SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
Aerial Operations
The Ladder/Truck Company effects aerial operations at those alarms requiring:
1. Rescue -- removing occupants from windows and roofs; placing Ladder/Truck crews on upper
floors for search.
2. Ventilation -- placing crews on the roof and upper floors; knocking out windows with the aerial
unit itself or with elevated streams.
3. Attack Lines -- providing access to the building for firefighters with lines; hoisting lines up to
crews in the building; positioning a line for use as a portable standpipe.
4. General Access -- augmenting or replacing stairways and fire escapes for entry to the fire building.
5. Hoisting -- use as a derrick to hoist sections of hose, standpipe bags, tools, fans, appliances, and
other equipment to firefighters on upper floors.
6. Elevated Streams -- directing heavy platform-pipe streams for initial attack; general firefighting
and exposure coverage; raising hand lines for similar operations.
Safe Procedure
In all cases, the operator must follow the practice established by the manufacture of the particular unit.
An aerial unit should not be overloaded with personnel or equipment. Here, again, the manufacturer’s
recommendations must be carefully followed. Officers and crew should be aware of the effect of platformpipe
operation on the allowable loading of the unit. Personnel should leave the unit before the pipe is
charged, if this is necessary to prevent overloading.
Rescue
Whatever the reason, the aerial unit should be used for rescue when people are within its reach. If possible
in such cases, the apparatus should be positioned for rescue on arrival.
1. Spotting the Turntable
The goal is to get the turntable into a position that will allow the aerial unit to be used most
effectively. For rescue, the best position depends on the number and locations of victims and on
the wind direction.
In some cases, the aerial if positioned at the corner of a building to permit coverage of two sides,
for example, the front and one side, at the same time. This action also places the Ladder/Truck in a
safer position in the event of structural collapse.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 218
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley