Breathing apparatus PN466 Flashcards
For air management, each wearer must?
- Carry out regular pressure checks to monitor their consumption (update ECP with readings when out of telemetry signal).
- Inform BA team leader of their pressure readings on a regular basis so that work can be shared out evenly amongst the team in order to maximise the use of the remaining working duration.
- Carry out own ‘turn around’ calculations and take responsibility for informing the BA team leader of the pressure at which the team will need to start exiting the risk area.
- Return to the ECP before their low pressure warning begins to sound.
7.28
ICs or SCs being informed of BA team entanglement must?
- Consider declaring a “firefighter emergency” (see policy number 496 - Firefighter emergency, emergency evacuation and tactical withdrawal).
- Consider isolation of electrical supplies.
- Commence accident investigation(all instances of cable entanglement are to be recorded).
13.8
BA wearers reporting to the ECO must have at least how much pressure?
240bar
31.7
How many main guidelines & branch guidelines can be used from a single ECP?
No more than two main guidelines and four branch guidelines can be in use from any single ECP.
17.5
Where a radio leaky feeder is in use BA teams will be told to transmit on which channel?
Channel 5.
7.10
BA wearers must report any injury, safety or near-miss events to?
The IC.
9.2
When an aerial appliance or ladder is used for access by BA teams can it be repositioned?
It must not be repositioned under any circumstances until the BA teams have returned and been brought down to
ground level.
21.9
If the Bodyguard ‘reduced battery level’ icon and alarm actuates prior to booking in at the ECP, the wearer must?
- Withdraw from the ECP.
- Take BA set out of service and replace onto the appliance to recharge.
7.15
The purpose of BA entry control procedures is?
To provide a consistent method for the safe and
effective command, control and management of BA operations.
27.1
Why must A & B tests be carried out away from the risk area?
So that any DSU sound will not be heard by wearers in the risk area or interpreted as coming from inside the risk area.
7.36
Is the BA sector a separate stage of control?
40.1 This is not a separate stage of control although it is set up in addition to Stage II, in order to coordinate
and support BA resourcing, logistics and operations at incidents where a large number or additional BA resources are required.
Four OIC post incident duties where BA has been used?
- 1 Ensure the BA wearers’ welfare with regards to rehydration and recovery.
- 2 On return to station ensure personnel carry out the appropriate testing and inventory checks of BA sets and ancillary equipment and complete appropriate records.
- 3 Ensure personnel remove from use any equipment reported as defective.
- 4 Ensure POMs orders are raised to replace any defective and or missing equipment.
Branch guide line tallies 1-4 are kept where?
FRU only.
30.2
True or false: The ECO should confirm their own understanding of the briefing and debriefing given to BA
teams with the briefing officer and update the ECB with key information?
True.
31.6
Should aerial appliances normally be sited and pitched in a position which makes it necessary for personnel to wear BA in the cage or at the head of the ladder?
No.
21.1
In assessing working duration, team leaders and wearers should take into account all aspects of
the incident. What should these include?
• The air consumed to reach the scene of operations.
• The potential for physiological and psychological stress and or distress as a result of environmental conditions or workload (e.g. high temperatures, humidity, casualty
rescue etc.).
- The physical conditions and/or depth of penetration into the risk area, such as any confined space. The likelihood that conditions on the exit route may have deteriorated.
- Information received from the ECOor Comms-Op and other BA teams.
- That consumption rates on the way out may be higher due to the natural effects of physical exertion or increased workloads (casualty rescue etc.).
- Any relocation of ECP.
7.29
When is it acceptable for BA to be worn alone?
Car fires
rubbish fires
hot cutting
working a monitor at the head of an aerial appliance
providing that:
Operations are not within a building or structure.
A single BA wearer is not to enter a building,
structure or any other significant risk area alone.
The BA wearer is always in view of the IC or other nominated officer or crew member and can be quickly removed from the risk area.
4.6
34.2 additionally to normal duties, in the BA sector the ECPS will:
- Inform BA sector of the number of BA wearers committed and when additional BA wearers are required.
- Ensure that briefing of BA teams takes place at least five minutes before they are due to be committed. Record the time of the request on the ECB.
- Ensure exiting BA teams return to BA sector for further instruction following de-brief.
Who is responsible for ensuring that RPE is worn whenever there is a risk of personnel suffering respiratory discomfort or injury?
The IC
4.1
True or false: The ECO is not responsible for the briefing and debriefing of BA teams?
True. This should be undertaken by the IC or SC.
31.5
Are resuscitators to be taken into the risk area?
Resuscitators must not be taken into the risk area, consider ‘second set’ procedure.
11.4
Minimum pressure required at entry control?
240bar
7.14
BA sets that require ‘special examination’ should be forwarded to Protective Equipment Group (PEG) using?
The equipment impounding box to preserve evidence. It should be clearly stated on the transport form that the BA set requires special investigation?
22.5
What happens if a GTS wearer reports for decontamination with a Bodyguard pressure reading of 100 bar or lower?
their air supply supplemented by use of a ‘second set’
16.8
supplied and connected by decontamination operative one (Decon Op 1-dirty).
The minimum level of BA entry control necessary whenever BA is used is?
Stage 1
28.1
The equipment providing the telemetry function is extremely robust and provided with back-up battery power supplies. This means that telemetry system failure is very rare and any loss of signal is most likely due to?
Intentional blocking i.e. counter-terrorism measures.
31.30
What are the numbers of the BA aide memoires?
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 and 13
Appendix 1
Guidance on how to use manual calculations can be found?
BA aide memoire No. 11 – Using manual calculations of duration (from ECB pouch).
31.32
If a BA team is unable to communicate on the BA channel (channel 6) which channel should they use?
The general incident command
channel (channel 1).
7.9
When Stage I BA entry control is operating, GTS wearers must remain?
In sight of the ECO and Stage II entry control must be introduced if the wearers need to operate out of sight of ECO.
20.4
The ECO must commit a BA emergency team when:
- A BA team or wearer has not returned to the ECP by their time of low pressure warning and cannot be contacted to confirm their safety and wellbeing.
- A DSU is heard to have been actuated or is indicated to have been actuated on the ECB.
- Where audible or visual indications suggest aBA team or wearer appear to be in distress or imminent danger.
- A prolonged and unexplained breakdown in communications has occurred.
- A BA team or wearer has requested assistance.
31.27
38.14 The IC or SC should consider and include the following eight points when briefing and debriefing
- Brief the whole BA team not just the team leader (include BA emergency teams if established).
- Brief them before starting up.
- Confirm radio communication availability and call signs.
- Define allocated tasks, such as firefighting equipment and tactics, search and rescue, identifying hazards and ventilation.
- Define any restrictions on what they can do, such as duration limits to prevent over exposureof BA teams during known severe conditions see 38.15).
• Define the location of where:
− They will be working and the route they should take, where possible making reference to a site or building plan to help the team to visualise their route and area of responsibility.
− Any persons that may be involved were last known to be.
− The fire is known or suspected to be.
− Other BA teams are working and what they are doing.
- The nature and frequency of progress reports required.
- Location and nature of any known hazards.
36.1 BA comms Op aide memoire?
BA aide memoire No. 4 is provided for incident ground use
38.13 The IC or SC will make arrangements to record and store all briefing and debriefings for use at performance review of operations (PROs), performance review of the command function (PRCs), safety events and inquiries.
What will perform this function at incidents?
The forward information board.
A BA wearer working at the head of an aerial appliance must?
- Use communications to remain in contact with the aerial operator and the ECO.
- Stay on the ladder or cage.
- Wear a safety harness and lanyard attached to an anchor point.
21.5
What are the benefits of a bridgehead or forward BA entry point?
This allows the deployment of BA teams from safe air within a structure whilst being as close as practical to the scene of operations.
18.2
36.2 True or false: An ECO will initially also perform the role of the BA Comms-Op.
True
Stage 2 BA aide memoire?
2
Following exchange of air the donor must contact the ECO or Comms-Op with following
information?
- BA team location.
- Whether or not they are adopting entrapped procedure.
- Whether or not they are exiting the risk area.
- That exchange of air has taken place and the BA wearers affected.
16.3
Which techniques are used to ensure that all members of a BA team that are committed to a risk area
consume approximately the same amount of air (especially important when wearing EDBA)?
- Rotating the BA team members through different positions when carrying equipment or a casualty on a stretcher.
- All BA team members ‘taking turns’ at undertaking a specific task.
- All BA team members rotating through the number one position and leading the BA team (the designated BA team leader will, however, always remain in command of the BA team).
7.31
41.2 The duties of a BA sector commander are to:
- Don ‘BA sector’ commander surcoat(available from the CU).
- Set up a BA communications network with each ECPS and the IC. Ensure incident ground radio is switched to the incident command channel. Do not use the BA channel.
- Ensure the BA sector board clock is synchronised with the initial ECB clock.
- Identify the location of each ECP, record the name of each ECPS on the BA sector board/CSS.
- Ensure Stage II control is applied to all ECPs and that all ECPs are correctly resourced.
- Regularly update the IC with an accurate assessment of BA resources, requirements and operational activities.
- Establish and record the requirements for relief BA teams required by ECPS.
- Record and update the information on the BA sector board. Maintain suitable and sufficient resilient records.
- Have available sufficient BA wearers to provide relief teams required by each ECPS and dispatch them to arrive at the ECP in sufficient time before they are required.
- Provide BA emergency team to stand by at each Stage II ECP. In addition, a reserve BA emergency team should standby at BA sector when resources permit.
- Establish and monitor a BA equipment pool.
- Be responsible for BA wearer welfare and establish an appropriate area for hydration, rest and recuperation.
- Recommit SDBA (for second wear only) wearers if no fresh BA wearers are available, ensure they have had the minimum rest and recovery period specified in paragraph 26.5 and there is no reason to doubt the wearer’s fitness. EDBA wearers must only be used for a ‘re-entry’ or ‘second wear’ in exceptional circumstances.
- Set up a BA maintenance area away from the scene of operations (ensure BA maintenance resource pack is available – RPE resource pack number 11 on OSU).
- Ensure any ‘DTW’ procedures and notifications are followed.
- Use an additional BA sector board to record other Brigade’s/agencies’ BA commitment/availability at the incident.
Who operates the aerial whilst BA is being worn at the head?
Where an aerial appliance is used to provide means of access for BA wearers, or where the cage is occupied by BA wearers whether or not they are aerial operators, the operation of the appliance will only be by means of the base console. This must be sited in safe air. The operator
at the base console must not wear or need to wear any RPE as vision may be restricted by the face mask.
21.8
42.6 The RPE support unit provides an emergency response and has an approximate maximum
attendance time of?
60 minutes during normal working hours and 90 minutes at night and at weekends.
If any member of a BA team has an accidental actuation of their DSU the BA team must take which actions?
- Inform the ECO or Comms-Op by radio to confirm accidental actuation, so that a BA emergency team is not committed unnecessarily.
- Withdraw from the risk area and report to ECP.
14.8
In order to supplement the air supply to a GTS wearer without compromising the GTS, what is
necessary?
a second set.
- 6
- 7 If this is not immediately possible, use any method to get into the suit and connect to the BA wearer’s second person connection.
At withdrawal of and close down of BA teams, the ECO will?
- Inform IC or SC if BA teams are being withdrawn prematurely.
- Ensure all BA wearers have closed down and purged their BA set prior to removal of BA tally from ECB (BA wearers will not be logged off from ECB unless this sequence is carried out).
- Return BA wearers’ tallies as they pass back through ECP and direct them to report to the IC or SC for debriefing.
- Check wearer’s EPD as they withdraw from suspected/confirmed radiation incidents and record the reading in the ’OUT’ section on the back of the BA tally. Note and inform the IC or SC of any change in the reading.
31.15
When a BA wearer requires decontamination after exiting from the risk area, the decontamination
director may request the BA wearer’s what?
DSU key to deactivate the unit when removed from the
wearer
31.16
True or false: Where a BA team temporarily withdraws but does not remove their face masks (for example to
collect equipment) they can immediately return to the risk area without fresh records or amendments being made?.
True. The Bodyguard withdraw button would not be pressed in this case.
31.9
An ECOs responsibility is?
The control and management of the ECP as described in the remainder of this policy.
An ECO is not responsible for supervising the tasks allocated to BA teams. This responsibility rests with the IC or SC.
29.1
Who determines the location of the forward ECP?
To be determined by the IC or SC based on any site specific plan, the operational plan and the level of risk faced by BA teams.
18.3
A nominated BA emergency team shall provide which equipment to their nominated ECP?
- An additional ECB set up and annotated ‘BA emergency team’ for use by the BA emergency team if committed.
- One ‘second set’ (select ECO’s BA set and include second set bag where available) carried by every two BA wearers in the BA emergency team (split tally from Bodyguard key and write ‘second set’ on the BA tally of the ‘second set’ and insert it into the ECB, bracketed together with the BA emergency team).
- If not already in place a charged second jet (minimum of 45mm hose, supplied from an alternative pump and supply where resources allow) should be provided for use by BA emergency teams at incidents where there is fire that has not yet been extinguished.
12.1
ICs, SCs, BA wearers and ECOs must take all possible steps during an incident to mitigate the
build-up of BA wearers’ core body temperature before committal. Name four methods?
- IC or SC to establish a shaded holding and recovery area, away from the immediate risk area, where BA wearers can muster and rest.
- BA wearers within the holding and recovery area should relax their firefighting PPE to allow their body to cool as normal (Where emergency teams are standing by at the incident, they are to remain fully rigged).
- Drinking water must be available at the holding and recovery area to allow personnel to rehydrate, use of personal water bottles should be encouraged (At hazardous materials incidents drinking water is only to be allowed under the direction of the HMEPO or SA).
- Recognise the stresses of the tasks that BA wearers are required to complete. Ensure that BA teams are relieved at appropriate intervals.
26.4
At incidents requiring other agencies to wear BA, where the LFB is in attendance, BA entry control procedures will be managed by whom?
LFB personnel.
24.3
What additional infomation will the ECO record for a second wear?
- Record ‘second wear’ in the ‘remarks’ column of the ECB.
- Record ‘A/B test not recorded’ in the ‘remarks’ column of the ECB.
31.24
Minimum role of a BA sector commander?
SM. Responsibility for BA sector may, on the instruction of
the IC, be passed to a more senior officer as the incident develops. The officers must ensure that a comprehensive brief takes place when responsibility is transferred. The officer handing over must remain with the senior officer to assist(don ‘BA sector assistant’ surcoat).
40.2
Manual calculations will only be used on authority of the IC or SC. They will be used when:
- All BA wearers are unable to log onto the ECB and achieve a BA telemetry signal when starting BA operations.
- An ECB display fails (clock must still operate) and no replacement ECB is available
31.31
Telemetry repeaters are kept where?
FRU and CU only.
30.2
If any of the BA team show signs or symptoms of heat stress?
Withdraw immediately.
20.3
Following BA wears within the risk area the minimum rest and recovery periods are?
- Following ambient BA wear 30 minutes rest and consume 500ml of cool water.
- Following hot and humid BA wear 60 minutes rest and consume 1000ml of cool water.
These rest and recovery periods will only be shortened in exceptional circumstances i.e. to save a saveable life when no fresh BA wearers are available.
26.5
38.16 Why is it essential that all information obtained from the debriefing is brought to the attention of the IC
or SC?
so it can be used to inform and update the overall plan.
Minimum rank of an emergency team leader?
CM
11.3
On the release of an entangled team member, must a BA team withdraw?
The BA team leader in consultation with BA team
members must establish if they can continue with operations. They must inform the ECO of their
decision and the ECO should convey this information to the IC or SC.
13.6
Can aerial appliance cages must not be used as ECPs?
No.
21.7
During damping down and cutting away operations where fire compartments remain hot/warm what is the minimum RPE level?
BA - Unseen fire gases will still be present so therefore
particulate filters will not provide the correct level of protection.
7.37
The eleven reasons a BA team leader must withdraw the BA team and inform the ECO or Comms-Op are?
- Any BA team member has an uncontrolled loss of air.
- A BA set low pressure warning actuates.
- Any BA team member seems unwell or confused.
- Any BA team member’s Bodyguard display becomes faulty or unreadable.
- A BA set DSU actuates within the team (ECO should also be alerted to this by the ECB).
- Any BA team member indicates they may have been exposed to an irrespirable atmosphere due to a dislodged or defective face mask.
- A sustained and/or unexplained breakdown of both radio and telemetry communications (withdraw the BA team to a point where communications can be restored).
• Any BA team member reaches a pre-determined pressure reading set by the person responsible for the ECP, following an assessment of physiological risk and other relevant information. For example, in the case of chemical protective clothing (CPC), by determining
sufficient time for decontamination procedures to be carried out within the 20 minute recommended wear time.
- An emergency evacuation signal sounds and receipt is confirmed with ECO or Comms-Op (ACME thunder whistle, radio comms or telemetry).
- Loss of firefighting media.
- Conditions in the risk area have deteriorated to the extent that BA team members are exposed to an unacceptable level of risk.
Consider actuating DSU
10.5
Can EDBA be worn more than once?
EDBA wearers are only to be used for ‘re-entry’ or ‘second wear’ in exceptional circumstances.
8.4
38.9 At any incident where the IC or SC has determined the need to deploy EDBA, the following message should be sent: “From………… at…………; EDBA required; tactical mode…………” will result in the mobilisation of?
three FRUs for EDBA along with three EDBA support pumps.
Where is the BA maintenance resource pack available & what number is it?
OSU & no.11
41.1
When the wearer’s GTS has been removed to waist level a Bodyguard reading must be taken. If the Bodyguard reading is 90 bar or below?
Decon Op 2 (clean) provides another second set and presents the wearer with the back to back adaptor. The wearer connects the BA set inline connection to the back to back adaptor and proceeds to ECP. DeconOp 2 (clean) will carry the second set for the wearer.
16.9
In what exceptional circumstance can the emergency team be used for another task?
To save a saveable life.
11.2
BA sector commander incident duties memoire no?
3
41.1
Can the comms op be allocated any other duties?
36.7 The BA Comms-Op will not be allocated or undertake any other BA entry control duties.
When & by whom would a bridgehead or forward BA entry point be implemented?
This may be implemented by an IC or SC when there is a requirement to provide an ECP at some distance from the initial point of access into a building or risk area, whilst still remaining in safe air, at incidents such as those involving high rise buildings or large, complex structures like shopping malls.
18.1
Is BA mandatory at car fires?
Yes
4.1
When visibility is impaired, BA team members must maintain close personal contact with each other by one of which three methods?
- Actual physical contact between each BA team member.
- Attachment by short BA personal line.
- Within physical touching distance.
7.20
36.5 The duties of a BA Comms-Op are to:
- Don the ‘BA Comms-Op’ surcoat (insert available from CU).
- Switch incident ground radio to the channel being used by BA teams.
- Stay next to and liase with the ECO(s) and ECPS for their respective ECP.
- Verify call signs and test communications with BA team(s) prior to entry into the risk area.
- Monitor BA team progress within the risk area.
- Inform and update the person responsible for the ECP of any relevant information received relating to the progress of BA operations or hazards encountered.
• Pass messages relating to status changes of BA teams to the ECO, for recording onto the ECB. Consider use of BA communications board at four pump incidents and above (carried on
OSU).
- Only communicate with BA teams committed from their ECP.
- Respond immediately to priority messages.
- Prompt BA teams to take regular pressure readings if required (e.g. if BA team have gone out of telemetry signal range or have been committed using manual calculations).
- Inform BA teams if there is any relocation of the ECP.
After a wear, once the recovery period has elapsed or clearance has been given to leave the rest area,
personnel will report to whom for redeployment?
the IC or SC
26.6
Any BA wearer encountering fallen cables must?
Immediately inform all BA team members, other
BA teams and the ECO or Comms-Op of the location of cables encountered. The ECO must also ensure that the presence of this hazard is communicated to the IC or SC.
13.2
Where a BA team member becomes entangled and is unable to free themselves they must immediately?
- Inform all other BA team member(s) and remain as still as possible to prevent further entanglement.
- Carry out cable entanglement procedure.
13.4
A member of the BA team will be nominated as team leader by?
The IC or SC.
This must not be a firefighter on development.
10.1
What must be carried out by the IC or SC & in conjunction with whom before a second wear?
The IC or SC must carry out an assessment in consultation with the BA wearers in order to be satisfied that the BA team are rested, re-hydrated and fit for a subsequent entry. Fresh ECB records are required.
31.22
True or false: It is essential that the ECO notifies the person responsible for the ECP or IC that a BA emergency
exists prior to committing BA emergency team(s)?
True
31.25
Where is the BA sector surcoat stashed?
CU
41.2
Once established the BA emergency team should?
- Monitor briefing/debriefings for all other BA teams committed and exiting from that ECP.
- Monitor radio messages sent and received to and from that ECP.
• Familiarise themselves with building layout/construction and plan alternative emergency
egress points.
- Plot the locations of BA teams already committed from that ECP.
- Provide a full brief to any relief BA emergency team sent to that ECP.
12.2
36.6 In an emergency or where a distress signal is heard or indicated on the ECB, the BA Comms-Op must inform the ECO and ECPS (under Stage II) of the emergency and attempt to:
- Identify and locate the BA team in distress.
- Assist the ECO or ECPSand IC or SC to co-ordinate rescue operations using BA emergency teams and BA teams already committed.
Describe a re-entry?
This occurs following withdrawal and closing down, if the BA team is required to re-enter the risk area to perform a specific task, such as equipment collection or a simple ventilation task like opening a window.
31.18
Should the cage/head be enveloped in smoke or
be otherwise out of view, the base operator should?
Confirm with the BA wearer that it is safe to continue operations, and should inform the IC or SC of the changed situation.
21.6
Minimum rank of an ECPS?
The entry control point supervisor (ECPS) must be appointed when Stage II BA entry control procedures are used, this role must be a minimum of CM.
32.2
Can emergency team members have worn already?
A BA emergency team should consist of BA wearers who have not previously been committed to the risk area, unless the knowledge of those wearers is required to allow the team to be effective (e.g. their previous wear means that they know the route/layout in a complex building).
11.3
How many boards can an ECO run?
The ECO is responsible for one ECB only, and a maximum of six BA wearers.
31.2
When must an additional ECO must be nominated to operate the emergency team ECB?
As soon as resources allow.
31.26
If after withdrawing and closing down, a BA team can re-enter the risk area to perform a specific task (other than firefighting) provided that which conditions are met?
- The BA team have remained under the control and supervision of the ECP.
- There are no doubts about the fitness and wellbeing of any BA wearer for the task to be undertaken.
- All BA team members have a cylinder content of at least 190 bar. Pressures in excess of 190 bar will be recorded on the BA tally as 190 bar for the purposes of the task and for control of the BA team.
- The task will be of short duration and the IC or SC considers the BA wearers have sufficient air to complete it and return to ECP before the low pressure warning actuates. The ’time in’ will be recorded on the BA tally and a time of warning (TOW) for 15 minutes later entered into the ‘location’ column. The words ‘re-entry’ and the task being performed must be entered in the ‘remarks’ column (the BA team will be recommitted using manual calculations).
31.19
How is telemetry signal displayed on the ECB?
Solid green radio icon against each BA tally position?
31.12
It is recommended that a BA wearer consumes how much water within the 30 minutes prior to working in BA?
500ml of water
25.5
A bridgehead or forward BA entry control point must be sited in safe air and with regard to the following factors?
• The potential for the incident to escalate.
- Availability of access and egress points to the risk area.
- BA team safety and welfare.
- Availability of water supplies.
- Effective communications with BA teams, IC and/or SC.
- The level of supervision and support necessary for the ECO.
- The distance from the initial point of access to the ECP.
18.4
How many ECPs can you have at stage 1?
• Limited to one ECP.
28.1
How many wearers can you have at stage 1?
• Limited to six wearers deployed into the risk area at any one time.
28.1
Can the ECO be involved in or allocated any other tasks?
No
29.2
Other Brigade’s/agencies’ BA commitment/availability at the incident is recorded where & by whom?
An additional BA sector board by the BA sector commander.
41.1
38.12 The IC is to ensure that the ECO is made fully aware of the BA team’s?
Brief/plan/objective and outcome following debrief.
What happens when starting BA operations all BA wearers are unable to achieve telemetry signal?
The ECO on the authority of IC or SC will commit BA teams using manual calculations.
31.33
33.3 True or false: A Stage I ECO who has handed over to a Stage II ECPS will remain at the ECP to carry out the ECO role.
True
Is a comms -op necessary for stage 1?
• When resources permit the IC will nominate a Comms-Op.
28.1
If a BA tally fails to log off from the ECB, what can the ECO do?
Perform a ‘manual log-off’
(see BA aide memoire No. 10).
31.17
Which actions are taken when loss of telemetry signal is identified?
The ECO must make immediate radio contact with any BA team(s) when loss of telemetry signal is identified to confirm the safety and wellbeing of the team and, if radio
contact fails, inform IC or SC and commit a BA emergency team to investigate. The IC or SC must consider if circumstances require a ‘Firefighter Emergency’ to be declared.
31.12
42.5 An RPE support unit crewed by PEG personnel, carrying bulk supplies of cylinders and related
equipment can be mobilised by the duty RPELO or on request from an incident. When attending
incidents these personnel are identified by?
a yellow surcoat with the words ‘RPE Support’ on the
back and front.
When must the IC nominate an emergency team?
As soon as resources allow.
11.1
Describe the three things that must happen when being committed to high ex foam?
Stage 2 entry control
Guidelines
and the ECO must ensure that the BA wearer’s LDV outer rubber casing is pulled away from the LDV body.
19.2
Describe an emergency team call sign?
The BA emergency team(s) will adopt call signs linked to the ECP ‘alpha emergency team one’, ‘alpha emergency
team two’ and so on.
11.3
Are manual calculations to be used as a replacement for loss of telemetry once BA operations have started?
Manual calculations are not intended as a replacement for the loss of telemetry signal , the deployment of telemetry repeaters and leaky feeder equipment is provided to restore signal loss.
31.29
Following the search and location of distressed BA wearer(s) the BA emergency team shall?
- Silence the distressed BA wearer(s) DSU to improve communications. Use ‘second set’ Bodyguard key to silence actuating DSU and then return key to the ‘second set’ so that BA wearer(s) Bodyguard remains active following silencing.
- If possible, get the distressed BA wearer(s) to confirm the nature of the emergency.
- Inform ECP that distressed BA wearer(s) have been located and request any further assistance that is required.
- Take pressure readings of both distressed BA wearers and the BA emergency team to assess if sufficient duration remains to withdraw and any requirement to supplement air.
- Render any on scene emergency assistance as required.
- Following assessment of risk, determine and implement a safe action plan to remove distressed BA wearer(s) from the risk area.
12.3
Where personnel are unable to record the completed A test results in the BA log book, which actions must they take?
Verbally confirm with their watch officer that the BA set has been checked and is working satisfactorily.
If committed to a risk area personnel will ensure that ‘A’ test not recorded’ is entered onto the ECB by the ECO.
6.2
Where are duty Respiratory protective equipment logistics officers (RPELO) drawn from & when are they available?
From personnel of the Protective Equipment Group (PEG) and provides on call assistance, advice and incident support on a 24/7 hour basis.
42.1
If telemetry signal loss is prolonged and cannot be re-established (BA team welfare has been confirmed by radio contact), the ECO must inform the IC or SC who shall consider?
Deploying telemetry repeaters or leaky feeder. This decision will be dependent upon the nature and type of
incident, i.e. complexity of task, numbers of BA teams committed and whether the incident is sub-surface or likely to be protracted.
31.13
How many BA Aide memoirs?
Set of twelve.
30.2
40.4 The BA sector function should be supported by?
the crew of a pumping appliance and command unit.
Who should be made aware of what stage BA control is in operation?
All personnel
38.5
When making the decision to withdraw after actuation of a DSU, BA team leaders should
consider?
- How close they are to the exit.
- How close they are to the fire or other hazard.
- Whether staying where they are puts them in further/greater difficulties/increased risk.
- Whether attempting to withdraw puts them in further/greater difficulties/increased risk.
• Proximity of and how other BA teams may be able to assist (communicate assistance required
if appropriate).
• Impact of the fitness or condition of BA team members on their ability to withdraw.
14.6
If a DTW incident occurs which three things must the IC do?
He must inform Brigade Control, request the attendance of an senior accident investigator (SAI) and implement the procedure detailed on BA aide memoire No. 5 – Distress to wearer procedure.
22.1
Can EDBA wearers be used for a second wear?
Except in exceptional circumstances EDBA wearers should not be used for a ‘second wear’ ineither SDBA or EDBA.
31.23
When a work time has been agreed between the IC and
each wearer this information must be?
Conveyed to the ECO and noted in the ‘remarks’ column of the ECB.
20.2
Are handheld radios to be used instances where initial BA teams are deployed into compartments where a potentially explosive atmosphere may be present?
Only BARIE sets can be worn, as they are the only radios that are intrinsically safe (hand held radios should be removed when replaced by BARIE sets in these circumstances).
7.4
BA wearers exiting the risk area shall?
• Immediately report to the ECP, close down BA set and collect BA tally from the ECO.
• Assist BA team leader with debrief (as required) ensuring that any information that may assist other BA teams entering the risk area, or the IC, is made known to the person responsible for the ECP. It may assist to draw a basic plan (or use plans available) to identify the route, any
hazards, location of casualty(s), landmarks and clearly mark areas that have been searched to assist any further BA teams.
7.33
Is an emergency team necessary for stage 1?
• The IC must nominate a BA emergency team as soon as resources are available.
28.1
Where it is necessary for a BA team to enter a building or structure at or above ground level by use of aerial appliance or ladder, an ECP should be established where?
At ground level in a safe area adjacent to the ladder.
21.3
Name 8 hazards which can reasonably be expected to be encountered at incidents where breathing apparatus is worn?
- Atmosphere – the atmosphere can be oxygen deficient, toxic or flammable or contain dust or particulates, heat and steam, bio-hazards, cryogenics, aerosols and/or radiation.
- Temperature – heat (conducted, convected, radiated, steam contact and reactive chemicals) cold (cryogenic, decompressing gases, ice, cold water, wind chill and very cold metal objects).
- Reduced visibility – smoke and any physical barrier screening another hazard.
- Electricity – electrocution or electric shock.
- Cables and structural failure – entrapment and or entanglement.
- Environmental – weather, terrain, height, unsafe structures, confined spaces and topographical.
- Hazardous materials – any materials covered by PN 796 – HAZMATS – fires and incidents involving hazardous substances.
- Manual handling – SDBA weighs approximately 15.5kg and EDBA weighs approximately 22kg. Together with full firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) this amounts to a significant additional load for the wearer.
5.2
In the absence of a BA Comms-Op the ECO must perform which six duties?
- Maintain communications with BA teams operating inside the risk area.
- Inform the person responsible for the ECP of any prolonged breakdown in communications with BA teams (prompt IC or SC to consider use of telemetry repeaters).
- Inform other ECPs if any BA teams report to the ECP that are not under your control.
- Forward on information to the person responsible for the ECP of any relevant update from BA teams and record this time of update in the ‘remarks’ column of the ECB.
- Inform BA teams if there is any relocation of the ECP.
Advise BA teams of the location and tasks of adjacent BA teams during operations and record the
information so that it is available for briefing or debriefing of BA teams.
31.10 & 31.11
34.2 When nominated the ECPS will:
- Don ‘ECPS’ surcoat (insert available from CU).
- Ensure each ECB has a dedicated ECO.
- Ensure ECPS’s name is recorded on the ECB below that of the ECO.
- Nominate Comms-Op for the ECP and hand them BA aide memoire No. 4.
- Switch your incident ground radio to the incident command channel.
- Ensure that the clock on any additional ECBs are synchronised with the initial ECB before theyare brought into use.
- Nominate BA emergency team and have them standing by at the ECP (see section 11 and 12).
- A BA emergency team must be at least the size of the largest BA team committed from the ECP, and rigged to at least the same level of PPE and RPE. The BA emergency team must have one ‘second set’ per two wearers
- Ensure an additional ECB has been supplied by the initial BA emergency team.
- A BA emergency team that is committed must be replaced immediately.
- Nominate an EDBA emergency team and have them standing by at the ECP before committing an EDBA team.
- Inform IC or SC of the number of BA wearers committed and when additional BA wearers are required.
- Ensure that briefing of BA teams takes place at least five minutes before they are due to be committed.
- If a BA team(s) exit the risk area and report to an ECP different from the ECP that they were committed through, the committing ECP must be informed and the BA team(s) sent back to their original ECP to collect their BA tallies.
On hearing a distress signal the team leaders of all BA teams are to must?
Notify ECO or Comms-Op keeping them informed of their actions & direct their BA teams to investigate the source of the sound. Rendering assistance to a BA wearer in distress takes precedence over other tasks, subject to:
- Having sufficient reserves of air to enable effective assistance to be given.
- Whether the BA team is already undertaking a rescue or maintaining egress routes for other BA teams within the risk area.
14.2 & 14.3
42.3 The main roles of the Respiratory protective equipment logistics officer (RPELO) are to:
- Co-ordinate the operations of PEG and manage its resources in the event of a major or catastrophic incident.
- Provide support and resources to the incident ground such as bulk supplies of air and/or hot cutting oxygen cylinders.
- Provide guidance in matters relating to RPE.
- Manage and deploy the PEG personnel recall system.
- Assist accident investigators with RPE related safety events.
- Resolve issues relating to correctly fitting RPE (face-fit testing).
It is recommended that guidelines are laid by?
EDBA teams.
17.1
Branch guidelines are used?
- When there is a need to search off the main guideline a distance greater than can be achieved with the full length of a personal line (i.e. 6m).
- Branch guidelines must not be extended.
17.4
During setting up of the ECP, the ECO will do which five things?
- Set up ECB on tripod, complete ECB information panel and ensure correct time is displayed (ECP can consist of more than one ECB).
- Don ‘ECO’ surcoat.
- Provide IEC pack (resuscitator).
- Switch incident ground radio to BA channel (if BA Comms-Op is nominated switch to command channel).
- Prompt IC to provide BA emergency team when resources permit.
31.4
How can the Respiratory protective equipment logistics officer (RPELO) be contacted?
via the logistics manager in RMC or Brigade Control.
42.2
Who is responsible for communications between the ECP and the IC, SC and other ECPs dependant on the stage of BA entry control?
The ECO/ECPS
36.4
The IC may delegate the deployment of BA wearers to?
SCs.
38.2
If the Dräger Bodyguard 1000 DSU low battery warning signal actuates prior to booking in at
entry control the CPC wearer must?
- Withdraw from the ECP.
- Remove the Dräger Bodyguard 1000 DSU and resources permitting, have the unit replaced and continue with operations.
20.5
The ECO must take which actions after being informed of an accidental DSU actuation?
- Inform other BA teams committed of accidental actuation.
- Instruct the BA team to stay under air when they report to the ECP.
- Cancel the DSU with the affected wearer’s Bodyguard key taken from the ECB.
- Manually log off that BA wearer and then reinsert the BA tally into the same BA tally position on the ECB and release the BA team back into the risk area if appropriate.
14.8
Wherever possible personnel intended to be used as BA wearers should not be used for other
tasks requiring high levels of physical effort (such as transporting equipment upstairs during
high-rise incidents), why is this?
As this will raise their core body temperature potentially leading to the early onset of heat stress and a loss in effectiveness whilst wearing BA.
26.3
Main guidelines must be used?
- Where no other suitable means exist for tracing the way out of a risk area, such as when hose lines are submerged or tangled or premises layout is complex.
- To enter high expansion foam.
17.3
Guidelines are only to be used on the instructions of?
the IC
17.1
Whilst wearing CPC, is it necessary to wear firefighting PPE underneath?
No.
25.3
38.10 If telemetry signals are lost and telemetry repeaters are required they are available from any attending CU. If telemetry leaky feeder is required at an incident, how can they be requested?
“One FRU required for telemetry leaky feeder”
The whole BA team shall receive and confirm understanding of a briefing prior to deployment
and, as a minimum, this should include what?
- Where and how they are to enter the risk area.
- Team objectives and their part in the ICs plan.
- Any identified hazards.
- Any limitations on wear duration (on instructions from the person responsible for the ECP).
7.12
Define DTW?
Any malfunction of a BA set, which is likely to or has the potential to deprive the wearer of air or expose them to a contaminated atmosphere (this includes cosmetic smoke), and that is discovered or occurs during:
- Actual use (operational or training).
- Any checks before use in a contaminated atmosphere (don and start or incident ground ‘A’ test).
- When BA is being worn after leaving a contaminated atmosphere.
- Where, due to restriction in the wearer’s ability to operate the controls or remove the face mask, there is an actual or potential deprivation of air to the wearer.
- Where a defective BA set harness prevents the set continuing to be worn by pulling on the face mask causing potential deprivation of air.
22.2
34.3 If BA guidelines are used the ECO under the supervision of the ECPS will:
- Attach main guideline tallies to main guideline(s) and, if used, branch guideline tallies to branch guideline(s) and ensure that the tabs indicate the correct egress direction.
- Ensure main guideline(s) is secured at the ECP and that details are entered on the appropriate ECB.
- Confirm that all BA teams are made aware when a main or branch guideline is in use or is to be laid.
Name the three ways in which BA wearers maybe subjected to heat?
- Environmental conditions – heat generated by the environment in which a BA wearer is working. This is absorbed by the BA wearer increasing core body temperature.
- Metabolic heat generation – this is the heat created by the BA wearer through normal functions. This increases substantially when the BA wearer starts to work harder.
- Psychological stress – may also increase the rate of metabolic heat generation.
26.2
A DSU must be operated immediately by a BA team member if they?
- Become lost or confused or are injured and in difficulty.
- Have problems with their BA set.
- Become distressed, trapped or disorientated.
Note: Do not wait – inform ECO or Comms-Op and then operate the DSU to summon assistance.
14.1
When nominated by a watch officer an ECO (or nominated person for CU only equipment) is responsible for the examination and testing of?
- Ensure the ECB and its telemetry functionality is fully tested
- ECO surcoat.
- Chinagraph pencils(black for SDBAor respirator tally and white for EDBA tally).
- Evacuation whistle.
- Main guide line tallies A+B and branch guide line tallies 1-4 (FRU only).
- BA aides memoire set of twelve.
- BA guidelines.
- IEC pack (resuscitator).
- ECB tripod and bracket.
- Thermal imaging camera
- Telemetry repeaters (FRU and CU only).
- Telemetry leaky feeder (FRU only).
- Ensure that the ‘second set’ carrying bags are available (FRU, CU, OSU only).
30.2
Can SDBA and EDBA teams can be entered onto the same ECB?
SDBA and EDBA teams can be entered onto the same ECB however all BA team members must be equipped with the same type of BA (either SDBA or EDBA) and emergency teams rigged to the highest level of RPE in use e.g. EDBA.
32.3
Personnel working at the head of an aerial appliance must only wear BA?
On the order of the IC or SC.
21.4
BA wearers reporting to an ECP shall?
- Ensure at least 240 bar pressure reading when reporting to the ECO. Calculate and select the required turn-around pressure(TAP) in agreement with the person responsible for the BA ECP and the BA team leader.
- If detailed to use firefighting media ensure branch and water supply are checked by opening them for several seconds and testing the branch flow and jet pattern settings before entering the risk area.
• Confirm nominated radio channel and test communications equipment with ECO or Comms-Op.
Establish and confirm a call sign with ECO or Comms-Op.
- Don BA set and hand BA tally to the ECO before entering the risk area ensuring the tally is placed in the ECB with the ‘time in’ completed.
- Ensure a BA telemetry signal is established prior to entering the risk area (unless informed that manual calculations are being used).
- Inform the ECO if they have already worn BA at the incident and ensure ECO records ‘A/B test not recorded’ on the ECB prior to entry.
7.14
BA sector commander radio is on which channel?
IC command channel
41.2
In the BA sector which BA stage of control will be in effect?
Stage 2
41.2
Guidelines should be laid how far apart?
More than 6m to one another or this may lead to
confusion when BA teams are traversing them.
17.6
Note. During the initial laying along a corridor from an EP this may be unavoidable until the guidelines split (if this is unavoidable, two guidelines must not be laid along the same wall).
How many ‘fire ground A tests’ are allowed on a set?
One.
The BA set is not to be used after the second wear unless a ’B’ test has been carried out. If a BA set that has already
been worn and is then allocated to another BA wearer a ’B’ test must be completed. The operational support unit with BA maintenance resource pack must be in attendance to enable a ’B’ test to be carried out.
7.34
What is the aim of the entrapped procedure?
To allow a BA wearer to maximise the duration of the
available air in their BA set in the event of becoming trapped or being unable to withdraw from
the risk area.
15.1
If a BA team has an unexpected or sustained loss of communications with the ECO or CommsOp what must they do?
If both telemetry and radio signal is lost the BA team must withdraw to a point where communications can be restored.
This position should be landmarked for deployment of telemetry repeaters.
7.7
The low pressure warning operates when sufficient air remains for?
12 minutes duration at a consumption rate of 50 litres per minute for SDBA and 18 minutes duration at a consumption rate of 58 litres per minute for EDBA. These times can be greatly extended by reducing demand.
15.2
Can EDBA wearers be used for re-entry tasks?
Other than in exceptional circumstances EDBA wearers should not be used for ‘re-entry’ tasks.
31.20
What happens if there is unexpected or sustained failure of communications with any BA team?
An assessment of risk should be undertaken by the person responsible for the ECP and they must decide whether a BA emergency team should be committed to investigate. If there is any doubt, the IC must be immediately informed and a BA emergency team must be committed.
7.8
When are BA teams permitted to separate?
When they encounter hazards such as stairs or vertical ladders they can briefly separate, although only to the minimum extent necessary and no more than the distance created by the hazard.
7.21
Can you mix manual calculations & telemetry?
BA entry control operations will either be telemetry or manual (calculations) and will not be mixed
on any one ECB (other than the use of re-entry as per 31.19 above).
31.36
The ECP is the position for the command and control, deployment and monitoring of BA wearers committed to a risk area and should be sited under the direction of?
the IC or SC.
31.3
Name six features of Stage 1?
- Incident requires a limited number of BA wearers over a limited period of time.
- Incident and any structures involved are small and not complex.
- Limited to six wearers deployed into the risk area at any one time.
- Limited to one ECP.
- The IC must nominate a BA emergency team as soon as resources are available.
- When resources permit the IC will nominate a Comms-Op.
28.1
If any malfunction or fault occurs that does not fall under the definition of a DTW although an examination of the BA set is required (due to a safety event or investigation) this will fall under?
The ‘special examination’ procedure.
22.4
Telemetry leaky feeder are kept whee?
FRU only.
30.2
Are BA teams allowed to separate for hose management whilst inside structures?
No
4.7
33.2 true or false; The nominated ECPS is to supervise BA procedures at their allocated ECP. The ECPS should not
normally record details of BA wearers onto an ECB and should use an ECO for that purpose.
True
If the Bodyguard ‘reduced battery level’ icon and alarm actuates when the BA set is being worn in
the risk area?
• Inform the ECO or Comms-Op immediately.
• The BA wearer can continue with deployment within the risk area.
• Following withdrawal from the risk area the BA set shall be taken out of service and replaced
onto the appliance to recharge.
7.16
BA wearers from different FRS may be committed at the same incident if?
- Deployed in separate sectors.
- They only use the equipment from their own FRS.
They are under the control of an ECO/ECPS with ECBs from their own FRS.
BA teams must only consist of BA wearers from the same FRS.
Where BA teams from more than one FRS have been committed to the same incident, each FRS will have its own ECB.
Each ECP BA emergency team must support BA wearers from the same FRS and be equipped with the appropriate ‘second set’ as rescue equipment. This BA set must be the same BA set as that being worn by the BA team they are covering.
23.2 & 23.3
For a first wear the ECO will perform which duties when a BA team present themselves at the ECP?
- Check BA team are correctly rigged in RPE/PPE with no exposed skin.
- Receive BA tallies, check wearer and cylinder pressure information are correctly entered (pressures must be at least 240 bar) and enter ‘time in’ using the ECB clock.
- Enter BA tallies into ECB ensuring telemetry signal is achieved (if manual calculations are required see aide memoire No. 11) and bracket BA team together.
- Enter BA team location in ‘location’ column of ECB.
- Enter task, extinguishing media (including weight of attack), turn around pressure (TAP), turn around time (TAT) when appropriate and any appropriate resources in the ‘remarks’ column of the ECB.
- Inform BA team(s) of ECP call sign.
- Confirm BA team(s) call sign and record in ‘remarks’ column of ECB.
- Carry out radio communications check with BA team(s).
- Check wearer’s electronic personal dosimeter (EPD) as they enter suspected/confirmed radiation incidents and record the reading in the ’IN’ section on the back of the BA tally.
- When committing BA wearers to Hi-Ex foam the ECO must ensure that the BA wearers LDV outer rubber casing has been unclipped from the lug and lifted clear of the LDV housing. This is to prevent the build-up of foam behind the rubber casing causing the LDV to go into free flow.
31.8
When is an ECPS appointed?
Stage 2 BA EC
32.2
‘second set’ carrying bags are available where?
FRU, CU, OSU only.
30.2
What must an IC do in the event of a distress to wearer?
If a DTW incident occurs the IC must inform Brigade Control, request the attendance of an senior accident investigator (SAI) and implement the procedure detailed on BA aide memoire No.5– Distress to wearer procedure
ECOs being informed of BA team entanglement must?
- Inform IC or SC.
- Commit BA emergency team.
13.7
True or false:BA emergency teams must be committed using an additional ECB set up and annotated ‘BA emergency team’?
True
31.26
When GTS is being worn the ECO and the wearer should be aware that the recommended
maximum period for wearing GTS is?
20 minutes. Agreement for an extension to the wearing time must be agreed with each wearer, not with the team leader alone.
20.1
When searching rooms that are known or discovered to be small, what should be done with the guideline?
It should be gathered up and taken out of the room to shorten the route and use the guideline more
efficiently. Update the ECO with this information via radio communications and on exit with the debriefing officer. It must be made clear to subsequent BA teams that this area has been searched.
17.7
Which other agencies can be committed using the LFB entry control board?
Only London Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response Team (LAS HART) EDBA teams may be committed through LFB ECBs.
Where they do, LAS must provide a Comms-Op who is in constant contact with their deployed BA teams. All other agencies must provide their own ECB.
24.4
BA sector clock is synchronised with?
Initial ECB clock
41.2
At incidents with multiple ECPs, if one ECP goes to stage 2, can others stay at stage 1?
No. The highest stage of BA entry control in use at any one ECP will be adopted by all other ECPs in use at the same incident.
27.1
If the Dräger Bodyguard 1000 DSU low battery warning signal actuates while CPC is being worn
in the risk area the wearer must?
- Inform the ECO or Comms-Op immediately.
- The CPC wearer can continue with deployment within the risk area.
- Following withdrawal from the risk area the DSU should be taken out of service until battery replacement has been completed.
20.6
When the BA wearer becomes aware that it is not possible to exit the risk area the following
actions should be taken?
- Contact ECO or Comms-Op by radio (if possible).
- Operate one team members DSU(normally the member in distress/lowest pressure).
- Relax as much as possible in the circumstances by assuming a reclined or seated posture.
- Breathe calmly to minimise demand, stay in physical contact with other team members and conserve air by keeping verbal communication to a minimum.
15.4
Stage II procedures are to be used when any of the following apply:
- More than one ECP is required.
- More than six wearers are deployed into the risk area at any one time.
- The incident and structures involved are complex and or the increased deployment of BA, plus the increased risks associated with BA operations, demand a greater degree of control and supervision.
- BA operations are likely to be protracted.
- Guidelines are required.
- The risks presented to BA teams demand a higher level of BA emergency provision, involving the need for BA emergency teams.
- EDBA is required.
- BA telemetry repeater(s) or leaky feeder is deployed.
- Confirmed basement fire (where size and layout indicate Stage II is appropriate).
- BA emergency team(s) have been committed.
- When chemical protective clothing wearers are out of the line of sight of ECP.
- When committing BA wearers toHi-Ex foam.
- When other agencies are being committed in BA.
Note: Both emergency and relief BA teams must be established at Stage II.
32.3
EDBA is provided to give?
An enhanced duration where long travel distances or the conditions likely to be encountered make SDBA less effective, such as incidents below ground or when searching large buildings.
It is not provided in order to increase the amount of work BA wearers can undertake within the risk area.
8.2
How can the Respiratory protective equipment logistics officer (RPELO) be recognised on the incident ground?
by a yellow surcoat with the word ‘RPELO’
on the back and front.
42.4
If during operations an ECB display fails (clock must still operate) and no replacement ECB is available the ECO will:
- Use radio communications to contact and verify BA team safety and wellbeing, request status and pressure readings.
- Inform IC or SC that ECB failure has occurred and that BA team welfare has been established, then prompt the IC or SC that BA teams should be withdrawn from the risk area unless risk assessment allows the BA team to carry on with task.
- Using original ‘time-in’ from BA tallies entered into ECB, calculate TOW (see BA aide memoire No. 11) and write lowest TOW outside the brackets in the ‘location’ column of the ECB.
- Use radio communications to inform BA team of TOW and request regular pressure reading updates from BA team leader.
31.35
