What is emergency response?
What to do when something goes wrong during AGL work: stop, protect yourself, make safe only if you can, raise the alarm and guide help to the scene.
An emergency during airfield work might be an electric shock, a fire, an injury, a vehicle or aircraft incident or a fuel spill. The first rule is to stop work and protect yourself, because a second casualty does not help. Make the scene safe only if it is safe to do so and you are trained: for electrical equipment that means isolating at the CCR, and never touching a casualty who may still be in contact with live equipment.
Then raise the alarm on the airport emergency number, saying who, where and what. Send someone to meet and guide the emergency vehicles at an agreed point, keep clear of their route, and clear the runway or taxiway promptly if ATC tells you to. First aid is by trained people. The scene is not disturbed or re-energised until released, and the incident is reported and recorded before work restarts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is emergency response for AGL work?
It is knowing in advance what to do if something goes wrong during airfield lighting work, such as an electric shock, fire, injury, vehicle or aircraft incident, or fuel spill. The aim is a calm, simple sequence: stop, protect yourself, raise the alarm, and help the emergency services get to the scene.
Q2What is the first thing to do in an emergency?
Stop work and protect yourself and others from further harm. A second casualty helps nobody. Take no action that puts you at risk, and do not move people or equipment unless the immediate danger requires it and you are trained to do so.
Q3Can I touch someone who has had an electric shock?
Not while they may still be in contact with live equipment. The circuit is isolated first, at the CCR, if it is safe and you are trained to do so, or the emergency services are told that the equipment may be live. First aid is given by trained first aiders as the site’s procedure sets out.
Q4Who do I call and what do I say?
Use the airport emergency number given at your site induction, which connects to airport operations, ATC or fire and rescue. Say who you are, exactly where you are (runway, taxiway or position) and what has happened, then stay on the line if asked and keep to the instructions you are given.
Q5How do emergency vehicles reach the scene?
Someone is sent to meet them at an agreed meeting point and guide them, because airfield positions are hard to find. Vehicles follow the airport’s routes and ATC instructions, and the working party keeps clear of their path.
Q6What happens afterwards?
The scene is not disturbed or re-energised until the airport and the emergency services release it, and everyone clears the area when told. Incidents and near misses are reported and recorded, and the work does not restart until the permit to work is reviewed.
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