Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program

Safety Advisory

Improper Set-up of Aerial Ladders with a Locking Waterway May Put Fire Fighters at Risk

NIOSH recommends that all fire departments utilizing aerial ladder trucks with locking (pin-anchored, lever actuated, clamped) waterways immediately take the following actions to reduce the risk of fire fighters being struck by unsecured waterways or parts of the waterway:

• Ensure that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and/or Guidelines (SOGs) on setting up multi-position waterways include steps to properly position the waterway and to inspect and verify that the locking mechanism (anchoring pin(s), lever, clamps, etc.) are properly installed and functioning as designed before pressurizing the waterway.
• Properly train and practice the correct method of securing waterways and verifying they are secured (per manufacturer’s recommendations).

Safety Advisory: Improper Set-up of Aerial Ladders with a Locking Waterway May Put Fire Fighters at Riskpdf icon [PDF 188 KB]