To safely perform their jobs, airport firefighters should be well-trained in using personal protective equipment. They should also be familiar with firefighter safety practices at emergency scenes, during responses, and at fire stations. ARFF personnel need knowledge of general aircraft hazards as well as specific dangers posed by different types of aircraft, military aircraft, cargo, and potential terrorist incidents. Proper identification and mitigation of hazards is important for their protection.

1. TEEXChapter 4 — Safety and Aircraft Hazards

2. Chapter 4 Lesson GoalAfter completing this lesson, the student shall be able to recognize safety and aircraft hazards and explain appropriate actions to take to avoid those hazards.

3. Objectives 1. Discuss personal protective equipment. 2. Recognize the importance of firefighter safety. 3. Explain hazards associated with aircraft rescue and fire fighting.(Continued)

4. Objectives 4. Describe hazards associated with aircraft cargo. 5. Discuss military aircraft hazards. 6. Discuss the occurrence of terrorist incidents at airports.

5. Personal Protective Clothing and EquipmentProtective clothing Provides various types of protectionMust fit properlyProtective equipment Serves various functionsMust be used properly

6. Personal Protective ClothingWear full protective clothing ensemble and SCBA during operationsProximity suits — may be worn depending upon fire conditions

7. Station/Work UniformShould be made of flame-resistant materialsIdentify ARFFRequirements stated in NFPA® 1975(Continued)

8. Station/Work UniformIntended for use under full protective clothingNot intended to be used by themselves as protective clothing

9. Structural Fire Fighting Protective ClothingMay respond in structural clothingConsists of various componentsProtects from all but extreme conditions(Continued)

10. Structural Fire Fighting Protective ClothingLimited in some applicationsProximity suits — recommended for aircraft fire fighting by NFPA®1500Has both positive characteristics and limited abilitiesRequirements stated in NFPA® 1971

11. Chemical Protective ClothingAircraft accidents may contain hazardous materialsNot all ARFF firefighters specialize in haz-mat operationsRequirements stated in NFPA® 472

12. Proximity Fire Fighting Protective ClothingReferred to as proximity gear and proximity suitsAluminized outer shellOne piece or multiple pieces(Continued)

13. Proximity Fire Fighting Protective ClothingHas unique characteristics Don’t confuse with fire entry suitsMust wear SCBA with both proximity clothing and fire entry suitsRequirements stated in NFPA® 1971

14. Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)Respiratory protection standards require protectionRespiratory protection program and fire departmentsAdoptMaintain(Continued)

15. Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)Wear SCBA at ALL aircraft firesFollow manufacturer’s requirementsUsers must meet requirements for respiratory protection

16. Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)Must wear a PASS device in hazardous atmospheresStandards are found in NFPA®1982Alarm sounds when wearer is incapacitated(Continued)

17. Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)May have other characteristicsIncreases chances of being foundCan have problemsDead batteriesNot being activatedCourtesy of Doddy Photography.

18. Hearing ProtectionRequired because of noise levelsStandards — NFPA®1500Should be available to firefightersEstablish hearing awareness program

19. Eye ProtectionMany sources of eye injury for ARFF personnelWear safety glasses combined with other means of eye protection(Continued)

20. Eye ProtectionBase on specific hazardShould meet eye protection requirements

21. Firefighter SafetyAccidents — number ONE cause of injuriesPractice safety at all times

22. Fire Station SafetyPractice good housekeepingKeep floors and walking surfaces clean, dry, and clear of clutterEnsure exit areas are lighted and free of obstructionsStore all hazardous materials properly(Continued)

23. Fire Station SafetyKeep MSDSs for hazardous materialsUse proper lifting and carrying techniques(Continued)

24. Fire Station SafetyFollow and post tool and equipment safety rulesPlace portable heaters out of travel routes/away from combustiblesUse only portable heaters that deactivate if knocked over

25. Emergency ResponseBe properly dressed and buckled prior to departingDo NOT attempt to don protective clothing enrouteSecure loose items in cab(Continued)

26. Emergency ResponseDriver/operators Select and use safest routesBalance vehicle speed and caution

27. Scene ManagementSecure scene perimeter and limit entryEstablish operating zonesHot zoneWarm zoneCold zoneSmaller incidents — cordoned area(Continued)

28. Scene Management

29. Personnel AccountabilitySystem of accountability must track all personnelTwo-in/two-out policyAll interior fire fighting operationsRequired by both OSHA and NFPA®Become familiar with aircraft

30. Personnel DecontaminationAccident sites contain hazardsHazardous materialsBiohazardsAlways need decontaminationCourtesy of Brian Canady, DFWIA Department of Public Safety.

31. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)Aircraft incidents can be more stressfulHazardous conditionsLarge number of injuries/fatalitiesAHJ teams assist in debriefingKnow when to ask for help

32. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)Peer-group or professional interaction immediately after incidentShould begin as soon as fires extinguished at major fatality incidentsParticipation should NOT be optional(Continued)

33. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)Process should sometimes start before firefighters enter sceneDefusing — done at end of shifts of major operationsParticipate in a full debriefing within 72 hours

34. Aircraft Fire Fighting HazardsAccidents should be treated as potential hazardous materials incidentsMilitary incidents involve hazardous materialsEnormous quantities of fuel(Continued)

35. Aircraft Fire Fighting HazardsUse proper PPE and decontaminateOther hazards in accidentsAgricultural sprayingMaintenance facilitiesHazardous cargo

36. Hazardous Conditions at the Emergency SceneWreckage of the aircraftConfined space hazardsHeat stressFuel hazards

37. Hazardous Aircraft Components and Materials Jet fuelLanding gearEnergized electrical linesHydraulic and pneumatic linesOxygen systems(Continued)

38. Hazardous Aircraft Components and Materials Composite fibersBiohazardsPitot tubesAir bags

39. Engine Hazards Reciprocating engine hazards — can restart if propeller is moved(Continued)

40. Engine Hazards WARNING! Even if a propeller has stopped, do not move it under any conditions. Piston engines that have recently stopped can sometimes cycle, violently rotate, or restart if the propeller is moved.(Continued)

41. Engine Hazards Jet engine hazards — pose serious threat to personnelView slides

42. Helicopter Hazards Approach with cautionRotors present greatest hazardPilot must signal safe for approachNever approach from rear(Continued)

43. Helicopter Hazards Approach and leave helicopterIn a crouched positionIn view of pilotCarry all equipment and toolsHorizontallyBelow the waist(Continued)

44. Helicopter Hazards Secure loose articlesLocate suitable landing area(Continued)

45. Helicopter Hazards WARNING! Firefighters should wear eye protection, hearing protection, coat or jacket, bright colored or reflective clothes, and helmets ANY TIME they are around helicopters with running engines, regardless of circumstances.

46. Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) Used in general aviation aircraft, ultra-lights, and experimental aircraftDesigned to rapidly deploy a parachute that stabilizes aircraftSave lives but also present hazard to ARFF personnel(Continued)

47. Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) Composed of several componentsDeflated parachutes can re-inflate in winds(Continued)

48. Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) WARNING! Ballistic recovery parachutes can be fired vertically or horizontally and are not always readily visible on the aircraft or location from where they are fired. Do not use ordinary bolt cutters or side cutters to cut the activation housing.

49. Air Cargo TransportTransport of cargoLarge companiesCommercial flightsCargoOften harmlessAlso frequently classified as hazardous or dangerous(Continued)

50. Air Cargo TransportAny aircraft crash could be considered to involve dangerous goodsUse proper procedures to protect from effects of dangerous goods

51. Air Cargo Transport — Laws and RegulationsHighly regulatedAir carriers inspect packages and documents“Undeclared” shipments of hazardous materials occurCourtesy of John Demyan, LVI Airport.(Continued)

52. Air Cargo Transport — Laws and RegulationsHazardous materials may be involved in any crashCFR Title 14 Part 139 requires training

53. Classification of Dangerous GoodsClass 1 — ExplosivesClass 2 — GasesClass 3 — Flammable liquidsClass 4 — Flammable solidsClass 5 — Oxidizing substances(Continued)

54. Classification of Dangerous GoodsClass 6 — Poisonous (toxic) and infectious substancesClass 7 — Radioactive materialsClass 8 — CorrosivesClass 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goodsCourtesy of Doddy Photography.

55. Shipment of Dangerous GoodsUsually placed in containers called unit load devicesDevices are then loaded onto aircraftCertain dangerous goods must be accessible to crew(Continued)

56. Shipment of Dangerous GoodsUndeclared dangerous cargo may be encountered in various forms

57. Product IdentificationMay be difficult in air transport situationsSeveral means of identifying dangerous goodsDocumentation varies with carrier(Continued)

58. Product IdentificationShipper responsible for identificationFederal law requires “pilot in command” be provided with shipping papers

59. VerificationMultiple sourcesErrors can be criticalUse at least three sources

60. Information GatheringProduct must be researched to determine hazardsHelps develop mitigation planConsult at least three sources

61. Personal Protective EquipmentBe familiar with PPE usedAHJ ensures NFPA® 1500 complianceSelect PPE based on several factorsSOPsNature of incidentResources available(Continued)

62. Personal Protective EquipmentPersonnel should NOT be assigned tasks for which they Do not have adequate trainingDo not have adequate PPEARFF role may be limited in situations involving unknown materials

63. Dangerous Goods OperationsFirst responsibility of units responding to dangerous goods incidentsIsolate the sceneDeny entry(Continued)

64. Dangerous Goods OperationsPersonnel should Secure the areaEstablish control zonesExclude nonessential personnel(Continued)

65. Dangerous Goods OperationsARFF personnel trained as technicians or specialists on hazmat operations should NOT be engaged inRescuesBody recoveries

66. Lavatory Waste SpillsWaste tanks have a wide range of capacitySpills may occur in various areasAircraft rampEnroute to disposal

67. Agricultural ApplicationChemicals range from relatively innocuous fertilizers to highly toxic pesticidesApplied with fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft(Continued)

68. Agricultural ApplicationUsually have support vehiclesMust be applied at low altitudesOften fly close to obstructionsCrash sites difficult to reachNo indication of what is being carried(Continued)

69. Agricultural ApplicationPerform work upwindWear proper protectionDecontaminate victims, personnel, and equipmentContain runoff(Continued)

70. Agricultural ApplicationMost likely a problem away from airportsFirst responders likely volunteer structural firefightersCourtesy of Paul Pestel.

71. Special Hazards Associated With Military AircraftChaffFlaresPyrotechnicsCourtesy of LCPL Andrew Williams (USMC), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).(Continued)

72. Special Hazards Associated With Military AircraftJet assisted take-off (JATO) systemsIncreased fuel capacityComposite wings and body

73. Emergency Ejection SystemsAccidentally activating ejection seats and canopies may be extremely dangerousPersonnel must know how to safely secure or avoidNEVER jettison indoors

74. Ejection SeatsRocket- or gas-poweredFired in different mannersCrew members fire seatsOpening a hatch could cause seat to fire(Continued)

75. Ejection SeatsCivilian ARFF personnel should not attempt to disarm systemMilitary personnel must be contacted to disarm systems(Continued)

76. Ejection SeatsWARNING! Safetying an ejection system is a hazardous operation. Rescue personnel should not attempt to safety an ejection system if they do not have the proper training and equipment necessary for the specific model of aircraft.

77. CanopiesCanopy — encloses the cockpitDesigned to protect the pilot and crewThree main typesClamshellSlidingHinged(Continued)

78. CanopiesClamshell and sliding — most commonSliding — easier to operate during rescuesActuated in various ways(Continued)

79. CanopiesSome are disintegrated with explosives built into the shell or along frameMost have an external means of jettisoningShould be jettisoned only if absolutely necessary

80. Propellant Actuating DevicesCanopy removersInitiatorsRotary actuatorsThrustersExplosive squibsSeat catapultsCourtesy of SSgt Bennie J. Davis III (USAF), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

81. Other Emergency SystemsEmergency power unit (EPU)Fire protection/detection systemsEmergency doors/hatches

82. Military Weapons and Weapon SystemsCarry a broad range of weapons and explosivesUnless external may not know if weapons are on boardPrimary effort in a fire Quick knockdown of fireCooling of munitions(Continued)

83. Military Weapons and Weapon SystemsIn a fire, weapon or explosive may detonate within 45 seconds to 4 or 5 minutes(Continued)

84. Military Weapons and Weapon SystemsWARNING! Do not attempt to fight a fire in which a weapon is involved if it is not possible to extinguish the fire quickly. Because of the likelihood of detonation, all firefighters should withdraw at least 2,000 feet (600 m). If a rescue is in progress, continue to apply water in copious amounts until rescue is complete.

85. Types of Weapons on Military AircraftHigh explosive (HE)AmmunitionRockets and missilesGravity bombsNuclear weaponsCourtesy of SrA Sean Sides (USAF), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

86. Terrorist IncidentsAirports are prime targets for terrorist acts involving CBRNE weapons of mass destructionNeed to be trained and prepared to respond

87. Indications of Terrorist IncidentExplosions that disperse liquids, mists, vapors, or gasExplosions that only destroy a package or bomb deviceUnscheduled and unusual dissemination of aerosol sprays(Continued)

88. Indications of Terrorist IncidentAbandoned spray devices or unexplained odorsMass casualties without obvious cause or trauma(Continued)

89. Indications of Terrorist IncidentDefinite pattern of casualties and common symptoms Civilian panic in a high-profile target area

90. Signs and Symptoms of AgentsNuclear and biological agents — appear hours to days after incidentChemical agents — rapid onset of symptoms in minutes or hours; easily observed indicators

91. Types of Chemical AgentsBlister agentsBlood agentsChoking agentsNerve agents

92. ARFF ResponsibilitiesProvide detailed report on conditionsFollow procedures outlined in local emergency response plans

93. SummaryTo be able to perform their jobs safely, airport firefighters should be trained in the types and uses of personal protective equipment. (Continued)

94. SummaryFirefighters should be thoroughly familiar with firefighter safety while at the fire station, responding to, and at the scene of an emergency.(Continued)

95. SummaryARFF personnel should be well versed in the general hazards associated with ARFF and the specific hazards aircraft pose to the airport firefighters.(Continued)

96. SummaryARFF personnel should have working knowledge of military aircraft hazards. Finally, airport firefighters should be able to identify and respond to terrorist incidents.

97. Review Questions 1. When does wicking occur? 2. Who should be allowed into the hot zone? 3. When should critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) begin? 4. How might the instability of wreckage affect normally ordinary tasks? (Continued)

98. Review Questions 5. When is it acceptable to approach a helicopter from the rear? 6. What is the purpose of a ballistic recovery system (BRS)? 7. What are unit load devices?(Continued)

99. Review Questions 8. What is the first responsibility of units responding to dangerous goods incidents? 9. How do flares work on military aircraft as countermeasures to heat seeking missiles? 10. What are explosive squibs?