aerial safety

[CAPTAIN5013]

I need the proper or acceptable angle an aerial can be so a ff can turn and walk down the rungs like walking down steps. If there is one. According to our sog's there is not.

[ADSN/WFLD]

I haven't seen anything in writing but here is my opinion.

I would stick with 20 deg or less. My reasoning behind this is, if a firefighter falls at a steep angle he could possibly fall forward. He wouldn't be able to grab anything to stop his fall and theirby increases his chances of seriously hurting himself. Also If he fell backwards onto the ladder his BA valve could strike a rung directly possibly breaking it off.

I was taught to go down facing the ladder at anything over 20 deg. Yes, it's a pain but probably safer.

[Aerial 131]

Check with the maker of the Aerial device. They are suppose to have (you are to) the requirements of what is a proper angle for use. Whether water application or for working from.

Regardless of angle, always have the FF coming down facing the ladder. Should they fall you want them to fall into the ladder to (hang up) in the rungs and self rescue at that point. Safer than facing away, you can not see what you are coming down to or what might be going on behind you.

Zimm