Iad controller described an unauthorized runway entry event involving airport personnel working near...

Narrative:

I was training a cpc-it on the local control 2/3 position during the event. OPS1 [vehicle] was on the frequency and was conducting work with the field electricians on taxiway Q2 due to an airport sign that was damaged. OPS1 called and said 'tower; OPS1 needs to get on the runway after sas departs for two seconds.' we replied to OPS1 'roger.' after sas departed we told the next departure; an E170; to line up and wait. I looked out the window to where the trucks were and noticed a couple of them moving around and was unsure if any were on the runway or not. I then asked 'OPS1 do you need to get on the runway now?' OPS1 replied 'we already are.' I advised the supervisor of the situation and then explained to OPS1 that we understood their request but they did not have permission to proceed onto the runway. Recommendation; I recommend that the individual driving the OPS1 vehicle take some sort of refresher training on runway safety and be re-briefed on the proper way to enter/exit the runway.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: IAD Controller described an unauthorized runway entry event involving airport personnel working near by; the reporter stating more briefings are needed for the airport personnel.

Narrative: I was training a CPC-IT on the Local Control 2/3 position during the event. OPS1 [vehicle] was on the frequency and was conducting work with the field electricians on Taxiway Q2 due to an airport sign that was damaged. OPS1 called and said 'Tower; OPS1 needs to get on the runway after SAS departs for two seconds.' We replied to OPS1 'Roger.' After SAS departed we told the next departure; an E170; to line up and wait. I looked out the window to where the trucks were and noticed a couple of them moving around and was unsure if any were on the runway or not. I then asked 'OPS1 do you need to get on the runway now?' OPS1 replied 'we already are.' I advised the Supervisor of the situation and then explained to OPS1 that we understood their request but they did not have permission to proceed onto the runway. Recommendation; I recommend that the individual driving the OPS1 vehicle take some sort of refresher training on runway safety and be re-briefed on the proper way to enter/exit the runway.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	968695
Time
Date	201109
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	IAD.Airport
State Reference	DC
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	EMB ERJ 170/175 ER&LR
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Taxi
Person 1
Function	Local
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Ground Incursion Runway

Iad controller described an unauthorized runway entry event involving airport personnel working near by; the reporter stating more briefings are needed for the airport personnel.