Fire Fighters Pocketbook

NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE

FIREFIGHTERS’ POCKET BOOK December 2004

Foreword In the field there are a number of important things all firefighters need to know; from basic safety to vehicle and officer recognition. This pocketbook is designed to provide you with a fast, easy reference guide to these and other important facts you will need at your fingertips. Whilst some of the information contained is in summary form and is ‘rule of thumb’, it is sufficient for you to make operational decisions. It has been developed by firefighters, for firefighters and is concise, relevant and rugged enough for you to take with you anywhere. I would encourage you to keep this pocketbook with you at all times; you never know when the information may be of use to you and your crewmates. The pocketbook is also available on the internet at http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au This pocketbook will also be reviewed periodically, so any suggestions for improvements should be forwarded to Chief Superintendent, Alan Brinkworth, Manager Operations, Policy and Standards at [email protected]

Phil Koperberg AO, AFSM, BEM Commissioner

December 2004 ~ Version 1.0

NSW Rural Fire Service

Index 1


Index 1 Accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51,76,77 .51,76,77 Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,2,3 AFFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Agency Liaison Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Aircraft Callsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Aircraft Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44,45,46 Aircraft Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Aircraft Water Bombing Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 ARSO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Assessing Fine Fuel Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Australian Road Rules 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,14 .13,14 Authority Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Authority of Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15,16,17 Beaufort Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Bee Sting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 BFFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Biological Terrorism Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Brassards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102,103 Briefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Bulldozers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Bush Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Bush Fire Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Bush Fire Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80,81 Bush Fire Mapping Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62,63 .62,63 Bush Fire Personal Protective Protective Equipment . . . . . . .4 .4 Bush Fire Fire Survival Survival if in a Building Building . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Bush Fire Survival if in a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Bush Fire Survival if on Foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Callsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Category 1,2,7,9, Pumper Pumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106,107 Chaplaincy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Chemical Terrorism Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 CISS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Classes of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37,38

Colour Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,50,72 Combat Comb at Agencies Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Combat Agency Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94,95 Communications Colour Colour Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Communica Comm unication tionss Definitions Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Communications Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Construction Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Conversion Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108 Convoy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 CPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Crimes Act 1900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Critical Crit ical Incident Incident Support Support Services Services (CISS) (CISS) . . . . . .78 Curing Curi ng Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 .83 Dangerous Goods Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Date Time Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Dead Man Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73,80,81 Dehydration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Displan Disp lan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94,95 .94,95 Divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67,68 DRABC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,31,32,33,34 Draughting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,13,14,70 DTG – Date Time Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 EAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24,25,26,27,28,29 .24,25,26,27,28,29 Emergency Emer gency Proced Procedure, ure, Bush Bush or Structure Structure Fire . . .6 Epaulettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96,97 Estimating Degree of Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Estimating Fuel Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Explosive Devices & Suspicious Packages . . . . .23 Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 FDI/FDR FDI/ FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Finding North/South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 .105 Fire Area Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Fire Bombing Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 .40 Fire Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37,38

Index 2 Fire Danger Index and Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Firefighter Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Fire Investigation and Scene Scene Preservation . . . . .35 Fire Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 First Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,31,32,33,34 Foam Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Fractures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74,75 Friction Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Fronts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Fuel Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Fuel Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Fuel Moisture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Funnel Web Bite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Graders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Grassland Curing Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Grid and Magnetic North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Grid Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Ground to Air Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 .41 Guiding Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52,53 Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44,45,46,52,5 .44,45,46,52,53,57 3,57 HazChem Scale for Fire or Spillage . . . . . . . . . . .18 HazMat/Terrorism HazMat/T errorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,21 Heart Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Heat Exhausti Exhaustion on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Heat Stress Stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 .31 Heat Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 .32 Helicopter Marshalling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44,45,46 Helicopter Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Helmet Colours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98,99,100,101 .98,99,100,101 High Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Hoses and Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59 Hydrant Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 ICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66,67,68 I’M SAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Incident Inci dent Control Control System System (ICS) . . . . . . . . . .66,67,68 .66,67,68

Index 2

Incident Management Management Team Team (IMT) . . . . . . . . . . .68 .68 LACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Largee Incident Larg Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Lateral Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,34 Log Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Low Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90,91 Machine Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Magnetic North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Map (State) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65,88 Map Marking Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 .63 Mapping Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62,63 .62,63 Map Referencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Map Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 .71 Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Medium Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 MVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51,76,77 North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Nozzle Nozz le Pressures Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59 NSW Fire Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88,89 Offensive Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . .5 Operations Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Organisational Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92 Parts of a Bush Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Personal Protective Equipment Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,5 .4,5 Phoenetic Alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Pole Top Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Powers Powe rs of Officers Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15,16,17 .15,16,17 PPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,5 Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59 Pumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Pump Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Radioactive Terrorism Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Radioo Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Radi .11 Radio Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Ranking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96,97 Recovery Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,34 Redback Spider Bite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 .34


Index 3


Index 3 Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Resource Reso urce Status Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,13 Response Team Team Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 RRAPID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Rural Fires Act, September 1997 . . . . . . . .16,17,38 Rural Fire Service Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92,93 Safe Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,13,14 Safe Working on Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Safety Vests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51,104 Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Scene Preservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Sectors Sect ors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67,68 .67,68 Seizure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Service Vehicle Vehicle Involved in an Accident . . . . . . .77 .77 Severe Seve re Bleeding Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Severed Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Signals Sign als . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41,44,45,46 .41,44,45,46,52,5 ,52,53,57 3,57 SitRep/Situationn Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 SitRep/Situatio Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Small Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 SMEACS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Snake and Spider Bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33,34 Southh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Sout .105 Spider Spid er Bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33,34 .33,34 State Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94 State Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65,88 Step Potentia Potentiall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Storm Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Strike Team Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 .69 Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Structural Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Structural Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . .5 Substations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 .25 Survival if in a Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Survival if in a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Survival if on Foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Suspicious Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 SWS Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Tabards and Brassards . . . . .51,78,79,102,103,104 .51,78,79,102,103,104 Tactical Aircraft Callsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Tanker Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106,107 .106,107 Tanker Protection System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 T Card Colour Coding Identification . . . . . . . . . . .50 T Card Resource Resource Status Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 .48 T Card Single Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,21,22,23 Toban Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88,89 Traffic Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,14 Trail Construction Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Transmission Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Two Piece Uniform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Urine Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 USAR Symbo Symbols ls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108,109 Vehicle Vehi cle Accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Vehicle Vehi cle Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50,106,107 Vehicle Vehi cle Checking Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Very Large Incident Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Volume Volu me of Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Waspp Sting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Was .34 Water Bombing Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Water Supply Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90,91 .90,91 Winds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47,90,91 Wind Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Working on Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

I’M SAFE

– should I respond to an incident?

Illness or Injury Am I sufficiently recovered? Am I under the effect of any medication? Medication S tress Am I under severe stress from work or personal worries? Alcohol or Drugs Am I under the influence or badly hung over? Am I tired and not adequately rested? Fatigue Expertise Am I currently competent?

LACES Firefighter Lookouts

Everybody looks out for everybody else

Awareness

Everybody is aware of the current and anticipated behaviour of the fire and other incident hazards and precautions

Communications

Everybody speaks up about what is happening and their concerns at the incident and everybody listens

Escape Route

Everybody has an ‘out’ planned and agreed

Safety Refuge

Everybody helps everybody to survive. Everybody supports the decision to get clear of a hazard

Crew Leader Lookouts Awareness Communications Escape Route Safety Refuge

Assign a “lookout” to a safe vantage point in communication with crew leader Terrain, weather, fire behaviour, the task and nearby activities Maintain suitable radio or other contact Suitable escape route/s checked and known by all crew Suitable, large enough, close enough and free of hazards

Acronyms Acron yms ~ I’M I’M SAFE / LACES


1

Acronyms ~ RRAPID / ARSO / DTG


2

RRAPID Reaction

Mobilise resources to incident or staging area

Reconnaissance Collect data about the situation and resources Appreciation

Choose a course of action based on the likely scenario, best and worst case scenario

Pla lan n

Develop and document a plan based on your chosen course of action

Issue Orders Deployment

ARSO

Use the SMEACS format Execute and monitor deployment to the plan

– your priorities at an indicent

Arrival & Approach

What you and your crew do as you arrive at a particular type of fire or incident including your own safety

Rescue

What you and your crew do to safely protect people at the fire or incident

Suppression

What you and your crew do to safely protect items of economic, environmental, cultural or personal value

Overhaul

What you and your crew do to safely help people and the area affected by the fire or incident to return to normal

DTG ~ Date Time Group Abbreviated Date Time Group uses two digits for the date and 24 hour time Example: 10:51 on 1 October 2005 would be 01 1051

Full Date Time Group uses date, time, month and year Example: 10:51 on 26 January 2005 would be 26 1051 JAN 05

SMEACS Situation Mission

– a briefing sequence Current and Predicted – incident details, what is at risk, topography, weather, fire behaviour, hazard risks, resources deployed, en route or available Objectives – overall or specific, who/what is savable, where to stop fire/incident

Execution

Strategy and Tactics – task allocation, timing and safety considerations

Administration

Assistance and Logistics – what support is needed, staging areas, personnel, fuel, food, water, facilities, information, where/when/quantity

Command

Command, Control and Communications – organisation, divisions, sectors, chain of command, communications plan, channels and procedures

Safety

Safety Hazards LACES checklist

Briefing

– at large incidents

Stage Management of Briefing • Identify the various leaders in command • Brief all relevant key personnel • Make sure that everyone can see and hear • State that questions can be asked at the end • Effectively manage interruptions • Handout relevant part/s of Incident Action Plan • Handout map/s • Be brief, accurate and confident • Brief keeping strictly to the SMEACS format Acronym ~ SMEAC, Briefing


3

PPE 1 ~ Bush Fire

4


Personal Protective Equipment 1 (PPE) Garments are not to be modified or changed Bush fire personal protective equipment to be worn: • helmet, correctly marked, chin strap and neck protector • non synthetic undergarments • overalls or two piece uniform • boots To be carried and used as required: • smoke goggles • smoke mask or cloth • bushfire flash hood • gloves • water bottle

Rank Epaulette Rural Fire Service Patch

Rank

Name

It is advisable to carry: • personal first aid kit, medication and sunscreen • matches • knife • compass • authority card • pocket book, note book and pen • personal requirements Note: New jacke Note: jackets ts will will have epaulettes and two pockets. Name, rank, qualification/s and brigade name are to be sewn onto the pocket flaps. Rank Epaulette Rural Fire Service Patch BF, AF, CL or GL plus VF & 1st Aid Brigade Name

Personal Protective Equipment 2 (PPE) Garments are not to be modified or changed Offensive structural personal protective equipment:

• helmet, correctly marked, chin strap and neck protector • structural flash hood • non synthetic undergarments • trousers of two piece uniform and shirt • offensive structural trousers and jacket • gloves • structural boots • personal guideline

Rank Epaulette Rank

Rank Epaulette BF, AF, CL or GL plus VF & 1st Aid Brigade Name

Name Rural Fire Service Patch

PPE 2 – Offensive Structural

Rural Fire Service Patch


5

Dead Man Zone / Emergency Procedure


6

Dead Man Zone Firefighters engaged on parallel or indirect attack may be working in the “dead man zone” and must appreciate the time and space required to find a safe refuge. The distance (metres) a line of fire will travel in 5 minutes

Forest Fire Danger

Slope

Index (FDI)

Level Ground

10 o (Up) Slope

20 o (Up) Slope

20

87

174

348

40

170

340

680

60

258

510

1020

80

338

676

1352

Based on 12.5 tonnes per hectare – distances may be greater in heavier fuel loads

Emergency Procedure

(Bush Fire)

If a danger to the crew is identified: • Warn those in danger • Notify the Officer in Charge immediately • Activate a standard emergency signal • Activate preplanned emergency action

Emergency Procedure

(Structure Fire)

Emergency Signal • Repeated whistle blasts • Intermittent blasts of the siren at 5 second intervals • Repeated tugs on a guideline or hoseline • “Emergency” radio message • Crew to evacuate the area and report to Breathing Apparatus Control Officer (BACO)

Bush Fire Survival if in a vehicle Full personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly worn and fastened • Be aware of your surroundings, note areas of little vegetation, natural shelter places, escape routes and refuge areas • Be aware of current weather conditions and fire behaviour • Assess the risk of fire overrun • Don’t put yourself in this position in the first place – anticipate and avoid hazardous locations – use the LACES checklist •

Don’t panic or cause others to panic – Warn others who may be in immediate danger • Send an emergency radio call giving your details, callsign and location • Don’t drive through dense smoke, you may have an accident or drive off the road • Park in open space, bare or burnt ground or in an area of least vegetation, furthest from the path of the fire • Stay in your vehicle and operate protective equipment (spray bars) • Turn on the headlights, emergency lights and hazard warning lights, leave engine running and sound horn • Petrol motors may stop working due to vapour lock • Close windows and air vents and turn off the air conditioning • Shelter under a coat or blanket to protect your body from the radiant heat and lie down as close as possible to the floor • When the fire has passed – if vehicle is still safe, remain in the vehicle – if vehicle is hazardous remain together as a crew and seek refuge in a safer location until conditions cool •

The air closest to the ground is the freshest • Coats or blankets should be taken and worn to provide supplementary protection against radiated heat from the burnt out ground • Don’t touch the interior or exterior parts (particularly metal) of the vehicle, it will be very hot and may still be burning •

Survival – in vehicle


7

Survival – on foot


8

Bush Fire Survival if on foot Full personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly worn and fastened • Be aware of your surroundings, note areas of little vegetation, natural shelter places, escape routes and refuge areas • Be aware of current weather conditions and fire behaviour • Assess the risk of fire overrun • Don’t put yourself in this position in the first place – anticipate and avoid hazardous locations – use the LACES checklist •

Don’t panic or cause others to panic • Don’t run through dense smoke, you may run into something, fall down or over a cliff • Don’t run through a fire which exceeds 1.5 metres high x 1.5 to 3 metres deep • Don’t try to outrun a fire uphill, for each 10 o of slope the fire roughly doubles in the rate of forward spread, preferably move across the slope out of the path of the fire • Seek bare or burnt ground or an area of little vegetation • Seek shelter by using a track, culvert, drain, wheel rut, cave, rock ledge, large rock or fallen tree • Check that there are no air spaces under rocks, fallen trees, etc. which would allow the fire to be channelled underneath • Shelter may be sought in large dams, rivers and streams • Avoid elevated water tanks • If time permits, clear away or burn as much flammable material as possible • Shelter on the side furthest from the path of the fire • Lie face down • Dig into the ground if possible, cover your body as much as possible to protect against the radiant heat • A cloth or handkerchief, placed over your mouth and nose gives further protection • Limit breathing as much as possible • The air closest to the ground is the freshest •

Bush Fire Survival if in a building Full personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly worn and fastened • Be aware of your surroundings • Be aware of current weather conditions and fire behaviour • A substantial building can offer the best shelter during the passage of a bush fire • Bush Fire Coordinating Committee policy recommends that capable persons should not be evacuated from properly prepared dwellings • Last minute evacuations should be avoided •

Don’t panic or cause others to panic • Know the whereabouts of all crew and/or family and ensure their safety • Turn off electrical and gas systems • Fill bath and sinks with water and strategically place static supplies of water externally (for firefighting) • Ensure gutters are clear, then block and fill with water • Close all doors and windows and seal gaps with towels or similar material • If possible have a battery powered radio and torch in working order • If time permits, clear away from around the building as much flammable material as possible • Stay outside for as long as possible to extinguish small outbreaks • Shelter in the house away from the approaching fire • Once the fire has passed, move outside and extinguish any hot spots and check the building for any signs of fire, especially the roof and under the house •

Survival – in a building


9

Urine Chart


10

Urine Chart

HOW DEHYDRATED ARE YOU? For frontline fire fighting, 1 litre of fluid should be taken every hour

Highly Dehydrated DARK YELLOW

– Drink a large bottle of water immediately!

BRIGHT YELLOW

You are still seriously dehydrated – Drinking more now will make you feel a lot better

YELLOW

Moderately dehydrated – You lose fluid on a regular basis throughout the day – Drink more water to get hydrated

LIGHT YELLOW

Almost there – Get some more water in your system – Stay hydrated and healthy!

CLEAR

Great job – Now don’t let yourself get dehydrated – Drink at least 8-12 large glasses of water throughout the day

CAFFEINATED AND SUGARY DRINKS AND ALCOHOL DEHYDRATE – LIMIT YOUR CONSUMPTION You can have a sport drink to supplement electrolytes. They should be taken at the ratio of 1 sports drink to 10 equivalents of water. Approved by the NSW Ambulance Service

Radio Reports When responding: Call sign, Crew strength and Officer in Charge (OIC) Incident Controller Incident Controller and the name of the incident to be nominated and communicated to all at the incident and Fire Com First arriving appliance Callsign Priority code (red, blue) Give or confirm location Give or confirm map name and grid reference Give or confirm type of incident (bush, grass, structure, AFA, MVA, false alarm, etc.) Advise investigating, commencing attack, standing by, etc. Later arriving units to communicate with Incident Controller on approach First arriving appliance also provides detailed SitRep on arrival and as the situation changes or as additional information is known, when major benchmarks have been achieved or at least every 30 minutes Fire status (going, being controlled, contained, patrol, out) Fire behaviour and weather information Fuel type, fuel load and topography Change of location For structure fire – what is involved and what are exposures, etc. For MVA – what is involved, traffic situation, road closures, etc. Communicate any change of Incident Controller Other Agencies in attendance Further Information Any injuries, fatalities, persons trapped, persons missing, persons evacuated Any person or asset under immediate threat Any person or asset under longer term threat (give timeframe) Objectives, strategy and tactics Additional firefighting or logistics resources required Other services required (rescue, NSWFB for HazMat, Police, Ambulance, electricity, heavy plant, aircraft, etc.) Any hazard or safety warnings Any suspicious circumstances Radio Reports


11

Safe Driving 1


12

Safe Driving 1 Response All private vehicles are to observe all Australian Road Rules 1999, NSW Acts and Regulations at all times If you have an accident en-route you have defeated the purpose for which you were responded Drivers to have an appropriate current driving licence The driver of any RFS vehicle is to comply with the legislated prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) Respond means to drive urgently, but safely, using lights and sirens where appropriate (lights are to be used but siren may not be appropriate when responding in remote areas or on private lands) Note: A driver must give way to emergency vehicles that display flashing blue or red lights or sound an alarm A driver must not move into the path of emergency vehicles and must move out of the path of emergency vehicles that display flashing blue or red lights or sound an alarm Treat all other road users as though they have not seen you Normally RFS vehicles respond for the initial response RFS vehicles called out later to assist are to proceed (not respond) to the incident unless specifically requested by the district/team/zone manager, Incident Controller or other person with delegated authority Driver and crew to wear seat belts at all times unless working on the fireground (eg. during grassland fire fighting from the rear of tankers) Ensure that you do not cause other road users to react and cause an accident – you will be responsible Ensure that your vehicle, anything attached to it or falling from it does not impact with any other vehicle, pedestrian or object

Safe Driving 2 Traffic Rules Rule 306 of the Australian Road Rules 1999, provides exemptions for drivers of emergency vehicles provided that “reasonable” care is taken, however, RFS SOPs requi require re you you to: to: Come to a complete stop and do not to proceed until safe at: Red traffic lights Stop sign Unguarded level crossing (do not enter if a train is approaching) Blind intersection Intersection where traffic in some lanes is not visible Intersection where RFS vehicle does not have right of way Slow down to a safe speed, which will allow RFS vehicle to quickly stop if required at: Give way sign Pedestrian crossing (unoccupied) Bus set down In the vicinity of schools when students are arriving or leaving Comply with the following: School zone speed limit Speed limit when passing school bus displaying 40 km/h illuminated sign Stop at children’s crossing Give way at pedestrian crossing Vehicle Checking Stations All vehicles over 4.5 tonnes to enter vehicle checking stations (except when responding) Log Books Drivers of “Government Vehicles” are exempt from maintaining a “National Drivers Log Book” Safe Driving 2


13

Safe Driving 3


Safe Driving 3 Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 No exemptions exist for drivers in regard to the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1999 which include: Negligent, furious or reckless driving Negligent driving causing death or grievous bodily harm Driving at a speed or in a manner dangerous Menacing driving

Crimes Act 1900 No exemptions exist for drivers in regard to the provisions of the Crimes Act which include: Predatory driving Dangerous driving or aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death or grievous bodily harm Injuries by furious driving Causing grievous bodily harm

14

Authority Card Front

Authority Card Back Authority Autho rity Card Card ~ Front Front & Back


15

Authority of Officers 1


16

Authority of Officers 1 For the legal text refer to the Rural Fires Act, September 1997 as amended and regulations s21 s22 s23 s24 s25 s26

Functions of officers of rural fire brigades General powers of rural fire brigades officers and others Power to enter premises Closure of streets and public places Making premises safe Use of water and works – take and use without any payment any water from any source on any land for the the purpose of of controlling controlling or suppressing suppressing a fire s27 Permission of State Rail Authority or Rail Access Corporation required – functions may not be exercised in relation to land or property vested in State Rail Authority or Rail Infrastructure Corporation without the permision of the Authority or Corporation s28 Damage to property s29 Notice of entry s30 Care to be taken s31 Use of force (for gaining entry) s32 Authority to enter premises s40 Officer in charge may authorise others to exercise functions s41 Duty (of Police Service and others) to recognise authority of officers s128 Protection from liability

Authority of Officers 2 Refer to Service Standard 1.3.2 Powers of Officers for further clarification Service Standard 1.3.2 clause 2.11 The Commissioner has authorised Officers to enter any premises without notice where it is necessary for the purpose of:

a. controlling or suppressing a fire; b. protecting persons or property from an existing or imminent danger arising out of: i. a fire; ii. an incident; or iii. other emergency; c. determining if there is a fire on or near the premises; or d. investigating the cause or origin of a fire. Service Standard 1.3.2 clause 2.13 The Commissioner has authorised Officers to use reasonable force for the purpose of gaining entry to a premises in circumstances where, in the opinion of the Officer, one or more of the following circumstances exist:

a. it is necessary for the purpose of controlling or suppressing a fire; b. it is necessary for the purpose of protecting persons or property from an existing or imminent danger arising out of: i. a fire; ii. an incident; or iii. other emergency; c. it is necessary for the purpose of determining if there is a fire on or near the premises; or d. it is necessary for the purpose of investigating the cause or origin of a fire. Authority of Officers 2


17

HazChem Chart


18

HazChem Scale for Fire or Spillage Notes For Guidance 1 2 3 4

Jets Fog Foam Dry Agent

In the absence of fog equipment, a fine spray may be used Water must not be allowed to come into contact with the substance at risk

V Full BA BA for Fire Only Dilute

Can be violently or explosively reactive Full body protective clothing with BA Breathing apparatus plus protective gloves For fires BA essential. If no fire, BA not essential for short exposure May be washed to drain with large quantities of water Contain Prevent by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses

P

V

R S S

V

W

Full BA BA for fire only

V

X Dilute

Y Y

V

Full BA BA for fire only

T

BA

Z

BA

T

BA for fire only

Z

BA for fire only

E

Consider Evacuation

Contain

Dangerous Goods Classes Numbers Descriptions and labels 5.1 Oxidizing substances

1

Explosives

5.2 Organic peroxides

2.1 Flammable gases

6.1 Toxic substances

2.2 Non-flammable non-toxic gases

6.2 Infectious substances 7

Radioactive material (category I)

7

Radioactive material (categoryy II or III) (categor

8

Corrosive substances

4.1 Flammable solids

9

Miscellaneous dangerous goods and articles

4.22 Substances liable 4. to spontaneous combustion

Mixed class label for road and rail transport

4.3 Substances that in contact with water emit flammable gases

Subsidiary risk label to be used with elevated temperature substances

2.2 Oxidizing gas 5.1 sub risk (nitrous oxide & oxygen only)

2.3 Toxic gases

3

Flammable liquids

(and other reactive substances)

Dangerous Goods


19

HazMat / Terrorism 1


20

HazMat/Terrorism Guidelines (Defensive Strategy Only) 1

Safe Approach Don’t become a victim Don’t eat eat,, dri drink nk or smok smokee if contamination suspected, until checked

Treat all calls as potential Hazmats Always look for HazChem signs Safe distance, wind direction, vapour plume, weather,, terrain, run-off, collapse weather Be aware of any suspicious activity or characteristics Beware of secondary hazards/devices Minimise exposure time Maximise shielding

2

Incident Command

Set up command point Establish communications Situation report (combat authority to be called) Identify a staging area Maintain incident log Preserve evidence

3

Rescue/Scene Se Security

Cordon off danger area Evacuate any person in close proximity and keep them together ONLY rescue victim/s if safe to do so Victims may need decontamination Eliminate source of ignition

4

Identify HazMats (If no hazardous materials information panel, treat as 4WE)

From a safe distance identify (use binoculars) – substance UN code and HazChem code – quantity – type of spillage (spill, fire, MVA, etc.) – name of carrier or manufacturer – location and access – threat to life (number of victims) – threat to property or environment

HazMat/Terrorism Guidelines (Defensive Strategy Only) Continued NSWFB is the sole combat agency for hazardous materials incidents throughout NSW, including all inland waterways. The following actions require specialised HazMat Teams Rural Fire Service to assist as required

5

Assess potential harm and minimise environmental contamination

6

Call in resources

7

Monitor in information

8

Ren end der safe an and de deco con ntaminat ate e

ETHYL METHYL ETHER UN No.

HAZCHEM

1039 2PE SPECIALIS SPEC IALIST T ADVIC ADVICE E

IN EME MERG RGEN ENC CY DI DIAL AL AUSTRALIAN 000 POLICE OR CHEMIC CHE MICALS ALS LTD FIRE FI RE BR BRIG IGAD ADE E MELB. (03) 987 6543

HazMat / Terrorism 2


21

Terrorism 1


Biological Terrorism Guidelines 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Follow HazMat Guidelines DO NOT DISTURB package Evacuate area Cover package if possible Keep hands away from eyes and mouth Preserve evidence Shut off ventilation Dampen down clothing then remove. Remove outer garments. Wash person with soap and water 9 Decontaminate area with 5% bleach and water solution 10 Maintain personal hygiene including washing hands

Radioactive Terrorism Guidelines Time

LIMIT

Distance Shielding 1 2 3 4

Follow HazMat Guidelines Preserve evidence Decontaminate with water and contain run off Maintain personal hygiene including washing hands

22

Explosive Devices and Suspicious Packages Distance &

Shielding 1 2 3 4 5

Follow HazMat Guidelines DO NOT TOUCH, TILT or TAMPER Beware of secondary devices Preserve evidence Maintain personal hygiene including washing hands

Chemical Terrorism Guidelines 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Follow HazMat Guidelines Shut off ventilation Consider use of water spray to knockdown agents and contain run off Preserve evidence Remove clothing except underwear Decontaminate with water and contain run off Maintain personal hygiene including washing hands

Terrorism 2


23

Electricity 1


24

Electricity 1 Potential hazards: Approach

Electricity Authority to attend 240 volt and over may arc from one wire to another or to ground 11,000 volt and over may arc to ground Look out out for elect electrica ricall hazards, hazards, wires may fall, point them out to your crew Tell your crew what precautions to take Identify both ends and beware of recoil Note: both ends may be “live” or wires may become live at any time by remote switching gear Do not park under wires Wait until Electricity Authority has declared and shown to be “SAFE”

Bush fire

Poles or cross arms burnt and fallen wires Fallen wires can energise metal or wire fencing Conduction through hose streams High voltage power transmission may arc to ground through smoke and fire

Structure fires

Service to or within the building Conduction through ladder (eg. whilst carry ladder) Note: power (light) may be left on for evacuation of a building

MVA MV A

Fallen wires due to pole impact Wires dislodged off insulators insulators and touching crossarm crossarm or pole may make pole live. Note: vehicle may be electrified Impact and damage to object powered by electricity Note: vehicle may be electrified Wires on vehicle – occupants may be able to drive clear if not have them remain in the vehicle until power isolated If vehicle is on fire – occupants may, as a last resort, jump clear without touching the vehicle and hop until well clear

Electricity 2 Potential hazards: Storm Damage

Damaged poles or cross arms and fallen wires Low clearance Trees, branches or building debris bringing down wires Trees or branches in contact with wires

Sub Station DO NOT ENTER

Call any intruder to fence or to sit and remain where they are – clearance minimum 4m from equipment or wires

NO-GO-ZON NO-G O-ZONE E – for up to to 200,000 200,000 volts volts Use clean water only Stand on dry ground Keep clear of run off water

Nozzle Size

Pressure

Minimum Disance from Conductor

25mm

700 kPa

21.5 metres

20mm

700 kPa

18.5 metres

12mm

700 kPa

9.0 metres

Diffuser (hollow jet)

700 kPa

9.0 metres

700 kPa

8.0 metres

o

Diffuser (30 spray)

Electricity 2


25

Electricity 3


Electricity 3 Pole Top Fires

Pole or wires may fall Stand minimum 8m clear to one side Stand uphill from any wet ground Use approved nozzle only Broken stream with water falling onto fire

NO-GO-ZONE

NO-GO-ZONE refer to table in Electricity 2 (page 25)

26

Electricity 4 HIGH VOL VOLT TAGE – 3 lines 11.000 Volt (may also be up to 132.000 Volt) 6350 v 6350 v 6350 v

LOW VOL VOLT TAGE – 4 lines Neutral 240 v

240 v

TELCO – 1 line Fibre optic cable for tv and or telephone

240 v

To commercial or domestic premises Single Phase 240 v Three Phase 415 v

Note: The neutral wire may be either side

Electricity 4


27

Electricity 5


28

Electricity 5 Step Potential

When electricity is released into the ground, it will “fan” out from the point of contact and voltage will drop over distance. Avoid the danger of step potential, go no closer than 8m from where the conductor touches the ground.

Step Potential This man would receive 6350v – 5500v = 850 volts

 x 6350v 6250v 5500v 2750v NO-GO-ZONE – WITHIN 8 METRES OF CONDUCTOR

y

Electricity 6 Transmission Lines

Proposed Control Line

NO-GO-ZONE for vehicles and personnel if fire or or smoke within 25 metres of outer wire Flame and smoke may cause arc from one wire to another or to ground Keep hose stream below head height High trees in easement are a hazard Review strategy if within 25 metres

–

x –

x –

E N O Z O G N O

x

–

25m

x

3 Transmission Power Lines each side

–

x –

x –

x –

n o o i t e c e r i D d n W i

x –

x –

x –

x –

x –

x

Electricity 6

Rigging Lines


29

First Aid 1


30

First Aid 1 D

Danger

Assess situation for danger, ensure scene is safe for you, your crew, casualty, and others

R

Response

Assess level of consciousness, can you hear me, if not

A

Airway

responding put in recovery position, call for Ambulance Clear the airway, open the airway (Tilt head back and lift jaw except for baby), remove any obstructions

B

Breathing

Check for breathing, look, listen and feel, if not breathing, 2 effective breaths to casualty

C

Circulation

Check for a pu pulse. If pulse, continue EAR, if no pulse commence CPR, continue until pulse and respiration return, check pulse each 2 mins. Put unconscious casualty in the recovery position. Look for and control bleeding. Check for burns and breaks. Don’t remove clothing Don’t give an unconscious casualty food or water

E

EAR

Evacuation Expired Air

CPR Cardio Pulmonary

15 compressions/2 breaths 1 operator or 2 operators – 4 cycles per minute – 6 cycles per minute

Resuscitation

1 operator

15 breaths per minute 12– Adult 20 sm smal alll bre breat aths hs pe perr min minut utee 1 – 12 Baby Resuscitation 20 puffs per minute

5 compressions to 1 breath – 1 cycle each 3 secs

12– Adult 1 – 12

2 Hands 1 Hand

Baby

2 Fingers

First Aid 2 Recovery Roll casualty – Extend casualty’s left arm 90 degrees – Place casualty’s right hand on left shoulder Position on side (see page 34) – Bend casualty’s right knee up – Kneel at casualty’s right side, grasp right knee and shoulder and roll onto left side – Ensure airways free from blockages Heart Attack

Constant dull heavy crushing chest pain, pain may radiate along left arm to ring finger or up neck and jaw jaw,, pale or grey palour, dizzi dizziness, ness, nausea, sweaty or short of breath

– DRABCE – Call for Ambulance – Reassure – If conscious – semi-sitting position positi on – If unconscious – recovery position

Stroke

Loss of muscle control to one half of body body,, facial droop, loss of balance, slurred mumbled and distorted speech, very bad headache,unequal or unresponsive pupils, flushed face anxiet anx ietyy, shoc shock, k, may lea leadd to to seiz seizure ure

– DRABCE – Call for Ambulance – Reassure – If conscious – semi-sitting position – If unconscious – recovery position – Loosen tight clothing

Heat Stress

Headac Head ache he,, dro drows wsin ines ess, s, fa fati tigu gue, e, nausea,, urine dark yellow nausea yellow,, muscle cramps Note: Normal body temp. 37oC

– Mov Movee to to a co cool ol pl plac acee – Loosen clothi clothing ng – Drink plenty of water

Heat Exhaustion

Tiredness, hot, sweating, dizziness dizzi ness,, nausea, lack of coordination, coordin ation, coll collapse apse,, shoc shock, k, o o 38 C – 40 C

– Stop work – Move to a cool place – Remove non essenti essential al clothi clothing ng – Rest – Drink water until urine output increases – Wet down skin

m,

First Aid 2


31

First Aid 3


32

First Aid 3 Heat Stroke Very hot (dangerously high temperature), red, dry skin, rapid poundin ingg pu puls lsee, di dizzi zinness, nausea, headache, confused, o irritable, 40-42 C, may lead to seizure

– DRABCE – Call for Ambulance/Medivac move ca casualty to to me meet ambulance – Reassure – Cold compress to neck, armpits and groin – Cover with wet sheet – Continue to cool

Burns

Red, swollen skin, blisters, pain, clear yellow fluid, damaged or missing skin Don’t break blisters or remove skin Don’t use ointments or antiseptics particles es Don’t remove dirt, particl or clothing from the burn

– DRABCE – Call for Ambulance – Medivac for burnt airway or serious burn – Reassure – Cool with running water for 10 mins (use helmet to catch water and reuse if in short supply supply)) – Remove loose clothing or jewellery from affected limb – Cover with loose sterile dressing

Shock

Pale, cold clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, agitated, thirsty

– DRABCE – Reassure casualty – Lay down – legs raised (unless fractured) – Loosen tight clothing – Keep warm

First Aid 4 Severe Bleeding

Eviden Evid ent, t, sho shock ck,, dec decre reas asin ingg lev leveel of consciousness, may lead to seizure

Fractures

Pain, sw Pain, swell ellin ing, g, de defo form rmit ityy, los losss of – DRA DRABCE BCE function, possible shortening – Call for Ambulance of limb, limb may be at an angle – Immobilise limb or rotated, shock – Patient in comfortable position – Padding around any splint stra raig ight hten en fr frac actu ture redd limb limb – Check Check banda bandagin gingg tightne tightness ss Don’t st – Check circulation in limb

Severed Parts

Don’t clean severed, cut or body part Attend to casualty first

Snake and Puncture marks, pain, swelling, Funnel Web headache, dizziness, muscle Spider Bite weakness, difficulty breathing, shock, may lead to seizure Do attempt identification Don’t wash wound

First Aid 4

– DRA DRABC BCEE – Call for Ambulance/Medivac – Reassure – Apply direct pressure – Apply dressing – Immobilise and raise limb – If bleeding continues apply further dressings

– DRABCE – Call for Ambulance – Reassure – Control bleeding of casualty – Place part in plastic bag and seal – Keep bag as cool as possible in iced water – DRABCE – Call for Ambulance/Medivac – Reassure – Lay down on back or in comfortable position – Pressure/immobilisation bandage over entire limb


33

First Aid 5


First Aid 5 Sharp sting, burning pain, Red Back, er other spiders, stinger may be on skin scorpion, centipede, ant, wasp or bee

Seizure

– DRABCE – Call for Ambulance if required – Rest and reassure – Cold compress over bite area (e.g. ice in bag)

Loss of consciousness, rigidity rigidity,, spas sp asmo modi dicc mu musc scle le co cont ntra ract ctio ion, n, tong to ngue ue bit biting ing,, urine urine inco incont ntin inen ence ce Don’t restrain casualty

– Call for Ambulance – Re Remo move ve su surr rrou ound ndin ingg it item emss – Cushio Cushionn head head – After seizure maintain airway – Place in recovery position – Rest and reassure

1.

2.

3.

4.

Recovery or stable side position

34

Fire Investigation and Scene Preservation To assist with the investigation of fires, crews need to protect the area of Origin and forward all information to the District/Team/Zone Manager.

A formal investigation is required for: death or serious injury to a firefighter or member of the public significant damage or destruction to an appliance, property, stock, etc. deliberate ignition if the fire is part of a series or if a suspect is known a structural fire where the cause can’t be determined declaration of a Section 44 En-Route to fire: fire: note smoke colour, columns and weather conditions observe and record people and vehicles in the vicinity On arrival: note smoke and flame colour, size and location of the greatest fire activity protect objects and evidence related to the cause Scene preservation: cordon off the area first discovered burning, plus 10 metres tape and restrict access, minimise disturbance to the area Structural fires: note any external fire source, forced entry, or other evidence note internal and external doors and windows, open/closed/locked Motor vehicle fires: note vehicle make and registration note doors and windows, open/closed/locked, car stripped/abandoned minimise disturbance, the vehicle may be subject of a major crime NOTE NO TE YO YOUR UR OB OBSE SERV RVA ATI TION ONS S IN YO YOUR UR NO NOTE TEBO BOOK OK Fire Investigation & Scene Preservation


35

Fuel Containers


36

KNOW YOUR

FUEL CONTAINERS!

SIGNAL RED

LIME GREEN

ORANGE

CANARY

BLUE BELL

FILLER NECKS AND FILLER CAPS ARE COLOUR-CODED TO MATCH CONTAINERS.

Class of Fire

A

B

Ordinary combustibles (wood, Flammable and paper, plastics etc.) combustible liquids

Type of Fire Type of

Indicating Colour Extinguisher

Water

C

(E)

F

Flammable gases

Fire involving energized electrical equipment

Fire involving cooking oils and fats

Extinguisher Suitability

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Most suitable

Wet Chemical

Yes

Most suitable

Yes

Yes Most suitable for alcohol fires

No

No

No

AFF Type Foam

Yes

Yes Most suitable except for alcohol fires

No

No

No

AB(E) Dry Chemical Powder

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

B(E) Dry Chemical Powder

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Carbon Dioxide (C02)

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Vapourising Liquid (fumes may be dangerous in confined spaces)

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Alcohol Resistant Foam

Extinguishers


37

Fire Status / Bush Fire Classification


38

Fire Status Going

Any fire spreading on one or more flanks or fronts that does not have control strategies in place for entire perimeter

Being Controlled

Effective strategies are in operation or planned for the entire perimeter

Contained

Whole of fire perimeter behind identifiable control lines. Active fire may be located inside perimeter

Patrol

The fire is at a stage where firefighting resources are only required for patrol purposes. Major re-ignition is unlikely

Out

The fire is at a stage that allows its removal from the list of current fires

Bush Fire Classification CLASS ONE

A bush fire under the control of the responsible fire authority authority,, whether or not incidental/low level assistance is provided by other agencies

CLASS TWO

A bush fire which by necessity involves more than one agency and where the Bush Fire Management Committee Operational Emergency Executive have appointed a person to take charge of firefighting operations

CLASS THREE

A major bush fire where an appointment has been made or is imminent under provisions of Section 44 of the Rural Fires Act, 1997

A declaration under s44 of the Rural Fires Act is when the Commissioner takes charge and appoints an Incident Controller when a bush fire has assumed or is likely to assume such proportions as to be incapable of control or suppression by the local fire fighting authority. It may also be declared “pre-emptively” when conditions are conducive to the outbreak of a bush fire The area declared may be defined as: one or more Rural Fire Districts one or more Local Government Areas which would include the Fire District an area defined by geographical or man made features

Intensity (kw/m)

Flame Height (m)

0 – 50

0 – 0.5

Fires generally self extinguishing

50 – 500

0.5 – 1.5

Hand tool lines should hold the fire. Direct attack recommended

500 – 2000

1.5 – 3.0

Fire too intense for direct attack. Parallel attack recommended

2000 – 4000

3.0 – 10.0

Crown fire at upper intensities. Indirect attack recommended

over 4000

over 10.0

Crowning, spotting and major fire runs likely. Control efforts probably ineffective. Defensive strategy recommended

FDR

Forest Fires

Fuel loads heavier than 12.5 tonnes per hectare may produce more extreme fire behaviour Fire Danger Index and Rating


39

Aircraft Water Bombing Safety


40

WARNING: Never allow a situation to develop where the safety of a ground crew is dependent on aircraft/water bombing support. Factors outside your control could prevent continuing aircraft support.

Vehicle-Aircraft Safety Callsign

Be alert, watch and listen for low flying aircraft and communicate with the Aircraft/Air Attack Supervisor in accordance with the communications plan.

Fire Bombing Safety • Monitor your PMR/GRN radio • Listen for your Vehicle-Aircraft Vehicle-Aircraft Safety Callsign • Await instructions from the Air Attack Supervisor or bombing pilot • Move clear and remain clear of the drop zone until directed otherwise • Move clear of the area on hearing an aircraft activate its siren

If caught in an aircraft dropzone: • • • • • • •

Move away from the fire line Do not run or panic Watch out for falling branches or debris Place hand tools well clear of you Secure your helmet with your arms to protect your head Watch your footing, foams and retardants can make the ground slippery If hit by foam or retardant, wash off with cold water

The Air Attack Supervisor will warn ground crews of imminent danger, erratic weather, spot fires and approach of firebombing aircraft. Provide the Aircraft/Air Attack Supervisor with changed location of ground crews, flight hazards, wind conditions, unsafe aircraft operation and adverse effects of aircraft vortex.

Ground to Air Signals If radio communication fails use the following emergency aircraft signals:

– Serious injuries – Require food and water – All Well – Indicate direction to proceed – Am proceeding in this direction – Unable to proceed – Probably safe to land – No – Yes – Not understood When forming signals: use wood, stones or other available material make symbols at least 2.5 metres high provide maximum colour contrast attempt to attract attention by other means The aircraft will indicate signals have been understood understood by rocking from side to side Ground to Air Signals


41

Aircraft Safety


42

DO NOT approach

PILOT’S PILOT’ S FIEL FIELD D OF VI VISI SION ON

or leave without the pilot’s knowledge and clearance. Stay in pilot’s field of vision.

DANG DA NGER ER AR AREA EA

Crouch down as you approach for extra rotor clearance. Helmets must be removed or fastened securely by a chin strap. DO NOT reach up, run or chase after articles that blow away.

Carry tools horizontally below waist level – never upright or on shoulder.

On sloping ground always approach or leave on the down slope for maximum rotor clearance. If blinded by swirling dust or grit, STOP, sit down and await assistance.

DO NOT

approach or leave helicopter when the engine and rotors are running down or starting up.

On entering helicopter helicopter,, fasten and adjust seat belt and leave it fastened until pilot signals to get out.

Tactical Aircraft Callsigns Aircraft Type

Callsign Prefix

Light Helicopter

Firebird

Medium/Heavy Helicopter

Helitak

Fixed Wing Bomber

Bomber

Fix ixeed Wi Winng Re Recconnaissance Air irccraft

Fir ireespotter

Fixed Wi Wing Re Remote Se Sensing Ai Aircraft

Firescan

NPWS Aircraft

Parkair

NSW Police Aircraft

Polair

NSWFB Aircraft

Fireair

Each aircraft will also be allocated a number. Eg Helitak 221 and Bomber 223. The first numeral numeral of the the tactical callsign identifies the state of origin. Eg NSW = 2; Victoria = 3 The callsign number will be visible on the fuselage and must be visible to ground crews In the interests of safety, all users are requested not to reallocate callsigns for particular incidents

Tactical Aircraft Callsigns


43

Standard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 1


44

Standard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 1 You must be trained and competent in marshalling helicopters. DO NOT complicate a simple aircraft operation

“Come To Me – Land Here”

“Move Forward”

“Stop”

Arms vertically above the head with palms facing inwards

Arms a little aside, palms facing backwards and repeatedly moved upwards and backwards from shoulder height

Arms repeatedly crossed above head (the more urgent the stop, the quicker the movement)

“Cut Engine/s”

“Slow Down”

“Move Back”

Either arm and hand level with shoulder, hand across throat, palm down. The hand is moved sideways with the arm remaining bent

Arms down with palms towards ground, then moved up and down several times

Arms by sides, palms facing forward, swept forwards and upwards repeatedly to shoulder height


“All Clear”

“Hover”

“Move Up”

Right arm raised at elbow with thumb erect

Arms extended horizontally sideways

Arms extended horizontally to the side, beckoning upwards, with palms turned up. Speed of movement indicates rate of ascent

“Move Down”

“Move Left”

Arms extended horizontally to the side, beckoning downwards, with palms turned down. Speed of movement indicates rate of descent

“Move Right”

Appropriate arm extended horizontally sideways in direction of movement and other arm moved in front of body in same direction, in a reapeating movement



45



46


“Land”

“Winch Up”

“Winch Down”

Arms crossed and extended downwards in front of body

Left arm horizontal in front of body, fist clenched, right hand with palm turned upwards making upwards motion

Left arm horizontal in front of body, fist clenched, right hand with palm turned downwards making downwards motion

“Load Not Released”

“Release Load”

Right arm held across chest, palm facing down. Left hand pointing up to form ‘T’

Left arm extended forward horizontally,, fist clenched, horizontally right hand making horizontal slicing movement below the left fist, palm downwards

Beaufort Scale Beaufort km/h

Land Specification

Title

Knots 0

0

Less than 1

Smoke rises vertically

Calm

1

1 -5

Smoke drifts slowly

Light Air

1 -3

2

6 - 11

Wind felt on face Leaves rustle Flags flap

Light Breeze

4 -6

3

12 - 19

Leaves and small twigs in constant motion Flags extended

Gentle Breeze

7 - 10

4

20 - 29

Raises dust and loose paper Small branches are moved

Moderate Breeze 11- 16

5

30 - 39

Small trees begin to sway

Fresh Breeze

17 -21

6

40 - 49

Large branches in motion Wires whistle Umbrellas used with difficulty

Strong Breeze

22 - 27

7

50 - 61

Whole trees in motion Near Gale Walking against the wind impeded

28 - 33

8

62 - 74

Twigs break off trees

Gale

34 - 40

9

75 - 88

Slight structure damage

Strong Gale

41- 47

10

89 - 102

Seldom experienced inland Trees uprooted Much structural damage

Storm

48 - 55

11

103 - 117

Very rare Widespread damage

Violent Storm

53 - 63

12

More than 118

Severe & extensive damage

Hurricane

64 -71

Beaufort Scale


47

T Card Resource Status and Skills


48

T Card Resource Status Required

(REQ)

A particular resource is required or requested by a unit

Organised

(ORG)

The required resource has been organised or arranged

Standby

(SB)

The organised resource has been placed on standby

Enroute

(E/R)

Resource dispatched to an incident that has not yet checked in

Available

(AVL)

Resource at an incident and available at short notice

Allocated

(ALC)

Resource working at an incident

Stood Down

(S/D)

Resource stood down from the shift

Unserviceable

(U/S)

Resource at an incident unable to respond for mechanical, rest or personal reasons

Skills Basic Firefighter

(BF)

Advanced Firefighter

(AF)

Village Firefighter

(VF)

Crew Leader

(CL)

Group Leader

(GL)

Senior First Aider

(SFA)

Rural Fire Driver

(RFD)

Chain Saw Operator

(CSO)

Breathing Apparatus Operator

(BAO)

Remote Area Firefighter

(RAF)

NOTE: The rear of card provides for the recording of each task, location and date time group (DTG).

T Card Single Resource


49

T Card Colour Coding


50

T Card Colour Coding Identification NOTE: A distinguishing letter (eg. Alpha, Bravo, etc.) shall be used for all vehicles FIRE APPLIANCE AWD 4x2 H H Cat 3 3001L – 4000L – HEAVY Cat 1 3001L – 4000L Cat 5 4001L + Cat 6 4001L + FIRE APPLIANCE AWD 4x2 M M – MEDIUM Cat 2 1601L – 3000L Cat 4 1601L – 3000L FIRE APPLIANCE AWD 4x2 L L – LIGHT Cat-7 801L – 1600L Cat-8 801L – 1600L FIRE APPLIANCE AWD MU – MOP UP Cat 9 350L – 800L NOTE: The callsign for Cat 10 and above uses a single word (as noted in brackets) as the description. i.e. Cat 11 is a Pumper URBAN FIRE Pumper Pumper APPLIANCE (AWD Cat 11 1601L+) (4x2 Cat 10 1601L+) BULK WATER Bulk Water (Cat 13) CARRIER VEHICLE Command (Cat 16) Communication (Cat 19) PERSONNEL Personnel Carrier (Cat 12) TRANSPORT MACHINERY Dozer Grader AIRCRAFT

OTHER

Helicopter H - Heavy M - Medium L - Light

Fixed Wing H - Heavy M - Medium L - Light

Safe Working On Roads Emergency Operational Work on Roads Fire Motor Vehicle Accident (MV (M VA) Storm Damage Incident

Wear full PPE Beacons activated Sitrep to FireCom Police and required combat agencies to be “called” Park to protect crew and scene Risk and hazard assessment Then as necessary: – Close or partially close road in one or both directions – Control traffic – Roadside signage – Traffic cones – Observer/s and/or traffic controllers with “Safety Tabard”

RURAL FIRE SERVICE

Non Emergency Operational Work on Roads General

Wear full PPE and Safety Tabard as required Risk and hazard assessment Then as necessary:

Filling from Hydrants

– Beacons activated – Traffic cones

Mechanical Breakdown

– Beacons/hazard lights activated – Breakdown triangles – Traffic cones – Notify FireCom

Hazard Reductions

– Beacons activated – Roadside signage – Prepared traffic control plan – Advance media publicity

– Roadside signage – Observer/s with Safety Tabard

Hydrant Inspections

Refer to Safe Working on Roads SOPs

Installation of Blue Hydrant Markers

Refer to Safe Working on Roads SOPs

Safe Working on Roads


51

Hand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 1


Hand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 1 The driver must only take directions from the nominated guide Directions may be given from the front or rear of the vehicle The guide always faces the driver If the guide is to the rear of the vehicle the driver uses the mirrors The guide must be in the driver’s field of vision at all times whilst the vehicle is in motion. If the guide is not in view OR the driver is unsure of a signal, the driver must STOP Drive at a slow constant speed Turn steering wheel at a slow, constant speed

“Stop” Both arms extended towards the vehicle with hands up and palms towards the vehicle

“Move forward” Both arms raised towards the vehicle with hands up and palms away from the vehicle, hands moved in a beckoning motion

52


“Move back” Both arms raised towards the vehicle, hands down with palms away from the vehicle, hands moved in a brushing away, “go away” motion

“Hold existing lock” Both arms down beside the body. The driver stops turning the steering wheel but maintains existing lock

“Apply right lock” Left arm (if in front of vehicle): right arm (if behind vehicle). The guide raises arm extended horizontally to the side, level with the shoulder. The driver turns the steering wheel in the direction of the guide’s raised arm.The driver continues to turn the steering wheel at a constant speed until the raised arm is dropped to the side

“Apply left lock” Right arm (if in front of vehicle): left arm (if behind vehicle). The guide raises arm extended horizontally to the side, level with the shoulder. shoulder. The driver turns the steering wheel in the direction of the guide’s raised arm. The driver continues to turn the steering wheel at a constant speed until the raised arm is dropped to the side



53

Foam Application 1


Foam Application 1 Class A Foam (BFFF)

Up to 1% for Class “A” “Ordinary Combustibles” fires includi incl uding ng wood, paper, paper, etc.

Class B foam (AFFF)

3% or 6% for Class “B” “Flammable and Combustible Liquid” fires includi including ng oil, petrol, petrol, etc. etc. with less less than 10% 10% ethanol content

Class B foam (ATC (A TC - Alcoh Alcohol ol Resistant Foam)

6% for Class “B” “Flammable and Combustible Liquid” fires where ethanol or other water miscible fuels are involved

Class B foam (AFFF or ATC)

6% can also be used at a ratio of up to 1% for Class “A” “Ordinary Combustibles” fires

Quenchmaster Fire Fighting Foam Proportioning System Operating Instructions Model CP 500

54

Foam Application 2 Supply

Open the cap of the foam container 3 /4 to 1 turn (Class “A” or “B”) Start the pump and set pressure 600 – 700kPa Open nozzle/branch to provide water flow Turn “Foam Valve” (Tank Recirc) to ‘ON’ Set the foam selection valve to Class A or Class B Set metering valve to the appropriate ratio Mop Up 0.1% to 0.25% Initial Suppression 0.25% to 0.5% Back Burning 0.5% to 0.75% Exposure Protections/Structural Attack 0.75% to 1.0%

Standby

Turn “Foam Valve” (Tank Recirc) to ‘OFF’ Set metering valve to ‘OFF’ Discharge water to clear foam from pump (5 – 10 seconds) Discharge small quantity of water regularly to cool pump When foam required – Turn “Foam Valve” (Tank Recirc) to ‘ON’ and reset metering valve to the appropriate ratio

Shutdown

Set metering valve to 'OFF' Flush pump and hoses until all foam solution is expelled Turn "Foam Valve" (Tank Recirc) to ‘OFF’ Reseal foam container

Note: When operating on mains hydrant supply (closed relay pumping), pump inlet pressure should provide a reading on the compound gauge at or near “0” but no higher than +50 kPa (it would be preferable to connect hydrant to tank filler – open relay pumping)

Note: Clean the filter, located in the “Y” strainer in the pressure line to the proportioner, on a regular basis particularly if impurities in water Foam Application 2


55

Hydrant Markers


56

Hydrant Markers How to identify indicator plates for locating hydrants on potable and recycled water mains. Primary Indicator Plates Potable Potable

Primary indicator plates are marked with two sets of numbers. The top number gives the distance (in metres) from the plate to the hydrant and the bottom number gives the size (in millimetres) of the water main.

Note: Recycled

Recycled

H RH P R

– – – –

Hydran Hydr antt for po pota tabl blee wa watter Hyddran Hy antt for for re recy cycl cled ed wat ateer Pathway Roadway

Black line on plate indicates hydrant is on opposite side of road

Secondary Indicator Plates Potable Recycled

Secondary indicator plates should face each direction of approach from which the primary plates cannot be seen. Additionally, white or yellow triangles or arrows may be painted on roads, or blue markers may be fixed to the road to one side of the centre line

Static Water Supply indicator plate fixed in a location to be highly visible from the road and may include swimming pools, tanks, dams, ponds or creeks.

Hand Signals Words of command and common hand signals are given below: Water On

Water Off

Arm raised above head vertically fist clenched.

Arm extended horizontally to the side and swung across the body.

Increase Pressure Arm raised above head vertically and dropped to side. Each signal requires pump pressure to be increased by 100kpa.

Decrease Pressure Arm Extended horizontally to the side and dropped to the side. Each signal requires pump pressure to be reduced by 100kpa.

Hand Signals

Make Up Equipment Both arms extended to the side horizontally and held for a few seconds.

Report to me Left hand placed on helmet and right hand points to crew member NSW Rural Fire Service

57

Hoses and Pressures 1



(Rough Guide)

Optimum Nozzle Pressures Standard branch with straight nozzle 12mm diametre or less

Best at 250kPa

Controllable jet/spray nozzles (Dial-a-jet, AWG, etc.)

Best at 500kPa

Foam making branch

Best at 550kPa

Pistol grip fog nozzles (discharge ranges from 50 - 475 l/min)

Best at 700kPa

Height Loss or Gain Add 10kPa for each metre the nozzle is above the pump Subtract 10kPa for each metre the nozzle is below the pump

Friction Loss (rule of thumb adopted by RFS) Add 100kPa for 30 metre length at typical operating pressure

Pump Pressure Calculation Hoses 100 kPa for each length

3x38mm = 300kPa

Pressure required at Nozzle

700kPa

Total

1,000kPa at pump

Tanker Protection System Optimum pressure to operate Tanker Protection System is 300kPa

Each line of hose to supply water through pump relay should not be expected to carry more than: 1000 l/min for 65mm hose 250 l/min for 38mm hose 100 l/min for 25mm hose

58


(Rough Guide)

Discharge Volumes (Note: Dial-a-jet 3mm to 8mm, 38mm AWG 8mm and 65mm AWG 15mm) Nozzle Size (mm)

Pressure at Nozzle 500kPa

Discharge (l/min)

Pressure at Nozzle 700kPa Discharge (l/min)

3

12

15

8

86

100

12

170

230

15

335

395

20

556

675

Draughting Pressure at sea level is approximately 100kPa If a perfect vacuum (10kPa for 1 metre) maximum lift would be 10 metres

Maximum practical lift for vehicle pump is 7 metres

Maximum practical lift for portable pump is 5 metres

3.0 metres

Pump efficiency 70%

5.0 metres

Pump efficiency 60%

7.0 metres

Pump efficiency 45 – 50%

Volume of Water in a Dam, etc. Length (m) x width (m) x average depth (m) = cubic metres x 1,000 litres = volume

Volume of Water in a Cylindrical Tank 3.14 x radius2 (m) x height (m) = cubic metres x 1,000 litres = volume



59

Grid And Magnetic North

60


Grid and Magnetic North Topographic maps contain a variation diagram depicting the relationship between Grid and Magnetic North and notes: The angle between them The year when this was correct The value and the direction of change over time (Note: the change is often in tenths of degrees for every 3 years)

Example

GN

MN

TN

GRID MAGNETIC ANGLE 10.7o

GRID CONVERGENCE 1.3o

Examples using 14o as variation Converting a bearing from Grid to Magnetic o

Converting a bearing from Magnetic to Grid

o

o

Grid Bearing 89 – 14 o = 75 Magnetic Bearing

G

Magnetic Bearing 50 + 14 o = 64 Grid Bearing

G

M

14o

M

?

14o

?

A o

50

o

89

O

o

A

O

Map Referencing Six Figure Grid Reference – Firstly quote the easting reference: two digit figures along the top or bottom of map one digit for the distance between grid lines, divided into 10 equal parts – Secondly quote the northing reference two digit figures on the sides of map one digit for the distance between grid lines, divided into 10 equal parts

Example: Allinga Road and Arizona Road intersection 59 4 21 7

Map Referencing


61

Bush Fire Mapping Symbols RED – FIRE

BLACK – CONTROL LINES

Strategic or Tactical Significance

Name

Command, Control & Coordination

BLUE – WRITING & SYMBOLS Logistics Related

Symbol

GOING (fire edge)

COMPLETED (control line)

Assets to be Protected

Notes (DTG = Date Time Group)

PREDICTED (fire edge) CONTAINED (fire edge) PROPOSED (control line)

62


–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x–x– +x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+x+

PROPOSED (backburn) COMPLETED (backburn) BACKBURN BURNING IN FIRE ORIGIN RED

Show DTG Show DTG Show DTG Draw on far side of feature Show DTG Draw on far side of feature Show DTG Lines show depth of burn at DTG

FIRE DIRECTION WIND DIRECTION

BLUE

BLUE W

Show DTG Show DTG Show DTG

SPOT FIRE

RED

Isolated fire ahead of main fire

BURNT AREA AERIAL IGNITION

BLACK

Burnt Area (if old, show month & year) year)

RED

DIVISIONAL BOUNDARY SECTOR BOUNDARY

BLUE

Proposed path to be treated Use geographical names Use alphabetical names

REFUGE AREA CONTROL CENTRE

BLUE

R

BLUE

CC

DIVISIONAL COMMAND SECTOR COMMAND

BLUE

DC

BLUE

SC

HELIPAD

BLUE

WATER POINT VEHICLE

BLUE

WV

AMBULANCE LOCATION

BLUE

AMB

THREATENED PROPERTY

BLUE

T

BLUE

F

OOOOO

ESCAPE ROUTE (add arrow to show safe exit) BLUE

E

STAGING AREA (where resources are available) BLUE BASE CAMP BLUE

SA

AIRBASE (fixed wing and/or helicopter base)

BLUE

AIR

WATER POINT HELICOPTER BLUE

WH

(Incident Management Team location)

(Helicopter water supply)

(Firefighting water supply)

HISTORICAL SITE (building or structures) BLUE

BC

HS

ABORIGINAL SITE OR ARTIFACTS BLUE BLUE ENDANGERED FLORA ENDANGERED FAUNA

BLUE

A FL FA

Map Marking Guide


63

Media


64

Media The RFS uses the media to distribute public information during emergencies and promote the image of the volunteers. The media is a vital partner in ensuring the media and community are well informed. A large proportion of media personnel across NSW have been trained by the RFS to work in and around bush fires. Trained media personnel are aware of how the RFS manages bush fires and the associated dangers. Media are are required required to to wear full full PPE and and carry carry an identific identificatio ationn card when attendi attending ng the fireground. Access to the fireground is at the discretion of the Incident Controller, Controller, News crews should be given all reasonable assistance to accurately inform the community of incidents of interest.

Media comment may only be made by the Incident Controller in compliance with Service Standard 1.1.6 Media Relations to ensure accurate information is provided. Volunteers must not comment to the media on any issue where those comments may be perceived as being the view or position of the Service. All issues relating to media must be brought to the attention of the District/Team/ Zone Manager via the Incident Controller. If you are asked to comment on political issues regarding the RFS, refer the media to the FCO/District/Team/Zone Manager via the Incident Controller If you are asked to comment about the overall strategy for a fire or incident refer the media to the Incident Controller You may provide general comments on what conditions are like or how you feel at an incident, for example ‘It is extremely hot and the winds are erratic’, ‘It’s tiring work and we can't wait for the cool change’ or ‘We are raking a trail down Blue Gum Valley towards Green Creek’.

S D A Y E A H B D N E O E R Y W T B D • • L I • E F E R R E O T N M E S I L T •

R U O B R A H S F F O C •

E I R A U Q C N A Y O E T S M F Y P T E R A E A R E T B R M R S E O G P R N A K • O O • • T G F • S S L N • H E N E O Y T E N N G A R L N • n Y N I O B G A • r W E O S • L H M N N L M E L A A D A O A I T • Y D T • M K S D S W E • L E • • A • • N T R E L n • N C O N A E E A N A O F R R U E B W T E S G R O E G • V E D E A E O N • A W L M R B N G I O G • D • • M • N N O N I N O A S R C G S • U L • I • E B • G K Y L • • • N R E S U N A O S A O • N O T P Y R A A G E G • L Y • A B L B W Y N G B T B N U I R O T L C U E M Y D L • E B G A • N E • L L • N E • W A A N H A I O N G T • G L I W O R U N F G O C J F O I A u B A L R O B A W G D O Y A • C N W • G A • O G n M T E C S A K A I n A E R W O N U W N M O • A • B C Y L A I H W • H • T D R L L O A L I W N H T A N R N E L E K W A O • B R B •

t s a E o i g e R

h t o N o i g e R

T C A

t s e W o i g e R

Map (State)

h t o S o i g e R


65

Incident Control System 1


66

Incident Control System 1 SMALL INCIDENT (up to 5 appliances – 20 personnel) Incident Control Operations Planning Logistics

All functions carried out by one officer at the incident

MEDIUM INCIDENT (5 to 10 appliances – 40 personnel) Incident Control Planning Logistics Operations Sector

These functions carried out by one officer located close to the incident liaising with other agencies (Police, NSWFB, Ambulance, Elecricity Authority, etc.) Operations role delegated to a second officer at the incident

Sector

LARGE INCIDENT (10 to 20 appliances – 100 personnel) Incident Control Operations

Sector

Sector

Planning Logistics

These functions carried out by three officers located at the Incident Control Centre liaising with other agencies. The Operations Officer may be at the incident

Sector Commanders at the incident


(continued)

VERY LARGE INCIDENT Incident Controller Deputy IC

Operations Officer

Safety Advisor

Deputy IC

Media Liaison Officer

Divisional Operations Air Operations Community Commander Communications Manager Liaison Officer Aircraft Officer Sector Commander Air Attack Supervisor Air/Heli Base Manager Air Observer


Planning Officer Situation Mapping Resources Information

Management Support Officer

Logistics Officer

Support Supply Ground Support Logistics Communications Staging Area Coordinator Basecamp Coordinator


Services Facilities Catering Medical Finance Accommodation

67



INCID INC IDENT ENT MA MANA NAGEM GEMENT ENT TE TEAM AM Incident Controller

Operations Officer

Planning Officer

Logistics Officer Staging Area

North Division Sector A

Sector B

Air Operations

Sector C

South Division Sector D

Sector E

SA

Divisions – use geographical names Sectors – use alphabetical names

Sector F

68

State Assistance STRIKE TEAM Five fire fighting appliances that have an established minimum number of personnel. Strike teams always have a leader in a separate vehicle and a common communication system. STRIKE TEAM LEADER

STRIKE TEAM LEADER

Located in the field and responsible for five appliances. The Strike Strike Team Team Leader Leader is NOT NOT the Sector Sector Comm Commande anderr but is there purely to ensure Strike Team is tasked and is responsible for their welfare and reports to the Response Team Coordinator.

TASK FORCE

A combination of units or equipment assembled for a specific task, ie. bulk water carriers or heavy plant. Task forces always have a leader in a separat separatee vehicle vehicle and a common communication communication system.

TASK FORCE LEADER

Located in the field and responsible for the units or equipment. The Task Force Leader is there purely to lead the Task Force, be responsible for their welfare and reports to the Response Team Coordi Coordinator. nator.

RESPONSE TEAM

A Response Team is one of more Strike Teams and/or Task Forces.

RESPONSE TEAM COORDINATOR

RESPONSE TEAM CO-ORDINATOR

Each appliance should have: single resource T Cards sufficient non-perishable crew field rations for 24 hours sufficient crew drinking water fo forr 24 24 hou hours rs an esky

State Assistance

Located in the Incident Control Centre as part of the Incident Management Team and responsible for up to five Strike Teams/Task Forces. Must ensure that they are suitably tasked and is responsible for their welfare. Each crew member should have: full bush fire fighting wet weather gear personal protective medication & sunscreen equipment (PPE) sleeping bag or swag drink bottle casual clothes authority card personal requirements


69

Convoy Driving


Convoy Driving Task Force Co-ordinator or Strike Team Leader to brief drivers Strike team of 5 appliances plus Strike Team Leader Briefing

Departure time Destination Estimated time of arrival Route Stopping points and length of stops Driver changeover Meals Fuel Order of vehicles Stick to that order Communication channel Use of lights and sirens

Spacing of vehicles

Minimum 200m – maximum 500m on open road Minimum 50m in built up or urban areas Minimum 5km between strike teams

70

m m k c 8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

0 0 E 0 1 : L 0 1 0 A C 0 S 0

Phonetic Alphabet Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Echo Foxtrot Golf Hotel India Juliet Kilo Lima Mike

1 : 1

Phonetic Alphabet / Map Scales

November Oscar Papa Quebec Romeo Sierra Tango Uniform Victor Whiskey W hiskey X-Ray Yankee Zulu

1 1 : : 5 2 S 0 5 C 0 0 A 0 0 L 0 0 E 0 0

1 0 . 5

2 1

1 3 5 .

4 2 k k mm


71

Communications Colour Codes


72

Communications Colour Codes

KNOW YOUR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS PRIORITY CODE! LIFE THREATENING SITUATION

Unit or crew in life threatening danger URGENT FIRE MESSAGE

Urgent assistance needed but the unit or crew not in danger GENERAL FIRE MESSAGE

Operational incident related call LOGISTIC OTHER MESSAGE

General non-incident related call

PROWORDS THAT PROWORDS THAT DETERMINE DETERMINE THE PRIORITY OF MESSAGES

Communications Definitions Affirmative All stations Cancel Clear Clear to you Confirm Copied Correction Disregard ETA ET A ETD Incident call Go ahead Grid I say again Negative Nothing heard Over Read back Roger Say again SitRep Stand by Understood

Yes/correct General call to all stations on a network Ignore my previous instruction or request End of my transmission, no reply expected End of transmission to you, will now transmit to another unit Verify Ver ify this statement Message received and understood Incorrect message, the correct message is… Ignore my previous statement or information Estimated time of arrival Estimated time of departure Report of a new incident Permission to transmit or reply Map grid references to follow Repeating my last transmission No/incorrect/permission not granted No reply to transmission received Transmission is over, a reply may be transmitted I repeat all or part to confirm your last message OR you repeat back the key points of the last message I sent you Message received and understood Repeat all or part of your last transmission to me Situation report to be transmitted I must pause, will transmit when ready Message understood

Communications Definitions


73

Communications Networks


74

Communications Networks Government Radio Network (GRN) [UHF] Trunked radio network. Generally used for Command and Control You can communicate if in range of any GRN repeater within the “network” Channels 158 – 165 can be allocated by State Operations State Operations 166 Region Channels 167 – 174 District Channels 175 – 214 Private Mobile Radio (PMR) [UHF] Local radio repeater network You can communicate if in range of the repeater Repeater Channels 1 – 8 for emergency fireground use Channels 18 – 116 + 218 – 224 Strategic Network (STRAT NET) [UHF] PMR to provide a point to point network between State Operations, Regional Offices and all Fire Control Centres around the State. Generally used for communications between Senior Commanders Channels 117 – 146 Simplex Channels (Car to Car) [UHF] Short range line of sight communication between units RFS Channels 9 – 12 Other Agency Liaison Channels 13 – 17 (see next page) Liaison Channels [UHF] For communications between NSW RFS, NSWFB, NSW SES, NSW Ambulance. Liaison Channels 147 – 156 can be allocated by State Operations Fireground Radios [VHF] Repeater Channels 1 – 4 for emergency fireground use Fireground Channels 1 – 20 allocated by local arrangement NOTE: Fireground Channels 10 – 20 within Region East are allocated to specific Districts CB Radios [UHF] Community radio controlled by convention rather than legislation and is a nonsecure and non controlled network Communication with Aircraft Communication with an individual aircraft or an Air Attack Supervisor where multiple aircraft, when approved by the Incident Controller may be on the PMR or GRN local network. See also page 43

Agency Liaison Channels NSW RFS SIMPLEX

NSWFB SIMPLEX

NSW SES SIMPLEX

NSW Ambulance SIMPLEX

(Z1) 13 SIMP SHR 1

(Z13) GRN SMPX 1

(S) 211-SIMPSHR-1

(Z6) 11 GRN S1

(Z1) 14 SIMP SHR 2

(Z13) GRN SMPX 2

(S) 212-SIMPSHR-2

(Z6) 12 GRN S2

(Z1) 15 SIMP SHR 3

(Z13) GRN SMPX 3

(S) 213-SIMPSHR-3

(Z6) 13 GRN S3

(Z1) 16 SIMP SHR 4

(Z13) GRN SMPX 4

(S) 214-SIMPSHR-4

(Z6) 14 GRN S4

(Z1) 17 SIMP SHR 5

(Z13) GRN SMPX 5

(S) 215-SIMPSHR-5

(Z6) 15 GRN S5

Remember: other agencies may be using channels. Range can be up to 20km

Agency Liaison Channels


75

Service Vehicle Involved In An Accident 1


76

Service Vehicle Involved In An Accident 1 Stop, assess damage, any injuries and provide first aid if required Notify FireCom, Police and other emergency services to be called if required Accident with minor damage only and no injuries

Driver is to remain at accident scene to exchange particulars – Vehicle and crew may continue response with another driver if initial emergency call was for a potential life threatening situation FireCom to arrange transport for driver

Accident with substantial damage or any injury requiring treatment by a health health pro profes fessio sional nal

Driver, crew and vehicle to remain at accident scene – another vehicle to be responded to initial emergency call

Service Vehicle Involved In An Accident 2 (checklist) Record the following: Date and time of accident Location of accident Date, time and details of the incident to which responded Responding – Lights? Siren? RFS Vehicle & Crew

Other Vehicle/s and Passengers

Driver’s name, address & licence No. Officer in Charge – name and rank Crew /passengers and names Injuries sustained, names and details Injured to which Hospital Vehicle make, type, year, registration number & roadworthiness Insurance company Extent of damage to vehicle Approximate speed of vehicle/s Were seatbelts being worn? Road and weather conditions Police, Ambulance, Rescue, CSI or Accident Investigation in attendance CISS or Chaplaincy required Witnesses’ names and addresses Report to Police Service Vehicle Involved In An Accident 2


77

Critical Incident Support Services


Critical Incident Support Services (CISS)

78

CISS

The role of CISS is to provide support to all members, as individuals or as a group, of the NSW Rural Fire Service, including Volunteers and Staff who may be experiencing a critical incident stress reaction following an operational incident. Members are affected in different ways by incidents and it is the reaction of the individual, which makes the incident critical. Support and assistance, 24 hours a day, may be: On-scene during protracted incidents Less formal defusing soon after the incident Debriefing one to seven days after the incident Facilitate ongoing support as required In person or by telephone Total confidentiality is maintained and no information regarding name, personal reactions, feelings, problems or behaviour will be recorded or disclosed unless requested by that member.

Contact Procedures Officer, who is supported by more than 40 specially trained The CISS Duty Officer, The Volunteers and Staff, may be contacted through State Operations on:

1800 049 933

Chaplaincy The role of the Chaplain is to minister to the spiritual welfare (irrespective of religion or denominationa denominationall affiliation) of all members of the NSW Rural Fire Service, including Volunteers and Staff and their families and includes the provision of morale and welfare support for: The death of any member of the Service in the line of Duty Serious injury and hospitalisation of any member whilst on Duty Death of any member or member’s next of kin A member or a member’s member’s next of kin transferred to Sydney for hospitalisation, h ospitalisation, or to any major Regional hospital within NSW or the ACT Members at an incident involving fatalities at the Senior Officer request Members at any protracted search and rescue operation involving Rural Fire Service Personnel Members at extended operations, during s44 bush fire or other emergencies at the request of State Operations, the Region or the Incident Controller Members at any other incident where Senior Operations Staff require the attendance of the Chaplain

Contact Procedures Anderson, who The Senior Chaplain, Captain Ron Anderson, is supported by more than 50 Volunteer Chaplains, may be contacted through State Operations on:

CHAPLAIN

1800 049 933 Chaplaincy


79

Bush Fire Definitions 1


80

Bush Fire Definitions 1 Fireground

Area affected or likely to be affected by fire

Strategies

A statement detailing how an objective is to be achieved, determined by the Incident Controller

Tactic

Tasking of personnel and resources to implement the incident strategies. On larger fires normally determined at division or sector level

Ground Fire

A slow burning fire, burning underground in fuels such as peat or humus

Surface Fire

A fire that travels above the surface in grass, low scrub, leaves and litter

Crown Fire

A fire, usually fast moving, burning in the crowns of the trees and supported by fire below in the ground fuel

Spot Fire

Isolated fire started ahead of the main fire by sparks, embers or other ignited material, sometimes a distance of several kilometres

Direct Attack

A method of suppression where wet or dry firefighting techniques are used right on the fire edge. The fire edge then becomes the containment line

Parallel Attack

A method of suppression in which the fireline is constructed approximately parallel to and just far enough away from the fire edge (heat and smoke) to enable fire fighters and equipment to work effectively and safely

Indirect Attack

A method of suppression where backburning is used within an area defined by prepared control lines, generally existing, which may be a considerable distance ahead of the fire

Bush Fire Definitions 2 Backburning

Firefighting strategy, as part of an overall plan. A fire started intentionally along the inner edge of a fireline to consume the fuel in the path of a bush fire, either in a parallel attack or an indirect attack to widen an existing containment line

Hazard Reduction

Removal of combustible fuels by hand clearing, machine clearing or prescribed burning

Prescribed Burning/Burn Off

The controlled application of fire under specified environmental conditions to a predetermined area and at the time, intensity and rate of spread required to attain planned prescription

Bush Fire Definitions 2


81

Parts of a Bush Fire


82

Parts of a Bush Fire Within the perimeter there may be burning areas, smouldering areas and blackened areas as well as pockets of unburnt fuel. The point of origin may readily be identified or it may require fire investigation to determine the location.

Rear of Heel Point of origin Flanks/sides

Finger

Unburnt pocket or island Flanks/sides

Finger Finger Spot Fire

Grassland Curing Guide Cured %

Colour

Physiological changes

0

Green

From germination to start of seed head development

20-30

Greenish-yellow

Seed head maturing and opening from top

40

Yellow-green

60

Straw. Odd patch of green or yellow-green

Seed dropped, half to one third of most stems green. Some paddocks fully cured, others green

80

Straw. Very little green showing anywhere

Some greenness in lower third of stalks. Many stalks fully cured

90

Straw. Odd green gully

Odd stalks may show some greenness

100

Bleached

All stalks fully cured, seed heads and stalks starting to break easily

Grassland Curing Guide


83

Fuel Moisture Content


84

Fuel Moisture Content The Single Leaf Test Sheltered from any wind, light the end of a dead leaf and once lit, take the ignition source away. The aim is to discover the angle at which a small flame neither goes out nor flares up. WET Leaf burns only if straight down or doesn’t burn at all All fuels in area too wet to be burnt

MOIST Leaf burns if angled downwards but not if level Fine fuels from area will only burn if on slope or in wind

BORDERLINE Leaf burns if level but not angled upwards Fine fuels from this position will burn very slowly unless helped by wind, slope and fuel continuity

DRY Leaf can be angled upwards and still burn Fine fuels from area are dry enough to burn

TOO DRY Leaf burns if held straight up All fine fuels very dry and flammable, fire will run up stringybark trees. Spotting likely, especially if windy

Assessing Fine Fuel Load The knee-waist-shoulder method Fine fuels occur mostly as litter li tter on the ground or standing scrub. To To assess fine fuel load, find a typical site and estimate the percentage cover of litter and scrub in a 2 metre radius:

1. Estimate ground litter fuels Estimate litter cover in % 2m 2m

Estimate litter depth in cm Every 10% of cover x 2cm litter depth = 1 tonne/ha Example: 90% litter (10% bare) x 4cm litter depth = 18 tonnes/ha

2. Estimate scrub fuels Divide scrub into layers of 0.5m Estimate % of cover for each layer Every 20% of cover per layer = 1 tonne/ha

SHOULDER 1.5m

} } }

WAIST 1m KNEE 0.5m

Every 20% coverage = 1 tonne/ha Every 20% coverage = 1 tonne/ha Every 20% coverage = 1 tonne/ha

3. Calculate total fine fuels Total fire fuels = ground litter + all 3 scrub layers

Assessing Fuel Loads


85

Estimating Degree of Slope


Estimating Degree Of Slope o

1 in 1

o

1 in 2

o

1 in 3

o

1 in 6

45

30

20

10 o

5 o 3 o 0 Degrees (approx) Gradient

1 in 10 1 in 20 0 in 0

Degrees (approx)

Gradient

Description

45

1 in 1

Very Steep A dangerous slope

10

1 in 6

Moderate/Steep Too steep to cycle

30

1 in 2

Steep Difficult to climb

5

1 in 10

Moderate Cycling difficult

20

1 in 3

Steep Steepest of roads

3

1 in 20

Gradual

0

0 in 0

Level

Description

86

Construction Rates For Handcrews Construction rates will depend on: Size, experience and fitness of crew Environmental conditions such as weather Nature of the fuels Ground and terrain

Time Worked (hours) 1-2 3 5 8 10 For Machines

Bulldozer Slope D4 D6 D7 D8

Efficiency 100% 97% 69% 40% 33%

Construction Rates 12 tonnes per ha 20 tonnes per ha (m/hour) (m/hour) 250 100 240 97 170 69 100 40 82 33

Construction rates will depend on: Type and power of machine Experience of operator Nature of the fuels including size and density of standing trees Ground and terrain

Construction Rates (in areas with no rocks or hazards) 12 tonnes per ha 20 tonnes per ha (m/hour) (m/hour) 0o-10o 10o-20o 20o-30o 0o-10o 10o-20o 20o-30o 800 600 300 450 350 200 850 700 400 500 400 250 900 800 600 700 550 400 1000 900 750 850 750 650

Note: grader in grassland with 0-15 o slope 2000-6000m/hour Observe a safety distance for personnel of 30 metres or more Construction Rates


87

NSW Fir Fire e Areas Areas Map Map


88

s a e r A e r i F W S N

s i a a W n n i S r a r n e r e g N e e v v n d i n e t e i i e l r g s t R l r l a h e d a r R l e a r t i t i n e r n n o n H D a r s i d e b r n o i o r i l o o r W u l r d l e e a a r p e y h m a g q h o A h e a n a r e a a o h t t n u n h n w i r r g t w l k r d i a e o t i t a o W r a r t i a l r t a f r n t k n r o r r r w k c r i r u u f r n y i r n r r l u n b r r e a o e u o a t S o e o o e e u a o r a o a i r a e n a r r e o e M N S F B C C D J M U W C G H L N B W B B B C C U . . . . n 8 9 0 1 1 1 2 2 e m s a e n l i n l p r a a o a e r e g r r a l s t t s a v r g m n n S i n b n d a i i e y u l e e t R e C e l n i n n a b a a m i H n l r W r C a u a C o r t n r a n e w m g n u r d n r P n i P m r a i v r m m e a g s s y r a t n o a a h n a e t t g e e e t e d l o a r d b e h o a a e h e s a n a r t e o b u t d r t l s r n d r d u k p e g o l r k g a w e n b b r m m u s b o e n c g o o n r m e u o U r c a a p o o i o u u a u u o a l o r u o a l o o a e o o a S B C G W B D F L N P T W . B C G H T T Y E L W . W . . A C G J L W G 4 5 6 7 1 1 1 l 1 l a a l n q o s n a c s l a s i r e n g e r e o n n s e i a p v s o e d m e o n R g r g i o e i e n l l s e t n g S a n y u g a l n r s L R S t / R e a R i e n l n D s d P h e i a h t l g C n o u l t l i e e s e t r a e n l t t b P l n i o r W r t y l e s g d a e n r f w l E a n e a o n r h h e i e o h e b e m r e n a o o g i n d I g r a c t n d r p u n o r g W a t h e i l e l w t g u r r r n l l t l r n y e r l r n r a w r n t y r e y e d b w h a m a e n a m a a e o i a a o i o t b r e r l u e r o u w v v a n e a l a N n i N N B B C C L M O O W A G G T U W G G I L T N W W i C . . . . M 0 1 2 3 1 1 1 w 1 o s l i c s l n e h y t e a u l s e t g i e o u d a n o n l n p e r e i n C B S d n o a a a e a , p r a r y n C l l b d n C y g R u y y a A a e g n i , r y y a r h l r r l n o e t v l / s u h y i e S o n e l c r l i n t l i o f l b l A n v a s r e o s i b r a l a a M r a g R o d g i u y a a d l n r a n d p o a r e e n L V a h c n o V o r a a y l t s e g e n t i a r o a h a h l a o t o o o y G r a e k n n l b b t t r S l l a g S r l a g w n m m l r a t s u w o T t m o e e r u a n l p s s i e o g o o e r l i e o o o y r e o l a u C r e l l a i h h e u o o n u e o r a p s e a a F W W B E M B C S A A T S G P U Y A M P M H W K S S W G R r 4 . . . . . . 5 6 7 8 9 A e t r r y e i s y e e i a l t r k s r e r l o l t e a o n e n l u a F C s o s e u o u a V e t r r e a r l a b q e h V n a h H e b r c d o k t c k T u n a t a s y c r c a d l t p n e l r n s o C e s e r e H e n c g g e t o a n l u e o o M a a t e r r o d h g H e L e n s t i b t n c S l e o m e t i c t n n e e n f p W N s g e l t w i t g s a s m m a u a i s r r o m l t g p h e n r l e l o l f s r o e a u w a y i c w o e o l n p s i e r r e r a e a r e u k a y l a o i a S F . B B C K L R T N . B C G G G H K N G . C D L M M N P S U 2 3 N 1 n e v a h l a o h S / a r r a w a l l I

NSW Fir Fire e Area Areass

y t i C n a y e b n a e u Q r e t a e r G


89

Weather 1


Weather 1 High Pressure System High pressure systems provide dry, warm weather with the possibility of a lead up to critical fire weather. Winds circulate anti-clockwise.

Isobars showing a ridge or wedge of high pressure

Low Pressure System Winds circulate clockwise

Isobars and winds of a typical low

90

Weather 2 Wind Strength Wind strength according to pressure gradient

Frontal System When one air mass moves into an area occupied by another, the two do not mix substantially unless their temperature and moisture are similar. A boundary zone known as a front forms between the two.

Weather 2


91

Organisational Chart


92

Commissioner Operations & Regional Management

Operations Support

Strategic Development

Operations Policy & Standards

Engineering Services

Information Services

Aviation

Learning & Development Systems

Operational Communications

Health, Safety & Welfare

Community Safety

Corporate Communications

Staff Services

Community Hazards Management

Media & Publi Publicc Affairs

Corporate Planning & Performance

Administrative Services

Business Development

Fire Investigation

Strategic Project Office

Financial Services

Natural Environment

Ministerial Liaison

Strategic Policy & Standards

Chaplaincy Services

Development Control

Volunteer Relations

Region East

Community Education

Executive Committees

Region North

Risk Management Performance

Operational Planning & Development

Region South

Region West

Commissioner’s Administration & Fin Financ ancee Office

Commissioner Executive Director, Operations and Regional Management, Assistant Commissioner Director Regional Management

State Operations (Managers – Chief Superintendents) Operations, Policy & Standards

Aviation

Operational Comms

Operational Planning & Development

Regions (Managers – Chief Superintendents)

East

North

South

West

District/Team/Zone District/T eam/Zone Manager – Superintendent Operations Officer – Inspector

Community Learning & Safety Development Officer Officer

Operations Support

Fire Learning & Investigation Development Officer Support

Business Officer

Inspector Group Captain Deputy Group Captain

Brigades Captain Senior Deputy Captain Deputy Captain Brigade Member

Operations Chart


93

Combat Agency Functions


94

Combat Agency Functions State Emergency and Rescue Management Act, 1989 The State Emergency and Rescue Management Act sets out the State arrangements for Emergency Management and Rescue Management. Under the provisions of the SERM Act, the State recognises three levels of management, which are State, District and Local Levels. All three levels are required to prepare and maintain a Disaster Plan (Displan) for the Prevention, Preparation, Response and Recovery of emergency events. The arrangements outlined within these plans can be used to support Combat Agency Operations or Emergencies.

Local Level (by Local Government Areas) LEMC

Local Emergency Management Committee chaired by a Local Government Representative

LEOC

Local Emergency Operations Centre

LEOCON

Local Emergency Operations Controller – Senior member of the NSW Police Service in the Local Government Area

LEMO

Local Emergency Management Officer – Executive Support provided by the Council

Local Displan Prepared for each Local Government Area and also includes Evacuation and Road Closure sub-plans Note: The RFS is the combat agency for rural fires (Class 1, 2 or 3) and under the SERM Act, assistance from other combat agencies and support agencies may be requested and provided.

Combat Agencies Police

Combat agency for all aviation accidents Responsible for all rescues Provide accredited rescue units in defined local areas Support other combat agencies when requested Provide SEOCON, DEOCON & LEOCON under SERM Act

NSW Fire Brigades

Combat Agency for urban fires (in the Fire District) and HazMats (State wide) Provide accredited rescue units in defined local areas

State Emergency Service

Combat Agency for floods, storms and tempest Provide accredited rescue units in defined local areas

Rural Fire Service

Combat Agency for rural fires (in the Rural Fire District and declarations under s44)

Volunteer Rescue Association

Provide accredited rescue units in defined local areas

Ambulance Service of NSW

Provide medical treatment and transportation Provide accredited rescue units in defined local areas

Mines Rescue

Provide rescue services at designated mines

EPA, MSB Port Authority

Responsible for clean up operations within their area of responsibility

NSW Agriculture

Combat Agency for exotic animal and plant diseases

Combat Agencies


95

Epaulettes 1


Commissioner

Assistant Commissioner

Chief Superintendent

Inspector

Group Captain

Deputy Group Captain

96

Superintendent

RURAL FIRE SERVICE

Captain

Senior Deputy Captain

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications Captain

Communications Senior Deputy Captain

Deputy Captain

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications Deputy Captain

Member

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications Member

CATERING

CATERING

CATERING

CATERING

Catering Captain

Catering Senior Deputy Captain

Catering Deputy Captain

Catering Member

CADETS

CADETS

CADETS

CADETS

Cadet Coordinator

Cadet Deputy Coordinator

Cadet Instructor

Cadet Adult Member

CADETS

CADETS

CADETS

CADETS

Cadet Captain (Green)

Chaplain

Epaulettes 2

Cadet Senior Deputy Captain (Green)

Cadet Deputy Captain (Green)

Cadet (Green)

Apart from the epaulettes shown, no other epaulettes shall be used. Epaulettes supplied through the Rural Fire Service are proban treated.


97

Helmet Colours 1


Commissioner

Assistant Commissioner

Chief Superintendent

Superintendent

Inspector

Group Captain

Captain

Senior Deputy Captain

Deputy Group Captain

98

Deputy Captain

Member

Trainee

Training Instructor

Communications Captain

Communications Senior Deputy Captain

Communications Deputy Captain

Communications Member

Catering Captain

Helmet Colours 2


99

Helmet Colours 3

Catering Senior Deputy Captain

Cadet Coordinator

Adult Cadet Member and Cadet


100

Catering Deputy Captain

Catering Member

Cadet Deputy Coordinator

Cadet Instructor

RFS Media Officer

RFS Media Liaison

Media


Fire Investigation

Chaplain

Surname Back of Helmet

Names on helmets are optional but if used, the name shall be placed centrally across the back of the helmet as low to the base as possible. Names shall be the Surname (Last Name) only in Helvetica Narrow Bold 25mm high x maximum 140mm long in reflective lettering 3M 680 CR or equivalent. (Black lettering for White, Orange and Yellow helmets, White lettering for Red, Black, Blue and Purple helmets and Green lettering for Cadets). Yellow fluorescent and retroflective tape supplied and affixed to all new helmets (bush fire and structural) is not to be removed or obscured.

Apart from the markings noted above NO other markings shall appear on RFS helmets Helmet Colours 4


101

INCI IN CIDE DENT NT MA MANA NAGE GEME MENT NT TE TEAM AM

AIR BASE MANAGER

Air Base Manager

AIRCRAFT OFFICER

Aircraft Officer

AIR BASE SAFETY ADVISOR

Air Base Safety Advisor

GROUND CREW

Air Base Ground Crew

RESPONSE TEAM CO-ORDINATOR

MEDIA LIAISON

Response Team Coordinator

RFS Fir Firegr egroun ound d Media Liaison

STRIKE TEAM LEADER

Strike Team Leader



PHOTOGRAPHER

RFS Photographer

A ESCO R RT T M E DI A

Media Escort

Tabard abardss & Brassa Brassards rds 2


103

Tabard abardss & Brassa Brassards rds 3


104

OTHER OTH ER TAB ABAR ARDS DS

FIRE INVESTIGATION

FIRE RESEARCH

Fire Investigation

INCIDENT CONTROLLER

BACO

Breathing Apparatus Control Officer

RFS LIAISON OFFICER

RFS Liaison Officer

House Loss Surveys & Research

Fireground Incident Controller for Class 1 incidents where RFS is the primary combat agency

CISS

CHAPLAIN

Chaplain

OPERATIONS OFFICER

Fireground Operations Officer for Class 1 incidents where NSWFB is the primary combat agency and RFS undertakes the operations role



COMMANDER

RFS Commander for joint agency operations

RURAL FIRE SERVICE

RFS Sa RFS Safe fety ty Vest Apart from the tabards and brassards shown, NO other tabards and brassards shall be used.

Finding North

by using your watch and the sun

In March and September the sun rises due east and sets due west. At midday, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, it can be taken as being due north. You can quickly find approximate north, whenever the sun is visible, by pointing 12 o’clock on your watch to the sun and north is then halfway between 12 o’clock and the hour hand.

Finding South

by the stars

At night, if the Southern Cross is visible, you can locate due south by drawing imaginary lines in the sky as shown in the diagram. The stars revolve around the “South Pole” in the sky during the night and as the seasons progress but the same construction of lines will define the “South Pole”.

Finding North ~ Finding South


105

Vehicle Categories 1


106

Vehicle Categories 1 (nominal weights & dimensions)

Category 1 Heavy Bush Fire Tanker 13,000kg Weight 7,800mm Length 3,200mm Height 2,400mm Width Water Capacity 3,001-4,000 litres

Category 2 Medium Bush Fire Tanker 10,000kg Weight 7,600mm Length 3,050mm Height 2,400mm Width Water Capacity 1,601-3,000 litres

Category 7 Light Bush Fire Tanker - Single Cab 6,000kg Weight 5,200mm Length 2,700mm Height 2,100mm Width Water Capacity 801-1,600 litres

Vehicle Categories 2 Category 7 Light Bush Fire Tanker - Crew Cab 6,000kg Weight 6,150mm Length Height 2,700mm 2,100mm Width Water Capacity 801-1,600 litres

Category 9 Striker/Mop-up Varies Weight 4,500mm Length 1,900mm Height 1,950mm Width Water Capacity 350-800 litres

Pumper Category 11 Urban Pumper 10,000kg Weight 7,400mm Length 2,900mm Height 2,700mm Width Water Capacity 1,601+ litres

Vehicle Categories 2


107

USAR USA R Sym Symbol bolss 1


108

The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group

(INSARAG)

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Standard Marking System An integrated, multi-agency response, to locate, provide initial medical care and remove entrapped persons from damaged structures in a safe and expeditious manner A hazardous environment where rescuer safety is the primary consideration: – DO NOT enter a USAR site unless instructed to do so by an authorised person – DO NOT enter confined spaces unless trained and authorised – Wear full personal protective equipment including goggles and gloves – If entering a site, request dust mask, knee and elbow protection and a head torch A site is divided into ‘Hot’, ‘Warm’ and ‘Cold’ Zones

Hot Zone (Collapse Hazard Area) marked by perimeter fence with crossed barrier tape

Warm Zone (Operational Work Area) marked by perimeter fence with a single horizontal barrier tape

Collapsed structure is divided clockwise into quadrants A to D – the centre core (optional) is identified as E – multi-storey structures have each floor marked as viewed from the exterior Quadrant B

Quadrant C E

Quadrant A

Quadrant D

Front of Structure

Structure Assessment Marking

1m x 1m box at the primary access point containing all information required by rescue teams

When assessment is complete, a circle is drawn around but this does not mean the rescue task is complete

Victim Marking

A large ‘V’ is drawn near the location of known or potential victim/s indicating the number of living and dead

An arrow is drawn beside the ‘V’ to indicate location of the victim/s has been confirmed

A line drawn through the ‘L’ or ‘D’ indicates the victims that have been extricated

A line is drawn through the ‘V’ when extrication is complete. A line through the ‘V’ and a circle indicate all victims removed and rescue team has moved on

USAR USA R Sym Symbol bolss 2


109

Conversion Table Distance 1km

=

1,000m

1.61 km

=

0.62 miles

=

1 mile

Area 1 hectare

=

100,000 sq m

0.405ha

=

2.47 acres

=

100ha

=

1 acre

1 sq km

2.59 sq km

=

1 sq mile

=

1 gallon

Volume (liquids) 4.55 litres 1,000 litres

=

1 cubic metre

1 litre (water)

=

1 kilogram

=

1tonne

=

220 gallons

Speed 1km/hour

=

0.54 knots/hour

=

0.62 miles/hour

1.85 km/hour

=

1knot/hour

=

1.15 miles/hour

Temperature o

o

C x 9/5 + 32 = F o

o

( F - 32) x 5/9 = C Conversion Table


110

Fire Fighters Pocketbook

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