Once an extension ladder is properly placed and extended, what should be done with the excess halyard?

When an extension ladder is properly placed and extended, handling the excess halyard appropriately is crucial for safety and functionality. Wrapping it around two rungs of the ladder serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps secure the halyard in place, preventing it from becoming a tripping hazard on the ground or getting caught on anything as firefighters move around the ladder. Secondly, it ensures that the halyard remains accessible for future adjustments or for retracting the ladder, allowing for smoother operation.

Other methods of handling the halyard could create safety concerns. For instance, allowing it to hang between the ladder and the building could lead to entanglement issues or snagging on equipment, which is a safety risk. Using it to form an anchor point might involve additional complexities and not provide the same level of straightforward usability as wrapping it around the rungs. Similarly, tying off the bed section could potentially restrict the ladder's extension capabilities and complicate its use in emergencies.

Therefore, wrapping the excess halyard around two rungs is the most practical and safe method to manage it while ensuring that the ladder remains ready for immediate operation.