Symon Clifford: A Balancing Act
Published: 10 November, 2009
This presentation describes how Bristol International Airport (BIA) is trying to appease
the Environment Agency while ensuring delivery of the best fire protection possible. The
presentation will cover:
The background into the environmental sensitivity of site here at Bristol International
Airport, i.e., location on an aquifer and the ramifications of this.
Why the Fire Department has changed to a fluorine-free foam, based on
considerations of:
(i) Foam performance with regards to foam blanket quality;
(ii) Runway design and the issues this raises;
(iii) Performance through new vehicle technology;
(iv) Replenishment of foam tanks following an incident;
(v) Shelf life benefits;
(vi) Environment Agency acceptance, for now!;
(vii) Sludging of foam proportioning systems.
About the speaker
Symon Clifford joined Avon Fire Brigade in 1978 and was stationed at Speedwell Fire Station in Bristol. He then went on to become a fire fighter at Bristol Airport in 1983 where he has been ever since. As part of his career advancement he was fortunate enough to gain regular promotions which culminated in him becoming the Airport’s Chief Fire Officer in 1994. Additional areas job responsibilities, other than those directly associated with the Fire Department, include:
- Overseeing the fuel contract and ensuring compliance with Air BP
- Groundwater monitoring and safeguarding
- Develeoping and maintaining the emergency planning arrangements for Bristol
- International Airport (BIA)
- Winter operations (snow and ice clearance).
