Assault ladder: what is its special feature?

What is an assault ladder?

An assault ladder is a specialized means of access to a height during rescue operations in the event of a fire. An assault ladder is a single-section ladder with an additional hook-hook, which has notches to cling to ledges, window openings, balconies, hatches, window sills, walls, roof edges.

What requirements must an assault ladder meet?

An assault ladder must first of all be reliable. Therefore, mechanical strength tests are mandatory.

• The hook is tested by hanging it by the end large tooth and loading it by the second crossbar from the bottom with a static load of 1600 N.
• The strength of the sidewalls and crossbars is tested by applying a static load of 2000 N to the second crossbar from the bottom in a free hanging position on the hook close to the wall.

The assault ladder must remain free of deformation and damage after testing. Such tests must be carried out annually to ensure the strength of the ladder, as this is critically important in the work of the rescue team.

Assault ladder design

The single-section ladder is made of aluminum, it is lightweight, which is important for carrying in hands, and fire resistant. The hook is made of steel and is firmly attached to the three upper rungs of the aluminum ladder. The hook with which the ladder clings to the ledges has a console part and a tail. The tail part is attached to the ladder using box bushings. Simple design is an advantage of the assault ladder. When seconds go by, it is important that the assault ladder is always ready for use, it does not need to be assembled or connected to a power source.

Who uses the assault ladder?

• By the fire brigade when extinguishing a fire, to get to the upper floors without climbing fixed flights of stairs; 
• Emergency rescue services for clearing rubble and rescuing people after building collapses, explosions and other emergencies;
• Training centers for training rescuers, firefighters and security teams.

Ukrainian manufacturer VIRASTAR produces assault ladders that comply with regulations. If you need an assault ladder, you can buy it here, on the manufacturer's website. The assault ladder comes with a passport and a manufacturer's warranty.

Read another thematic article "How is a fire escape tested?"