fire fighters pocketbook
DESCRIPTION
New South Wales Rural FIre Service's Fire Fighters Pocketbook 2004TRANSCRIPT
N S WRURAL FIRE SERVICE
FIREFIGHTERS’POCKET BOOK
December 2004
NSW Rural Fire ServiceDecember 2004 ~ Version 1.0
In the field there are a number of important things all firefighters need toknow; from basic safety to vehicle and officer recognition. This pocketbook isdesigned to provide you with a fast, easy reference guide to these and otherimportant facts you will need at your fingertips.
Whilst some of the information contained is in summary form and is ‘rule ofthumb’, it is sufficient for you to make operational decisions. It has beendeveloped by firefighters, for firefighters and is concise, relevant and ruggedenough for you to take with you anywhere.
I would encourage you to keep this pocketbook with you at all times; you neverknow 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 forimprovements should be forwarded to Chief Superintendent, Alan Brinkworth,Manager Operations, Policy and Standards at [email protected]
Phil Koperberg AO, AFSM, BEMCommissioner
Foreword
NSW Rural Fire ServiceIndex 1
Accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51,76,77Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,2,3AFFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Agency Liaison Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75Aircraft Callsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Aircraft Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44,45,46Aircraft Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Aircraft Water Bombing Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71ARSO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Assessing Fine Fuel Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85Australian Road Rules 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,14Authority Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Authority of Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15,16,17Beaufort Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47Bee Sting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34BFFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Biological Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Brassards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102,103Briefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Bulldozers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Bush Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82Bush Fire Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Bush Fire Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80,81Bush Fire Mapping Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62,63Bush Fire Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . .4Bush Fire Survival if in a Building . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Bush Fire Survival if in a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Bush Fire Survival if on Foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Callsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Category 1,2,7,9, Pumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106,107Chaplaincy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79Chemical Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23CISS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78Classes of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37,38
Colour Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,50,72Combat Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95Combat Agency Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94,95Communications Colour Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72Communications Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73Communications Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74Construction Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87Conversion Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108Convoy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70CPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Crimes Act 1900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Critical Incident Support Services (CISS) . . . . . .78Curing Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83Dangerous Goods Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Date Time Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Dead Man Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73,80,81Dehydration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Displan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94,95Divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67,68DRABC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,31,32,33,34Draughting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,13,14,70DTG – Date Time Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2EAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24,25,26,27,28,29Emergency Procedure, Bush or Structure Fire . . .6Epaulettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96,97Estimating Degree of Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86Estimating Fuel Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85Explosive Devices & Suspicious Packages . . . . .23Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37FDI/FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Finding North/South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105Fire Area Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88Fire Bombing Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Fire Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37,38
Index 1
NSW Rural Fire ServiceIndex 2
Fire Danger Index and Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37Firefighter Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Fire Investigation and Scene Preservation . . . . .35Fire Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38First Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,31,32,33,34Foam Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Fractures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74,75Friction Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Fronts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91Fuel Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85Fuel Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Fuel Moisture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84Funnel Web Bite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Graders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87Grassland Curing Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83Grid and Magnetic North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60Grid Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61Ground to Air Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Guiding Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52,53Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44,45,46,52,53,57HazChem Scale for Fire or Spillage . . . . . . . . . . .18HazMat/Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,21Heart Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Heat Exhaustion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Heat Stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Heat Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Helicopter Marshalling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44,45,46Helicopter Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Helmet Colours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98,99,100,101High Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90Hoses and Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59Hydrant Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56ICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66,67,68I’M SAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Incident Control System (ICS) . . . . . . . . . .66,67,68
Incident Management Team (IMT) . . . . . . . . . . .68LACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Large Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66Lateral Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,34Log Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Low Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90,91Machine Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87Magnetic North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60Map (State) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65,88Map Marking Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63Mapping Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62,63Map Referencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61Map Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Medium Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66MVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51,76,77North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105Nozzle Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59NSW Fire Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88,89Offensive Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . .5Operations Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93Organisational Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92Parts of a Bush Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,5Phoenetic Alphabet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71Pole Top Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Powers of Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15,16,17PPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,5Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58,59Pumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107Pump Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Radioactive Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . .22Radio Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Radio Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74Ranking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96,97Recovery Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30,34Redback Spider Bite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Index 2
NSW Rural Fire ServiceIndex 3
Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65Resource Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,13Response Team Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69Road Transport (Safety and TrafficManagement) Act 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14RRAPID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Rural Fires Act, September 1997 . . . . . . . .16,17,38Rural Fire Service Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92,93Safe Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12,13,14Safe Working on Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51Safety Vests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51,104Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71Scene Preservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Sectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67,68Seizure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Service Vehicle Involved in an Accident . . . . . . .77Severe Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Severed Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41,44,45,46,52,53,57SitRep/Situation Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86Small Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66SMEACS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Snake and Spider Bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33,34South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105Spider Bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33,34State Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69State Emergency and Rescue ManagementAct 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94State Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65,88Step Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Storm Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Strike Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Structural Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Structural Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . .5Substations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Survival if in a Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Survival if in a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Survival if on Foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Suspicious Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23SWS Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Tabards and Brassards . . . . .51,78,79,102,103,104Tactical Aircraft Callsigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Tanker Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106,107Tanker Protection System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69T Card Colour Coding Identification . . . . . . . . . . .50T Card Resource Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48T Card Single Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Terrorism Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,21,22,23Toban Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88,89Traffic Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,14Trail Construction Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87Transmission Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Two Piece Uniform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Urine Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10USAR Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108,109Vehicle Accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51Vehicle Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50,106,107Vehicle Checking Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Very Large Incident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67Volume of Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Wasp Sting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Water Bombing Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Water Supply Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90,91Winds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47,90,91Wind Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47Working on Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Index 3
NSW Rural Fire Service 1Acronyms ~ I’M SAFE / LACES
I’M SAFE – should I respond to an incident?
Am I sufficiently recovered?
Am I under the effect of any medication?
Am I under severe stress from work or personal worries?
Am I under the influence or badly hung over?
Am I tired and not adequately rested?
Am I currently competent?
Illness or InjuryMedicationStressAlcohol or DrugsFatigueExpertise
FirefighterEverybody looks out for everybody elseEverybody is aware of the current and anticipated behaviourof the fire and other incident hazards and precautionsEverybody speaks up about what is happening and theirconcerns at the incident and everybody listensEverybody has an ‘out’ planned and agreedEverybody helps everybody to survive. Everybody supportsthe decision to get clear of a hazard
Crew LeaderAssign a “lookout” to a safe vantage point in communicationwith crew leaderTerrain, weather, fire behaviour, the task and nearby activitiesMaintain suitable radio or other contactSuitable escape route/s checked and known by all crewSuitable, large enough, close enough and free of hazards
LACES
Awareness
Communications
Safety Refuge
Lookouts
Escape Route
AwarenessCommunications
Lookouts
Escape RouteSafety Refuge
NSW Rural Fire ServiceAcronyms ~ RRAPID / ARSO / DTG 2
Mobilise resources to incident or staging area
Collect data about the situation and resources
Choose a course of action based on the likely scenario,best and worst case scenario
Develop and document a plan based on your chosencourse of action
Use the SMEACS format
Execute and monitor deployment to the plan
RRAPIDReaction
Reconnaissance
Appreciation
Plan
Issue OrdersDeployment
What you and your crew do as you arrive at a particular type of fire or incident including your own safetyWhat you and your crew do to safely protect people at thefire or incidentWhat you and your crew do to safely protect items ofeconomic, environmental, cultural or personal valueWhat you and your crew do to safely help people and thearea affected by the fire or incident to return to normal
ARSO – your priorities at an indicent
Arrival &Approach
Rescue
Suppression
Overhaul
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
DTG ~ Date Time Group
NSW Rural Fire Service 3Acronym ~ SMEAC, Briefing
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
Briefing – at large incidents
SMEACS – a briefing sequence
Situation
Mission
Execution
Administration
Command
Safety
Current and Predicted – incident details, what is at risk,topography, weather, fire behaviour, hazard risks, resourcesdeployed, en route or availableObjectives – overall or specific, who/what is savable,where to stop fire/incident
Strategy and Tactics – task allocation, timing and safetyconsiderations
Assistance and Logistics – what support is needed,staging areas, personnel, fuel, food, water, facilities,information, where/when/quantity
Command, Control and Communications – organisation,divisions, sectors, chain of command, communications plan,channels and procedures
Safety Hazards LACES checklist
NSW Rural Fire ServicePPE 1 ~ Bush Fire 4
Bush fire personal protectiveequipment to be worn:• helmet, correctly marked, chin
strap and neck protector• non synthetic undergarments• overalls or two piece uniform• bootsTo be carried and used as required:• smoke goggles• smoke mask or cloth• bushfire flash hood• gloves• water bottle
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
Personal Protective Equipment 1(PPE) Garments are not to be modified or changed
Rank Epaulette
BF, AF, CL orGL plus VF &1st Aid
Rural Fire Service Patch
Rank
Brigade NameName
Rural Fire Service Patch
Rank Epaulette
Note: New jackets willhave epaulettes and twopockets. Name, rank,qualification/s and brigadename are to be sewn ontothe pocket flaps.
NSW Rural Fire Service 5PPE 2 – Offensive Structural
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
Personal Protective Equipment 2(PPE) Garments are not to be modified or changed
Rank Epaulette
Rural Fire Service Patch
Rank Epaulette
Rural Fire Service
Patch
BF, AF, CL orGL plus VF &1st Aid
Rank
Brigade Name
Name
NSW Rural Fire ServiceDead Man Zone / Emergency Procedure 6
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 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)
Emergency Procedure (Bush Fire)
Emergency Procedure (Structure Fire)
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 asafe refuge.
Dead Man Zone
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 1352Based on 12.5 tonnes per hectare – distances may be greater in heavier fuel loads
NSW Rural Fire Service 7Survival – in vehicle
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 andseek 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
NSW Rural Fire ServiceSurvival – 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 10o 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
NSW Rural Fire Service 9Survival – in a building
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
NSW Rural Fire ServiceUrine Chart 10
Urine ChartHOW DEHYDRATED ARE YOU?For frontline fire fighting, 1 litre of fluid should be taken every hour
Highly Dehydrated
– Drink a large bottle of waterimmediately!
You are still seriously dehydrated– Drinking more now will make you feel
a lot better
Moderately dehydrated– You lose fluid on a regular basis throughout the day– Drink more water to get hydrated
Almost there– Get some more water in your system– Stay hydrated and healthy!
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 takenat the ratio of 1 sports drink to 10 equivalents of water.
Approved by the NSW Ambulance Service
DARK YELLOW
BRIGHT YELLOW
YELLOW
LIGHT YELLOW
CLEAR
NSW Rural Fire Service 11Radio Reports
Radio ReportsWhen responding:
Call sign, Crew strength and Officer in Charge (OIC)Incident Controller
Incident Controller and the name of the incident to be nominated andcommunicated to all at the incident and Fire Com
First arriving applianceCallsignPriority code (red, blue)Give or confirm locationGive or confirm map name and grid referenceGive 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 approachFirst arriving appliance also provides detailed SitRep on arrival and as thesituation changes or as additional information is known, when majorbenchmarks have been achieved or at least every 30 minutes
Fire status (going, being controlled, contained, patrol, out)Fire behaviour and weather informationFuel type, fuel load and topographyChange of locationFor 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 ControllerOther Agencies in attendance
Further InformationAny injuries, fatalities, persons trapped, persons missing, persons evacuatedAny person or asset under immediate threatAny person or asset under longer term threat (give timeframe)Objectives, strategy and tacticsAdditional firefighting or logistics resources requiredOther services required (rescue, NSWFB for HazMat, Police, Ambulance,electricity, heavy plant, aircraft, etc.)Any hazard or safety warningsAny suspicious circumstances
NSW Rural Fire ServiceSafe Driving 1 12
Safe Driving 1Response
All private vehicles are to observe all Australian Road Rules 1999, NSW Actsand Regulations at all timesIf you have an accident en-route you have defeated the purpose forwhich you were respondedDrivers to have an appropriate current driving licenceThe driver of any RFS vehicle is to comply with the legislated prescribedconcentration of alcohol (PCA)Respond means to drive urgently, but safely, using lights and sirens whereappropriate (lights are to be used but siren may not be appropriate whenresponding in remote areas or on private lands)Note: A driver must give way to emergency vehicles that display flashingblue or red lights or sound an alarmA driver must not move into the path of emergency vehicles and must moveout of the path of emergency vehicles that display flashing blue or red lightsor sound an alarmTreat all other road users as though they have not seen youNormally RFS vehicles respond for the initial responseRFS vehicles called out later to assist are to proceed (not respond) to theincident unless specifically requested by the district/team/zone manager,Incident Controller or other person with delegated authorityDriver 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 anaccident – you will be responsibleEnsure that your vehicle, anything attached to it or falling from it does notimpact with any other vehicle, pedestrian or object
NSW Rural Fire Service 13Safe Driving 2
Safe Driving 2Traffic Rules
Rule 306 of the Australian Road Rules 1999, provides exemptions for driversof emergency vehicles provided that “reasonable” care is taken, however,RFS SOPs require you to:
Come to a complete stop and do not to proceed until safe at:Red traffic lightsStop signUnguarded level crossing (do not enter if a train is approaching)Blind intersectionIntersection where traffic in some lanes is not visibleIntersection where RFS vehicle does not have right of way
Slow down to a safe speed, which will allow RFS vehicle to quicklystop if required at:
Give way signPedestrian crossing (unoccupied)Bus set downIn the vicinity of schools when students are arriving or leaving
Comply with the following:School zone speed limitSpeed limit when passing school bus displaying 40 km/h illuminated signStop at children’s crossingGive way at pedestrian crossing
Vehicle Checking StationsAll vehicles over 4.5 tonnes to enter vehicle checking stations (except when responding)
Log BooksDrivers of “Government Vehicles” are exempt from maintaining a “NationalDrivers Log Book”
NSW Rural Fire ServiceSafe Driving 3 14
Safe Driving 3Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999No exemptions exist for drivers in regard to the provisions of the RoadTransport Act 1999 which include:
Negligent, furious or reckless drivingNegligent driving causing death or grievous bodily harmDriving at a speed or in a manner dangerousMenacing driving
Crimes Act 1900No exemptions exist for drivers in regard to the provisions of the Crimes Actwhich include:
Predatory drivingDangerous driving or aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death or grievous bodily harmInjuries by furious drivingCausing grievous bodily harm
NSW Rural Fire Service 15Authority Card ~ Front & Back
Authority Card Front
Authority Card Back
NSW Rural Fire ServiceAuthority of Officers 1 16
For the legal text refer to the Rural Fires Act, September 1997 asamended and regulations
s21 Functions of officers of rural fire brigadess22 General powers of rural fire brigades officers and otherss23 Power to enter premisess24 Closure of streets and public placess25 Making premises safes26 Use of water and works
– take and use without any payment any water from any source on anyland for the purpose of controlling or 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 thepermision of the Authority or Corporation
s28 Damage to propertys29 Notice of entrys30 Care to be takens31 Use of force (for gaining entry) s32 Authority to enter premisess40 Officer in charge may authorise others to exercise functionss41 Duty (of Police Service and others) to recognise authority of officerss128 Protection from liability
Authority of Officers 1
NSW Rural Fire Service 17Authority 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 withoutnotice where it is necessary for the purpose of:
a. controlling or suppressing a fire;
b. protecting persons or property from an existing or imminent dangerarising out of:i. a fire;ii. an incident; oriii. 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 thepurpose of gaining entry to a premises in circumstances where, in the opinionof 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 anexisting or imminent danger arising out of:
i. a fire;ii. an incident; oriii. other emergency;
c. it is necessary for the purpose of determining if there is a fire on or near thepremises; or
d. it is necessary for the purpose of investigating the cause or origin of a fire.
Authority of Officers 2
NSW Rural Fire ServiceHazChem Chart 18
HazChem Scale for Fire or SpillageNotes For Guidance
1 Jets2 Fog In the absence of fog equipment, a fine spray may be used3 Foam4 Dry Agent Water must not be allowed to come into contact with the
substance at risk
V Can be violently or explosively reactiveFull Full body protective clothing with BABA Breathing apparatus plus protective glovesBA for For fires BA essential. If no fire, BA notFire Only essential for short exposureDilute May be washed to drain with large quantities
of waterContain Prevent by any means available, spillage from
entering drains or water courses
P V
R
S
S
T
T
W V
X
Y
Y
Z
Z
V V
Full
BA
BA for fire onlyBA
BA for fire only
Full
BA
BA for fire onlyBA
BA for fire only
Dilute Contain
Consider EvacuationE
NSW Rural Fire Service 19Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods ClassesNumbers Descriptions and labels
1 Explosives
2.1 Flammable gases
2.2 Non-flammable non-toxic gases
2.2 Oxidizing gas5.1 sub risk (nitrous oxide & oxygen only)
2.3 Toxic gases
3 Flammable liquids
4.1 Flammable solids (and other reactive substances)
4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
4.3 Substances that in contact with water emit flammable gases
5.1 Oxidizing substances
5.2 Organic peroxides
6.1 Toxic substances
6.2 Infectious substances
7 Radioactive material(category I)
7 Radioactive material(category II or III)
8 Corrosive substances
9 Miscellaneous dangerousgoods and articles
Mixed class label for road and rail transport
Subsidiary risk label to be used with elevated temperaturesubstances
NSW Rural Fire ServiceHazMat / Terrorism 1 20
(Defensive Strategy Only)
HazMat/Terrorism Guidelines
1 Safe Approach Treat all calls as potential HazmatsDon’t become a victim Always look for HazChem signsDon’t eat, drink or smoke if Safe distance, wind direction, vapour plume,contamination suspected, weather, terrain, run-off, collapseuntil checked Be aware of any suspicious activity
or characteristicsBeware of secondary hazards/devicesMinimise exposure timeMaximise shielding
2 Incident Command Set up command pointEstablish communicationsSituation report (combat authority to be called)Identify a staging areaMaintain incident logPreserve evidence
3 Rescue/Scene Security Cordon off danger areaEvacuate any person in close proximity and keep them togetherONLY rescue victim/s if safe to do soVictims may need decontaminationEliminate source of ignition
4 Identify HazMats From a safe distance identify (use binoculars)(If no hazardous materials – substance UN code and HazChem codeinformation panel, treat as 4WE) – 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
NSW Rural Fire Service 21HazMat / Terrorism 2
(Defensive Strategy Only) Continued
HazMat/Terrorism Guidelines
NSWFB is the sole combat agency for hazardous materials incidents throughout NSW, including all inland waterways.
The following actions require specialised HazMat TeamsRural Fire Service to assist as required
5 Assess potential harm and minimise environmental contamination
6 Call in resources
7 Monitor information
8 Render safe and decontaminate
ETHYL METHYLETHER
IN EMERGENCY DIAL000 POLICE OR
FIRE BRIGADE
AUSTRALIANCHEMICALS LTD
MELB. (03) 987 6543
SPECIALIST ADVICE
HAZCHEM
UN No.
2PE1039
NSW Rural Fire ServiceTerrorism 1 22
Biological Terrorism Guidelines1 Follow HazMat Guidelines2 DO NOT DISTURB package3 Evacuate area4 Cover package if possible5 Keep hands away from eyes and mouth6 Preserve evidence7 Shut off ventilation8 Dampen down clothing then remove. Remove outer garments. Wash person
with soap and water9 Decontaminate area with 5% bleach and water solution10 Maintain personal hygiene including washing hands
Radioactive Terrorism Guidelines
1 Follow HazMat Guidelines2 Preserve evidence3 Decontaminate with water and contain run off4 Maintain personal hygiene including washing hands
Time
Distance
Shielding
LIMIT
NSW Rural Fire Service 23Terrorism 2
Explosive Devices and Suspicious Packages
1 Follow HazMat Guidelines2 DO NOT TOUCH, TILT or TAMPER3 Beware of secondary devices4 Preserve evidence5 Maintain personal hygiene including washing hands
Distance
Shielding&
Chemical Terrorism Guidelines1 Follow HazMat Guidelines2 Shut off ventilation3 Consider use of water spray to knockdown agents
and contain run off4 Preserve evidence5 Remove clothing except underwear6 Decontaminate with water and contain run off7 Maintain personal hygiene including washing hands
NSW Rural Fire ServiceElectricity 1 24
Electricity 1Potential hazards:Approach Electricity Authority to attend
240 volt and over may arc from one wire to another or to ground11,000 volt and over may arc to groundLook out for electrical hazards, wires may fall, point themout to your crewTell your crew what precautions to takeIdentify both ends and beware of recoilNote: both ends may be “live” or wires may become live at any time by remote switching gearDo not park under wiresWait until Electricity Authority has declared and shown to be “SAFE”
Bush fire Poles or cross arms burnt and fallen wiresFallen wires can energise metal or wire fencingConduction through hose streamsHigh voltage power transmission may arc to groundthrough smoke and fire
Structure fires Service to or within the buildingConduction through ladder (eg. whilst carry ladder)Note: power (light) may be left on for evacuation of a building
MVA Fallen wires due to pole impactWires dislodged off insulators and touching crossarm or polemay make pole live. Note: vehicle may be electrifiedImpact and damage to object powered by electricity Note: vehicle may be electrifiedWires on vehicle – occupants may be able to drive clear if not have them remain in the vehicle until power isolatedIf vehicle is on fire – occupants may, as a last resort, jumpclear without touching the vehicle and hop until well clear
NSW Rural Fire Service 25Electricity 2
Electricity 2 Potential hazards:
Storm Damage Damaged poles or cross arms and fallen wiresLow clearanceTrees, branches or building debris bringing down wiresTrees or branches in contact with wires
Sub Station Call any intruder to fence or to sit and remain where they DO NOT ENTER are – clearance minimum 4m from equipment or wires
NO-GO-ZONE – for up to 200,000 voltsUse clean water onlyStand on dry groundKeep 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
Diffuser (30o spray) 700 kPa 8.0 metres
NSW Rural Fire ServiceElectricity 3 26
Electricity 3Pole Top Fires Pole or wires may fall
Stand minimum 8m clear to one sideStand uphill from any wet groundUse approved nozzle onlyBroken stream with water falling onto fire
NO-GO-ZONE
NO-GO-ZONE refer to table in Electricity 2 (page 25)
NSW Rural Fire Service 27Electricity 4
Electricity 4
HIGH VOLTAGE – 3 lines11.000 Volt (may also beup to 132.000 Volt)
6350 v6350 v
6350 v
Neutral240 v
240 v 240 v
LOW VOLTAGE – 4 lines
TELCO – 1 lineFibre optic cable for tvand or telephone To commercial or domestic premises
Single Phase 240 vThree Phase 415 v
Note: The neutral wire may be either side
NSW Rural Fire ServiceElectricity 5 28
Electricity 5
6250v5500v
2750v
NO-GO-ZONE – WITHIN 8 METRES OF CONDUCTOR
6350v
Step Potential When electricity is released into the ground, it will“fan” out from the point of contact and voltage willdrop over distance.Avoid the danger of step potential, go no closer than8m from where the conductor touches the ground.
Step PotentialThis man would receive 6350v – 5500v = 850 volts
x y
�
NSW Rural Fire Service 29Electricity 6
Electricity 6Transmission NO-GO-ZONE for vehicles and personnel if fire or smokeLines within 25 metres of outer wire
Flame and smoke may cause arc from one wire to another or to groundKeep hose stream below head heightHigh trees in easement are a hazardReview strategy if within 25 metres
– 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 – x
3 TransmissionPower
Lines each side
Rigging Lines
25m
Wind Direction
ProposedControl Line
NO-GO-ZONE
NSW Rural Fire ServiceFirst Aid 1 30
First Aid 1D 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 notresponding put in recovery position, call for Ambulance
A Airway 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 notbreathing, 2 effective breaths to casualty
C Circulation Check for a 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. Lookfor and control bleeding. Check for burns and breaks.Don’t remove clothingDon’t give an unconscious casualty food or water
E EvacuationEAR Expired 15 breaths per minute 12– Adult
Air 20 small breaths per minute 1 – 12Resuscitation 20 puffs per minute Baby
CPR 1 operator 15 compressions/2 breathsCardio or 2 operators– 4 cycles per minute 12– Adult 2 Hands
– 6 cycles per minute 1 – 12 1 Hand
1 operator 5 compressions to 1 breath– 1 cycle each 3 secs Baby 2 Fingers
PulmonaryResuscitation
NSW Rural Fire Service 31First Aid 2
First Aid 2Recovery Roll casualty – Extend casualty’s left arm 90 degreesPosition on side – Place casualty’s right hand on left shoulder(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 Constant dull heavy crushing – DRABCEAttack chest pain, pain may radiate – Call for Ambulance
Bm, along left arm to ring finger or – Reassureup neck and jaw, pale or grey – If conscious – semi-sittingpalour, dizziness, nausea, sweaty positionor short of breath – If unconscious – recovery
position
Stroke Loss of muscle control to one – DRABCEhalf of body, facial droop, – Call for Ambulanceloss of balance, slurred mumbled – Reassureand distorted speech, very bad – If conscious – semi-sittingheadache,unequal or positionunresponsive pupils, flushed face – If unconscious – recovery positionanxiety, shock, may lead to seizure – Loosen tight clothing
Heat Stress Headache, drowsiness, fatigue, – Move to a cool placenausea, urine dark yellow, – Loosen clothingmuscle cramps – Drink plenty of waterNote: Normal body temp. 37oC
Heat Tiredness, hot, sweating, – Stop workExhaustion dizziness, nausea, lack of – Move to a cool place
coordination, collapse, shock, – Remove non essential clothing38oC – 40oC – Rest
– Drink water until urine output increases
– Wet down skin
NSW Rural Fire ServiceFirst Aid 3 32
First Aid 3Heat Stroke Very hot (dangerously high – DRABCE
temperature), red, dry skin, – Call for Ambulance/Medivac rapid pounding pulse, dizziness, move casualty to meetnausea, headache, confused, ambulanceirritable, 40-42oC, may lead – Reassureto seizure – Cold compress to neck,
armpits and groin– Cover with wet sheet– Continue to cool
Burns Red, swollen skin, blisters, pain, – DRABCEclear yellow fluid, damaged or – Call for Ambulancemissing skin – Medivac for burnt airway or
Don’t break blisters or serious burnremove skin – ReassureDon’t use ointments – Cool with running water for or antiseptics 10 mins (use helmet to catch Don’t remove dirt, particles water and reuse if in short supply)or clothing from the burn – Remove loose clothing or
jewellery from affected limb – Cover with loose sterile dressing
Shock Pale, cold clammy skin, rapid – DRABCEweak pulse, rapid shallow – Reassure casualtybreathing, nausea, vomiting, – Lay down – legs raised agitated, thirsty (unless fractured)
– Loosen tight clothing– Keep warm
NSW Rural Fire Service 33First Aid 4
First Aid 4Severe Evident, shock, decreasing level – DRABCEBleeding of consciousness, may lead to – Call for Ambulance/Medivac
seizure – Reassure– Apply direct pressure– Apply dressing– Immobilise and raise limb– If bleeding continues apply
further dressings
Fractures Pain, swelling, deformity, loss of – DRABCEfunction, possible shortening – Call for Ambulanceof limb, limb may be at an angle – Immobilise limbor rotated, shock – Patient in comfortable position
– Padding around any splintDon’t straighten fractured limb – Check bandaging tightness
– Check circulation in limb
Severed Don’t clean severed, cut or – DRABCEParts body part – Call for Ambulance
Attend to casualty first – Reassure– Control bleeding of casualty– Place part in plastic bag and seal– Keep bag as cool as possible
in iced water
Snake and Puncture marks, pain, swelling, – DRABCEFunnel Web headache, dizziness, muscle – Call for Ambulance/MedivacSpider Bite weakness, difficulty breathing, – Reassure
shock, may lead to seizure – Lay down on back or in Do attempt identification comfortable positionDon’t wash wound – Pressure/immobilisation
bandage over entire limb
NSW Rural Fire ServiceFirst Aid 5 34
First Aid 5Red Back, Sharp sting, burning pain, – DRABCE
der other spiders, stinger may be on skin – Call for Ambulance if requiredscorpion, – Rest and reassurecentipede, – Cold compress over bite area ant, wasp (e.g. ice in bag)or bee
Seizure Loss of consciousness, rigidity, – Call for Ambulancespasmodic muscle contraction, – Remove surrounding itemstongue biting, urine incontinence – Cushion head
Don’t restrain casualty – After seizure maintain airway– Place in recovery position– Rest and reassure
1. 2.
3. 4.
Recovery or stable side position
NSW Rural Fire Service 35Fire Investigation & Scene Preservation
To assist with the investigation of fires, crews need to protect the area ofOrigin 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 publicsignificant damage or destruction to an appliance, property, stock, etc.deliberate ignition if the fire is part of a series or if a suspect is knowna structural fire where the cause can’t be determineddeclaration of a Section 44
En-Route to fire:note smoke colour, columns and weather conditionsobserve and record people and vehicles in the vicinity
On arrival:note smoke and flame colour, size and location of the greatest fire activityprotect objects and evidence related to the cause
Scene preservation:cordon off the area first discovered burning, plus 10 metrestape and restrict access, minimise disturbance to the area
Structural fires:note any external fire source, forced entry, or other evidencenote internal and external doors and windows, open/closed/locked
Motor vehicle fires:note vehicle make and registrationnote doors and windows, open/closed/locked, car stripped/abandonedminimise disturbance, the vehicle may be subject of a major crime
NOTE YOUR OBSERVATIONS IN YOUR NOTEBOOK
Fire Investigation andScene Preservation
NSW Rural Fire ServiceFuel Containers 36
FILLER NECKS AND FILLER CAPS ARECOLOUR-CODED TO MATCH CONTAINERS.
SIGNAL RED ORANGE
LIME GREEN CANARY BLUE BELL
KNOW YOURFUEL CONTAINERS!
NSW Rural Fire Service 37Extinguishers
Class of Fire BA C (E) F
Flammable andcombustible liquids
Ordinarycombustibles (wood,paper, plastics etc.)
Water
Flammable gasesFire involving
energized electricalequipment
Fire involvingcooking oils
and fatsType of Fire
WetChemical
AlcoholResistant
Foam
CarbonDioxide
(C02)
AFF TypeFoam
AB(E)Dry Chemical
Powder
B(E) Dry Chemical
Powder
VapourisingLiquid
(fumes may bedangerous in
confinedspaces)
Indicating Colour Type ofExtinguisher Extinguisher Suitability
NoYesMost suitable
No No No
No No No YesMost suitable
Yes
YesMost suitable for
alcohol firesNo NoYes No
Yes Mostsuitable exceptfor alcohol fires
No NoYes No
Yes YesYes NoYes
Yes YesNo NoYes
No YesYes YesYes
No YesYes NoYes
NSW Rural Fire ServiceFire Status / Bush Fire Classification 38
Fire StatusGoing 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 firemay be located inside perimeter
Patrol The fire is at a stage where firefighting resources are only requiredfor patrol purposes. Major re-ignition is unlikely
Out The fire is at a stage that allows its removal from the list of current fires
CLASS ONE A bush fire under the control of the responsible fire authority, whetheror not incidental/low level assistance is provided by other agencies
CLASS TWO A bush fire which by necessity involves more than one agency and wherethe 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 imminentunder provisions of Section 44 of the Rural Fires Act, 1997
Bush Fire Classification
A declaration under s44 of the Rural Fires Act is when the Commissioner takes charge andappoints an Incident Controller when a bush fire has assumed or is likely to assume suchproportions as to be incapable of control or suppression by the local fire fighting authority. It mayalso 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
NSW Rural Fire Service 39Fire Danger Index and Rating
Intensity Flame(kw/m) Height (m) FDR Forest Fires
0 – 50 0 – 0.5 Fires generally selfextinguishing
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 upperintensities. Indirect attack recommended
over 4000 over 10.0 Crowning, spotting and majorfire runs likely. Control effortsprobably ineffective. Defensivestrategy recommended
Fuel loads heavier than 12.5 tonnes per hectare may produce more extreme fire behaviour
NSW Rural Fire ServiceAircraft Water Bombing Safety 40
Be alert, watch and listen for low flying aircraft and communicate with theAircraft/Air Attack Supervisor in accordance with the communications plan.
The Air Attack Supervisor will warn ground crews of imminent danger, erraticweather, spot fires and approach of firebombing aircraft.
Provide the Aircraft/Air Attack Supervisor with changed location of groundcrews, flight hazards, wind conditions, unsafe aircraft operation and adverseeffects of aircraft vortex.
Vehicle-AircraftSafety Callsign
Fire Bombing Safety• Monitor your PMR/GRN radio• Listen for your 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
WARNING: Never allow a situation to develop where the safety of a ground crewis dependent on aircraft/water bombing support. Factors outsideyour control could prevent continuing aircraft support.
NSW Rural Fire Service 41Ground 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 materialmake symbols at least 2.5 metres highprovide maximum colour contrastattempt to attract attention by other means
The aircraft will indicate signals have been understood by rockingfrom side to side
Ground to Air Signals
NSW Rural Fire ServiceAircraft Safety 42
On sloping ground always approach or leave on the down slope for maximum rotor clearance.
If blinded by swirling dust or grit, STOP, sitdown and await assistance.
On entering helicopter,fasten and adjust seat beltand leave it fastened untilpilot signals to get out.
DO NOT approach or leave helicopter whenthe engine and rotors are running down orstarting up.
Crouch down as you approach for extra rotor clearance. Helmets must be removed or fastenedsecurely 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.
DO NOT approach or leave without thepilot’s knowledge andclearance. Stay in pilot’sfield of vision.
PILOT’S FIELDOF VISION
DANGER AREA
NSW Rural Fire Service 43Tactical Aircraft Callsigns
Tactical Aircraft CallsignsAircraft Type Callsign PrefixLight Helicopter FirebirdMedium/Heavy Helicopter HelitakFixed Wing Bomber BomberFixed Wing Reconnaissance Aircraft FirespotterFixed Wing Remote Sensing Aircraft FirescanNPWS Aircraft ParkairNSW Police Aircraft PolairNSWFB Aircraft Fireair
Each aircraft will also be allocated a number. Eg Helitak 221 and Bomber223. The first numeral of the tactical callsign identifies the state of origin. Eg NSW = 2; Victoria = 3The callsign number will be visible on the fuselage and must be visible toground crewsIn the interests of safety, all users are requested not to reallocate callsignsfor particular incidents
NSW Rural Fire ServiceStandard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 1 44
“Cut Engine/s”Either arm and hand levelwith shoulder, hand across
throat, palm down. Thehand is moved sideways
with the arm remaining bent
“Slow Down”Arms down with palmstowards ground, thenmoved up and down
several times
“Move Back”Arms by sides,
palms facing forward,swept forwards andupwards repeatedly to shoulder height
Standard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 1
“Come To Me –Land Here”
Arms vertically above the head with palms
facing inwards
“Move Forward”Arms a little aside, palms
facing backwards andrepeatedly moved
upwards and backwardsfrom shoulder height
“Stop”Arms repeatedly
crossed above head (the more urgent the
stop, the quicker the movement)
You must be trained and competent in marshalling helicopters. DO NOT complicate a simple aircraft operation
NSW Rural Fire Service 45Standard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 2
Standard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 2
“Move Down”Arms extended horizontally
to the side, beckoningdownwards, with palmsturned down. Speed of
movement indicates rate of descent
“Move Left” “Move Right”
“All Clear”Right arm raised at
elbow with thumb erect
“Hover”Arms extended
horizontally sideways
“Move Up”Arms extended horizontally
to the side, beckoningupwards, with palms turned
up. Speed of movementindicates rate of ascent
Appropriate arm extended horizontally sidewaysin direction of movement and other arm moved
in front of body in same direction, in areapeating movement
NSW Rural Fire ServiceStandard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 3 46
“Load Not Released”Right arm held across
chest, palm facing down.Left hand pointing up to
form ‘T’
“Release Load”Left arm extended forwardhorizontally, fist clenched,
right hand making horizontalslicing movement below the
left fist, palm downwards
“Land”Arms crossed and
extended downwards infront of body
“Winch Up”Left arm horizontal in
front of body, fistclenched, right hand with
palm turned upwardsmaking upwards motion
“Winch Down”Left arm horizontal in frontof body, fist clenched, right
hand with palm turneddownwards makingdownwards motion
Standard Helicopter Marshalling Signals 3
NSW Rural Fire Service 47Beaufort Scale
Beaufort ScaleBeaufort km/h Land Specification Title Knots
0 Less than 1 Smoke rises vertically Calm 0
1 1 - 5 Smoke drifts slowly Light Air 1 - 3
2 6 - 11 Wind felt on face Light Breeze 4 - 6Leaves rustleFlags flap
3 12 - 19 Leaves and small twigs Gentle Breeze 7 - 10in constant motionFlags extended
4 20 - 29 Raises dust and loose paper Moderate Breeze 11- 16Small branches are moved
5 30 - 39 Small trees begin to sway Fresh Breeze 17 - 21
6 40 - 49 Large branches in motion Strong Breeze 22 - 27Wires whistleUmbrellas used with difficulty
7 50 - 61 Whole trees in motion Near Gale 28 - 33Walking against the wind impeded
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 Storm 48 - 55Trees uprootedMuch structural damage
11 103 - 117 Very rare Violent Storm 53 - 63Widespread damage
12 More than 118 Severe & extensive damage Hurricane 64 - 71
NSW Rural Fire ServiceT Card Resource Status and Skills 48
T Card Resource Status
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)
Skills
Required (REQ) A particular resource is required or requested by a unitOrganised (ORG) The required resource has been organised or arrangedStandby (SB) The organised resource has been placed on standbyEnroute (E/R) Resource dispatched to an incident that has not yet
checked inAvailable (AVL) Resource at an incident and available at short noticeAllocated (ALC) Resource working at an incidentStood Down (S/D) Resource stood down from the shiftUnserviceable (U/S) Resource at an incident unable to respond for
mechanical, rest or personal reasons
NOTE: The rear of card provides for therecording of each task,location and date timegroup (DTG).
NSW Rural Fire Service 49T Card Single Resource
NSW Rural Fire ServiceT Card Colour Coding 50
T Card Colour Coding Identification
FIRE APPLIANCE AWD 4x2– HEAVY Cat 1 3001L – 4000L Cat 3 3001L – 4000L
Cat 5 4001L + Cat 6 4001L +FIRE APPLIANCE AWD 4x2– MEDIUM Cat 2 1601L – 3000L Cat 4 1601L – 3000LFIRE APPLIANCE AWD 4x2– LIGHT Cat-7 801L – 1600L Cat-8 801L – 1600LFIRE APPLIANCE AWD– MOP UP Cat 9 350L – 800LNOTE: The callsign for Cat 10 and above uses a single word (as noted in brackets)
as the description. i.e. Cat 11 is a PumperURBAN FIRE Pumper PumperAPPLIANCE (AWD Cat 11 1601L+) (4x2 Cat 10 1601L+)BULK WATER Bulk Water (Cat 13)CARRIERVEHICLE Command (Cat 16)
Communication (Cat 19)PERSONNEL Personnel Carrier (Cat 12)TRANSPORTMACHINERY Dozer Grader
AIRCRAFT Helicopter Fixed WingH - Heavy H - HeavyM - Medium M - MediumL - Light L - Light
OTHER
H
M
H
M
L L
MU
NOTE: A distinguishing letter (eg. Alpha, Bravo, etc.) shall be used for all vehicles
NSW Rural Fire Service 51Safe Working on Roads
Safe Working On RoadsEmergency Operational Work on Roads
Fire Wear full PPEMotor Vehicle Beacons activatedAccident (MVA) Sitrep to FireComStorm Damage Police and required combat agencies to be “called”Incident Park to protect crew and scene
Risk and hazard assessmentThen 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 FIRESERVICE
Non Emergency Operational Work on RoadsGeneral Wear full PPE and Safety Tabard as required
Risk and hazard assessmentThen as necessary:
Filling from – Beacons activated – Roadside signageHydrants – Traffic cones – Observer/s with Safety TabardMechanical – Beacons/hazard lights activatedBreakdown – Breakdown triangles – Traffic cones
– Notify FireComHazard Reductions – Beacons activated – Roadside signage
– Prepared traffic control plan– Advance media publicity
Hydrant Inspections Refer to Safe Working on Roads SOPsInstallation of Blue Refer to Safe Working on Roads SOPsHydrant Markers
NSW Rural Fire ServiceHand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 1 52
Hand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 1The driver must only take directions from the nominated guideDirections may be given from the front or rear of the vehicleThe guide always faces the driverIf the guide is to the rear of the vehicle the driver uses the mirrorsThe 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 STOPDrive at a slow constant speedTurn steering wheel at a slow, constant speed
“Move forward”Both arms raised towards the
vehicle with hands up and palmsaway from the vehicle, handsmoved in a beckoning motion
“Stop”Both arms extended towards thevehicle with hands up and palms
towards the vehicle
“Apply left lock”Right arm (if in front of vehicle):left arm (if behind vehicle). The
guide raises arm extendedhorizontally to the side, level withthe shoulder. The driver turns thesteering wheel in the direction ofthe guide’s raised arm. The driver
continues to turn the steeringwheel at a constant speed until theraised arm is dropped to the side
“Apply right lock”Left arm (if in front of vehicle): rightarm (if behind vehicle). The guide
raises arm extended horizontally tothe side, level with the shoulder. Thedriver turns the steering wheel in thedirection of the guide’s raised arm.Thedriver continues to turn the steeringwheel at a constant speed until theraised arm is dropped to the side
NSW Rural Fire Service 53Hand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 2
“Hold existing lock”Both arms down beside the body.
The driver stops turning the steeringwheel but maintains existing lock
“Move back”Both arms raised towards the vehicle,hands down with palms away from
the vehicle, hands moved in abrushing away, “go away” motion
Hand Signals for Guiding Vehicle 2
NSW Rural Fire ServiceFoam Application 1 54
Foam Application 1
Quenchmaster Fire Fighting Foam Proportioning System Operating Instructions Model CP 500
Class A Foam Up to 1% for Class “A” “Ordinary Combustibles” fires (BFFF) including wood, paper, etc.
Class B foam 3% or 6% for Class “B” “Flammable and Combustible (AFFF) Liquid” fires including oil, petrol, etc. with less than 10%
ethanol content
Class B foam 6% for Class “B” “Flammable and Combustible Liquid” (ATC - Alcohol fires where ethanol or other water miscible fuels Resistant Foam) are involved
Class B foam 6% can also be used at a ratio of up to 1% for Class “A”(AFFF or ATC) “Ordinary Combustibles” fires
NSW Rural Fire Service 55Foam 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 – 700kPaOpen nozzle/branch to provide water flowTurn “Foam Valve” (Tank Recirc) to ‘ON’Set the foam selection valve to Class A or Class BSet metering valve to the appropriate ratioMop 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 pumpWhen 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 expelledTurn "Foam Valve" (Tank Recirc) to ‘OFF’Reseal foam container
Foam Application 2
Note: When operating on mains hydrant supply (closed relay pumping), pump inletpressure should provide a reading on the compound gauge at or near “0” but nohigher 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 theproportioner, on a regular basis particularly if impurities in water
NSW Rural Fire ServiceHydrant Markers 56
Hydrant Markers
Potable Potable
Recycled Recycled
Potable Recycled
How to identify indicator plates for locating hydrants on potable andrecycled water mains.
Primary Indicator Plates
Primary indicator plates are markedwith two sets of numbers. The topnumber gives the distance (in metres)from the plate to the hydrant and thebottom number gives the size (inmillimetres) of the water main.
Note: H – Hydrant for potable waterRH – Hydrant for recycled water
P – PathwayR – Roadway
Black line on plate indicateshydrant is on opposite side of road
Secondary Indicator PlatesSecondary indicator plates should faceeach direction of approach from whichthe primary plates cannot be seen. Additionally, white or yellow triangles orarrows may be painted on roads, or bluemarkers may be fixed to the roadto one side of the centre line
Static Water Supply indicator plate fixed in a location to be highlyvisible from the road and may include swimming pools, tanks,dams, ponds or creeks.
NSW Rural Fire Service 57Hand Signals
Words of command and common hand signals are given below:
Hand Signals
Water On
Arm raised above headvertically fist clenched.
Increase Pressure
Arm raised above headvertically and dropped to side.
Each signal requirespump pressure to beincreased by 100kpa.
Decrease Pressure
Arm Extendedhorizontally to the sideand dropped to the side.
Each signal requirespump pressure to bereduced by 100kpa.
Water Off
Arm extendedhorizontally to the side andswung acrossthe body.
Make UpEquipment
Both armsextended to the sidehorizontally and held for a few seconds.
Report to me
Left hand placed on helmet and right hand points to crew member
NSW Rural Fire ServiceHoses and Pressures 1 58
Hoses and Pressures 1 (Rough Guide)
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
Optimum Nozzle Pressures
Standard branch with straight nozzle Best at 250kPa12mm diametre or less
Controllable jet/spray nozzles (Dial-a-jet, AWG, etc.) Best at 500kPa
Foam making branch Best at 550kPa
Pistol grip fog nozzles (discharge ranges Best at 700kPafrom 50 - 475 l/min)
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 beexpected to carry more than:
1000 l/min for 65mm hose
250 l/min for 38mm hose
100 l/min for 25mm hose
NSW Rural Fire Service 59Hoses and Pressures 2
Hoses and Pressures 2 (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 Pressure at Nozzle 700kPaDischarge (l/min) Discharge (l/min)
3 12 15
8 86 100
12 170 230
15 335 395
20 556 675
DraughtingPressure at sea level is approximately 100kPa
If a perfect vacuum Maximum practical Maximum practical(10kPa for 1 metre) lift for vehicle pump lift for portable pumpmaximum lift would is 7 metres is 5 metresbe 10 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
NSW Rural Fire ServiceGrid And Magnetic North 60
Topographic maps contain avariation diagram depicting therelationship between Grid andMagnetic North and notes:
The angle between themThe year when this was correctThe value and the direction ofchange over time (Note: thechange is often in tenths ofdegrees for every 3 years)
Grid and Magnetic North
Converting a bearing from Converting a bearing fromGrid to Magnetic Magnetic to Grid
Grid Bearing 89o – 14o Magnetic Bearing 50o + 14o
= 75o Magnetic Bearing = 64o Grid Bearing
GRIDCONVERGENCE
1.3o
GRID MAGNETICANGLE 10.7o
TN
GN
MN
G GM M
A
AO O
??14o
14o
89o50o
Examples using 14o as variation
Example
NSW Rural Fire Service 61Map Referencing
Six Figure Grid Reference
– Firstly quote the easting reference:two digit figures along the top or bottom of mapone digit for the distance between grid lines, divided into 10 equal parts
– Secondly quote the northing referencetwo digit figures on the sides of mapone 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
NSW Rural Fire ServiceBush Fire Mapping Symbols 62
RED – FIRE BLACK – CONTROL LINES BLUE – WRITING & SYMBOLS
Strategic or Tactical Command, Control Logistics Assets to beSignificance & Coordination Related Protected
Name Symbol Notes (DTG = Date Time Group)
PREDICTED (fire edge) Show DTG
GOING (fire edge) Show DTG
CONTAINED (fire edge) Show DTG
PROPOSED (control line) Draw on far side of feature
COMPLETED (control line) Show DTG
PROPOSED (backburn) Draw on far side of feature
COMPLETED (backburn) Show DTG
BACKBURN BURNING IN Lines show depth of burn at DTG
FIRE ORIGIN RED Show DTG
FIRE DIRECTION BLUE Show DTG
WIND DIRECTION BLUE Show DTG
SPOT FIRE RED Isolated fire ahead of main fire
BURNT AREA BLACK Burnt Area (if old, show month & year)
AERIAL IGNITION RED Proposed path to be treated
DIVISIONAL BOUNDARY BLUE Use geographical names
SECTOR BOUNDARY BLUE Use alphabetical names
REFUGE AREA BLUE ESCAPE ROUTE (add arrow to show safe exit) BLUE
CONTROL CENTRE BLUE(Incident Management Team location)
DIVISIONAL COMMAND BLUE STAGING AREA (where resources are available) BLUE
SECTOR COMMAND BLUE BASE CAMP BLUE
HELIPAD BLUE AIRBASE (fixed wing and/or helicopter base) BLUE
WATER POINT VEHICLE BLUE WATER POINT HELICOPTER BLUE(Firefighting water supply) (Helicopter water supply)
AMBULANCE LOCATION BLUE ABORIGINAL SITE OR ARTIFACTS BLUE
THREATENED PROPERTY BLUE ENDANGERED FLORA BLUE
HISTORICAL SITE (building or structures) BLUE ENDANGERED FAUNA BLUE
FW
OOOOO
R
CC
DC
SC
WV
AMB
T
HS
E
SA
BC
AIR
WH
A
FL
FA
–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+
NSW Rural Fire Service 63Map Marking Guide
NSW Rural Fire ServiceMedia 64
The RFS uses the media to distribute public information duringemergencies and promote the image of the volunteers. The mediais 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 RFSto work in and around bush fires. Trained media personnel are aware of how theRFS manages bush fires and the associated dangers.
Media are required to wear full PPE and carry an identification card when attendingthe fireground.
Access to the fireground is at the discretion of the Incident Controller, News crewsshould be given all reasonable assistance to accurately inform the community ofincidents of interest.
Media comment may only be made by the Incident Controller in compliancewith Service Standard 1.1.6 Media Relations to ensure accurate informationis provided.
Volunteers must not comment to the media on any issue where those commentsmay 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 themedia 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 referthe media to the Incident Controller
You may provide general comments on what conditions are like or how you feelat an incident, for example ‘It is extremely hot and the winds are erratic’, ‘It’stiring work and we can't wait for the cool change’ or ‘We are raking a trail downBlue Gum Valley towards Green Creek’.
Media
NSW Rural Fire Service 65Map (State)
Regi
on W
est
Regi
on S
outh
ACT
Regi
on E
ast
Regi
on N
orth
• EDE
N
• BEG
A
• COO
MA
WAG
GA W
AGGA
•
HAY
•• W
ENTW
ORTH
• BRO
KEN
HIL
L
• WIL
CAN
NIA
• MOA
MA
BALR
ANAL
D •
WES
T W
YALO
NG
•
JUN
EE •CO
WRA
•
BLAY
NEY
•
DUBB
O •
WEL
LIN
GTON
•
CON
DOBO
LIN
•
BOUR
KE •
WAL
GETT
•
COON
AMBL
E • GO
ULBU
RN •
YASS
•
• ALB
URY
• GRI
FFIT
H
• BA
TEM
ANS
BAY
NOW
RA ••
KIAM
A• W
OLLO
NGO
NG
• PAR
KES
• NYN
GAN
• COB
AR
• SYD
NEY
• NEL
SON
BAY
• FOR
STER
• TAR
EE
• POR
T M
ACQU
ARIE
• KEM
PSEY
• TAM
WOR
TH
• COF
FS H
ARBO
UR
• GRA
FTON
• GLE
N
IN
NES
• TEN
TERF
IELD• B
YRON
BAY
• TW
EED
HEAD
S
LISM
ORE
•
INVE
RELL
•• M
OREE
• GUN
NED
AH
• GIL
GAN
DRA
GOSF
ORD
•
NEW
CAST
LE •
SIN
GLET
ON •
NSW Rural Fire ServiceIncident Control System 1 66
Incident ControlOperationsPlanningLogistics
Incident Control System 1SMALL INCIDENT (up to 5 appliances – 20 personnel)
All functions carried out byone officer at the incident
Incident ControlPlanningLogistics
Sector Sector
MEDIUM INCIDENT (5 to 10 appliances – 40 personnel)These functions carried out by one officerlocated close to the incident liaising withother agencies (Police, NSWFB,Ambulance, Elecricity Authority, etc.)
Operations role delegated to a second officer at the incident
Operations
Incident Control
Sector Sector
LARGE INCIDENT (10 to 20 appliances – 100 personnel)
These functions carried out by threeofficers located at the Incident ControlCentre liaising with other agencies. TheOperations Officer may be at the incident
Sector Commanders at the incident
Operations Planning Logistics
NSW Rural Fire Service 67Incident Control System 2
Incident Controller
VERY LARGE INCIDENT
Deputy IC
OperationsOfficer
SafetyAdvisor
MediaLiaisonOfficer
PlanningOfficer
ManagementSupportOfficer
LogisticsOfficer
Deputy IC
DivisionalCommander
SectorCommander
Air OperationsManager
Aircraft OfficerAir AttackSupervisor
Air/Heli BaseManager
Air Observer
OperationsCommunications
CommunityLiaison Officer
SituationMapping
ResourcesInformation
SupportSupply
Ground SupportLogistics
CommunicationsStaging AreaCoordinator
Basecamp Coordinator
ServicesFacilitiesCateringMedicalFinance
Accommodation
Incident Control System 2 (continued)
NSW Rural Fire ServiceIncident Control System 3 68
SA
Divisions – use geographical namesSectors – use alphabetical names
Staging Area
South DivisionAir OperationsNorth Division
SectorA
SectorB
SectorC
SectorD
SectorE
SectorF
Operations Officer Planning Officer Logistics Officer
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
Incident Controller
NSW Rural Fire Service 69State Assistance
STRIKE TEAM Five fire fighting appliances that have an established minimumnumber of personnel. Strike teams always have a leader in aseparate vehicle and a common communication system.
STRIKE TEAM Located in the field and responsible for five appliances.LEADER The Strike Team Leader is NOT the Sector Commander
but is there purely to ensure Strike Team is tasked andis responsible for their welfare and reports to theResponse 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 aleader in a separate vehicle and a common communication system.
TASK FORCE Located in the field and responsible for the units or equipment.LEADER The Task Force Leader is there purely to lead the Task Force,
be responsible for their welfare and reports to the ResponseTeam Coordinator.
RESPONSE A Response Team is one of more Strike Teams and/or TEAM Task Forces.
RESPONSE Located in the Incident Control Centre as part of theTEAM Incident Management Team and responsible for up toCOORDINATOR five Strike Teams/Task Forces. Must ensure that they
are suitably tasked and is responsible for their welfare.
��
STRIKETEAM LEADER
��
RESPONSE TEAMCO-ORDINATOR
single resource T Cardssufficient non-perishablecrew field rations for 24 hourssufficient crew drinkingwater for 24 hours an esky
full bush fire fightingpersonal protectiveequipment (PPE)drink bottleauthority card
wet weather gearmedication & sunscreensleeping bag or swagcasual clothespersonal requirements
Each crew member should have:Each appliance should have:
State Assistance
NSW Rural Fire ServiceConvoy Driving 70
Convoy DrivingTask Force Co-ordinator or Strike Team Leader to brief drivers
Strike team of 5 appliances plus Strike Team Leader
Briefing Departure timeDestinationEstimated time of arrivalRouteStopping points and length of stops
Driver changeoverMealsFuel
Order of vehiclesStick to that orderCommunication channelUse of lights and sirens
Spacing of vehicles Minimum 200m – maximum 500m on open roadMinimum 50m in built up or urban areasMinimum 5km between strike teams
NSW Rural Fire Service 71Phonetic Alphabet / Map Scales
SC
ALE
1:2
5 0
00
1:5
0 0
00
00
0.51
12
1.53
24
km
km
AlphaBravoCharlieDeltaEchoFoxtrotGolfHotelIndiaJulietKiloLimaMike
NovemberOscarPapaQuebecRomeoSierraTangoUniformVictorWhiskeyX-RayYankeeZulu
SC
ALE
1:1
00 0
00
1:1
01
23
45
67
8km
01
23
45
67
8cm Phonetic Alphabet
NSW Rural Fire ServiceCommunications Colour Codes 72
Communications Colour Codes
KNOW YOURRADIOCOMMUNICATIONSPRIORITY CODE!
Unit or crew in life threatening danger
Urgent assistance needed but the unit or crew not in danger
Operational incident related call
General non-incident related call
LIFE THREATENING SITUATION
URGENT FIRE MESSAGE
GENERAL FIRE MESSAGE
LOGISTIC OTHER MESSAGE
PROWORDS THAT DETERMINETHE PRIORITY OF MESSAGES
Affirmative Yes/correctAll stations General call to all stations on a networkCancel Ignore my previous instruction or requestClear End of my transmission, no reply expectedClear to you End of transmission to you, will now transmit to another unitConfirm Verify this statementCopied Message received and understoodCorrection Incorrect message, the correct message is…Disregard Ignore my previous statement or informationETA Estimated time of arrivalETD Estimated time of departureIncident call Report of a new incidentGo ahead Permission to transmit or replyGrid Map grid references to followI say again Repeating my last transmissionNegative No/incorrect/permission not grantedNothing heard No reply to transmission receivedOver Transmission is over, a reply may be transmittedRead back I repeat all or part to confirm your last message OR you
repeat back the key points of the last message I sent youRoger Message received and understoodSay again Repeat all or part of your last transmission to meSitRep Situation report to be transmittedStand by I must pause, will transmit when readyUnderstood Message understood
NSW Rural Fire Service 73Communications Definitions
Communications Definitions
NSW Rural Fire ServiceCommunications Networks 74
Government Radio Network (GRN) [UHF]Trunked radio network. Generally used for Command and ControlYou can communicate if in range of any GRN repeater within the “network”Channels 158 – 165 can be allocated by State OperationsState Operations 166 Region Channels 167 – 174 District Channels 175 – 214
Private Mobile Radio (PMR) [UHF]Local radio repeater networkYou can communicate if in range of the repeaterRepeater Channels 1 – 8 for emergency fireground useChannels 18 – 116 + 218 – 224
Strategic Network (STRAT NET) [UHF]PMR to provide a point to point network between State Operations, Regional Officesand all Fire Control Centres around the State.Generally used for communications between Senior CommandersChannels 117 – 146
Simplex Channels (Car to Car) [UHF]Short range line of sight communication between unitsRFS 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 useFireground Channels 1 – 20 allocated by local arrangementNOTE: 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 non-secure and non controlled network
Communication with AircraftCommunication with an individual aircraft or an Air Attack Supervisor where multipleaircraft, when approved by the Incident Controller may be on the PMR or GRNlocal network. See also page 43
Communications Networks
NSW Rural Fire Service 75Agency Liaison Channels
Agency Liaison ChannelsNSW RFS NSWFB NSW SES NSW AmbulanceSIMPLEX SIMPLEX SIMPLEX SIMPLEX
(Z1) 13 SIMP (Z13) GRN (S) 211-SIMP- (Z6) 11 GRN S1SHR 1 SMPX 1 SHR-1
(Z1) 14 SIMP (Z13) GRN (S) 212-SIMP- (Z6) 12 GRN S2SHR 2 SMPX 2 SHR-2
(Z1) 15 SIMP (Z13) GRN (S) 213-SIMP- (Z6) 13 GRN S3SHR 3 SMPX 3 SHR-3
(Z1) 16 SIMP (Z13) GRN (S) 214-SIMP- (Z6) 14 GRN S4SHR 4 SMPX 4 SHR-4
(Z1) 17 SIMP (Z13) GRN (S) 215-SIMP- (Z6) 15 GRN S5SHR 5 SMPX 5 SHR-5
Remember: other agencies may be using channels. Range can be up to 20km
NSW Rural Fire ServiceService Vehicle Involved In An Accident 1 76
Service Vehicle Involved In An Accident 1Stop, assess damage, any injuries and provide first aid if requiredNotify FireCom, Police and other emergency services to be called if requiredAccident with minor damage Driver is to remain at accident scene only and no injuries to exchange particulars – Vehicle
and crew may continue response with another driver if initial emergency call was for a potential life threatening situationFireCom to arrange transport for driver
Accident with substantial Driver, crew and vehicle to remain atdamage or any injury accident scene – another vehicle to berequiring treatment by responded to initial emergency calla health professional
NSW Rural Fire Service 77Service Vehicle Involved In An Accident 2
Service Vehicle Involved In An Accident 2 (checklist)Record the following:Date and time of accidentLocation of accidentDate, time and details of the incident to which respondedResponding – Lights? Siren?
RFS Vehicle Other Vehicle/s & Crew and Passengers
Driver’s name, address & licence No.Officer in Charge – name and rankCrew /passengers and namesInjuries sustained, names and detailsInjured to which HospitalVehicle make, type, year, registration number & roadworthinessInsurance companyExtent of damage to vehicleApproximate speed of vehicle/sWere seatbelts being worn?Road and weather conditionsPolice, Ambulance, Rescue, CSI or Accident Investigation in attendanceCISS or Chaplaincy requiredWitnesses’ names and addressesReport to Police
NSW Rural Fire ServiceCritical Incident Support Services 78
The role of CISS is to provide support to all members, asindividuals or as a group, of the NSW Rural Fire Service,including Volunteers and Staff who may be experiencing acritical incident stress reaction following an operational incident.
Members are affected in different ways by incidents and it is the reaction ofthe 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 ordisclosed unless requested by that member.
Contact Procedures
The CISS Duty Officer, who is supported by more than 40 specially trainedVolunteers and Staff, may be contacted through State Operations on:
1800 049 933
Critical Incident Support Services (CISS)
CISS
NSW Rural Fire Service 79Chaplaincy
The role of the Chaplain is to minister to the spiritualwelfare (irrespective of religion or denominational affiliation)of all members of the NSW Rural Fire Service, includingVolunteers and Staff and their families and includes the provision of moraleand 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 next of kin transferred to Sydney for hospitalisation,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 FireService Personnel
Members at extended operations, during s44 bush fire or other emergenciesat the request of State Operations, the Region or the Incident Controller
Members at any other incident where Senior Operations Staff require theattendance of the Chaplain
Contact Procedures
The Senior Chaplain, Captain Ron Anderson, whois supported by more than 50 Volunteer Chaplains,may be contacted through State Operations on:
1800 049 933
Chaplaincy
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CHAPLAIN
NSW Rural Fire ServiceBush Fire Definitions 1 80
Bush Fire Definitions 1Fireground Area affected or likely to be affected by fire
Strategies A statement detailing how an objective is to beachieved, determined by the Incident Controller
Tactic Tasking of personnel and resources to implement theincident strategies. On larger fires normally determinedat 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 thetrees 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 distanceof several kilometres
Direct A method of suppression where wet or dry firefighting Attack techniques are used right on the fire edge. The fire edge
then becomes the containment line
Parallel A method of suppression in which the fireline is Attack constructed approximately parallel to and just far enough
away from the fire edge (heat and smoke) to enable firefighters and equipment to work effectively and safely
Indirect A method of suppression where backburning is used Attack within an area defined by prepared control lines,
generally existing, which may be a considerabledistance ahead of the fire
NSW Rural Fire Service 81Bush Fire Definitions 2
Bush Fire Definitions 2Backburning Firefighting strategy, as part of an overall plan. A fire
started intentionally along the inner edge of a fireline toconsume the fuel in the path of a bush fire, either in aparallel attack or an indirect attack to widen an existingcontainment line
Hazard Removal of combustible fuels by hand clearing, Reduction machine clearing or prescribed burning
Prescribed The controlled application of fire under specified Burning/Burn Off environmental conditions to a predetermined area and at
the time, intensity and rate of spread required to attainplanned prescription
NSW Rural Fire ServiceParts of a Bush Fire 82
Within the perimeter there may be burning areas, smouldering areas andblackened areas as well as pockets of unburnt fuel. The point of origin mayreadily be identified or it may require fire investigation to determine the location.
Parts of a Bush Fire
Rear of HeelPoint of origin
Unburnt pocket or island
Flanks/sides
Finger
FingerSpot Fire
Finger
Flanks/sides
NSW Rural Fire Service 83Grassland Curing Guide
Cured % Colour Physiological changes
0 Green From germination to start of seedhead development
20-30 Greenish-yellow Seed head maturing and opening from top
40 Yellow-green
60 Straw. Odd patch Seed dropped, half to one third of of green or most stems green. Some paddocks yellow-green fully cured, others green
80 Straw. Very little Some greenness in lower third of green showing stalks. Many stalks fully curedanywhere
90 Straw. Odd stalks may show Odd green gully some greenness
100 Bleached All stalks fully cured, seed heads and stalks starting to break easily
Grassland Curing Guide
NSW Rural Fire ServiceFuel Moisture Content 84
The Single Leaf TestSheltered from any wind, light the end of a dead leaf and once lit, take theignition source away. The aim is to discover the angle at which a small flameneither goes out nor flares up.
Fuel Moisture Content
WETLeaf burns only if straight down or doesn’t burn at allAll fuels in area too wet to be burnt
MOISTLeaf burns if angled downwards but not if levelFine fuels from area will only burn if on slope or in wind
BORDERLINELeaf burns if level but not angled upwardsFine fuels from this position will burn very slowly unlesshelped by wind, slope and fuel continuity
DRYLeaf can be angled upwards and still burn Fine fuels from area are dry enough to burn
TOO DRYLeaf burns if held straight upAll fine fuels very dry and flammable, fire will run upstringybark trees. Spotting likely, especially if windy
NSW Rural Fire Service 85Assessing Fuel Loads
The knee-waist-shoulder method
Fine fuels occur mostly as litter on the ground or standing scrub. To assess finefuel load, find a typical site and estimate the percentage cover of litter andscrub in a 2 metre radius:
1. Estimate ground litter fuels
Estimate litter cover in %
Estimate litter depth in cm
Every 10% of cover x 2cm litter depth = 1 tonne/ha
Example: 90% litter (10% bare) x 4cmlitter depth = 18 tonnes/ha
2. Estimate scrub fuels
Divide scrub intolayers of 0.5m
Estimate % of coverfor each layer
Every 20% of coverper layer = 1 tonne/ha
3. Calculate total fine fuels
Total fire fuels = ground litter + all 3 scrub layers
Assessing Fine Fuel Load
Every 20%coverage =1 tonne/ha
WAIST1m
KNEE0.5m
Every 20%coverage =1 tonne/ha
Every 20%coverage =1 tonne/ha
}}}
2m2m
SHOULDER1.5m
NSW Rural Fire ServiceEstimating Degree of Slope 86
Estimating Degree Of Slope45o 1 in 1
30o 1 in 2
20o 1 in 3
10o 1 in 6
5o 1 in 103o 1 in 200o 0 in 0
Degrees(approx) Gradient Description
45 1 in 1 Very SteepA dangerous slope
30 1 in 2 Steep Difficult to climb
20 1 in 3 SteepSteepest of roads
Degrees(approx) Gradient Description
10 1 in 6 Moderate/SteepToo steep to cycle
5 1 in 10 ModerateCycling difficult
3 1 in 20 Gradual0 0 in 0 Level
NSW Rural Fire Service 87Construction Rates
For Handcrews Construction rates will depend on:Size, experience and fitness of crewEnvironmental conditions such as weatherNature of the fuelsGround and terrain
For Machines Construction rates will depend on:Type and power of machineExperience of operatorNature of the fuels including size and density of standing treesGround and terrain
Note: grader in grassland with 0-15o slope 2000-6000m/hourObserve a safety distance for personnel of 30 metres or more
Time Construction RatesWorked Efficiency 12 tonnes per ha 20 tonnes per ha(hours) (m/hour) (m/hour)1-2 100% 250 1003 97% 240 975 69% 170 698 40% 100 4010 33% 82 33
Construction Rates (in areas with no rocks or hazards)Bulldozer 12 tonnes per ha 20 tonnes per ha
(m/hour) (m/hour)Slope 0o-10o 10o-20o 20o-30o 0o-10o 10o-20o 20o-30o
D4 800 600 300 450 350 200D6 850 700 400 500 400 250D7 900 800 600 700 550 400D8 1000 900 750 850 750 650
Construction Rates
NSW Rural Fire ServiceNSW Fire Areas Map 88
NSW
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NSW Rural Fire Service 89NSW Fire Areas
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NSW Rural Fire ServiceWeather 1 90
Weather 1High Pressure SystemHigh pressure systems provide dry, warm weather with the possibility of a lead up tocritical fire weather. Winds circulate anti-clockwise.
Isobars showing a ridge or wedge of high pressure
Low Pressure SystemWinds circulate clockwise
Isobars and winds of a typical low
NSW Rural Fire Service 91Weather 2
Weather 2Wind Strength
Wind strength according to pressure gradient
Frontal SystemWhen one air mass moves into an area occupied by another, the two do not mixsubstantially unless their temperature and moisture are similar. A boundary zoneknown as a front forms between the two.
NSW Rural Fire ServiceOrganisational Chart 92
Administration& Finance
CommunitySafety
Commissioner
Operations &Regional
Management
OperationsPolicy &
Standards
OperationsSupport
StrategicDevelopment
Commissioner’sOffice
CorporateCommunications
Aviation
OperationalCommunications
OperationalPlanning &
Development
Region East
Region North
Region South
Region West
EngineeringServices
Learning &Development
Systems
Health,Safety &Welfare
InformationServices
CorporatePlanning &
Performance
StrategicProject Office
StrategicPolicy &
Standards
Staff Services
AdministrativeServices
FinancialServices
CommunityHazards
Management
BusinessDevelopment
NaturalEnvironment
DevelopmentControl
CommunityEducation
RiskManagementPerformance
Media & PublicAffairs
FireInvestigation
MinisterialLiaison
VolunteerRelations
ExecutiveCommittees
ChaplaincyServices
NSW Rural Fire Service 93Operations Chart
Commissioner
Executive Director, Operations and Regional Management, Assistant Commissioner
Director Regional Management
Regions (Managers – Chief Superintendents)
State Operations(Managers – Chief Superintendents)
District/Team/Zone Manager – Superintendent
Inspector
Group Captain
Deputy Group Captain
Brigades
Captain
Senior Deputy Captain
Deputy Captain
Brigade Member
Operations,Policy &
StandardsAviation
OperationalPlanning &
Development
OperationalComms East North South West
OperationsOfficer –Inspector
CommunitySafetyOfficer
BusinessOfficer
Learning &Development
Officer
OperationsSupport
FireInvestigation
Officer
Learning &Development
Support
NSW Rural Fire ServiceCombat Agency Functions 94
State Emergency and Rescue Management Act, 1989
The State Emergency and Rescue Management Act sets out the State arrangementsfor Emergency Management and Rescue Management. Under the provisions ofthe SERM Act, the State recognises three levels of management, which areState, District and Local Levels. All three levels are required to prepare andmaintain a Disaster Plan (Displan) for the Prevention, Preparation, Response andRecovery of emergency events. The arrangements outlined within these planscan be used to support Combat Agency Operations or Emergencies.
Local Level (by Local Government Areas)
LEMC Local Emergency Management Committee chaired by a LocalGovernment Representative
LEOC Local Emergency Operations Centre
LEOCON Local Emergency Operations Controller – Senior member ofthe NSW Police Service in the Local Government Area
LEMO Local Emergency Management Officer – Executive Supportprovided by the Council
Local Displan Prepared for each Local Government Area and also includesEvacuation and Road Closure sub-plans
Note: The RFS is the combat agency for rural fires (Class 1, 2 or 3) and under theSERM Act, assistance from other combat agencies and support agenciesmay be requested and provided.
Combat Agency Functions
NSW Rural Fire Service 95Combat Agencies
Police
Combat Agencies
NSW Agriculture
EPA, MSB Port Authority
Mines Rescue
Ambulance Service of NSW
Volunteer Rescue Association
Rural Fire Service
State Emergency Service
NSW Fire Brigades
Combat agency for all aviation accidents Responsible for all rescuesProvide accredited rescue units in defined local areasSupport other combat agencies when requestedProvide SEOCON, DEOCON & LEOCON under SERM Act
Combat Agency for urban fires (in the Fire District) and HazMats (State wide)Provide accredited rescue units in defined local areas
Combat Agency for floods, storms and tempestProvide accredited rescue units in definedlocal areas
Combat Agency for rural fires (in the RuralFire District and declarations under s44)Provide accredited rescue units in defined local areas
Provide medical treatment and transportationProvide accredited rescue units in defined local areas
Provide rescue services at designated minesResponsible for clean up operations withintheir area of responsibility
Combat Agency for exotic animal and plant diseases
NSW Rural Fire ServiceEpaulettes 1 96
��
Commissioner
��
Assistant Commissioner
Chief Superintendent
Superintendent
Inspector Group Captain
Deputy GroupCaptain
Captain Senior DeputyCaptain
DeputyCaptain
RURAL FIRESERVICE
Member
COMMUNICATIONS
CommunicationsCaptain
COMMUNICATIONS
CommunicationsSenior Deputy Captain
COMMUNICATIONS
CommunicationsDeputy Captain
COMMUNICATIONS
CommunicationsMember
NSW Rural Fire Service 97Epaulettes 2
CATERING
Catering Captain
CATERING
Catering SeniorDeputy Captain
CATERING
Catering Deputy Captain
CATERING
Catering Member
CADETS
CadetCoordinator
CADETS
Cadet DeputyCoordinator
CADETS
Cadet Instructor
CADETS
Cadet Adult Member
CHAPLAIN
Chaplain
CADETS
Cadet Captain(Green)
CADETS
Cadet Senior Deputy Captain
(Green)
CADETS
Cadet Deputy Captain(Green)
CADETS
Cadet(Green)
Apart from the epaulettes shown, no otherepaulettes shall be used.Epaulettes supplied through the Rural FireService are proban treated.
NSW Rural Fire ServiceHelmet Colours 1 98
CommissionerAssistant
CommissionerChief
Superintendent
Superintendent Inspector Group Captain
Deputy Group Captain Captain
Senior Deputy Captain
NSW Rural Fire Service 99
Deputy Captain Member Trainee
Training InstructorCommunications
CaptainCommunications
Senior Deputy Captain
CommunicationsDeputy Captain
CommunicationsMember Catering Captain
Helmet Colours 2
NSW Rural Fire ServiceHelmet Colours 3 100
Catering Senior Deputy Captain
Catering Deputy Captain Catering Member
Cadet Coordinator
Cadet DeputyCoordinator
Cadet Instructor
Adult Cadet Memberand Cadet RFS Media Officer RFS Media Liaison
NSW Rural Fire Service 101Helmet Colours 4
Media
Critical IncidentSupport Services
Fire Investigation Chaplain
SurnameBack of Helmet
Names on helmets are optional but if used, the name shall be placed centrallyacross the back of the helmet as low to the base as possible. Names shall bethe Surname (Last Name) only in Helvetica Narrow Bold 25mm high x maximum140mm long in reflective lettering 3M 680 CR or equivalent. (Black lettering forWhite, Orange and Yellow helmets, White lettering for Red, Black, Blue andPurple helmets and Green lettering for Cadets).
Yellow fluorescent and retroflective tape supplied and affixed to all newhelmets (bush fire and structural) is not to be removed or obscured.
Apart from the markings noted above NO other markings shall appearon RFS helmets
NSW Rural Fire ServiceTabards & Brassards 1 102
��
DivisionalCommander
��
SECTOR COMMANDER
SectorCommander
��
STAGING AREACO-ORDINATOR
Staging AreaCoordinator
SUPPORTMANAGEMENT
��
ManagementSupport Officer
��
INCIDENTCONTROLLER
��
DEPUTY INCIDENTCONTROLLER
��
SAFETYADVISOR
��
BASE CAMPCO-ORDINATOR
��
SECURITY
Base Camp Coordinator Security
OPERATIONSOFFICER
OperationsOfficer
OPERATIONS
��
OPERATIONSAIR
��
AIROPERATIONS
MANAGER
Air OperationsManager
��
LOGISTICSOFFICER
LogisticsOfficer
��
COMMUNITYLIAISON OFFICER
CommunityLiaison Officer
��
PLANNINGOFFICER
PlanningOfficer
Incident Controller
Deputy Incident Controller
Safety Advisor
��
RFS MEDIALIAISON OFFICER
RFS MediaLiaison
PLANNING
�� ��
LIAISON OFFICERCOMMUNITY
��
MEDIA OFFICER
��
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
NSW Rural Fire Service 103Tabards & Brassards 2
��
AIR BASEMANAGER
Air BaseManager
��
RESPONSE TEAMCO-ORDINATOR
��
MEDIA LIAISONNSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
Response TeamCoordinator
RFS FiregroundMedia Liaison
��
AIR BASE SAFETY ADVISOR
Air BaseSafety Advisor
��
AIRCRAFTOFFICER
��
GROUNDCREW
AircraftOfficer
Air BaseGround Crew
��
STRIKETEAM LEADER
Strike Team Leader
��
PHOTOGRAPHERNSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
RFSPhotographer
MEDIA ESCORT
��
Media Escort
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
NSW Rural Fire ServiceTabards & Brassards 3 104
��
FIREINVESTIGATION
Fire Investigation
��
CHAPLAIN CISS
Chaplain CriticalIncidentSupportServices
��
RFS LIAISONOFFICER
RFS LiaisonOfficer
��
RURAL FIRESERVICE
RFS Safety Vest
FIRE RESEARCH
House LossSurveys &Research
��
BACO��
INCIDENTCONTROLLER
BreathingApparatusControl Officer
��
OPERATIONSOFFICER
��
COMMANDERNSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
FiregroundIncidentController for Class 1incidents where RFS isthe primarycombat agency
FiregroundOperationsOfficer for Class 1incidents where NSWFBis the primarycombat agencyand RFSundertakes theoperations role
RFSCommanderfor joint agencyoperations
OTHER TABARDS
Apart from the tabards and brassards shown, NO other tabards and brassards shall be used.
NSW Rural Fire Service 105Finding North ~ Finding South
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 12o’clock on your watch to the sun and north is then halfway between 12 o’clock andthe hour hand.
Finding North by using your watch and the sun
At night, if the SouthernCross is visible, you canlocate due south bydrawing imaginary lines inthe sky as shown in thediagram. The stars revolvearound the “South Pole” inthe sky during the night andas the seasons progressbut the same constructionof lines will define the“South Pole”.
Finding South by the stars
NSW Rural Fire ServiceVehicle Categories 1 106
Category 1Heavy Bush Fire TankerWeight 13,000kgLength 7,800mmHeight 3,200mmWidth 2,400mmWater Capacity 3,001-4,000 litres
Category 2 Medium Bush Fire TankerWeight 10,000kgLength 7,600mmHeight 3,050mmWidth 2,400mmWater Capacity 1,601-3,000 litres
Category 7Light Bush Fire Tanker - Single CabWeight 6,000kgLength 5,200mmHeight 2,700mmWidth 2,100mmWater Capacity 801-1,600 litres
Vehicle Categories 1(nominal weights & dimensions)
NSW Rural Fire Service 107Vehicle Categories 2
Vehicle Categories 2
Category 7Light Bush Fire Tanker - Crew CabWeight 6,000kgLength 6,150mmHeight 2,700mmWidth 2,100mmWater Capacity 801-1,600 litres
Category 9 Striker/Mop-upWeight VariesLength 4,500mmHeight 1,900mmWidth 1,950mmWater Capacity 350-800 litres
PumperCategory 11 Urban PumperWeight 10,000kgLength 7,400mmHeight 2,900mmWidth 2,700mmWater Capacity 1,601+ litres
NSW Rural Fire ServiceUSAR Symbols 1 108
An integrated, multi-agency response, to locate, provide initial medical care andremove 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
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
The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group(INSARAG)
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
Standard Marking System
Hot Zone (Collapse Hazard Area)
marked by perimeter fence withcrossed barrier tape
Front of Structure
Warm Zone (Operational Work Area)
marked by perimeter fence with asingle horizontal barrier tape
Quadrant B
E
Quadrant C
Quadrant A Quadrant D
NSW Rural Fire Service 109USAR Symbols 2
Structure Assessment Marking
1m x 1m box at the primary access point containing all information required
by rescue teams
When assessment is complete, a circleis drawn around but this does notmean the rescue task is complete
Victim Marking
A large ‘V’ is drawn near the location ofknown or potential victim/s indicating
the number of living and dead
An arrow is drawn beside the ‘V’ toindicate 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’ whenextrication is complete. A line throughthe ‘V’ and a circle indicate all victims
removed and rescue team has moved on
NSW Rural Fire Service 110Conversion Table
Distance
1km = 1,000m = 0.62 miles
1.61 km = 1 mile
Area
1 hectare = 100,000 sq m = 2.47 acres
0.405ha = 1 acre
100ha = 1 sq km
2.59 sq km = 1 sq mile
Volume (liquids)
4.55 litres = 1 gallon
1,000 litres = 1 cubic metre = 1tonne = 220 gallons
1 litre (water) = 1 kilogram
Speed
1km/hour = 0.54 knots/hour = 0.62 miles/hour
1.85 km/hour = 1knot/hour = 1.15 miles/hour
TemperatureoC x 9/5 + 32 = oF
(oF - 32) x 5/9 = oC
Conversion Table