Which term describes forces acting on an aerial device from personnel, portable equipment, water and nozzle reaction?

• A. Live Load
• B. Dead Load
• C. Operator
• D. Ironing

Answer: (A)

Live load describes forces that come from use and occupancy and can vary during operation. On an aerial device, the weight of personnel on the platform, portable equipment in use, the water in the hose, and the nozzle reaction as water is discharged are all temporary, dynamic loads that change as crews move and fight the fire. These forces aren’t fixed to the structure like the permanent weight of the ladder and mounted gear (dead load). The term operator refers to a person, not a load category, and ironing isn’t a standard term for loads in EVT contexts. So the forces described are best described as a live load.