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Firefighters Told Stepladders Are Too Dangerous To Use

Posted by samzenpus on from the and-watch-out-for-burning-pets dept.

Firefighters in the UK are allowed to run into burning buildings on the verge of collapse, brave the toxic smoke, and endure the 1000 degree heat as long as they don't climb a step ladder while they are inside. Big ladders are fine, but the little ones are out due to health and safety concerns. They have been told to use a special telescopic rod when checking and fitting smoke alarms rather than using step ladders. One said, "It is preposterous. Climbing a ladder safely is an integral part of being a firefighter. It is what we do and we receive expert training to ensure we do it properly. To now be told we are not to be trusted with a set of step ladders is ludicrous. We will be banned from tackling fires because they can get quite hot."

6 comments

  1. What the hell... by Nutria · · Score: 2, Insightful

    is wrong with England?

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    "I don't know, therefore Aliens" Wafflebox1
    1. Re:What the hell... by cbiltcliffe · · Score: 1

      Same thing that's wrong with every country in the world.....

      Politicians.

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      "City hall" in German is "Rathaus" Kinda explains a few things......
    2. Re:What the hell... by Nutria · · Score: 1

      Politicians.

      Nah, they are too stupid to think of something like that. It's bureaucrats and "compassionate" activists who come up with this idiocy.

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      "I don't know, therefore Aliens" Wafflebox1
    3. Re:What the hell... by cbiltcliffe · · Score: 1

      And bureaucrats are politicians in everything but name and election method.....

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      "City hall" in German is "Rathaus" Kinda explains a few things......
    4. Re:What the hell... by easyTree · · Score: 1

      No, the problem is the belief that politicians (or whoever) can make one rule which suits everyone.

      Belief in uniformity of opportunity has shifted sideways into the belief in uniformity of treatment.

      Just to take it to the extreme: "Some people can't walk down the street without having a serious accident. So, all people must be prevented from walking down the street until they sign a disclaimer."

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      oh yeah.. Idle sux ;-)

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      Requiem for the American Dream
  2. Large ladders support hands too by AmericanInKiev · · Score: 1

    A large ladder provides support for Hands as well as feet. I suspect firemen are standing on the top step of a 4 foot ladder, then twisting their neck upward towards a smoke detector - such requires a balance skill which is unrelated to fire fighting. Firemen do not so often go inside burning buildings, as they perform rudimentary and boring jobs like chasing spiders out of smoke detectors. Their daily risks are a separate issue from the Pulitzer award photo ops, that come along twice a decade.