Halyard

nounStandard termFire & Safety

The rope and pulley system used to hoist the fly sections of an extension ladder.

A continuous length of static rope routed through a pulley that allows firefighters to raise and lower the moving sections of an extension ladder. It is typically made of durable synthetic material resistant to rot and abrasion. Personnel pull downward on the rope to elevate the fly section to the desired height before locking it in place.

Heard on the job

Make sure you tie off the halyard with a bang knot once the ladder is set so it doesn't become a trip hazard.

Insider tip

Always inspect the rope for fraying or heat damage during morning apparatus checks.

Also heard as

  • fly rope