© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / 1-23
SAFETY
1-10.12b Aerial Ladder Water Pipe Operation
If your aerial apparatus does not include a pre-piped telescoping waterway and water monitor, you may choose to
use a water pipe nozzle supplied by a fire hose. This practice must be done with extreme care and under the
supervision of trained personnel who understand the extra loads created by the weight of the hose and the reaction
forces of the nozzle. Use only water pipes designed for the application and follow all ladder pipe manufacturer
operator instructions and fire industry best practices.
Lay the hose along the middle of the ladder so that it rests on the rungs only. Tie off the hose so that it stays in the
middle of the ladder when charged. Never hang the hose off the side of the ladder. Never use more than one ladder
pipe nozzle and hose on your aerial ladder. Do not use an aerial ladder pipe and fire hose on an apparatus that is
equipped with a pre-piped waterway and water monitor.
1-10.13 Severe Weather
Your aerial apparatus is not intended to be operated in severe weather conditions such as damaging hail, icing,
lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, or flash floods. Monitor weather alerts so that you have time
to stow your aerial device and seek shelter before severe weather conditions occur.
1-10.13a Lightning Threat
Your aerial device does not act as a lightning rod and will not protect from lightning strikes. If lightning is in the area:
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Lower your aerial apparatus.
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Keep personnel inside a building or inside the enclosed cab of an apparatus.
1-10.14 Aerial Operation in Cold Weather
1-10.14a Slow Operation Possible
Your aerial device relies on hydraulic oil flow to raise, extend, and rotate. Stabilizer deployment and retraction also
depends on hydraulic oil flow. Oil flows more slowly and creates greater pressure loss when it is cold. Be aware of
potentially slower operation in extremely cold weather and plan for this possibility.
1-10.14b Icing Conditions
If you are operating your aerial device in freezing temperatures, you must be alert to the possibility of ice forming on
the device. This can happen from freezing rain, freezing fog or snow that melts and then re-freezes. You must use
extreme caution when retracting or extending an aerial device that is coated with ice, both for the safety of personnel
and to protect the device from damage. Keep personnel clear of the path of falling ice. Move the device slowly to
allow ice to fall away. Inspect the device thoroughly after operation in an icing condition as the operation with an ice
coating can damage many components of the device and render it unsafe for future use.
Do not allow personnel to climb an aerial ladder if the rungs or handrails are ice-covered and slippery.
Improper methods of attaching water pipe and hose may cause damage to aerial ladder. Use extreme
care. Do not extend or retract with a charged hose. Do not allow hose, couplings, tie-straps, etc… to
become trapped between the rungs or equipment damage may result. If aerial device is damaged,
remove it from service and have it inspected and repaired.