Problem solving Modified for fire service applications
Leipzig-Halle Airport The airport fire service at Leipzig-Halle Airport is primarily responsible for implementing ICAO aircraft fire fighting regulations. The fire service's other responsibilities include fire prevention and environmental protection on airport property. Environmental protection tasks include dealing with spillages occurring during aircraft refuelling and cleaning up spillage from fuel tankers. On spillages up to 500 litres, the use of absorbents is often not enough to do the job. Hazardous substances have to removed as quickly as possible from runways, aprons and taxing areas, without leaving any residues. After much research, testing and comparative testing, the fire service chose a Ruwac vacuum. The joint project had two special features. First, the vacuum unit had to be fitted to the existing vehicle fleet and, second, it had to meet special safety specifications. The vacuum unit, its attachments and a pre-separator for liquid water pollutants are mounted on an open-back VW LT transporter ready to be driven to the spillage location. On arrival at the scene, the leading fire officer looks for the lowest, most suitable point in the existing network of rainwater drains, oil separators and reservoirs on the take-off and landing runways and on the taxing and apron areas. The vacuum will be used here. The spillage is dammed and contained with absorbents and binders and then vacuumed up. The liquid pollutant can be pumped from the 200- litre V2A tank on the vehicle into a portable tank or into the rescue and recovery vehicle in attendance. The equipment was tested by TÜV Hannover, Sachsen-Anhalt in July 1997 and certified as safe for use in Ex areas as specified in the Elex V standard - "Installation of electrical apparatus in hazardous areas"
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