Cobra From Ladder

When the situation demands, firefighters may need to reach elevated positions to effectively combat fires, especially when access to upper floors, rooftops, or hidden fire sources is required. Using Cobra from a ladder or an aerial platform provides a flexible and efficient way to deliver water mist into fire compartments while maintaining a safe operational distance. Working from height, however, introduces additional risks and requires specific procedures to ensure safety, stability, and effectiveness. This Use Case outlines how Cobra can be utilized safely and efficiently from both an extension or cormorant ladder and an aerial platform.

Using Cobra from an Extension or Cormorant Ladder

When working from an extension ladder, the correct procedure ensures both safety and operational efficiency. Firefighters should consider using a safety harness, or supporting the lance by whatever means appropriate, in line with their organization’s standard operating procedures. The ladder must be securely positioned and stabilized to prevent unwanted movement.

The operator should adopt a comfortable position on the ladder to allow controlled movement while operating the lance. Once securely positioned, the Cobra hand lance is passed up to the operator when they are ready to receive it. For additional safety and ease of use, the hand lance should be placed inside the ladder structure, preventing unnecessary strain on the firefighter and maintaining better control over the water jet.

Using Cobra from an Aerial Platform

When using Cobra from an aerial platform, a two-person team is recommended to ensure effective operation. One firefighter operates Cobra, while the other controls the platform, monitors the effect of Cobra, and provides feedback on its impact.

To reduce strain on the hand lance coupling, it is recommended to secure the hose to the platform railing using a prusik cord or a similar attachment that allows free movement and supports the weight of the hose. This setup prevents unnecessary tension on the coupling, or unnecessary strain for the lance operator, whilst ensuring that the hose moves freely with the operator’s positioning. It can also be helpful to make sure the hose is kept clear of the platform’s sensors, as these sensors, typically mounted on small levers to support the platform’s levelling system, can be accidentally shifted or manipulated by the hose if not handled carefully.

For extended reach, the lance extension can be attached, allowing firefighters to reach just a bit further and access hard-to-reach areas while maintaining a comfortable position. The combination of an aerial platform’s manoeuvrability and Cobra’s precision ensures a highly effective approach to fire suppression in elevated locations.

By following these procedures, firefighters can maximize the safety, comfort, and effectiveness of Cobra when working from height, ensuring better operational outcomes while minimizing risks associated with ladder and aerial firefighting operations. It is essential that firefighters have practiced these techniques during training exercises and feel confident with the equipment and procedures before applying them in real incidents.

Cobra Benefits

Quick and easy access.

The equipment is light in weight and easy to handle, which enables rapid deployment and easy to move the lance where needed. The training programme that underpins Cobra gives fire crews the ability and confidence to deploy Cobra very quickly on arrival. In addition, Cobra can be used from any angle and to optimize effort the attachable lance extender can be used, a great way to access any fire that is placed in a tricky position.

Limits water use.

As Cobra only uses up to 60 litres (16 US gal.) of water per minute, an 1800 litre (475 US gal.) water tank will last 30 minutes if Cobra is used continuously.

Multi-functional tool.

Cobra can be used in several possible scenarios; it is not a specialist tool!

Cobra Benefits

• Quick to deploy and easy to handle
• Uses significantly less water
• Versatile in many fire scenarios