Ground Ladder Testing

We provide ground ladder testing for fire departments of all sizes. Our fully trained inspectors are knowledgeable in all aspects of NFPA 1932 and are familiar with all types of ground ladders.

We are normally capable of testing ground ladders in conjunction with the inspection of aerials and platforms, reducing downtime to your equipment.

All ground ladders we inspect are done so in accordance with NFPA 1932. A ground ladder shall be inspected in each of the following situations:

• Annually
• Suspected of being unsafe
• Subjected to impact loading
• Subjected to overloading
• Conditions of use or abuse
• Heat exposure
• After any deficiencies have been repaired, unless the only repair was replacing the halyard

Visual Inspection

The following areas are visually inspected prior to any other ladder test:

• Base Section
• Second Section
• Third Section
• Halyard
• Roof Hooks
• Other — NFPA 1931 certification, serial number, heat sensor label, electrical hazard label, ladder length marking within 12 inches of butt

Structural Inspection

Horizontal Bending Test

For all ladders except pompier ladders, the following test procedures are used. The ladder is placed in a flat horizontal position supported under the first rung from each end. Extension and combination ladders are extended to their maximum extended length with pawls engaged for this test.

Procedures for Metal and Fiberglass Ladders

1. The ladder is loaded with a preload, which remains for at least 1 minute to “set” the ladder prior to completing the entire test.
2. After removing the preload, the distance between the bottom edge of each side rail and the support surface is measured near the center of the ladder.
3. The ladder test load is applied equally to the center span over a specified distance from the center and remains in place for 5 minutes.
4. The test load is then removed and the distances are measured again.

Differences between measurements taken in Steps 2 and 4 shall not exceed specifications. There shall be no visible permanent change or failure of any hardware.

Ladder Hardware Test (Extension Only)

The ladder is placed in a flat horizontal position, extended to a minimum of 1 rung beyond the bedded position. A test load is applied to subject the lock hardware to a 1,000 lb. load for 1 minute. The ladder shall sustain this load with no permanent deformation or visible weakening of the structure.

Ladder Hook Test

The ladder hook angle relative to the side rail is recorded. A load of 1,000 lbs. is applied to the hook tip, parallel to the side rails, and maintained for 1 minute. After removing the load, the hook angle is measured again. No visible deformation is permitted.