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Frequently Asked Questions


Ladders are tools and must be maintained to ensure safe operation. For complete ladder testing information, please refer to N.F.P.A. 1932 which includes a chapter entitled "Service Testing Ground Ladders".  Below are some commonly asked questions concerning fire department ground ladder testing and maintenance procedures.
How often must I test my ladders?
What tests are required?
Who can perform my test?
If I test my ladders, do I weaken them?
Should we use our Duo-Safety ladder "fly in" or "fly out"?
What is the load capacity of your ladders?
Are ladders field repairable?
Are your ladders N.F.P.A. compliant?
Are your ladders equipped with three-quarter inch diameter roof hooks?
Why do we have to change the roof hooks?
What labels are required on our ladders?
What maintenance is required for my ladders?
What are your lead times on delivery?
Can we order special widths/lengths of ladders?
How come it costs so much to ship my ladders?



Q.    How often must I test my ladders?  We are a small fire department.  All fire department ground ladders must be service tested at least annually, in accordance with N.F.P.A. 1932.

Q.    What tests are required?  Refer to N.F.P.A. 1932 - the three basic tests required involve a center load test for ladder strength, a hardware test to verify hardware functionality and strength, and a roof hook test applicable only to roof ladders. These are all defined in the N.F.P.A. 1932 standard.

Q.    Who can perform my test?  There are numerous testing companies capable of performing fire department ground ladder in-service tests at your facility. However, the tests are designed to make it relatively easy and affordable for a department or group of departments to perform their own tests.

Q.    If I test my ladders, do I weaken them?   Required periodic testing does not adversely affect a good ladder. We at Duo-Safety have tested the same ladder through over 10,000 test load cycles and the ladder still continued to meet the N.F.P.A. standards.

Q.    Should we use our Duo-Safety ladder "fly in" or "fly out"?  Duo-Safety ladders are all designed for the "fly out" application. Ladders constructed to be used "fly out" should not be used "fly in" as the hardware can project through and be a tripping hazard. For a statement from the factory, click here. Contact our office for further information.

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Q.    What is the load capacity of your ladders?  The load capacity of fire department ground ladders is spelled out in N.F.P.A. 1932. It is generally 750 pounds on any ladder except folding ladders and pompier ladders. This is based ONLY on the fact that the ladder is set at the proper angle of one-forth the distance to support point out from the base AND is tied off at the top and bottom to prevent slippage AND has been tested for N.F.P.A. 1932 testing requirements to ensure continued structural reliability.

Q.    Are ladders field repairable?  All Duo-Safety ladder parts are available for field installation. These require a minimum number of readily available tools to accomplish the repairs. Many times, it is not cost effective to repair a ladder and may be more cost effective to replace a section or even to replace the entire ladder.

Q.    Are your ladders N.F.P.A. compliant?  All Duo-Safety fire department ground ladders meet and/or exceed the requirements of N.F.P.A. at time of manufacture.

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Q.    Are your ladders equipped with three-quarter inch diameter roof hooks?  Yes, Since 1984.

Q.    Why do we have to change the roof hooks?  Older hooks, which were five-eighths inch diameter, will not pass the current N.F.P.A. 1932 strength test.

Q.    What labels are required on our ladders?   N.F.P.A. now requires 4 (four) heat sensors per each section on a ladder and 1 (one) pair of fire ladder label (danger/electrical/angle indicator) on each base section of a ladder. Please contact our office for instructions and proper placement of these labels.

Q.    What maintenance is required for my ladders?   Refer to N.F.P.A. 1932 standards for testing information otherwise basic care includes regular cleaning/waxing/lubrication at least annually but ideally after each use at a fire is best. Please refer to our "Ladder Care & Maintenance Booklet" provided free contact our office for a copy.

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Q.    What are your lead times on delivery?   Generally, most of our products are available from stock pending prior sales. We strive to maintain a large service inventory in order to fill your immediate needs.

Q.    Can we order special widths/lengths of ladders. We have an older truck - or do we need to buy new ladders?  Special widths/lengths are available, however we do charge an extra fee to manufacture special ladders. Please refer to our current production models listed in our catalog - if at all possible please try to rearrange truck mounts etc. to fit current N.F.P.A. models. Please contact our office for fees and instruction on proper measurements needed for replacement ladders.

Q.    How come it costs so much to ship my ladders?   Shipping costs are figured by weight and distance the items have to travel - please contact our office if you require help in obtaining the proper information needed to get a freight rate. Duo-Safety is unable to quote freight rates - we are able to provide you with an estimated shipping weight and shipping class and our recommendation on a carrier to your area. Freight costs are also the result of the class we ship ladders at - (as established by the freight carriers) - and damage claims. Please note we make every effort to use carriers that are responsible with our freight, however, damages can occur from time to time - PLEASE ALWAYS INSPECT FULLY YOUR SHIPMENT BEFORE YOU SIGN THE DRIVERS BILL OF LADING. ONCE THE BILL IS SIGNED - YOU HAVE LOST ANY RIGHT TO A CLAIM.

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Duo-Safety Ladder Corporation   513 W 9th Avenue PO Box 497 Oshkosh WI 54903-0497
920-231-2740      fax 920-231-2460       mail@duosafety.com      www.duosafety.com