each of the crash trucks assigned to the fire-fighting
crew. The kit consists of a canvas tool roll with pockets
or holders for specified tools. The crash kit contains
tools for forced entry. Fire fighters use these tools in
rescuing occupants trapped in aircraft. The kit contains
three tapered, hard-rubber plugs and three hardwood
plugs. These plugs are used to stop fuel tank leaks.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Aircraft fire-fighting/rescue protective clothing is a
prime safety consideration for personnel engaged in
fire-fighting and rescue work. Aluminized protective
clothing offers a means of providing protection to fire
fighters because of its high percentage of reflectivity to
radiant heat. Aluminized proximity fabrics have been
adopted for use in the Navy Mishap/Rescue Program. It
is important to point out that these garments are not
classified as entry suits, but are known as proximity
clothing to be worn with fire fighter's knee-length boots
that have safety toes and soles.
Care and Maintenance of Protective Clothing
The heat-reflective ability of aluminized clothing
is reduced when the clothing is stained or otherwise
soiled. Therefore, you must give careful attention the
care and maintenance instructions for protective
clothing. Some guidelines are as follows:
1.
Store clothing on hangers, with suitable
hanging space to prevent aluminized fabrics from
creasing or cracking. If the garment is folded, the folds
should be loose. Do not sit on a folded garment.
2.
Sponge off dirt and soot by using mild soap and
water. Dry aluminum surfaces with a clean cloth. Rub
gently to avoid removal of the aluminum.
3.
Remove grease stains by using dry-cleaning
solvents. (NOTE: Isopropanol or perchloroethylene
will react with the metal in proximity suits and may
etch the aluminum surface.) Clean the clothing with
water and wipe dry. Allow the garment to hang in a
ventilated location at room temperature.
4.
Remove AFFF by sponging the clothing clean
with mild soap and water. Hang the garment to dry in
the open or in a place with good circulation. During
fire-fighting operations, it is not always possible to
prevent fire-fighting agents from getting on protective
clothing. However, aluminized protective clothing that
has been covered or spotted with agents will have less
heat-reflecting ability than the suit normally would
provide.
5.
Corrosive chemicals will react with the
aluminum surface and may etch the metal. Clean the
clothing with water and wipe it dry. Allow it to hang in
a ventilated location at room temperature.
6.
Replace garments when the aluminum wears
off or when the fabric cracks or tears. Spraying worn
clothing with aluminum serves no useful purpose and is
a dangerous practice.
Care of Facepiece
The gold-coated facepiece is a heat-reflective
shield. The facepiece is NOT a sun shield. This item
should be kept in excellent condition to maintain the
radiant-heat-reflective
efficiency.
When
the
gold
surface of the facepiece becomes worn, scratched, or
marred, 90 percent of the heat protection is lost, and
you should immediately replace the facepiece. Other
precautions you should take with facepieces are as
follows:
1.
Keep the protective cover in place when you
are carrying or storing the hood to minimize damage to
the gold-coated surface. Remove it when using the
hood.
2.
For adequate protection, replace a worn
gold-coated facepiece. When wearing the facepiece,
make sure the gold surface is on the outside as marked
on the edge.
3.
Avoid touching or wiping the gold surface as
much as possible.
4.
Clean the facepiece, without removing it from
the hood, by using a clean, soft cloth with mild soapy
water, and then rinse and pat dry.
Q12-6. What size diameter are the fireplug outlets
aboard ship?
Q12-7. Where is the AFFF sprinkler system installed
on the hangar deck?
Q12-8. What length is a standard Navy fire hose?
Q12-9. What type of protective clothing offers
protection to fire fighters because of its high
percentage of reflectivity to radiant heat?
AIRCRAFT FIRE-FIGHTING AND
RESCUE VEHICLES
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the
types of fire-fighting and rescue vehicles used
aboard ship.
12-8