Aerial Operations

Question 1

What are the Main uses of aerial appliances

Answer 1

1. Rescue and recovery
2. Placing personnel and equipment onto a building
3. Water tower
4. Lighting tower
5. Observation platform
6. Aerial 31 - Combination Aerial Pumping Appliance (CAPA). Dual purpose capability vs Aerial Appliance (with onboard pump or standard pumper

Question 2

Firefighters may be called upon to assist Aerial Operators with

Answer 2

1. Siting
2. Observing near power lines or other obstacles
3. Rescue and recover operations
4. Traffic Control
5. Public access control
6. Adherence to safe working practices

Question 3

What are the two main items of PPE for aerial operations

Answer 3

1. Helmets with chin strap fastened

2. Aerial body harnesses whilst working in cage. Must be attached securely with lanyard to allocated anchor points

Question 4

Name 6 Safe Working Practices

Answer 4

1. Stay clear of moving outrigger components to avoid crush injury hazard
2. Steps/slide-out components - ensure body/limbs remain clear of moving parts to avoid pinch/crush hazards
3. Do not climb on the cage or platform railings
4. All persons in the vicinity of aerial operations must wear safety helmets
5. All persons in cage to wear safety helmets with chin strap fastened
6. Fall-risk from cage - secure all loose items e.g. radio, phones, torches, tools
7. Be aware of trip hazards e.g. turntable assembly when changing BA
8. Person in cage don approved body harnesses and attached to designated anchor points
9. Ensure rescued persons are secure in the cage
10. Avoid working near electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) emitted from mobile phone towers or other digital transmission sources
11. Consider and adhere to all warning signage on Aerial Appliances
12. Never use ladders or other devices to increase the working height or outreach
13. Do not conduct aerial operations if there is a risk of lightning

Question 5

List the BA cylinder change procedures

Answer 5

1. Open the valves of the 2 full standby cylinders
2. Change cylinder bank switch at pulpit
3. Close the valves of the empty cylinders
4. Open the vent valves on the empty cylinders until the residual pressure has been released
5. Disconnect and remove the empty cylinders
6. Connect replacement full cylinders
7. Turn on the cylinder valves to test connections are airtight
8. If not leaks present, the cylinder valves of the standby cylinders should be closed until needed.

Question 6

Telescopic water supply (TWS) on CAPA, how many feed inlets and what are they used for

Answer 6

• 3 x 64mm feed inlets located at rear of aerial appliances- 2 for water, 1 for CAFS

Question 7

Pumping procedures for Aerial 30

Answer 7

• Pumper allocated solely to the Aerial TWS
• Water - min 2 x 64mm feed lines
• CAFS- min 1 x 64mm feed line
• Pressure not to exceed 1400kPa
• set pressure relief valve (if fitted) to 1400kPa
• Charged lines at idle speed before increasing the pump pressure
• Maintain constant communications with Aerial operators
• Waterway to be drained after pumping- Ensure runoff does not affect outriggers