Fireman's pole

Fire houses were also equipped with spiral staircases so horses would not try to climb the stairs into the living quarters.

During transport, the hay was secured to a wagon using a wooden binding pole, which was stored in the hayloft when not in use.

[3]In 1878 Kenyon convinced his chief to make the necessary hole in the building and install the pole, after agreeing to pay for any necessary maintenance.

[5] Losing one's grip on the pole can result in falling from a great height; the firefighter may hit an object such as a door extending from a truck; poor speed control can result in injured or even broken legs upon impact with the floor; and burns can occur due to friction if the skin rubs against the pole.

If the pole runs through an unprotected hole in the floor, there is a risk of a person falling through it, as well as exhaust fumes rising into the living quarters.

[10] However, due to the strong tradition, time advantages and new safety features, poles are common worldwide even in newly built stations.