Relief and recovery support is available for people impacted by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.
Visit Emergency Recovery Victoria

Firefighting Task 1: 9m Ladder Raise-Lower

Exercises for Firefighting Task 1: 9m Ladder Raise-Lower

9m ladder raise-lower

Candidates are required to raise the ladder hand over hand by walking under it until it is placed against the elevated walkway. They are then instructed to lower the ladder by under walking it placing one hand at a time on each rung. Both hands must not be on the same rung at any time.

In the below table, the exercises have been split into three columns. One for exercises that can be done at a gym, one for exercises that can be done with minimal equipment and one for bodyweight exercises.

GymMinimalHome
Split squat
Step up
Push press
Landmine press
Torsonator
Dumbbell shoulder press
Alternating dumbbell shoulder press
Overhead pallof press
Dumbbell split squat
Plate overhead walking lunge
Single arm kettlebell overhead carry
Ab wheel roll out
Band deadbug
YTW holds
Push up
Push down
Incline push up
Bird dog
Bear crawl
Deadbug
Low plank
Plank walk out

Exercise demonstrations

You can click on the link below to see a video demonstrating some of the exercises from the table. If you are unsure of some exercises, we encourage you to research the movements prior to trying them out to ensure you use proper technique.

  • landmine press
  • alternating dumbbell shoulder press
  • plate overhead walking lunge
  • split stance overhead pallof press
  • yoga push up

Updated