Ladder Testing Services That Won’t Let You DownGround & Aerial Ladder Inspections
As a first responder or a construction worker, you need to know that your aerial and ground ladders won’t let you down.
Our skill, speed and safety focus have made IIA the go-to provider of aerial and ground ladder testing, and we have skilled inspectors in your area.
Aerial & Ground Ladder Testing
Our role is to ensure that ground ladders, aerial ladders, water towers, and aerial trucks are structurally and mechanically sound and safe for service.Any ground ladders that are used in the fire service and sold to fire departments as a ‘rated ladder’ are subject to a series of tests per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1932-2010 guidelines. The testing of ground ladders can minimize ladder failures due to abuse, overloading, normal wear or heat. We test various types of metal, fiberglass, and wood ground ladders between 5 and 45 feet in length, made by various manufacturers.
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Don’t see exactly what you are looking for? Or maybe you do and want more specifics or an estimate. Either way, you can call us at
470-552-8301
right now or just fill out the form below and we will respond back within 24 hours.
Our Testing Methods
Our inspections include a complete visual and operational test of the vehicle, aerial device and associated equipment. Additionally, various non-destructive test methods are used to locate defects. These tests can include non-destructive examinations (NDE), such as Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Dye Penetrant (DP), and also Magnetic Particle (MP) testing, to validate the integrity of the structural welds.
We conduct visual, operational, bend, and drift tests for ground, roof, attic, combination, extension, and multipurpose ladders. Using our mobile crane load testing equipment, we also perform hardware, pressure, and load tests to make certain the ground ladder safely withstands all load requirements.
Each piece of equipment will receive an identification sticker, as well as a yearly sticker, after testing is complete. Heat sensor labels are applied when necessary.
Our Service
Our full menu of ladder inspection and testing services includes:
- Horizontal Bend Test (500 lb test load)
- Roof Hook Test (1000 lb test load)
- Extension Ladder Hardware Test (1000 lb test load)
- Visual Inspection of all Elements
- Heat Sensor Check & Replacement (if necessary)
- Liquid Penetrant Inspection of Rung Welds (IIA exclusive, optional test)
- Load Test
- Timing & Functional Tests
- Hardness Test of Non-Ferrous Metal Components
- Hydraulic Oil Analysis
- Turntable Bolt Torque Check
- Drift Test
- Waterway Systems Check
- Ultrasonic Inspection of Accessible Pins
- Magnetic Particle/Dye Penetrant Test of Critical Welds and Casting
- Ground Ladder Hardware & Hook Tests
Visual Inspections
We inspect each ladder for a multitude of physical problem areas, including rusting, corrosion, cracks, bad welds, loose bolts on guides, poor lubrication, and more. We perform the same visual inspections for non-NFPA rated ladders (OSHA compliant) like the 'Little Giants' most departments carry with them.
Horizontal Bend Test
We subject each extension, combination, roof and folding ladder to an extended weight test. With the ladder extended, we simulate the weight of a firefighter(s) climbing up or down the ladder. We test each ladder with the required weight and time to ensure that the ground ladder performs as per manufacturers’ specifications, and has a deflection within NFPA guidelines.
Hardware Test
For each extension ladder we inspect and test the pawl locks on each section of the ground ladder. For smaller ground ladders, there may be only one set of locks, but for larger ground ladders, there will be two sets of locks. Each lock is visually inspected, the locking mechanism is tested to see if it moves freely and engages the rungs, the release mechanism is functional, and finally the lock is tested with 1,000 pounds of pressure to ensure that it can hold a weight load even greater than it will be subject to during a fire. The locks must hold in place to ensure that a ladder will not collapse when it is used.
Roof Hook Test
Each roof ladder has its roof hooks checked for sturdiness, operability, and pressure. All mechanisms are checked for ease of clearance and opening. Also, each roof hook is tested under 1,000 pounds of pressure to ensure that the hooks remain stable and do not bend when subject to extended pressure.
Our ladder inspection offerings also include heat sensor check and replacement (if necessary) and liquid penetrant inspection of rung welds (IIA exclusive, optional test).
Inspection Tracking
Our team has a complete understanding of NFPA testing requirements. We track your fleet's inspection needs and inform you when your equipment is due for inspections, helping your department avoid potential compliance issues. Annual records maintained by IIA and provided to each department have been accepted by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) for years, and may help lower your township or city's insurance costs.
Reporting
A computer-generated report is issued following these inspections; and if no abnormalities exist, a Certificate of Compliance is issued in accordance with NFPA 1911 guidelines. The certificate is withheld if repair is necessary until the needed repairs are complete. A detailed report with valuable inspection data is delivered to you in as little as 24 hours.
Our Team
Accreditations & Standards
- Adheres to strict NFPA standards
- ISO/IEC 17020 Accredited
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