Introduction

In the highly specialized and demanding environment of aviation, airport fire safety and rescue operations are paramount, representing the frontline defense against catastrophic incidents. Given the unique hazards associated with aircraft fuel, complex structures, and large concentrations of people, the ability of Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services to respond rapidly, effectively, and with specialized equipment is critical. Their mission extends beyond traditional firefighting to include aircraft rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical services within the airport's operational area. A robust ARFF capability is not merely a regulatory compliance issue; it is a fundamental pillar of aviation safety, ensuring the protection of lives and assets in the face of emergencies. This essential training course focuses on equipping aviation professionals with the expertise to excel in Airport Fire Safety and Rescue Operations.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower ARFF personnel, airport operations managers, safety officers, and emergency response coordinators with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to manage and execute effective airport fire safety and rescue operations. Participants will gain a deep understanding of international ARFF standards, learn specialized aircraft firefighting techniques, and explore strategies for hazardous materials response and mass casualty incident management. The course will delve into topics such as ARFF vehicle operation, foam application techniques, incident command systems, communication protocols during emergencies, and regulatory compliance with ICAO Annex 14. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Airport Fire Safety and Rescue Operations, participants will be prepared to enhance their airport's emergency preparedness, minimize risks, and contribute to the highest levels of safety and operational resilience.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Personnel
• ARFF Crew Commanders and Officers
• Airport Operations Managers and Supervisors
• Airport Safety Officers
• Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinators
• Aviation Security Personnel (with a focus on incident support)
• Air Traffic Controllers (for emergency coordination)
• Airport Maintenance Staff involved in fire systems
• Regulatory Inspectors overseeing ARFF services
• New recruits to airport emergency services

Course Objectives

• Understand the roles, responsibilities, and regulatory framework for Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF).
• Learn about aircraft construction and fuel types relevant to firefighting and rescue.
• Acquire proficiency in ARFF vehicle operation and specialized extinguishing agents.
• Comprehend techniques for aircraft internal rescue and structural firefighting at airports.
• Explore strategies for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response involving aircraft and airport facilities.
• Understand the principles of Incident Command Systems (ICS) for ARFF operations.
• Gain knowledge of mass casualty incident (MCI) management at airports.
• Develop skills in pre-incident planning, training, and emergency drills.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)

• The unique challenges and demands of airport firefighting.
• Historical overview of significant aircraft accidents and ARFF response.
• Regulatory framework: ICAO Annex 14, national aviation regulations.
• ARFF categories and protection levels based on aircraft movements and size.
• Roles and responsibilities of ARFF personnel and management.

Module 2: Aircraft Familiarization for Firefighting

• Types of aircraft: passenger, cargo, general aviation.
• Aircraft construction materials: composites, aluminum, titanium.
• Fuel types and their properties: Jet A, Jet B, Avgas.
• Location of fuel tanks, engines, and critical systems.
• Entry and exit points, emergency exits, and escape slides.

Module 3: ARFF Vehicles and Equipment

• Types of ARFF vehicles: crash tenders, rapid intervention vehicles.
• Specifications and capabilities of ARFF apparatus (e.g., pumping capacity, foam delivery).
• Specialized equipment: piercing nozzles, ladders, rescue tools.
• Extinguishing agents: water, foam (AFFF, FFFP), dry chemical, clean agents.
• Maintenance and inspection of ARFF vehicles and equipment.

Module 4: Aircraft Firefighting Techniques

• Principles of fire extinguishment specific to aircraft fires.
• Applying foam for fuel fire suppression and vapor suppression.
• Interior aircraft firefighting tactics: cabin, cockpit, cargo holds.
• Engine fires, wheel and brake fires, and other external aircraft fires.
• Live fire training exercises (simulated scenarios) for practical application.

Module 5: Aircraft Rescue Operations

• Rapid intervention and initial attack strategies.
• Forcible entry techniques into aircraft.
• Passenger and crew extrication and evacuation procedures.
• Medical first aid and triage at the scene of an accident.
• Coordination with emergency medical services (EMS).

Module 6: Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Response at Airports

• Identifying dangerous goods (DG) and their classes on aircraft and airport premises.
• Recognizing HAZMAT placards, labels, and documentation.
• Initial response to HAZMAT incidents: containment, isolation, notification.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for HAZMAT response.
• Decontamination procedures.

Module 7: Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Coordination

• Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS) in ARFF operations.
• Roles and responsibilities within the ICS structure during an airport emergency.
• Establishing command, control, and communication at an incident scene.
• Coordination with external emergency services (police, EMS, fire departments).
• Mutual aid agreements with local fire brigades.

Module 8: Pre-Incident Planning, Training, and Drills

• Importance of pre-incident planning for airport facilities and aircraft types.
• Developing emergency response plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• ARFF training requirements: initial, recurrent, specialized.
• Conducting full-scale airport emergency exercises and drills.
• Post-exercise evaluation and continuous improvement of response capabilities.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training