CALL (778) 846-6176 TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES IN YOUR AREA
CALL (778) 846-6176 TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES IN YOUR AREA
The proper maintenance of ground ladders is essential for ensuring the safety and operational efficiency of fire departments. Firefighters depend on ladders to perform reliably under structural and mechanical stresses. To maintain compliance with NFPA 1931, NFPA 1932, and WorkSafeBC Regulation 31.37, regular inspections and testing is required.
WorkSafeBC Regulation 31.37 establishes the following requirements for ground ladders used by firefighters in British Columbia:
Manufacturing Standards – All ground ladders used by fire departments must comply with NFPA 1931, which defines the design requirements and verification tests for fire department ground ladders. This standard ensures that ladders meet minimum performance criteria for strength, stability, and durability.
Usage, Testing, and Maintenance – Ground ladders must be used, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 1932, which outlines best practices for ladder care, inspection, and service testing. This ensures ladders remain in safe working condition throughout their operational lifespan.
Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in increased safety risks, regulatory penalties, and compromised firefighter performance.
In accordance with NFPA 1932 and WorkSafeBC Regulation 31.37, ground ladders must be inspected and tested under the following conditions:
Annually – As part of routine safety and compliance requirements.
After Suspected Damage – Whenever a ladder is suspected to be unsafe due to visible damage, excessive wear, or unknown stress events.
Following Overloading – If a ladder has been subjected to a load exceeding its design limits.
After Impact or Unusual Use – If the ladder has been dropped, struck, or used in extreme environmental conditions.
After Heat Exposure – If the ladder has been exposed to excessive heat, such as from direct flame contact or high-temperature environments.
Following Repairs – Any time a repair is performed, unless the repair is limited to replacing the halyard.
Before First Use – Before a newly acquired or refurbished ladder is placed into service.
Routine inspections and testing programs help identify defects early, improving safety and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Vector Safety provides comprehensive ground ladder inspections and service testing in accordance with NFPA 1932 and WorkSafeBC Regulation 31.37. Our testing is performed on-site by a specialized technicians. Our field technicians are supported by an expert staff of engineers and equipment specialists to ensure thorough and precise evaluations.
A detailed visual examination is conducted to assess the following components:
Base Section – Side rail integrity, alignment, rung condition, rung-to-rail attachment, butt spurs/foot pads, ladder stops, stay poles, toggles, rail guides, and lubrication.
Intermediate Sections – Side rail integrity, alignment, rung condition, rung-to-rail attachment, ladder stops, pawl operation/lubrication, and rail guide lubrication.
Fly Section – Side rail integrity, alignment, rung condition, rung-to-rail attachment, ladder stops, pawl operation/lubrication, and rail guide lubrication.
Halyard Condition – Rope size and integrity, anchors, thimbles, clamps, pulleys, and tension adjustments.
Roof Hooks – Hook size, structural integrity, operational functionality, sharpness, housing, and adjustment.
General Components – Heat sensor labels, electrical hazard warning stickers, serial number verification, and ladder length markings.
Hardness testing is performed on aluminum ladders as required. Since heat-affected (annealed) zones are not visually detectable, this test is crucial in assessing structural integrity. Hardness testing is conducted along the top and bottom beams to determine material strength.
For aluminum ground ladders, liquid penetrant testing is used as required to detect surface cracks, fractures, and other discontinuities that may not be visible through standard visual inspection.
A controlled load is applied to the ladder in a horizontal position, with supports placed at both ends and the load applied at the center. Upon completion, the ladder is assessed to ensure it retains its original shape. Acceptable deflection criteria are established in NFPA 1932 for each ladder type of ladder.
A test fixture is used to apply a controlled load across each extension lock assembly while the locks are engaged. The load remains applied for a predetermined time outlined by NFPA 1932. The ladder must sustain this test without permanent deformation or visible structural weakening.
A test load is applied to verify the strength of roof hooks. The ladder and hooks must sustain this load without permanent deformation or structural weakening. Any deformation must remain within the tolerances specified in NFPA 1932n
All test results, including identified defects, are documented in Vector Safety’s official test reports. Defects are classified based on severity, and a department representative is briefed on the findings immediately following the inspection. A signed and dated copy of the report is provided to the department, with additional quality review conducted by Vector Safety’s team.
Vector Safety works closely with fire departments throughout British Columbia to schedule ladder inspections and testing at times that minimize operational disruptions. Our technicians travel to department locations, ensuring compliance without requiring equipment to be taken out of service for extended periods.
We encourage department representatives to be present during testing to observe procedures and discuss any concerns. Vector Safety remains adaptable, offering modifications to standard testing protocols as needed to meet department-specific requirements while ensuring full compliance with NFPA 1932 and WorkSafeBC Regulation 31.37.
At Vector Safety, we are committed to protecting workers, ensuring compliance, and providing peace of mind through expert inspections, testing, and certification services.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our services.