Fireman (Airports)

Job overview
Airport firemen are responsible for the prevention of fires in aircraft and buildings at or in the immediate vicinity of an airport.

What do people do in this job?
Although the primary task of all firemen remains the same, i.e. ?to save lives and property, firemen working at an airport should be distinguished from those working for municipalities.

The airport fire service has its own area of jurisdiction, which extends outside the airport boundary and airport firemen perform duties at road accidents and buildings within a designated area.

The equipment used to gain access to aircraft and vehicles is basically the same as used by municipal fire brigades but is bigger.

One of the most important aspects of the firemen's work is to ensure that all rescue equipment is thoroughly checked on a daily basis and maintained in good order to be in a serviceable condition at all times.

To ensure that both the equipment and the firemen are ready for any emergency, emergency situations are simulated regularly, especially aircraft accidents where all organisations involved in the mutual emergency programme, practise together.

Tasks of the firemen at an airport include standbys on aircraft refuelling with passengers on board, attending to fuel spillage, fire prevention duties, attending security checks on aircraft and in buildings and first aid treatment to flight crews, passengers and members of the public at the airport.

A further task is to allocate parking bays, marshal aircraft to their respective bays, indicating to the pilot where and when to turn, how to enter a specific parking area and when to stop.

A fire-alarm could be an audible alarm system both in and outside buildings, or it could be information received from the control tower.

When approaching a fire scene the firemen have to assess what type of fire they have to deal with and select the appropriate extinguishing agent.

Firemen work indoors as well as outdoors. ?It is essential to have them on duty at all times, and therefore they work shifts, normally of eight hours.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Due to the nature of their duties the firemen must be physically fit and in good health.

Employers ensure that there are enough training facilities available where firemen can exercise.

A person must be at least 17 years of age, but not older than 42 years to be employed as a fireman.

Eyesight, colour perception and hearing must be good.

Firemen often handle mechanical equipment and must have some mechanical aptitude. ?They need to be able to decide quickly and accurately what action needs to be taken in any emergency.

They should be healthy and adventurous.

Their work requires strength and physical fitness.

They need to be brave, but calm.

They must also have initiative and keen perception.

Common sense, discipline and the ability to work in a team are important.

They should not be afraid of heights or confined spaces.

They often have to work under great stress, in uncomfortable and dangerous situations.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no formal, paper qualifications for starting work as an airport fire-fighter, but nowadays a good basic education, preferably with emphasis on the science side, is the norm.

Qualifications are then increased by in-service training?