Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service have ordered firemen not to climb small ladders because of health and safety concerns.

The firemen, who are used to climbing 300 foot ladders, have been told that they must use a telescopic rod when fitting or checking smoke alarms rather than use step ladders.

Firemen have branded the ruling as ‘ludicrous’ saying that they are trained as part of their job to use ladders. Climbing ladders is an integral part of the job and firemen receive expert training in order to do so safely.

One firefighter said ‘The lads all think it’s daft – health and safety gone mad. At first bosses told us we couldn’t climb other people’s stepladders in case they were rickety and we had to take our own along.

Fire Angel, the firm who have designed the telescopic rods, said that it was a safer way of fitting detectors and enabled them to be fitted to higher ceilings.

It is only two years since the same brigade were banned from removing bunting from local streets by bosses who feared they may fall of their ladders.

A representative of Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘The firefighters can use the rod to fit the smoke detectors and then carry out the home safety visit meaning that they are done quicker and can fit more in.

‘The equipment allows smoke detectors to be quickly and effectively fitted to ceilings up to four metres high.