NEWS IN BRIEF
Pikes Peak College offers associate degree independent study course
Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is offering a two-year independent study course leading to an associate of applied science degree in fire science.
Designed by active fire service members, the 67-semester-hour program is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For additional information on the course, contact Bernard L. Keller at (800) 777-9446.
American Petroleum Institute implements pipeline safety program
A national public safety campaign, “Be Pipeline Smart, Be Pipeline Safe,” recently w its launched by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The objectives of the initiative are to reduce the number of petroleum pipeline emergencies occurring across the country and to increase safety for emergency responders, excavation contractors, and the public.
“Underground petroleum pipelines are found in urban, suburban, and rural areas and can cross paths with homes, backyards, new subdivision construction, and other workplaces,” notes the API.
Among the safety topics to be addressed in the campaign, which will have Piper the Pipeline Owl as its mascot, are the following: how to avoid damaging an underground pipeline when excavating or landscaping, how to recognize a spill or leak, and how to report the accident to emergency responders or the pipeline company quickly and safely.
Individual pipeline companies will work with local fire departments and other affected agencies to improve responder safety and educate community residents with regard to pipeline safety. Program components include brochures, videotapes, decals, and other items, as well as national television and radio public service announcements.
For more details, contact Sharon Wilson at the API; 1220 L Street, Northwest; Washington, DC 20005; (202) 682-8000.
Halon Recycling Corporation to serve as halon facilitation center
The Halon Recycling Corporation (HRC) recently announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has endorsed its operation as a facilitating organization for the recycling of Halon 1301.
Among the services the HRC, w hich will operate as a voluntary, nonprofit organization, will provide are the following: matching companies that have Halon 1301 in excess with companies needing the agent for critical uses, assisting in the redeployment of halon from unnecessary uses to critical uses, and helping to ensure an orderly transition to a halon-free world while continuing to protect human life and national security.
The HRC has created a voluntary certification system for identifying potential buyers whose need for the halon “reasonably may be determined justifiable.” Potential purchasers meeting the necessary criteria will be designated as “registered” or “certified.”
“The registered’ designation represents to sellers that, in the purchaser’s opinion, it has taken all reasonable economic measures possible to minimize halon use and emissions and that the buyer believes its use conforms to the essential use criteria accepted by the United Nations Environment Program,” explains Tom Cortina, FIRC executive director.
The designation “certified” assures sellers that, in the opinion of the HRC’s independent review committee, the buyer’s registration is legitimate. The committee has balanced representation from the fire protection community, industrial users, the EPA, and nonprofit environmental groups.
The HRC will maintain a database of sellers and buyers and will provide updated listings to each group on a regular basis. Funding will come from listing fees and brokerage fees on successful transactions.
Founding members of the HRC include Alyeska Pipeline Service Company; Arco Alaska, Inc.; BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.; Pacific Scientific; Santa Barbara Research Center; and Walter Kidde Aerospace, Inc.
Under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, a schedule for ending global production of CFCs, halons, and other ozone-depleting substances was adopted. Under this schedule, halon no longer will be produced in the developed countries after January 1, 1994 (except for continued production for a limited number of essential uses; a 10-year grace period has been granted to developing nations that are parties to the Protocol). Halon production was to have been banned beginning in the year 2000, but the date was moved up to 1994 during a meeting held in November 1992.
Alternative risk management practices or replacement chemicals eventually will replace most uses of halon; but some applications, at least for the foreseeable future, still will require halon, notes the HRC.
For additional information, contact lorn Cortina at (202) 223-6166 or (800) 258-1283, fax: (202) 2235979, or Karen Metchis, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, at (202) 233-9193, fax: (202) 233-9579.
FIRE ENGINEERING READER SURVEY
Following are the results of a survey from our April 1993 issue. Thanks to all who responded.
- Should the USFA be the main focus of FEMA? Yes 85 No 40
- Should the NFA be a partnership between the Academy and ISFSI? Yes 59 No 63
- Should the USFA have more interaction on the state level? Yes 105 No 18
- Should the USFA pursue the relaxation of environmental restrictions on livefire training? Yes 87 No 38
- Should the USFA be a national firefighter standards-making body? Yes 52 No 72
- Do you think the NFA fire training program needs to be changed? Yes 76 No 45
- Do you think the NFA curriculum enhances and supports state and local firefighter training? Yes 73 No 46
- Do you think the NFA should place greater emphasis on funding/supporting state training programs? Yes 86 No 41
- Should the federal government take greater responsibility for training and equipping firefighters? Yes 77 No 47