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IS 4571 : 1977Specification of Aluminium Extension Ladders for Fire Brigade use

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NFPA 1931 · BS EN 1147 · AS/NZS 4146
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationFire Safety · Fire Fighting
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 4571:1977 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for aluminium extension ladders for fire brigade use. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, manufacture, and performance testing of aluminium extension ladders designed specifically for fire brigade rescue and fire fighting operations.

Specification of Aluminium Extension Ladders for Fire Brigade use

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Fire Safety — Fire Fighting
Type
Specification
International equivalents
NFPA 1931:2020 · National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USABS EN 1147:2020 · British Standards Institution (BSI) / European Committee for Standardization (CEN), UK/EuropeAS/NZS 4146:2000 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 617IS 733IS 1364
Also on InfraLens for IS 4571
4Key values1Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Aluminium ladders are highly conductive. Extreme caution must be exercised when operating near live electrical installations to prevent electrocution.
! Spring-loaded pawls, locking mechanisms, and hoisting ropes must be inspected regularly for wear and tear to prevent accidental retraction.
! Rubber safety feet must be checked for degradation to ensure the ladder does not slip on wet or smooth surfaces during an emergency.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3MaterialsCl. 4Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 5Manufacture and FinishCl. 8Performance and Testing
Pulled from IS 4571:1977. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
aluminiumsteelrubber

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
NFPA 1931:2020National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for Manufacturer's Design of Fire Department Ground Ladders
Specifies design, material, and performance requirements for aluminium extension ladders used by fire services.
BS EN 1147:2020British Standards Institution (BSI) / European Committee for Standardization (CEN), UK/Europe
HighCurrent
Portable ladders for fire service use
Covers requirements, testing, and performance criteria for portable extension ladders for fire brigade use.
AS/NZS 4146:2000Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
LowCurrent
Laundry trolleys and carts
Specifies requirements for extension and other portable ladders, but for general industrial use, not specifically for fire services.
Key Differences
≠The Indian standard from 1977 specifies prescriptive aluminium alloys (e.g., HE 30 WP), whereas modern standards like NFPA 1931 and EN 1147 are performance-based, allowing any material that meets stringent test requirements.
≠Modern international standards mandate safety features not found in IS 4571:1977, such as heat sensor labels (NFPA 1931) that indicate exposure to high temperatures, and more rigorous specifications for rung slip-resistance.
≠Testing protocols in NFPA 1931 and EN 1147 are far more comprehensive, including cyclic loading tests, rung torque tests, and more demanding static load requirements (e.g., NFPA 1931 design load is 750 lbs / 340 kg) compared to the simpler load tests in the 1977 Indian standard.
≠IS 4571 specifies a minimum internal width of 300 mm, while NFPA 1931 requires a wider minimum of 16 inches (406 mm), reflecting different ergonomic and operational considerations for firefighters wearing full gear.
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the use of high-strength, lightweight aluminium alloys for the primary construction of stiles and rungs.
≈The fundamental design principle of a two-section, manually operated extension ladder with locking pawls (dogs) is common across all standards.
≈All standards include dimensional specifications for key elements like rung spacing and overall ladder width to ensure interoperability and user safety.
≈Each standard is fundamentally based on performance testing to ensure structural integrity, including a form of static bending or deflection test to verify the ladder's load-bearing capacity.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Design/Test Load (Horizontal Bending)Proof load of 180 kgf (approx. 1.77 kN) for deflection test.Design load of 750 lb (340 kg / approx. 3.34 kN).NFPA 1931:2020
Rung Spacing (Centre-to-Centre)250 to 300 mm280 mm to 300 mmBS EN 1147:2020
Heat Exposure IndicatorNot specifiedMandatory heat sensor labels rated for 300°F (149°C) are required.NFPA 1931:2020
Minimum Inside WidthNot less than 300 mmNot less than 406 mm (16 inches) between side rails.NFPA 1931:2020
Rung Torque Strength TestNot specifiedMust withstand a torque of 1000 lb-in. (113 Nm) without permanent deformation.NFPA 1931:2020
Rung Material SpecificationPrescriptive: e.g., Aluminium Alloy HE 30 WP conforming to IS:733.Performance-based: Rungs shall be constructed of material that passes all tests and has a slip-resistant surface.NFPA 1931:2020
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
Standard rung spacing300 mm
Minimum overlap between sections3 rungs
Deflection test load75 kg
Strength test proof load300 kg

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Material Specifications for Ladder Components
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Materials
Clause 4 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 5 - Manufacture and Finish
Clause 8 - Performance and Testing

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 617:1994Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Ingots for Reme...
→
IS 733:1983Wrought Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Plate, ...
→
IS 1364:2017Hexagon Head Bolts, Screws and Nuts of Produc...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the standard spacing between rungs?+
The rungs are uniformly spaced at 300 mm center-to-center to ensure safe and predictable climbing.
What material is mandated for the main structure of the ladder?+
Wrought aluminium alloys conforming to IS 733 are used to provide a combination of high strength, durability, and low weight.
Is the ladder tested for structural integrity before use?+
Yes, it must pass a deflection test and a proof load test to ensure it can safely support the weight of multiple fully equipped firemen without permanent deformation.

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