When should the halyard cable be pulled taut?

The halyard cable should be pulled taut when the ladder is in the bedded position because this ensures that the fly section of the ladder is properly secured and does not move during transport or storage. A taut halyard helps maintain the stability and integrity of the ladder, preventing any accidental deployment or shifting that could occur if the halyard is loose. This is an important safety consideration, as it keeps the ladder in a compact, easy-to-handle form while it is being transported to the next incident or stored when not in use.

In other contexts, such as when lowering the fly section or during firefighting activities, the handling and securing of the halyard may differ based on specific operational needs. However, securing the halyard while the ladder is in the bedded position is key for ensuring the ladder remains safe and ready for use.