The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "air tanks" ...
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Firefighter Dangers
A WTAE-TV investigation found fire departments using air tanks that were potentially dangerous; the alarm bells that are supposed to warn firefighters they're low on air had a history of malfunctioning, leading to several deaths. The story came out of a case that involved a St. Louis firefighter receiving a $6 million settlement from Mine Safety Appliances, a Pittsburgh company that's one of the leading manufacturers of fire safety equipment.
Tags: TAPE; TRANSCRIPT; firefighters; fire departments; fire safety; Mine Safety Appliances; fire safety equipment; NIOSHA; air tanks
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Air and Water: FAA Tests Put Cloud Over Cessna's Revival Of Single-Engine Line
The Wall Street Journal looks at the reasons for the recent accidents with Cessna planes, and cites the results from an investigation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The story reveals that even if pilots performed the preflight procedures specified by Cessna, some water may remain in fuel tanks and pose safety hazards. The reporter follows the debate between FAA and Cessna's management about how "to remedy the apparent fuel-tank flaws" through specific design changes.
Tags: pilots; flying safety; single-engine aircraft; aviators; fuel contamination; crashes; litigation; Cessna; FAA
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The Kosovo Cover-Up
This Newsweek article uncovers a "suppressed on-site survey of Serb military targets" and a "cover-up study on the Kosovo air war." The investigation shows that the "the air campaign against the Serb military in Kosovo was largely ineffective," as "NATO bombs ... barely dented Serb artillery and armor." The reporter reveals that "the bombing ... was highly effective against fixed targets, like bunkers and bridges," as well as faked targets, but in reality only a few tanks and military targets have been hit. The story exposes the attempts of the Defense Department to fudge.
Tags: Kosovo; Pentagon; NATO; CIA; Serbia; Milosevic; Gen. Wesley Clark; bombardment; Air Force; military
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Detroit Fire Department: Out of Service
A nine-month CAR investigation of the Detroit Fire Department reveals outdated, broken equipment and mismanagement compromises the ability of fire fighters to do their jobs. The report details a fire truck that won't go faster than 45 mph, broken aerial ladders, untested air tanks, broken fire hydrants, lack of safety ropes, understaffed and closed fire stations.
Tags: CAR fire department; ladders; rescue; Underwriters Laboratories Inc.; hazardous spills; FAA; arson; disrepair; inspections; pumper; fireplugs; emergency
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Charlotte's Security
After a man walked into the Charlotte civil courthouse with explosives, WSOC-TV tested the overall awareness to a potential threat, i.e. Oklahoma City or the World Trade Center bombing. A rented truck similar to the ones used in those incidents was driven to several sites around the county. The sites included city, county and federal buildings, the airport and companies that operate gasoline storage tanks. The authors found varying levels of awareness. A nationally-known security expert pointed out the weaknesses, and the authors gave the sites time to make changes or respond before the story aired.
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No title (id: 5449)
WESH-TV (Orlando) airs series on the impact of sewage disposal on Florida's drinking water supply; finds septic tank and sewage treatment plant wastes often are improperly treated and spread, while state authorities lack resources to enforce the law, April 26 - 27 and Aug. 3 - 5, 1987.