CHAPTER+10++AIRPORT+RESCUE+AND+FIRE+FIGHTING+SERVICES+10+1+-+rossir24-0012

CHAPTER 10: AIRPORT RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING SERVICES

10.1

Introduction

10.1.1 The details contained in this chapter relate to various operational standards applicable to aerodrome rescue and fire fighting services at AAI aerodromes. 10.2

Criteria for establishment of ARFF.

10.2.1 ARFF services will be provided at all airports in conformity with ICAO standards and guidelines regarding level of fire protectio n. 10.3

Determining Determining the category of the aerodrome

10.3.1 The level of protection provided at an aerodrome for rescue and fire fighting will be appropriate to the aerodrome category determined in accordance with Table 10-1 below and will be based on the longest aeroplanes normally using the aerodrome and their fuselage width. If after selecting the category appropriate to the longest aeroplane’s overall length, that aeroplane’s fuselage width is greater than the maximum width in Table 10-1 below for that category, then the category for that aeroplane will be taken as one category higher. The level of protection will be appropriate to the aerodrome category so determined. 10.3.2 Where the number of movements of the aero-planes in the highest category normally using the aerodrome is less than 700 in the busiest consecutive three months, the level of protection will not be less than one category below the determined category. 10.3.3 However, from 1st January 2005, the level of protection provided will be equal to the aerodrome category determined based on the longest aeroplane normally using the aerodrome and their fuselage width. 10.3.4 Availability of ARFF services including level of protection and watch hours will be notified through Aeronautical Information Publication and any temporary change in the status of service will be notified through NOTAM. 10.3.5 During the period of reduced activity, the level of protection will not be less than that required for the highest category of aeroplane using the aerodrome during that period irrespective of the number of movements.

Table 10-1: Aerodrome category for rescue and fire fighting Aerodrome category (1) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10.4

Aeroplane overall length

Maximum fuselage width (3) 2m 2m 3m 4m 4m 5m 5m 7m 7m 8m

(2) 0 m up to but not including 9 m 9 m up to but not including 12 m 12 m up to but not including 18 m 18 m up to but not including 24 m 24 m up to but not including 28 m 28 m up to but not including 39 m 39 m up to but not including 49 m 49 m up to but not including 61 m 61 m up to but not including 76 m 76 m up to but not including 90 m

ARFF vehicles

10.4.1 Number of vehicles provided for ARFF service will be commensurate with the aerodrome category as defined in Airport Services Manual part 1. The minimum number of rescue and fire fighting vehicles provided at an aerodrome will be in accordance with the following and as contained in OPS/720/81 dated 29/8/2002 (Operational circular no. 4 of 2002). Category of aerodrome

1 to 5 6, 7 8 9 10 10.5

ARFF vehicles

1 2 3 4 5

Vehicle performance

10.5.1 ARFF vehicles will meet all the requirements outlined in Table 5-1 of  chapter 5 of ICAO Airport Services Manual part 1. 10.5.2 ARFF vehicles and equipment will be subjected to inspection schedules and tests on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, half- yearly and annual basis. These inspections and tests will be as prescribed vide Fire Order No. 1 of 2001. 10.5.3 The ARFF will have a comprehensive fleet management programme with a prescribed test method to check performance at regular interval, as per Fire Order No. 3 of 1993.

10.6

Response time

10.6.1 Response time is considered as the time between the initial call to the ARFF and the time when the first responding vehicle(s) is (are) in position and if  required, apply foam at a rate of at least 50 % of the discharge rate specified in Table 9.2 of Annex 14. 10.6.2 The operational objective of the ARFF will be to achieve response time not exceeding three minutes to the end of each runway in conditions of visibility 2500 m or better and dry, paved surface conditions. 10.7

Fire extinguishing agent performance criteria

10.7.1 The primary attack agent for ARFF will be foam (AFFF), conforming to level B, recommended in Airport Service Manual part 1. Requisite quantities of  foam compound will be maintained at each station in conformatio n with ICAO guide lines. 10.7.2 In addition to primary agent, necessary amount of complementary agent will also be carried in ARFF vehicles. 10.7.3 A minimum of 200 % of foam concentrate and complementary agent will be held in reserve and will be available at all times on the aerodrome. Additional stocks of extinguishing agents required for training will be also provided as per operation Circular No.4 of 2002. 10.8

Ancillary equipment and performance criteria

10.8.1 ARFF will carry a wide range of rescue, fire fighting and salvage equipment as complements for providing rescue and fire fighting function. The list of  such ancillary equipment will be maintained at each ARFF station. 10.8.2 The equipment will be tested at regular intervals in conformation with performance criteria and the results will be recorded in equipment log books to draw life cycle for repair / refurbishing / replacement. 10.9

ARFF personnel protective clothing and other equipment

10.9.1 At least two close proximity suits will be provided in each CFT to enable ARFF staff to perform their function safely and effectively. These protective suits will conform to the accepted International Standards. 10.9.2 All ARFF Personnel will be provided with a personal issue of helmet with visor, fireman shoes, safety overalls, gloves, rain coats and gum boots and other personal protective items.

10.9.3 In addition to above, provision of BA sets will be made in all CFTs for ARFF Personnel. 10.10

ARFF operational procedures

10.10.1 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), circulated in the form of Fire Orders/ Operational Circulars, will be complied with for effective provision of ARFF services. 10.11

Reports of an accident or incident

10.11.1

ARFF service will have an operation reporting system including incident /  accident as detailed in fire order number 1 of 2001.

10.11.2

The ARFF service reporting through various reports and returns will pertain to following: a. b. c. d.

Aircraft crash / fire report. Building fire incident report. Standby report. Other fires report.

10.12

Quality control

10.12.1

Quality of service provided by ARFF will conform to ICAO requirements.

10.12.2 Regular audits will be conducted by the Directorate of Fire Services and the Directorate of Aviation Safety. 10.13

ARFF training establishments

10.13.1

Fire Service Training Colleges are established at Kolkatta and Delhi.

10.13.2

All the training courses conform to ICAO training manual.

10.14

ARFF personnel- recruitment

10.14.1 The recruitment of ARFF personnel will conform to the recruitment rules laid by Airports Authority of India. 10.14.2 Details of academic, physical and medical standards for each category will conform to recruitment rules issued by Airports Authority of India.

10.15

ARFF personnel training and manning requirements

10.15.1 All operational staff will be qualified and competent for their respective level in the service. 10.15.2 ARFF officers and staff will undergo stipulated training courses at the fire training college/centre before deployment at the station.

10.15.3

The ARFF personnel will undergo station level familiarization training on local topography and equipment before deployment in actual service.

10.15.4

ARFF officers and staff will undergo stipulated training courses before promotion to next higher grade in service.

10.15.5 The standard manning level for each equipment and unit related to ARFF services will be maintained in conformation with Directorate of Personnel circular no. 11013/10/2001-MPC dt. 28/3/2002 & Opn Circular No 3/2002 (IAD) on manning level. 10.16

Competency levels

10.16.1 ARFF staff and officers will be required to possess educational and technical qualification, beside physical and medical standard as laid in recruitment rules. In addition to this, specific courses as per circular no. 2/2/92ARII (EQ) dated 18/12/1998 must be passed for promotion to each higher grades. 10.16.2 In addition to general courses, the staff will be deputed for different operations training. 10.16.3 Refresher courses will be conducted for each category of ARFF staff  every three years. 10.17

ARFF medical/physical fi tness

10.17.1 ARFF personnel will have to conform to the prescribed medical and physical fitness as stipulated in Department of Personnel Recruitment Rules and Standing Fire Advisory Council of India recommendation. 10.17.2 Physical & Medical Fitness will be compulsory for admission to training courses at all levels.

10.17.3 A Standard Physical Fitness Programme will be carried out at station level for annual assessment and for proficiency grading.

10.18

ARFF facilities

10.18.1 Facilities related to ARFF services will be provided at each airport in conformation with ICAO guide lines. 10.18.2 The infrastructural facilities for ARFF services will be provided at each airport in conformation with fire Order No. 4 of 2001. 10.18.3 Communication facilities provided for ARFF services will conform to fire Order No. 4 of 2001. 10.18.4 The routine programme at fire station will be part of proficiency maintenance and will be divided in daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual exercises in conformation with fire order no. – 1 of 2001 & Opn. Circular No. 5 of 1999. 10.18.5 ARFF service includes RFF vehicles (major CFTs, small CFTs), Ambulances, water bousers, rescue tenders, high mast lights. 10.19

Facility maintenance plan

10.19.1 A standard procedure for maintenance of equipment and system will be followed at periodic interval in confirmation to fire order no. 1 of 2001, circular No. 4 of 2000 & Operation Circular No.10,14 & 27 of 1998. 10.20

Interruption or change to level of operational service and contingency plans

10.20.1 A system of notification with regard to level of fire protection and category reduction / up-gradation will be followed as and when any emergency or break down is encountered. 10.21

Arrangements with state/city fire brigades and other 3 rd party providers.

10.21.1 Arrangement will be made at each airport for State/City and/or other 3rd party fire brigades to supplement airport fire services during aircraft emergency. 10.22

Service and facility management requirements

10.22.1 Each equipment and system will be tested by station level, regional level and central level teams to ensure proper functioning and periodic maintenance of  equipment / system. 10.23

Reports, returns, and record.

10.23.1 ARFF services will maintain all relevant records related to manpower, equipment, activity and other infrastructure at station level in confirmation to fire order no. 1 of 2001. 10.23.2 Reports and returns will be submitted by the stations to regional and central headquarter for monitoring and data processing. 10.24

Aerodrome emergency plan

10.24.1

Aerodrome emergency plans will be developed for each aerodrome to deal with following emergencies: (i) aircraft crash; (ii) aircraft emergencies (local standby, visibility standby & full emergency); (iii) bomb threat; (iv) unlawfully seized aircraft (v) building fires; and (vi) natural disasters.

10.25

Aerodrome emergency exercise

10.25.1 In order to test the adequacy of the aerodrome emergency plan full scale aerodrome emergency exercise will be carried out at intervals of not exceeding 2 years and partial emergency exercise once in the intervening period to ensure that any deficiencies found during the exercises are corrected. 10.25.2 Records of reviews and exercises, including real emergencies, will be kept and retained for 3 years. 10.26

Disabled aircraft removal

10.26.1 Disabled aircraft removal plan will be developed by each aerodrome and included in the aerodrome manual.