The 2004 edition outlines the functional criteria for Rescue Tenders used in airfield firefighting and rescue. It details vehicle design, operational performance, onboard equipment, and safety features critical to efficient emergency response at airports. This standard is vital for manufacturers, operators, and safety professionals involved in the lifecycle of airfield rescue vehicles.
Overview
The 2004 edition outlines the functional criteria for Rescue Tenders used in airfield firefighting and rescue. It details vehicle design, operational performance, onboard equipment, and safety features critical to efficient emergency response at airports. This standard is vital for manufacturers, operators, and safety professionals involved in the lifecycle of airfield rescue vehicles.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Overview of Scope: Defines the requirements for Airfield Rescue Tenders (ART) including:
Performance and Dimensional Criteria:
Pump Capacity: Minimum 4000 litres per minute at 8.5 kg/cm²
Drive: Preferably all-wheel drive, right-hand steering
Equipment List: Includes armored suction hoses, strainers, RRL hoses, nozzles, breathing apparatus, ladders, and other firefighting and rescue equipment with specified quantities.
Markings: Vehicle must display Airport Fire Service identification, manufacturing year, engine and chassis numbers.
Lists essential Indian Standards incorporated by reference for firefighting components such as hoses, couplings, strainers, valves, ropes, and more. Examples include:
Summarizes pump capacity, acceleration classes, clearance requirements, slopes, stability, turning radius, and braking distances in alignment with IS 956.
Includes specifications for wheel rims, tyres, and inflation pressures, warranty replacement obligations, and detailed equipment and marking requirements.
[ d = \frac{v^2}{2 \mu g} ] Where velocity, friction coefficient, and gravity are defined.
Lists relevant IS codes for hoses, strainers, nozzles, clamps, hydrant keys, and foam pipes.
Vehicle must display information including fire service emblem, manufacturing year, engine and chassis numbers, pump capacity, and supplier details.
This ensures compliance with durability and corrosion resistance mandates.
Reiterates stainless steel and corrosion-resistant specifications for waterway parts and fasteners.
Includes acceleration, speed, clearance, slope, stability, turning radius, articulation, braking efficiency, and pump capacity.
[ d = \frac{V^2}{2gf} ] Where V is velocity, g is acceleration due to gravity, and f is friction coefficient.
This section outlines integration of electrical, drive, and mechanical systems critical to vehicle functionality.
Reinforces acceleration, speed, clearances, slopes, stability, turning radius, braking, and pump capacity requirements.
This ensures functional and ergonomic storage integrated with vehicle design.
Includes suction hoses, strainers, wrenches, nozzles, foam pipes, fire hooks, axes, breathing apparatus, ladders, and generators
Firefighting hoses, nozzles, hooks, foam pipes, hose clamps, and high-pressure hoses
[ Expansion Ratio = \frac{Foam Volume}{Liquid Volume} ] Minimum acceptable: 8
Includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, air pressure, engine temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter, trafficator light, transmission oil temp, pump pressure, water and foam levels, low air pressure warnings, headlights, hazard lights, PTO engagement, and oil temperature indicator
This ensures ergonomic and safe operation of vehicle and firefighting equipment.
Ensures reliable communication and navigation through EMI control and GPS provision.
This ensures effective fire suppression agents are available and properly specified.
Lists essential equipment with IS references and quantities including:
Additional tools include sledge hammers, axes, hydraulic cutters, breathing apparatus, extension ladders, and powder-driven saws
Ensures rescue tenders are fully equipped for firefighting and rescue tasks.
Assures product quality, maintenance support, and operational readiness.
Includes IS codes for hoses, strainers, nozzles, foam pipes, insulated gloves, and more
Summarizes acceleration, speed, clearance, slope, stability, fording, turning radius, and braking requirements
Frequently Asked
IS 956 mandates that the pump must deliver at least 4000 litres per minute at 8.5 bar pressure and 3 metres static lift, and also maintain 4000 litres per minute at pressures between 10.5 to 12.5 bar to meet monitor output requirements. The monitor should have a minimum discharge rate of 3000 litres per minute, capable of emptying the water tank within 2 to 3 minutes, with foam expansion ratios ranging from 1:8 to 1:12. The pump must sustain these ratings while the vehicle moves between 1.6 and 8 km/h in either direction and automatically prevent overheating when idle.
The tanks for water and foam must be constructed from stainless steel or glass reinforced fiberglass (GRP/GRF). All pipelines and components that contact water or foam must also be stainless steel. Plastic pipes, if used, should be made from unplasticized resin to prevent foam degradation. Additionally, ferrous fasteners must be galvanized or chrome plated to resist corrosion. Exposed metal parts require corrosion-resistant treatment or suitable coatings to avoid deterioration.
IS 956 requires weight to be evenly distributed across axles and tyres, with tyre load differences on the same axle not exceeding 5% of the average tyre load, and axle load differences limited to 10% of the heaviest axle. Axle tread variation must not surpass 20% of tyre sectional width at rated load. The gross vehicle weight when fully loaded must remain within the chassis manufacturer's maximum permissible limits, ensuring safety, stability, and tyre longevity.
The rescue tender must carry armored suction hoses (125 mm diameter, 2.5 m length), suction and basket strainers, fixed-type suction wrenches, RRL hoses (63 mm diameter, 30 m length), rubberized hose bandages and clamps, dual purpose jet diffuser nozzles, light alloy branch pipes and nozzles, foam making branch pipes (jet and spray types), hydrant valve keys and bars, stand pipes, portable flood lights with generators, insulated pliers and rubber gloves, hacksaws with spare blades, fireman axes, sledge hammers, quick release knives, hydraulic cutters, breathing apparatus sets, closed proximity suits, extension ladders, powder-driven saws, and electric generators. This comprehensive equipment list ensures readiness for various firefighting and rescue scenarios.
Yes, IS 956 mandates that all essential vehicle and pump controls be within easy reach of the driver. This includes accelerator, parking brake, steering wheel with horn and signal controls, transmission range selector, pump and PTO controls, foam controls, siren switches, auxiliary agent controls, turret controls, lighting, wipers, heater/defroster, master electrical switch, engine start/stop, and side delivery valves. The cabin must accommodate six persons with appropriate seating, use shatterproof safety glass for windows, have doors that open to 90° for easy access, and provide space for crew to don protective gear en route. All lights and devices must be operable from the driver’s compartment.
Foam used must have a minimum expansion ratio of 1:8, with Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) exhibiting at least 25% drainage after 3 minutes. Foam must comply with IS 4989 (Part 2). The foam proportioning system must be automatic with induction ratio adjustable between 3% and 8%, maintaining ±0.5% tolerance and consistent ratios across all flow rates. Foam concentrate is typically AFFF-based at 3% or 6%. The pump capacities specified are minimum 4000 L/min at 8.5 bar with 3 m suction lift, and at least 3000 L/min at pressures up to 12.5 bar for monitor operation.
IS 956 requires suppression of electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by vehicle electrical systems to prevent disruption of radio communications. This is achieved through shielding, proper grounding, ferrite beads, and filtering. Additionally, the standard recommends integrating Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for satellite-based communication and navigation to improve operational effectiveness and safety. Visual indicators for engine, PTO pump, and pneumatic circuit statuses are also mandated within the driver’s cabin to facilitate monitoring.
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