MAAA Wingspan

6 WING SPAN NOVEMBER safety matters: SAFETY FIRST AND FOReMOST FOR MAAA MEMBERS In recent months, two very large fires have been caused by members’ electric models crashing and bursting into flames. The cause of both of these accidents was battery damage and/or casual treatment or retrieval of damaged models. Thankfully, nobody was injured and I’m sure the people involved were glad to be members of the MAAA as these fires have resulted in large claims on the MAAA Insurance. This is unfortunate and indirectly impacts on all members through increased insurance premiums. It’s a timely reminder with the impending fire danger seasons that it is imperative clubs and members be advised to take precautions to prevent fires caused by LiPo electric model aircraft. Two types of fires may occur. Firstly, the chemical fire caused by the LiPo battery and secondly a fire in the surrounding grass. The LiPo fire may be extinguished by a CO2 extinguisher or simply by covering the battery with dirt or sand. A grass fire can be extinguished by water shovels or even a decent garden blower can be used to blow the fire back on itself to extinguish it. Clubs should ensure that the appropriate firefighting and/or safety equipment is readily available at all times during the fire danger seasons. Additionally, clubs and members should also have readily available the telephone number of the nearest Fire Authority (rural fire service. Consider installing the Emergency + app on your smart phone to help emergency services to locate your club). In the event of an incident involving a LiPo electric model aircraft members must be advised to firstly consider that the model LiPo battery may ignite and take the appropriate fire equipment when retrieving the model in a hasty fashion. Time wasted going back to get an extinguisher/shovel/rake/blower etc. may result in the fire getting out of control. Consider the fire hazard and risk levels at your club over the coming months and if the fire danger level is high and/or your clubs isn’t quite equipped for an incident consider the risk to your club before flying in these conditions. Safety is no accident. It takes prior planning to ensure a club is adequately prepared for an incident and will serve to future proof a club’s tenure. ARTICLE BY TYSON DODD