury or death. Therefore, caution should be used around electrical wiring.

A.6.1.3(7) Halyards should still comply with NFPA 1931 when replaced.

A.6.1.3(16) NFPA 1931 has required the following labels on new ground ladders since 1984:

  • Electrical hazard warning label
  • Ladder positioning label
  • Staypole positioning instruction label
  • Length designation markings

Labels should still comply with NFPA 1931 when replaced.

A.6.1.4.1 It is suggested that a tag with a distinctive color be used to mark ladders as out of service and that the tag be fastened to the ladder in a manner that it cannot be removed accidentally.

A.6.2.5 When reinstalling ladder pawl assemblies, caution must be used to prevent overtightening of pawl assembly fasten­ers, as this causes binding of pawl assembly parts. Figure A.6.2.5 illustrates the parts of a pawl housing. Replacement springs and parts are available from the ladder manufacturer.

1932-15

A.6.2.7 Replacement halyards should not be less than 9.5 mm (% in.) in diameter with a minimum breaking strength of 374 kg (825 lb). They should be of sufficient length for the purpose intended and should not be spliced. Wire rope should have a 5 to 1 safety factor while supporting two times the dead load weight of the fly section(s) that the wire rope is intended to raise.

Once the current edition is published, a Standard is opened for

Public Input.

Step 1 – Input Stage

  • Input accepted from the public or other committees for consideration to develop the First Draft
  • Technical Committee holds First Draft Meeting to revise Standard (23 weeks); Technical Committee (s) with Cor­relating Committee (10 weeks)
  • Technical Committee ballots on First Draft (12 weeks); Technical Committee (s) with Correlating Committee (11 weeks)
  • Correlating Committee First Draft Meeting (9 weeks)
  • Correlating Committee ballots on First Draft (5 weeks)
  • First Draft Report posted on the document information page

Step 2 – Comment Stage

  • Public Comments accepted on First Draft (10 weeks) fol­lowing posting of First Draft Report
  • If Standard does not receive Public Comments and the Technical Committee chooses not to hold a Second Draft meeting, the Standard becomes a Consent Standard and is sent directly to the Standards Council for issuance (see Step 4) or
  • Technical Committee holds Second Draft Meeting (21 weeks); Technical Committee(s) with Correlating Committee (7 weeks)
  • Technical Committee ballots on Second Draft (11 weeks); Technical Committee (s) with Correlating Committee (10 weeks)
  • Correlating Committee Second Draft Meeting (9 weeks)
  • Correlating Committee ballots on Second Draft (8 weeks)
  • Second Draft Report posted on the document informa­tion page

Step 3 – NFPA Technical Meeting

  • Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) accepted (5 weeks) following the posting of Second Draft Report
  • NITMAMs are reviewed and valid motions are certified by the Motions Committee for presentation at the NFPA Technical Meeting
  • NFPA membership meets each June at the NFPA Techni­cal Meeting to act on Standards with “Certified Amend­ing Motions” (certified NITMAMs)
  • Committee (s) vote on any successful amendments to the Technical Committee Reports made by the NFPA mem­bership at the NFPA Technical Meeting

Step 4 – Council Appeals and Issuance of Standard

  • Notification of intent to file an appeal to the Standards Council on Technical Meeting action must be filed within 20 days of the NFPA Technical Meeting
  • Standards Council decides, based on all evidence, whether to issue the standard or to take other action

Notes:

  1. Time periods are approximate; refer to published sched­ules for actual dates.
  2. Annual revision cycle documents with certified amend­ing motions take approximately 101 weeks to complete.

Sequence of Events for the Standards Development Process

  1. Fall revision cycle documents receiving certified amend­ing motions take approximately 141 weeks to complete.

The following classifications apply to Committee members and represent their principal interest in the activity of the Committee.

  1. M Manufacturer: A representative of a maker or mar­

keter of a product, assembly, or system, or portion thereof, that is affected by the standard.

  1. U User: A representative of an entity that is subject to

the provisions of the standard or that voluntarily uses the standard.

  1. IM Installer/Maintainer: A representative of an entity that

is in the business of installing or maintaining a prod­uct, assembly, or system affected by the standard.

  1. L Labor: A labor representative or employee concerned

with safety in the workplace.

  1. RT Applied Research/Testing Laboratory: A representative

of an independent testing laboratory or indepen­dent applied research organization that promulgates and/or enforces standards.

  1. E Enforcing Authority: A representative of an agency or

an organization that promulgates and/or enforces standards.

  1. I Insurance: A representative of an insurance company,

broker, agent, bureau, or inspection agency.

  1. C Consumer: A person who is or represents the ultimate

purchaser of a product, system, or service affected by the standard, but who is not included in (2).

  1. SE Special Expert: A person not representing (1) through

(8) and who has special expertise in the scope of the standard or portion thereof.

NOTE 1: “Standard” connotes code, standard, recom­mended practice, or guide.

NOTE 2: A representative includes an employee.

Committee Membership Classifications1,234

6/16-A

NOTE 3: While these classifications will be used by the Standards Council to achieve a balance for Technical Com­mittees, the Standards Council may determine that new classifications of member or unique interests need repre­sentation in order to foster the best possible Committee deliberations on any project. In this connection, the Stan­dards Council may make such appointments as it deems appropriate in the public interest, such as the classification of “Utilities” in the National Electrical Code Committee. NOTE 4: Representatives of subsidiaries of any group are generally considered to have the same classification as the parent organization.

NFPA 1932 Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders

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