GLASGOW AIRPORT FIRE SERVICE

The Glasgow Airport Fire Service is a unit of the British Airport Authority Fire Service. The Officer in charge of the unit is a Divisional Officer. There are four watches each with a Station Officer, a Sub Officer, at least 3 Leading Firefighters and ? Firefighters, they do not work the 2-2-4 duty system that the Local Authority Brigades do but a more complicated system something like 2 days, 1 night and they get 8 days off.
The Land Rover Discovery FIRE 8 is used by the Divisional Officer when he is on duty, the Light Foam Tender (used to be known as an RIV, Rapid Intervention Vehicle) FIRE 1 is crewed by the Station Officer plus 3, the domestic appliance FIRE 7  is crewed by the Sub Officer plus 3, and the Heavy Foam Tenders (used to be known as Crash Tenders) FIRE 2, 3 and 4 are crewed by a Leading Firefighter plus 1.The spare Heavy Foam Tender FIRE5 is crewed by the Watchroom Attendent at a major incident after he has done the necessary work in the watchroom and he returns there as soon as he is no longer required at the incident.
All appliances are equipped with VHF radios with 3 channels to contact the Ground Control, Tower and International Fire Frequency so the OIC can talk to the plane. They also have a UHF set so they can talk to Fire Control and the pocket phones.
In addition FIRE 1 now has a Strathclyde Fire Brigade main scheme radio so he can talk to Brigade Control in Johnstone for make ups.

Stations

1985                                                        Station to the east of main runway                    Photo

This is the original station and has been extended 3 times. It is now a 6 bay station (19/2/2000) with watchroom on first floor.

Appliances

There are also two Zodiac boats kept at the River Cart end of the main runway and there is a slipway to launch them into the river.

Cobra
Carmichael Cobra Mark 2 major foam tender is in service at BAA's Scottish airports. The Mark 1 is similar but smaller than the Mark 2 and is 500kg heavier.
The Cobra is 6 x 6 all wheel drive, with a rear mounted Detroit diesel, turbo charged, direct injection water cooled engine. The pump is a Godiva GVB 10,000 single stage centrifugal pump capable of producing 10,0001/min at l6 bar pressure.
The monitor is a Carmichael power assisted Cl0,000 single barrel roof mounted with defuser.
Viper
The Carmichael Viper light foam tender is in service at BAA's Edinburgh and Glasgow airports. It is based on a Scania domestic vehicle although it is much higher due to having all wheel drive in order to meet the requirements laid down in CAP 168.
The tender is fitted with a monitor on the roof capable of delivering 2500l of foam/water a minute over a distance of 67m. It carries 50kg of BCF and 35kg of dry powder in wheeled trolleys for use in engine and undercarriage fires. It also carries a 5.4m and a l0.5m ladder.
Landrover Discovery
The command and control vehicles are key the success of a major incident, the operation watch officer is able to communicate with his fire appliances, air traffic control, the AFS watch room, and the pilot. The officer in charge can position remotely from the major fire fighting appliances and attain an overall view of an incident.
The Landrover Discovery has a four wheel drive petrol engine. The front passenger seat has been removed to house the communication console. These vehicles also carry command and control planning boards as well as personal protection and rescue equipment.
Zodiac Grand Raid
Glasgow Airport operates and maintains a marine river rescue presence. This consists of two Zodiac Grand Raid 4.1m inflatable boats, with two 25hp Evinrude outboard motors, six self inflating liferafts and 10 horseshoe life jackets.
Other equipment consists of various marine units such as flares, etc. The river rescue equipment consists of a system of floating hose for safe working near water, training and water rescue.

Notes

This Airport started in 1933 as RAF Abbotsinch and was taken over by the Navy in 1943 for the use of the Fleet Air Arm and as is Navy practice (to give there shore stations ship names) it was renamed HMS Sanderling until it closed in 1963. In 1966 the airport opened as Glasgow Airport. Prior to this the Civil Airport was Renfrew Airport which operated from 1945 to 1966.

Glasgow is a Category 8 airport that requires an appropriate fire and rescue service to protect life and property against some unique risks. The busiest of Scotland’s three main international airports, 8.1m passengers pass through our terminal yearly.
The number of flights (86,000 movements; and the size of aircraft to facilitate our cutomers’ needs necessitates a well equipped and highly trained fire service.
We are proud that, in line with the rest of BAA plc fire and rescue service, Glasgow Airport meets and exceeds the required standards. As well as the protection of life, aircraft and terminal buildings, additional challenges also include cargo facilities, rail, river and motorways, all requiring versatile skills and equipment.
Two runways
Glasgow has two runways and a fire station located to ensure that we meet current commitments, one of which is our response time of no more than two minutes and 30 seconds to either end of the runways.
Operational team
The 72 strong operational team is divided into four watches providing continuous cover and the fire station is located at the south east side of the airfield between the emergency hanger and Juliet cul de sac.
The station has six appliance bays housing three major foam tender appliances (Carmichael Cobras) two light foam tender appliances (Carmichael Vipers) and one command and control appliance (Landrover Discovery). The operational crew consists of two officers, a watch room attendant and 12 leading firefighters.
Training facilities
Glasgow Airport fire station has a dedicated area set aside for the training, maintenance of skills and supply of facilities to external customers. The fire station has undergone major refurbishment, resulting in new lecture facilities (including overhead projectors), meetings rooms and gymnasium
(Fire Times March 2005. BAA Airports supplement.)

Glasgow Airport was officially opened on 27th June, 1966.

Establishment 2007

There are 4 watches each with 1 Station Manger, 1 Watch Manager and 14 Firefighters, there are no Crew Managers at present. There is a Station and Crew Manager who cover leave, courses etc.

Glasgow

Airport Fire Service

Introduction 

The present Glasgow Airport opened in June 1966, after it had been determined that the old airport at Renfrew would be unable to handle the new jet aircraft then coming into service. Since those days it has grown and expanded until to-day it is the fourth busiest airport in the United Kingdom handling over 2.78 million passengers in 1984/85.
The airport was originally operated by the Glasgow Corporation until 1975 when the ownership was transferred to the British Airports Authority (BAA).
The BAA own and operate seven airports the others being Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted serving London and Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Prestwick in Scotland.
Glasgow Airport is licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority for use by aircraft engaged in the public transport of passengers. The Airside Safety and Operations department of the BAA is custodian of the licence and is responsible for ensuring that the high standards and conditions required by the licence are complied with at all times.
The BAA’s fire service has a complement of 400 officers and men covering its seven airports. Glasgow Airport’s fire service, a division of the Operations department, provides 24 hour Airport fire cover with a force of 46 officers and men and 6 fire fighting appliances.
The Civil Aviation Authority sets minimum safety standards for fire cover relating to the length and width of the largest aircraft regularly using the airport and these standards are expressed in terms of manpower and extinguishing media.
In the event of an emergency the safety of passengers on the ground or in the air approaching the airport depends on the men and appliances of the Airport Fire Service. 

Primary Objective 

The primary objective of the Airport Fire Service is to save lives in the event of an aircraft accident. It has to be able to reach the scene of an accident anywhere inside the airport boundary within three minutes of the accident occurring, but preferably within two minutes and to create conditions in which survival is possible.
Any fire must be brought quickly under control and the rescue phase commenced to allow the evacuation of the aircraft by the occupants. Having extinguished the fire, the Airport Fire Service then becomes the initial rescue team at the accident, being ably assisted by the Strathclyde Fire Service as they arrive. 

Role of the Airport Fire Service (AFS) 

The role of the AFS is far more extensive than their primary objective of dealing with aircraft accidents. The service answers all fire alarm calls in the airport terminal and associated buildings; medical emergencies where they give life saving first aid until the Scottish Ambulance Service arrives; road traffic accidents on the airport and deal with hazardous chemical spillages or damaged radio-active consignments. Meteor appliances carry first aid and resuscitation equipment, protective suits and radiation monitoring equipment to deal with such situations. 

Fire Prevention 

Three Sub Officers are responsible for fire prevention in Glasgow Airport’s many airport buildings. Regular inspections of all the airport fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers and other fire fighting facilities are carried out to ensure that the safety standards, as required by the Strathclyde Fire Brigade, are maintained.
Fire training of all Glasgow Airport Staff is also undertaken by the AFS. The training includes how and when to call the Fire Service, use of portable fire extinguishers and dealing with small fires and emergency evacuation procedures. Airport staff are required to attend the fire training course at least once a year. 

The Fire Station 

The airport fire station which was originally built for the opening of Glasgow Airport at Abbotsinch in 1966 was completely rebuilt, modernised and extended in 1984/85 and was officially opened by Councillor James Burns JP, Convener of Strathclyde Regional Council on 10 December 1985. It has bays for five fire fighting appliances and a control room fitted with the most advanced communications systems presently available.
Located near to the intersection of the airport’s two runways, it is well situated for appliances to reach all parts of the airfield in less than three minutes.
There is an excellent office block within the fire station complete with study and lecture rooms. Leisure facilities include a snooker table and dart board, a variety of table games and television lounge where the firemen can relax.
The airport fire service sets high standards of physical fitness for its personnel and the fire station facilities also include a multi-gym where the firemen undertake regular training sessions under the guidance of an airport fire service physical training instructor. 

Firemen 

The Senior Airport Fire Officer has overall responsibility for the efficient operation of the Airport Fire Service Unit.
24 hour manning of the Fire Station is achieved by four alternating watches, red, white, blue and green. Each watch comprises 9 Firemen and 2 Officers conducting a 12 hour tour of duty.
As well as attending emergency calls and special services, Glasgow firemen are kept occupied by a comprehensive station training programme designed to maintain personnel and equipment in peak condition.
The firemen are also responsible for the routine testing and inspection of all appliances and equipment. Each appliance and its ancillary equipment must be inspected at the commencement of each shift and is tested at predetermined intervals. 

Training 

Recruit Firemen
All prospective candidates must pass a rigorous medical examination and written entrance examination in English and Mathematics. If the applicant copes successfully with the examination and interview he may be accepted into the service to commence his one year probationery period.
All firemen must pass a basic fire training course, a Breathing Apparatus Course, a First Aid Course and hold a current H.G.V. class II driving licence.
Within a few months of joining the service the recruit must successfully complete a Firemanship course conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority at their Tees-side training school.
After the completion of two years service a Fireman may apply for promotion to the rank of Leading Fireman. 

Specialist Training
Selected personnel may attend specialist Instructor courses for Road Traffic Accident procedures, Breathing Apparatus users and Heavy Goods Vehicle drivers.
To make full use of the new “Multi-Gym” physical training equipment, a new P.T.I. course at Washington Hall has been made available to interested personnel. 

Fire Training Ground
The fireground at Glasgow is undergoing a programme of modernisation and at this time includes a simulated aircraft fuselage rigidly mounted in a fuel bund. A pressurised fuel supply pipe is soon to be mounted along the top of the “fuselage” and this will produce a pressure fed wall of fire on each side of the structure.
At the far end of the fireground a structure called a “fire screen” produces a pressure fed wall of fire on which firemen can practice and perfect their fire fighting techniques.
Due to the immense heat radiated from the screen it is ideally suited to the evaluation of new fire fighting equipment e.g. Helmets, Fire Tunics and Branches etc.
It is also our intention to have erected in the near future a tower structure incorporating a high mounted engine rig which will simulate an outbreak of fire in the number two engine of a DC1O or Tri-Star aircraft. 

Smoke Chamber
Development of certain airfield areas dictated the relocation of existing smoke training facilities, however it is now proposed to erect new smoke chamber premises which will incorporate the latest obstacle training facilities and safety features. 

Training Aircraft
A Trident aircraft is located close to the new Fire Station and is frequently used for AFS training and demonstrations.
Although the engines and some avionics equipment have been removed, the cabin furnishing and seating remain intact. The smoke logged aircraft provides an ideal training environment for the emergency evacuation of crew and passengers. It is often used for smoke and evacuation training procedures by airline staff.
Positioning exercises for dealing with engine or under-carriage fires are held regularly. 

Boat Training
Due to the close proximity of the Black Cart river, the AFS are responsible for the operation of a Zodiac dinghy which can be brought swiftly into use if an accident situation arises.
The river equipment is checked daily and all firemen regularly take part in boat training exercises. 

Other Training
A new lecture room has been created in the Fire Station and will make use of a 16mm film projector, slide projector and video equipment.
A video camera and recording equipment is available on the station for the local production of training films and items of interest.
The facilities are also made available for BAA staff training, and to airlines who wish their crew and cabin staff to have instruction on the use of hand appliances in aircraft. 

Appliances 

There are presently six fire appliances at Glasgow.
One Javelin MK II, three Nubian Majors and two Rapid Intervention Vehicles (RIV). The Nubian Majors and the RIVs are shortly due to be replaced when the complement will become three Javelins and two Meteors.
Meteors (and the RIVs) are designed to be the first appliance to reach the scene of an incident to establish an emergency exit route from the aircraft and maintain it until the major appliances arrive a few seconds later.
Meteors carry 2,730 litres of water and 365 litres of “fluorochemical foam liquid” and can produce 2,090 litres of solution per minute. They weigh 17.27 tonnes each but can accelerate from 0-80 kph in under 25 seconds. A Meteor usually attends “domestic” and ambulance calls, crewed by one officer and three firemen.
The Javelins are major foam tenders and carry 10,000 litres of water and 1,177 litres of fluorochemical foam liquid and have the capacity to produce 31,700 litres of foam per minute. Crewed by two firemen, their acceleration is 0-80 kph in 32 seconds even though each vehicle weighs 30.48 tonnes.
The Javelins have a large monitor (nozzle) on the roof of the cab, operated either from inside the cab or by a fireman on the monitor platform. A hydraulic platform, the “Skyking”, on top of the appliance extends to 10.5 metres above the ground. This enables firemen to fight fires in the tail engines of aircraft such as the Tri-Star or DC10 or to reach aircraft doors.
A lighting mast, which rises to 7.61 metres, is also fitted to the Javelin. Two powerful 1000 watt tungsten halogen floodlights are used to illuminate the scene.
The Nubian Majors, each crewed by two firemen can produce 29,273 litres of foam per minute. They are each fitted with a “Firescope” ladder and carry a 10.5 metres double extension ladder.
The appliances must be kept ready for immediate call out at any time. To achieve this the vehicle batteries are kept on constant charge when parked in the Fire Station and a suitable background temperature in the appliance bays maintained. This ensures immediate start up in any weather conditions. 

CAA 

Glasgow is licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority under Section 73 of the Air Navigation Order 1984. Essential fire cover is set out in Chapter 8 of the licensing document — Civil Aviation Pamphlet (CAP) 168 and there are nine categories. Glasgow is Category 7 which requires a high level of cover.
This means that a minimum of 12,100 litres of water and 730 litres of foam liquid must be available at all times and that appliances can reach the scene of an incident within three minutes but preferably two minutes. The extinguishing media must be able to be pumped at a minimum rate of 5,300 litres per minute.
Complementary extinguishing media must also be carried and the minimum quantities required are 225kg of dry powder or Halocarbons or 450kg CO₂. 

Emergency Procedures 

To co-ordinate the actions of every BAA department, the Civil Aviation Authority, airline operators and other agencies on the airport, Airport Emergency Orders have been drawn up to deal with any type of emergency.
There are seven categories of emergency which can be upgraded if a situation worsens. For example a local standby is called if an aircraft on approach has a possible problem; this is upgraded to full emergency if, for example, an engine has to be shut down. If the aircraft gets into further difficulty the category could then become an aircraft accident imminent or an aircraft accident.
An aircraft ground incident is called if any aircraft on the ground is in difficulty. Other categories are domestic fire or similar, an unlawful act and bomb warning.
The orders lay down the AFS attendance at these incidents and action to be taken on arrival at the scene to safeguard life and property.
As part of the CAA licencing requirement an annual exercise is held in conjunction with the CAA to test the emergency orders and allow them to be updated as necessary.

Watchroom

The watchroom is the hub of the fire station emergency system. The watchroom controller accepts all emergency calls and is responsible for initiating the alarm systems which will dispatch appropriate attendances to each incident.
Direct telephone lines link the watchroom to other essential centres both on and off the airfield. Emergency calls to the airport telephone exchange are relayed to the AFS for action.
On receipt of a call the controller will sound the station alarms and announce the type and details of the emergency over the public address system. To save valuable seconds, he can also control essential lighting and open all bay doors from the watchroom.
Emergency assisting services are alerted to specified emergency calls at Glasgow and they dispatch predetermined attendances, which are determined by the class of emergency. 

Meteor Light Foam Tender 

Dimensions
Length                                                   8.120m (26’ 7”)
Width                                                     2.5m (8’ 2”)
Height                                                    3.180m (10’ 5”)
Weight                                                   17.27 tonnes (17 tons) 

Engine
Type                                                       Detroit Diesel 8v92T
BHP                                                        490hp at 2300rpm
Top Speed                                             l05kph (65.5mph)
Acceleration                                         0-80kph (0-50mph) 22.5 secs 

Specifications
Pump                                                      Godiva Limpx MK50 Dual Pressure
Water Capacity                                    2,727 litres (600 galls)
Foam Capacity                                      363 litres (80 galls)
Sideline Output                                    450 litres per min (l00gpm) 

Bumper Mounted Monitor
Output                                                   1,350 litres per min (300gpm)
Pressure                                                 13.5 bars (200psi)
Throw                                                    36.576m (120 feet) 

Ancillary Equipment
BCF                                                        2 x Perrin 100kg units
Lighting                                                 2 x 1,000 watt Floodlights
Height                                                    8.3m (27’) ground level 

Javelin 

Dimensions
Length (overall)                                    10.17m (33’ 4”)
Width                                                     2.5m (8’ 2”)
Height                                                    3.69m (12’ 1”)
Weight                                                   30.48 tonnes (30 tons) 

Engine
Type                                                       G.M. Detroit Turbo charged 12V71T-N75 diesel
BHP                                                        577 at 2300rpm
Top Speed                                             l06kph (66mph)
Acceleration                                         0-80kph (0-50mph) 40 secs
Fuel                                                        227 litres (50 galls) sufficient for 2 hours pumping at max engine speed 

Specifications
Water Capacity                                    10,000 litres (2,200 galls)
Foam Capacity                                      1,200 litres (265 galls)
Monitor Output                                    4,540 litres per min (water) (1,000gpm)
                                                                31,700 litres per min (foam) (6,973gpm)
Sideline Output                                    450 litres per min (l00gpm)
Monitor Throw                                     60 metres (197 feet)
Monitor Working Pressure                14.6 bars (220psi)
Sideline Working Pressure                 6 bars (90psi)
Fire Pump                                              Godiva MK21 single stage Centrifugal Pump

Ancillary Equipment
Skyking Load                                        136 kg (300 lbs)
Skyking Height                                     10.5 metres (34’ 5”)
Lighting Mast Height                          7.6 metres (25 feet)
Lighting Mast Illumination                 110 volt alternator supplying 2 x 1,000 watt floodlights
BCF                                                        2 x Perrin 100kg unit

Produced by the Public Relations Department, BAA, Glasgow Airport, December 1985.

Glasgow station with all ‘mod cons’

A new look Glasgow Airport fire station was opened in December, representing an investment of £750,000 by the British Airports Authority (BAA).
The official opening was performed by Cllr James Burns, convener of Strathclyde Regional Council, who unveiled a plaque in the station’s lecture room to commemorate the occasion.
Situated at the intersection of the airport’s two runways, the fire station has undergone a £500,000 programme of rebuilding, modernisation and extension.
Architects for the project were Edinburgh based Sir Basil Spence, Glover and Ferguson, while John Laing Construction Ltd of Glasgow was the main contractor.
The new accommodation now has bays for five fire-fighting appliances which are equipped with maintenance pits and constantly kept at an even temperature to ensure that the vehicles start up immediately in any weather.
The extensive lecture and study rooms enable firemen to undergo a rigorous theoretical training programme, while the adjacent training aircraft and fire ground provide them with practical experience.
Technology is to the fore in the control room too, where the most advanced communications system currently available ensures almost instant contact with other airport and emergency services.
A new fire-appliance, the Gloster-Saro Javelin Mark II (above), is also in service at the airport, joining a fleet of five other fire-fighting vehicles.
(FIRE magazine, March 1986. Page 36.)

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