Checking tasks

1. Fill in the gaps, using the active vocabulary

In a big-city fire d_____, several fire companies are grouped into districts or battalions. They come under the command of a district chief or battalion chief. In many c_______, several districts or battalions may be commanded by a deputy chief or assistant chief. The fire chief s_______, the entire fire department.

Most f_____ a______ reach the fire department by telephone calls. Red fire-alarm b______ stand on street corners in most large cities. When the l_____ of the box is pulled, it sends a s______ to alarm headquarters, a branch of the fire d_____ . The signal tells the men at h_____ the street corner from which the a_____ came. As soon as an alarm is turned in, the alarm-room dispatcher alerts the nearest f_____ c_____ to go to that location.

The number of t______ sent out on the first alarm depends on the location of the fire. More units go to a f______ that e______ many lives, such as a b______ in a school, nursing home, or factory, than go to one that does not. If the f_____ is too big for the fire fighters to handle, the o______ in charge sends in a second or third a_____, or more if necessary. With each a______, more fire companies rush to the fire.

Some cities have special telephones on street c_____, instead of f______-a_____ b______ .When someone lift the telephone, a light appears on the s______ at alarm headquarters. The person reporting the f_____ can talk directly to the alarm-room o_____.

4. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form.

Most of the alarms answered by firemen (to involve) fires in early stages that (to train) men using modern equipment . Between alarms, fire fighters (to check), (to test), and (to maintain) their equipment so that it (to be) always in perfect working condition. They also (to study) new fire-fighting techniques and (to practice) skills they have already (to master). When the alarm (to ring), the company (to dash) to battle a great, roaring blaze. For hours, the men (to subject) to intense effort and danger as they (to fight) the flames.

UNIT 12

Safety (General Concepts)

Safety Agencies

Reading

Safety is everyone's responsibility. Individuals, business and industry, government agencies, and private organizations share the obligation to protect people from needless injury and death.

Individuals have many safety responsibilities. For example, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions on all products. Purchase the proper tool or appliance for the work to be done, and never use a device beyond its limitations. Report any unsafe conditions in the community to the proper officials. Provide safety instructions to children. Drive safely.

Business and industry have responsibilities for the safety of customers and employees. They have an obligation to manufacture products that are safe to use, and they must give consumers complete instructions that will prevent accidents. Employers also have the duty to provide safe working conditions and safety education programs for employees, and to hold frequent fire drills. In addition, they must furnish safety equipment and have enough exits for use in an emergency.

Government agencies. Many agencies of the United States government are devoted chiefly to safely. The National Transportation Safety Board works to ensure the safety of all types of transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration creates and enforces air safety regulations. The National Highway Traffic Safely Administration promotes safety in motor vehicles, on highways, and in highway equipment, such as traffic signals. The Consumer Product Safety Commission protects consumers from unsafe household goods. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration works to reduce hazardous job conditions. The U.S. Fire Administration develops new fire prevention and control techniques. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission works to ensure that nuclear power plants operate safely. In addition, most state, county, and city governments have departments concerned chiefly or partly with safety and health.

Private organizations in the field of safety are led by the National Safety Council, a nonprofit organization founded in 1913. The council produces motion pictures, pamphlets, and other educational materials on accident prevention and promotes safety legislation. The American Association of Automotive Medicine, an organization of physicians and other medical professionals, works to reduce the number of highway injuries and deaths. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, supported by the insurance industry, conducts research and educational programs designed to reduce traffic accidents. The American Industrial Hygiene Association strives for accident prevention on the job. The American Society of Safety Engineers is the major professional organization for safety engineers and safety directors in the United States.