FEB 2025 PQA

Question 1

Question 1. According to the Recommended Practice, principles of firefighting with foam, firefighting foam improves the extinguishing performance of water on many fires. Depending on the foam, list how this may be achieved.

Answer 1

• Reducing surface tension so that the extinguishing agent can cling to and
• penetrate the fuel more effectively.
• Reducing density so that the extinguishing agent floats on liquid fuel.
• Excluding oxygen.
• Suppressing vapours.
• Insulating the fuel from heat to reduce fuel vaporisation.
• Reflecting heat.
• Cooling.

Question 2

Question 2. According to the Recommended Practice, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) operation is based on three functions which conform to the internationally accepted algorithm of basic life support using AEDs. List these functions.

Answer 2

• Monitoring the patient’s ECG.
• Prompting operators to deliver a shock.
• Prompting operators to carry out basic life support, including CPR.

Question 3

Question 3. According to Operations Bulletin 2012/03, list the properties of Natural gas.

Answer 3

Natural gas is:
* a fossil fuel which contains 95% methane (CH4)
* naturally odourless but has an organic sulphur compound added to make it more readily detectable
* non-toxic but it is an asphyxiant (excludes air)
* highly flammable and has explosive limits of 5 – 15% in air
* lighter than air and disperses rapidly.

Question 4

Question 4. According to STP - Acetylene is a very volatile gas, exploding cylinders can penetrate double brick walls or metal freight containers & land 200m away.
How many hours after the cylinder is removed from the fire or heat source, if it is not cooled, can this explosion occur?

Answer 4

The explosion can occur up to 24 hours after the cylinder is removed from the fire or heat source, if it is not cooled.

Question 5

Question 5. According to the SOGs - When providing fire protection for helicopter hot refueling there are many factors for the FRNSW Commander to consider. List these factors.

Answer 5

The FRNSW Commander should consider the:
* number and size of helicopters using the landing site
* expected number of landings and take-offs
* amount and type of fuel stored on site, and
* availability of reticulated water for firefighting.
If required, the FRNSW Commander should request the attendance of additional appliances, foam trailers or bulk water supplies.

Question 6

Question 6. According to the SOG - When providing fire protection for helicopter hot refuelling, list the information the airbase manager must provide in regard to safety.

Answer 6

The Airbase Manager must provide:

• a briefing on the operational and safety arrangements at the site
• a copy of the airfield emergency plan
• Safety Data Sheets for fuels and hazardous materials on site
• an effective means of radio communication between the FRNSW Commander and the Airbase Manager.

Question 7

Question 7. According to the Recommended Practice - List the 5 typical scenarios for Attack and Lay Pack use.

Answer 7

• Structure fires that cannot be directly accessed from the footpath
• Fires in high rise buildings
• Investigating automatic fire alarms
• Protecting property from bushfires
• Bush and grass fires in difficult to access locations.

Question 8

Question 8. Complete the following in relation to the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989 Part 3, Division 1, Section 11
Brigades to proceed with speed to suspected fires or hazardous material incident-

Answer 8

(1) When there is an alarm of fire…….a fire brigade must, despite anything to the contrary in any Act, proceed with all speed to the fire and try by all possible means to extinguish it and save any lives and property that are in danger.

(2) When there is a report of hazardous material incident…………., a fire brigade must, despite anything to the contrary in any Act—
(a) proceed with all speed to the site of the incident, and
(b) try by all possible means to render the site of the incident safe and save any lives and property that are in danger.

Question 9

Question 9. Complete the following in relation to the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989 Part 3, Division 1, Section 12 of the FRNSW Act, Investigation of reported fires and Hazardous material incident…?

Answer 9

(1) The officer in charge may, with or without members of a fire brigade, enter any place—
(a) in respect of which an alarm of fire is raised to ascertain whether there is a fire at the place, or
(b) in respect of which a report of a hazardous material incident has been made to ascertain whether there is any hazardous material at the place that is, or is about to be, the subject of a hazardous material incident.
(2) Reasonable force, whether by breaking down gates or fences or breaking open doors or otherwise, may be used to gain entry.

Question 10

Question 10. Section 13, of the FRNSW Act states the “General Powers of Officers at fires and hazardous material incidents”.

State this provision.  

Answer 10

(1) At a fire, the officer in charge—
(a) may take such measures as the officer thinks proper for the protection and saving of life and property and for the control and extinguishing of the fire, and
(b) is to control and direct the operations of any fire brigade.

(1A) At the site of a hazardous material incident, the officer in charge—
(a) may take such measures as the officer thinks proper for the protection and saving of life and property, for confining and ending the incident and for rendering the site safe, and
(b) is to control and direct the operations of any fire brigade.
The site is taken to be such area in the vicinity of the incident as is for the time being determined by the officer in charge.
(2) If the fire is a bush fire (including a grass fire), the officer in charge is, as far as practicable, to carry into effect any plan of operations in force under section 52 of the Rural Fires Act 1997 in relation to the place where the fire occurs.
(3) The following provisions of this Division are intended to be particular examples of the way in which functions under this section can be exercised and are not intended to limit the generality of this section.

Question 11

Question 11. Division 1 of the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989 lists the powers at fires and hazardous material incidents.

State the provisions of this Section19: “General power to remove persons or obstacles.”

Answer 11

 The officer in charge at a fire or hazardous material incident may cause to be removed any person, vehicle, vessel or thing the presence of whom or which at or near a fire or hazardous material incident might, in the officer’s opinion, interfere with the work of any fire brigade or the exercise of any of the officer’s functions.

Question 12

Question 12. At an incident that has been declared a crime scene, a member of the public seeks
details from you, the senior firefighter/officer on duty, about the incident. State your
response according to the Fire Brigades Regulation (2014) Clause 22, Disclosure of
information.  

Answer 12

A firefighter must not disclose information obtained in the firefighter’s capacity as a firefighter unless the disclosure is made—
(a) in the exercise of the firefighter’s functions, or
(b) about factual matters that are generally available to the public, or
(c) by an approved firefighter to media representatives about operations at a fire or other incident, or
(d) at the direction or with the permission of the Commissioner, or
(e) with another lawful excuse.

Question 13

Question 13. Section 17 of the Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation (2023) refers to unacceptable behaviour.
List five circumstances when a firefighter’s behaviour would be deemed unacceptable. 

Answer 13

1) A firefighter must not do any of the following—
(a) come on or attend duty while under the influence of alcohol or a drug,
(b) while on duty—
* consume, use or possess any alcohol or drug, or
* gamble in circumstances that adversely affect the discipline or efficiency of Fire and Rescue NSW,
(c) while on or off duty—
* smoke at a fire or drill, on departmental premises or in a departmental vehicle, or
(ii) smoke or consume alcohol in a public place while in uniform, or
(iii) by words or action—
(A) behave in a way that is subversive of discipline or calculated to bring discredit on Fire and Rescue NSW, or
(B) bully, harass, sexually harass, intimidate or threaten a person, or
(C) discriminate against a person on the grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, carer’s responsibilities or any other ground for which discrimination is prohibited by the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977,
(d) while off duty, enter or remain on departmental premises without authority.

Question 14

Question 14. According to Standing Orders, to avoid serious accidents at intersections when responding to an emergency, what are the two actions drivers of responding vehicles should take when proceeding through traffic signals and stop signs.

Answer 14

1. With a view to avoiding serious accidents at intersections when responding to an emergency, drivers of responding vehicles approaching a stop sign or red signal light must slow down and enter the intersection at a speed of not more than 8 kph. Having assessed the traffic conditions, and determined that it is safe to proceed, the driver may then continue across the intersection.
2. Whenever passing through the stop sign or red light would involve the vehicle in an accident, the driver must come to a halt and not move off again until it is safe to proceed.

Question 15

Question 15. According to Standing Orders, when are seatbelts required to be worn when
travelling in FRNSW vehicles (including tankers)?  

Answer 15

All Fire and Rescue NSW employees are required to wear a seat belt, properly adjusted, when travelling in Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles. Any member travelling on a vehicle (including a water tanker) is to be seated inside the vehicle and must wear a seat belt.

Question 16

Question 16. Section 27 of the Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2023 states the Notice of Transfer that is required to be given by the Commissioner when an employee is to be transferred to a new location and/or a different platoon. List and detail the three provisions for these as stated in this section.

Answer 16

• Seven (7) days notice when the transfer is within the same fire district or within the GSA and
  on the same platoon,
• 27.1.2 Fourteen (14) days notice when the transfer is within the same fire district or within the GSA
  but to a different platoon,
• 27.1.3 Twenty eight (28) days notice when the transfer is outside the GSA or the employee’s current
  fire district, and such notice shall be confirmed in writing.

Question 17

Question 17. State the two provisions under the Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation (2023), Part 3, Section 14: Firefighters to acquire and maintain knowledge of legislation, orders, and functions.

Answer 17

Firefighters to acquire and maintain knowledge of legislation, orders and functions
(1) A firefighter must acquire and maintain a thorough knowledge of, and comply with the requirements of, the Act, this regulation and the Commissioner’s directions.
(2) A firefighter must acquire and maintain the knowledge and skills relevant to the performance of the firefighter’s functions.

Question 18

Question 18. According to Recommended Practice- List the general safety points that must be observed at all times when using the Attack and Lay Pack.

Answer 18

General
* Keep all persons not directly involved away from the hose lines. This includes other emergency personnel, bystanders and residents.
* Objects which could cause injury (e.g. forcible entry tools) should be removed from the working area.
* When laying hose, ensure it does not create a trip hazard and that the exit path remains clear.
Protective Clothing
* Firefighters must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the risk. Further information is available on the FRNSW intranet site.
Deployment Methods
* The Attack Pack may be deployed on its own or together with the Lay Pack.
Common deployment methods include:
* Forward - Hose laid forward from the water supply using the Lay Pack to the
entry point, where the Attack Pack is located.
* Reverse - Hose laid from the entry point where the Attack Pack is located to the water supply.
* Where internal hydrants are unavailable it may be necessary to deploy a 70 mm supply line with a controlled wye divider (breeching piece) from the appliance.

Question 19

Question 19. According to the Fire Investigation toolkit on the Intranet, list when should you request FIRU for assistance?

Answer 19

Investigators from FIRU attend fires throughout the State, particularly those where:
* there has been a loss of life or major injury from fire
* the fire is considered major
* the fire is considered unusual, suspicious or deliberate
* the cause is not readily apparent
* the Incident Commander requests FIRU attendance.

Question 20

Question 20. Found in the toolkit on the Intranet, provide the full name of the form populated by firefighters that gives the Fire Investigator a summary of your observations on arrival and your actions during the fire.

Answer 20

SOFA Forms – (Summary of Observations & Firefighter Actions Report) a form populated by firefighters that gives the Fire Investigator a summary of the firefighters actions at an incident.

Question 21

Question 21. According to Definitions on the Intranet - Describe Backdraught.  

Answer 21

During the smouldering phase of a fire, in a confined space, fire gases may be at or above their ignition temperature, but will not have burned because of oxygen deficiency. Suddenly admitting air, by opening doors or breaking windows, may cause these gases to burn rapidly. The sudden release of energy as the gases are ignited causes an immediate and violent pressure rise. If there are insufficient openings to vent the pressure, an explosion will occur. This type of explosion is called a backdraught.

Question 22

Question 22. According to SOGs, - list your role and tasks if you are the first arriving Station Officer into Staging.

Answer 22

Staging Officer role
* Keep track of resources in Staging.
* As requested by the IC, release resources to be deployed into the incident.
* Advise the IC when spare resources in Staging are low, or fall below the number specified by the IC.
* Maintain awareness of the incident communications plan and incident action plan.

Question 23

Question 23. According to SOGs, - describe the order model of communication and when it must be used

Answer 23

Order model
The receiver of a message repeats a sender’s message and the sender confirms that the receiver has understood the message. Must be used for all incident communications.

Question 24

Question 24. According to the GSD for Incident Management, – an Incident Management System is a standardised method used to manage all types of incidents. The method is adaptable and scalable to the incident type and size. List what it enables the Incident Controller to do and when an Incident Management System is required to be used at incidents FRNSW attends?

Answer 24

An IMS is a standardised method used to manage all types of incidents.
This method is used at every incident FRNSW attends.

Question 25

Question 25. According to STP -There are eight strategic functions of command the Incident
Commander needs to address. List and describe all eight functions

Answer 25

1. Deployment – ensuring a steady, adequate and timely stream of appropriate resources at the incident, and knowing the position and function of each resource at all times.
2. Command – having a strong command presence from the outset of an incident.
3. Situation evaluation – continuously collecting and evaluating information about the incident in order to determine critical factors.
4. Incident action planning – having an incident action plan that addresses the critical factors.
5. Incident communications – having efficient and effective incident communications to describe the flow of information within and out of the incident.
6. Incident structure – having an incident structure that is flexible and able to be scaled to meet the incident size and needs, with the ability to delegate functions and responsibilities as span of control is reached.
7. Review and revision – once in operation, reviewing and revising the strategy and plan, to keep it current with the changing needs of the incident.
8. Escalation and de-escalation – as additional officers or an Incident Management Team arrive, scaling up the strategic management level of the incident; and scaling down as operations conclude.

Question 26

Question 26. According to the GSD for Incident Management, - at every incident there must be a steady, adequate, and timely stream of resources. Who is the only person to deploy resources at an incident?

Answer 26

The Incident Commander (IC) must be the only person to deploy resources.

Question 27

Question 27. A driver in a road tunnel noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment of their
car and immediately pulled into the emergency break down bay and called 000.
According to SOGs, List the Smoke Management Systems found in road
tunnels that could assist in clearing the smoke?

Answer 27

Road tunnel smoke management systems may use:
* longitudinal ventilation (jet fans)
* ducted ventilation
* natural ventilation
* a combination of the above.

Question 28

Question 28. According to the GSD for Incident Management, - as an incident develops and crews become fatigued, they will need to be rested. List and describe the two ways crews can be rested.

Answer 28

• Recycle – Crew stops work for a short period just outside the Hot Zone, to rest, rehydrate, and replenish air cylinders if relevant. They remain accountable to IC or Sector, Group or Division commander (SGD Commander), as per the incident structure.
• Full rehabilitation – Crew is released and moves to the rehabilitation area. Once there, they are accountable to a Rehabilitation Officer.

Question 29

Question 29. According to the GSD for Incident Management- List and describe the three incident phases.

Answer 29

• Life at risk phase – where there are saveable human lives. The incident is uncontrolled and requires rapid actions to control the risks to life.
• Expanding phase – where the incident is uncontrolled and likely to expand. It requires rapid actions to control risks to life and property.
• Contained phase – there are sufficient resources to contain the incident within the defined area. There is no life at risk, or life or property have already been lost.

Question 30

Question 30. According to Standing Orders list the people authorised to ride on FRNSW appliances?

Answer 30

The people who are authorised to ride on an appliance are:
* firefighters in the course of their duty;
* employees of Fire and Rescue NSW whose duty requires their attendance at an emergency;
* members of other emergency services at the discretion of the member in charge; or
* other persons authorised by the Commissioner.

Question 31

Question 31. According to the Recommended Practice for the Multi-head gas detector – Altair 5X, Altair 5X IR and Altair 5X PID, describe the term Time Weighted Average (TWA).

Answer 31

Time Weighted Average
The TWA is the concentration of gas a worker can be continuously exposed to for an eight-hour working day, repeated over five days for a 40-hour working week.

Question 32

Question 32. Section 26 of the Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation 2023 deals with performance of functions.
State the provisions of this section.

Answer 32

Question 32. Section 26 of the Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation 2023 deals with performance of functions.
State the provisions of this section.
26 Performance of functions
(1) A firefighter must attend a drill if directed to do so by the Commissioner or the officer in charge of the firefighter.
(2) A firefighter must perform all firefighting and other functions the firefighter is lawfully directed to perform.
(3) A firefighter must serve wherever the firefighter is directed by the Commissioner.

Question 33

Question 33. According to the GSD for Incident Safety, – it is usually reasonable only to document high
consequence risks, however as time and resources increase into a protracted incident what is reasonable to document will change. List and describe the two ways that risks can be documented.

Answer 33

Documentation can be by:
* Radio: In the initial stages of an incident, critical hazards and control measures are included in strategic CAN reports to FireCOM. This ensures that they are heard by other people not yet at the incident, can be logged by the operator, and are recorded on tape.
* Written: A written risk assessment should be used when:
− You can no longer account for all hazards and controls in your head
− You are at a protracted incident and the documentation will assist with reviewing controls and transferring roles
− You have a dedicated Safety Officer to assist.

Question 34

Question 34. According to the definition on the Intranet – what is the full term used when a liquid within a container reaches a temperature well above its boiling temperature, boils, expands and the container fails.

Answer 34

BLEVE – boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion.

Question 35

Question 35. According to SOGs – a thermal check of the acetylene cylinder may give an indication that decomposition is occurring internally. List and describe two ways you can conduct a thermal check.

Answer 35

TIC, Infrared thermometer, wetting test

Question 36

Question 36. According to SOGs-expand the acronym – SISIACMR

Answer 36

• S Safe approach
• I Incident control
• S Scene security
• I Identify hazardous materials
• A Assess potential harm and minimise environmental contamination
• C Call in resources
• M Monitor information
• R Render safe and decontaminate

Question 37

Question 37. According to the GSD for Incident Safety, - Define what incident safety refers to.

Answer 37

Incident safety refers to the management of the health and safety of firefighters at incidents, and, where relevant, at operational training that uses incident safety processes.

Question 38

Question 38. According to Operations Bulletin 2023-01 – thermal runaway can occur in lithium-ion batteries in small devices at any time without warning. List the indicators of thermal runaway.

Answer 38

Thermal runaway can occur at any time without warning. Indicators may be:
* Discolouration, blistering, bulging, or swelling of the casing.
* Pungent odours or leaking electrolyte.
* Rising temperature of battery exterior.
* Abnormal popping, hissing, or crackling sounds.
* Smoke or fumes.

Question 39

Question 39. According to the Workplace Safety toolkit on the intranet, what should you complete
when a work-related injury, near miss, exposure or illness occurs and in what
timeframe after the occurrence should it be submitted?

Answer 39

A NIIENM (notification of injury, illness, exposure and near miss) form should be submitted for any incident that affects the health & safety of FRNSW workers.

NIIENMs should be submitted within 24 hours of occurrence.

Question 40

Question 40. According to the Workplace Safety toolkit on the intranet - If you are unable to submit or fill out a
NIIENM who else can submit one for you?

Answer 40

If the injured person is unable to submit the report, their Supervisor or co-worker can submit it on their behalf.

Question 41

Question 41. When shall an employee be entitled to accommodation whist attending training courses in the GSA as listed under section 48.2.2 of the Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2023.

Answer 41

Where an employee attends a course within the Greater Sydney Area (GSA), and if the travelling time to and from the training venue exceeds two (2) hours each way (by the approved mode of
transport) or if the return distance from the employee’s residence to the training venue exceeds 175 kilometres, the employee shall be entitled to appropriate accommodation.

Question 42

Question 42. As stated in the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act,1989 - list who is responsible for coordinating rescue operations and for determining the priorities of action to be taken in rescue operations?

Answer 42

The NSW Police Force is responsible for co-ordinating rescue operations and for determining the priorities of action to be taken in rescue operations.

Question 43

Question 43. According to the GSD for Incident Management, list the fundamental principles of the incident management system.

Answer 43

• Accounting for everyone.
• Strong command presence.
• Critical factors determining the objectives and an incident action plan.
• Incident phase and risk management.
• Simplified communications.
• Incident structure to meet the incident needs.

Question 44

Question 44. According to the Rescue Training Manual - Fire protection must be established at all MVA’s where the vehicle’s occupants are trapped. List the actions that should be taken when providing fire protection at an MVA.

Answer 44

• The pumper should be positioned in a safe area at least 15-30 metres from the incident, unless circumstances dictate otherwise
• The minimum fire protection required is a 38 mm hose line, charged to 400 kPa with an Akron spray branch with a minimum 90o angle of spray, the pump recirculating valve must be opened to prevent the pump from overheating
• The branch must be hand-held by a firefighter in full turnout gear and BA
• The firefighter holding the branch must be positioned close to the risk, ready to provide immediate protection should a fire ignite and be prepared to:
  1. Secure an escape path for the rescue crew; and
  2. Isolate the fire from the passenger cell of the vehicle.
• If the hose line is used, the pump operator should close the recirculating valve and increase the pump pressure to 800 kPa

Question 45

Question 45. According to the Recommended Practice for breathing apparatus, – conditions when SCBA should be worn can be summarised by the acronym HOTS. List and describe each letter of HOTS.

Answer 45

• Heated or extremely low temperatures
• Oxygen deficient or enriched environment
• Toxic atmospheres
• Smoke

Question 46

Question 46. Owners and occupiers of premises can deposit keys at their nearest fire station so that firefighters can gain access without causing unnecessary damage. Located in the Forms tab on the intranet, name the two forms that need to be completed when receiving keys to private premises.

Answer 46

Keys to Private Premises Form & Deposit of Keys forms

Question 47

Question 47. As stated in the Health, Fitness and Wellbeing Toolkit- What is it a mandatory requirement to complete prior to undertaking the annual Fitness Drill?

Answer 47

FRNSW Fitness Drill Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

Question 48

Question 48. According to Operations Bulletin 2020-04 - Failure to report damage. When an appliance is found to have unreported damage, the Fleet Operations Officer or Regional Maintenance Officer will notify the Station, Duty, and Zone Commander in writing. The responsible station must submit what form within 8 days?

Answer 48

Agency Member Motor Vehicle Claim Form

Question 49

Question 49. According to the Fire ePermit policy, a fire permit issued within the ‘Bush Fire Danger’ period will be valid for a period of how many days from the date of issue?

Answer 49

7 days

Question 50

Question 50. According to the Fire ePermit policy, what aspect of the planned fire does the permit take into account.

Answer 50

Safety, how it its lit and maintained. The environmental approval that applies to particular fires in certain Local Government Areas

Question 51

Question 51. According to SOGs- list the 6 components of a AS2419.1 hydrant booster.

Answer 51

• supply hydrants
• main wheel valve
• non return valve
• booster inlets (one for each supply hydrant)
• pressure gauge showing pressure on the boosted side of the connection
• block plan—which shows:
• a diagram of the site
• Street mains or static supplies (tanks/reservoirs)
• Installed fire pumps
• Location of hydrants, booster connections and isolation valves
• Any connections to other installed fire protection systems.

Question 52

Question 52. According to the Recommend Practice for breathing apparatus– what is the meaning of working duration.

Answer 52

The working duration is the time until the warning whistle sounds

Question 53

Question 53. A mobile data terminal (MDT) is installed in every fire appliance. It provides immediate fingertip access to incident information and a range of additional intelligence to help firefighters deal with the incidents they attend every day. List the information the MDT enables firefighters to indicate, view and access as documented in the Toolkit.

Answer 53

• Indicate their code status.
• View resources and incident details at an incident including address of incident, talkgroup being used, and type of incident.
• View information sent from ESCAD including narrative logs.
• Access mapping data including the location of hydrants, utilities, hazards, and drains.
• Access pre-incident plans for the location.
• Access guidance including Standard Operational Guidelines, Safety and Operations Bulletins, and other incident relevant documents.
• Access weather information.
• Access hazardous materials information.

Question 54

Question 54. According to SOGs, - firefighters can ‘turn off’ a solar power system to stop electricity feeding into the structure’s circuits or back to the electricity network if configured to do so. List and describe the 6 points to consider

Answer 54

1. Consult with any on-site experts to determine how best to turn it off and whether it is appropriate.
2. Assume the switchboard and any conductive materials are live. Don insulating gloves, then leather overgloves. Put your helmet visor down.
3. Follow any shutdown procedure displayed. This may be on or near the switchboard or adjacent to the alternative power source.
4. If the shutdown procedure cannot be found:
   * Solar panels – turn off the inverter main switch (usually in the meter box), then turn off the solar panel main switch (usually next to the inverter).
5. Restrict work as far as reasonably practical to that required to protect life or prevent dangerous expansion of the incident. Carefully consider whether the possible benefits of undertaking the work outweigh the risks.
6. If power must be isolated from the alternative power supply, have the owner/occupier contact their electrician.

Question 55

Question 55. According to Operations Bulletin 2024-02, when a battery energy storage system is present at a residence, there should be an indicator to alert you to this. What is an example of an indicator.

Answer 55

An ES sticker or battery label or warnings - inside the switchboard or entry to rooms or compartments containing batteries

Question 56

Question 57. According to the GSD for Electricity SOGs - fires can occur in solar panels, particularly in the isolators attached to the solar panels. If the solar panel is on a roof, list the actions firefighters should not take.

Answer 56

If the solar panel is on a roof, firefighters should not:
* Climb onto the roof to extinguish the fire, as the roof may be unstable
* Put ladders against the roof, as the gutter may be electrified

Question 57

Question 56. Operations Bulletin 2023-01- Lists operational actions to follow when dealing with Lithium-ion battery failure in small devices. List these actions.

Answer 57

• Use caution when approaching the device as thermal runaway and vapour release may
  occur without warning.
• If the device is connected to mains electricity (eg charging) ensure that electricity is
  switched off prior to applying water.
• Knock-down any fire using copious amounts of water.
• Cool the battery with a cooling stream of water.
• Submerge the device in a suitable container of water if safe to do so. Use a tool such as
  a long-handled shovel to move the device.
• If unable to submerge the device, continue cooling and conduct thermal checks every
  15 minutes until ambient temperature is maintained for 60 minutes. Note: an increasing
  temperature is an indication that a thermal runaway event is occurring.
• Ensure that all cells are accounted for by searching the area around the device. Failure
  to account for all cells may lead to a secondary fire event.
• Notify FireCOM that the incident involves a lithium-ion device. FireCOM will send a
  notification to FIRU.

Question 58

Question 59. According to the SMIT on salvage and overhaul, describe the purpose of post fire overhaul.

Answer 58

Search & extinguish hidden fires & hot spots.
*Protect the scene after the fire, including the preservation of evidence & identification of cause & origin.
*Restore the premises to a safe condition

Question 59

Question 58. According to the SMIT on salvage and overhaul, describe the purpose of salvage.

Answer 59

The purpose of salvage is to reduce damage from fire, smoke, water, heat, cold or weather during & after a fire.

Question 60

Question 60. According to SOGs, list the four principles to consider when responded to incident involving a
gaseous fire suppression system.

Answer 60

• FRNSW may be responded to these incidents as an Automatic Fire Alarm, or to a reported fire.
• Unless there is life at risk, firefighters must wait outside the compartment for the hold time, while the system fully discharges and extinguishes the fire.
• Breathing apparatus must be worn when inside the compartment until the atmosphere is confirmed safe.
• Any activation of the system must be investigated.

Question 61

Question 61. According to the GSD for Bushfires - FRNSW crews generally engage in property protection roles. We generally have three strategies for carrying out property protection. List and describe the three types of defences that may be required in the defensive strategy.

Answer 61

A line defence is used when conditions would normally allow an offensive attack but there are not enough units to mount an offensive attack in time. It involves preventing the approaching line of fire from closely approaching the property.
An ember defence is used when the approaching line of fire is too intense to be suppressed by offensive means and is producing significant ember attack. It involves extinguishing small fires that occur in and around buildings, when and as they occur.
A backstop defence is used when there is no safe defensible space around buildings and/or the approaching fire is so intense that firefighters cannot safely protect the buildings during the impact of the fire. Firefighters withdraw temporarily a short distance away to a suitable safe refuge, with the intention of coming back after the fire front passes. After the main fire front subsides, they move forward to put out the property on fire. This type of defence is used when firefighters have run out of all other options. Firefighters operate from safe positions behind suitable shielding from the main fire front and pull back to safer refuge if needed.

Question 62

Question 62. Operations Bulletin 2023-01- lists the hazards and risks at incidents involving Lithium-ion batteries in small devices. List all as stated in the bulletin.

Answer 62

• Thermal runaway.
• Extreme fire behaviour
• Release of toxic vapour and gases.
• Hazardous materials and leaked electrolytes.
• Stranded energy.
• Projectiles.
• Secondary ignition

Question 63

Question 63. According to the GSD for Incident Management - Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) has 5 key principles. List and describe the concepts that underpin these principles.

Answer 63

• Flexibility – being able to be applied across all types of incidents.
• Management by objectives – having a set of objectives and a plan for managing those objectives to resolve the incident.
• Functional management – having eight functional areas, or activities, which are core responsibilities of the Incident Commander: Control, Operations, Planning, Intelligence, Public Information, Investigation, Logistics, and Finance. With the exception of Control, the Incident Commander can delegate these functions as required by the needs of the incident.
• Unity of command – having only one recognised Incident Commander, with each individual reporting to one supervisor.
• Span of control – having an individual ideally supervise no more that 5 people (a 1:5 ratio), with variation of 1:3 to 1:7, depending upon the activity, geography, or nature of the incident.

Question 64

Question 64. According to SOGs - When an LPG container is involved in fire, what area of the container is considered most crucial and a high priority area for cooling?

Answer 64

The container’s vapour space (area above the liquid) is most crucial and is to be considered a high priority area for cooling. Cool all containers by using sprays in preference to jets of water

Question 65

Question 66. According to the Work Instruction on “bagging contaminated gear” - list the equipment required for bagging contaminated gear (not PPC) at an incident to minimise the risk presented by hazardous contaminants during storage or transport.

Answer 65

• The appropriate bag for the type of contaminant:
  o Asbestos containment bags where asbestos is a suspected contaminant.
  o Yellow clinical waste bags for waste produced from providing first aid.
  o Clear contaminated gear bags for other contaminants, including smoke.
• Cable ties or strong tape to seal the bags.
• A contaminated equipment tag to attach to the bag with relevant details.

Question 66

Question 65. According to the SMIT on Psychological Preparedness – list the actions that should be taken following a Potentially Traumatic Event.

Answer 66

• Acknowledge as a team that the incident you just attended has the potentially to be traumatic.
• Acknowledge that there is no right or wrong way to respond after attending a potentially traumatic event.
• Should you or a crew member need to talk; ensure lines of communication are open, talk to colleagues, family, friends or internal supports, ensuing you maintain your boundaries if you are not ready or comfortable.
• Familiarise yourself with available support services should you or someone in your team need them.

Question 67

Question 67. According to the GSD for Bushfires - List and describe the 3 classes of bushfires.

Answer 67

Class 1
A fire under the control of the responsible fire authority, whether or not incidental/low level assistance is provided by other agencies.
Class 2
A fire which, by necessity, involves more than one agency, and where the Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC) has appointed a person to take charge of firefighting operations. The IC will be advised by FireCOM that the BFMC Executive Officer has declared the fire as Class 2.
Class 3
A major bushfire or fires where an appointment is made or is imminent under the provisions of Section 44 of the Rural Fires Act 1997.

Question 68

Question 68. According to the GSD for Electricity- SOGs, - electrical transformers in high density areas of cities maybe situated in underground vaults, if a fire occurs in one of these vaults, CO2 can be injected via a wall mounted or footpath CO2 connection box. Describe what the number on the connection box indicates.

Answer 68

• The number of CO2 cylinders required to be injected

Question 69

Question 69. According to the GSD for Electricity- GSD, list the factors that affect voltage gradient at wires down.

Answer 69

The voltage gradient varies depending on:
* Composition of the ground – eg concrete, road surface, soil
* Moisture content
* Voltage of the electrical source

Question 70

Question 70. According to the GSD for Electricity- SOGs, conductors allow electricity to easily pass through them. List five examples of conductors identified in this document.

Answer 70

• Metals (eg copper, aluminium, steel)
• Human body
• Timber and trees
• Flame and dense smoke
• Vehicle tyres
• Some fire extinguishing mediums
• Wet or dirty rope
• Water – including hose lines

Question 71

Question 72. As listed on the SIMS Worksheet, Electrical safety kit - list the inventory stored in the green canvas bag of the electrical safety kit.

Answer 71

• 1 x insulated gloves
• 1 x pair of leather over gloves
• 1 x electrical safety kit bag
• 2 x non-contact AC voltage detectors, either Modiewark Rescue or GLM Mini Rescue

Question 72

Question 71. According to the GSD for Electricity- SOGs - list five measures to control the risks associated with electricity at an incident.

Answer 72

The SOGs emphasise safety and hazard awareness, to control the risks associated with electricity. Essentially, they state:
* Stay away from the hazard. Always regard it as live until you know otherwise.
* Assess the risks from at least 8 metres away from the hazard.
* If suspected to be electrically hazardous, establish an Exclusion Zone.
* Have the electricity company isolate power.
* When leaving the incident site, if possible, provide information to the owner or other responsible person on the hazards still present at the site and the control measures in place

Question 73

Question 73. According to the Recommended practice - When using the gloves from the electrical safety kit, what is the correct donning sequence?

Answer 73

• Put on electrical gloves first.
• Put over-gloves on over the electrical gloves to protect the electrical glove from damage.
• The cuff of the electrical glove must extend beyond the cuff of the over-glove.
• The cuff of the electrical glove must be above the cuffs and sleeves of your PPC

Question 74

Question 74. According to SOG for interagency notification, list the four reasons NSW Police are required to be notified of incidents.

Answer 74

• Possible terrorist incident
• Crime investigation
• Site, crowd, traffic and evacuation management
• Rescue incidents

Question 75

Question 76. According to the Preventing and Managing Unreasonable Behaviour and Bullying Policy, state the definition of workplace bullying?

Answer 75

Workplace bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety.

Question 76

Question 75 You are responded to fire in a correctional facility, centre or complex operated by a government agency or private contractor. As documented in SOGs, list the actions that should be taken on arrival.

Answer 76

• Identify and liaise with the Emergency Coordinator.
• While waiting to enter, start developing the IAP by accessing information – eg pre-incident plans, SOGs, and utilities.
• Where entry to the facility is delayed, nominate a staging area and advise FireCOM to inform responding resources. Remain in the staging area until met by the Emergency Coordinator.
• Notify FireCOM if entry is delayed.
• Always remain outside facility on standby if it is unsafe to enter.
• At the main entry, access the Red Fire Emergency Plan Box containing the FRNSW pre-incident plan, safety data sheets folder, site plans, and Local Emergency Plans (LEPs) and brief crew about the facility.
• Prepare the appliance and secure equipment before entering the facility. List all equipment to be taken in.

Question 77

Question 77. You respond to an automatic fire alarm at an office building. On arrival you find the gaseous fire suppression system has activated in a data storage unit. You ask employees on site if everyone has evacuated but they cannot be sure. You have to enter immediately to complete a search.
According to SOGs list the actions you would you take.

Answer 77

If immediate entry is required
If there is a need to immediately enter the compartment (ie life at risk):
* Wear breathing apparatus and carry a charged line of hose or extinguisher.
* Manage door control and entry to prevent influx of fresh air.
* Consider carrying an extension face mask for the person needing rescue.
* Be aware of electrical hazards from energised equipment.
* Remove the person to a safe atmosphere. Treat them with oxygen. Notify Ambulance.

Question 78

Question 78. According to the ‘Firefighter’ role description found on the Intranet, list any 5 of the Duties/Accountabilities required in this role.

Answer 78

• Contribute to the station’s community prevention, risk reduction planning and engagement programs and activities
• Attend fire and other emergency incidents providing expert knowledge and assistance commensurate with rank
• Contribute to the Station’s operational readiness, including the maintenance of appliances, tools and equipment
• Assist with investigations into the cause of fires
• Support the Station Officer in actions to achieve FRNSW’s goals of protecting life, property and other initiatives under the Plus Plan
• Undertake station duties including the completion of records, reports, correspondence and returns to facilitate the general running of the station

Question 79

Question 79. Standing Orders includes the topic ‘Reporting Absence from duty’. List the procedures the Station Officer is to follow if a firefighter is absent without notification.

Answer 79

If a member of your staff is absent, and they have not notified you of their absence, try to contact them
by telephone to find out why they are absent.
If you cannot contact them, record them as being absent without leave and notify your Duty Commander
or Manager. If you have concerns for their welfare, contact your Zone Commander, Human Resources
Manager or the Manager Operational Personnel.
When a staff member returns to duty after being absent without leave, contact them personally and check
whether there are any underlying problems with which Fire and Rescue NSW could assist, eg through
the Employee Assistance Program, Chaplains, etc, noting that you must not request any specific
information related to the nature of a firefighter’s illness or medical history.
Request a written explanation of their absence and discuss their options in relation to taking leave to
cover their absence. If they cannot show reasonable cause for their absence, they must take leave without
pay. Also remind them that sick leave or personal/carer’s leave must be supported by the required
documentation.
Ensure that SAM is adjusted accordingly and your Duty Commander or Manager is notified of the
outcome. Forward the documentation through your chain of command to the Manager Operational
Personnel.

Question 80

Question 80. According to SOGs – list the procedures you should follow when attending an incident involving underground electrical vault.

Answer 80

• Contact FireCOM to notify the electricity company and to respond the CO2 Tender. Consider notifying other affected services.
• Do not enter the vault – wait for the electricity company representative to arrive.
• Do not approach or park vehicles over entry covers (open or closed) due to the risk of explosion.
• Establish a Hot Zone of at least 8 metres radius surrounding the vault.
• Prepare the necessary equipment. Consider requesting hazmat or other specialists. Consult any pre-incident plans.
• Protect all exposures.
• Liaise with the electricity company representative on safety and technical issues. Follow all safe work instructions given by the electricity company representative.
• Do not operate any switches without consultation with the electricity company representative.
• Use gas detectors and thermal imaging cameras as appropriate.

Question 81

Question 81. According to the Fire Investigation Field Guide there are four classifications of cause. List and describe them.

Answer 81

• Natural: A fire caused without human intervention or action, such as fires resulting from lightning, earthquake, wind and flood.
• Accidental: Fires for which the proven cause does not involve an intentional human act to ignite or spread the fire into an area where a fire should not be.
• Incendiary: A fire that is intentionally ignited in an area where and when there should not be a fire.
• Undetermined: The cause of the fire cannot be proven to an acceptable level of certainty.

Question 82

Question 82. According to SMIT on MVA terminology – list and describe the 4 recognised types of entrapment.

Answer 82

1. Trapped by Compression: the occupant is physically pinned by deformity in the structure of the vehicle.
2. Trapped by Confinement: the occupant is only trapped in the interior of the vehicle (i.e. a door is jammed).
3. Trapped by Injuries: the occupant is unable to exit the vehicle due the injuries sustained (or are believed to have sustained – spinal injuries etc).
4. Trapped by Impalement: the occupant is physically impaled by a foreign object which prevents them from exiting the vehicle.

Question 83

Question 83. According to SOGs - There are many duties of the BA Control Operator, list five.

Answer 83

• Establish BA Control as close to the entry/exit point as possible.
• Check and enter all details on the BA Control Board.
• Ensure that BA team members are identified by a call sign determined by the incident communications plan.
• Calculate and monitor entry and exit times.
• Monitor all radio communications within the sector.
• When exit time is reached:
  o Immediately contact the individual wearer or BA team leader.
  o If unable to contact, notify their Commander. Activate the RIT immediately when required and notify the IC.
• Indicate to exiting BA crews the locations of the BA staging area and
  Rehabilitation Area.
• Provide updates to their Commander as required. A second radio transceiver may be required for communicating on the tactical channel.
• Ensure BA Control Boards clearly show when extended duration BA (EDBA) is in use. This is indicated by the red tag from the EDBA twin manifold being attached to the wearer’s yellow tally on the board.
• Ensure BA Control Boards clearly show when aerial appliance operators are wearing BA.

Question 84

Question 84. Safety Bulletin 2024-01 identifies actions firefighters must take operationally should they
identify fire doors with fire activated bolts. List what firefighters must do.

Answer 84

• Inform the IC immediately if fire door bolts are identified.
• Ensure fire attack and search and rescue crews enter with charged lines of hose.
• Identify alternative egress routes should a fire door bolt operate. If trapped by the activation of a fire bolt fire door with no alternative exit, send a Mayday message.

Question 85

Question 85. According to SOGs – List what P2 particle masks can be used to protect against.

Answer 85

Known low concentrations of inert dust, such as those produced when cutting metal or wood.
* Concrete, stone and masonry cutting operations where the work piece can be kept wet.
* The particles, but not the gases such as CO, in bushfire smoke.
* Contamination by body fluids.

Question 86

Question 86. Section 29 of the Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation 2023 deals with the occurrence book. State
the provisions of this clause.

Answer 86

The officer in charge of a fire station must ensure details of the following are recorded in a document (an occurrence book) kept at the fire station—
(a) all events of significance relating to the operation of the fire station,
(b) all other matters required by this regulation or the Commissioner’s directions to be recorded in the occurrence book.

Question 87

Question 87. Safety Bulletin 2010-04 identifies precautions appliance drivers should take before responding from fire stations. List these precautions

Answer 87

Before responding:
1.Activate the emergency warning lights to indicate that the appliance is about to respond.
2.Check that everyone has their seat belt fastened.
3.Check your mirrors and ensure that the surrounding area is clear of people.
4.Only proceed when safe to do so.

Question 88

Question 88. Clause 10 of the Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation (2023) deals with Examinations and Assessments. State this provision.

Answer 88

The Commissioner may set or nominate an examination or assessment the Commissioner considers appropriate as a requirement for a firefighter’s promotion, transfer or appointment to a position.

Question 89

Question 89 List the exemptions that retained firefighters have when responding in private vehicles to emergency incidents as detailed in the Standing Orders.

Answer 89

No exemption from the Australian Road Rules and must observe the road rules applicable to all drivers.

Question 90

Question 90.
According to the SOGs for communication plans- list the three basic principles for communication at incidents?

Answer 90

The three basic principles for communication at incidents are:
* to use the principles of ICS and ensure an effective span of control;
* to establish a flow of information at all levels of the incident, without overwhelming the IC or ComCen with superfluous data; and
* to ensure the safety of firefighters by using effective communication.

Question 91

Question 91. The Fire and Rescue Act 1989 and the Australian Road Rules grant exemptions, in certain circumstances, to the drivers of Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles from complying with the Australian Road Rules. State the situations as listed in Standing Orders when FRNSW vehicles are permitted to travel in a bus, tram, transit or truck lane

Answer 91

Drivers of Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles are permitted to travel in a bus, tram, transit or truck lane in the following situations:
* when responding to a call of fire, hazardous materials incident or other emergency, or
* when returning to station after proceeding to the scene of a fire call, hazardous materials incident or other emergency.
At all other times, drivers of Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles must comply with the Australian Road
Rules.

Question 92

Question 92. According to SOGs - Emergency Response Teams have varying levels of skills, equipment, and training. Depending on the hazards involved, the IC must determine, from Pre-Incident Planning and discussion with the Emergency Response Team Leader, their role at an incident. List the three activities Emergency Response Team can participate in.

Answer 92

Examples of Emergency Response Team participation can include:
* Specialist advice to the IC relating to hazards, industrial processes and installed fire systems.
* Operation of valves and other industrial processes.
* Fire attack under the control of NSWFB officers.

Question 93

Question 93. According SOGs list the principles of de-escalation.

Answer 93

• Both the strategic and tactical levels scale back during de-escalation. Delegated functions are handed back to the IC. The IC may handover command to another officer.
• Only the IC can release resources – resources must not leave without permission from the IC.
• When possible, released resources should be rehabilitated before departure.
• Before a crew leaves the hazard zone, crew commanders should, where possible, conduct a short ‘hot’ debrief.
• If appropriate, when all FRNSW duties are complete, the IC should hand over the site to another agency or the owner.
• When FRNSW involvement at the incident ends, the IC must inform FireCOM.
• Command is only terminated when the last resource leaves the incident.

Question 94

Question 94. According to SOGs - The Emergency Control Organisation may consist of people identified by coloured helmets, hats, caps, vests, or tabards. List the members and the identifying colour.

Answer 94

The Emergency Control Organisation may consist of the following people identified by coloured helmets, hats, caps, vests or tabards:
* Chief warden, Deputy chief warden & Communications officer – White
* Floor warden & Area wardens - Yellow
* Wardens – Red
* First aid officer - White cross on a green background

Question 95

Question 96. You are completing a pre-incident plan for an occupancy located within your station area. The SO directs you to inspect the Fire Control Room. According to the SOGs, list the features that are included in a Fire Control Room.

Answer 95

A Fire Control Room is usually at or below ground level. Features include:
* a fire isolated room with a 2-hour fire rating and separate ventilation
* two exit points, to the front of the building and directly into a fire exit
* Fire Indicator Panel
* Fire Fan Control Panel
* Master Emergency Control Panel
* controls for fire pumps
* Security Alarm and Control Panels
* telephone (direct line outside)
* whiteboard, corkboard and plan table
* Tactical Fire Plans (maps and schematics)

Question 96

Question 95. According to the SOGs, List the correct meanings for the numerical status codes 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7.

Answer 96

Standard numerical status codes;
* 1 - Responding to an incident or move-up – should include a clarification when the appliance is travelling under normal road conditions.
* 2 - Call off (sent by FireCOM).
* 3 - On scene at incident or move-up station (state location/address).
* 4 - Available for response.
* 5 - Returned to station
* 6 - Incident in Rural Fire District.
* 7 Unavailable for response – state reason and transmit Code 4 immediately when available.

Question 97

Question 97. You are attending an incident at a large cold storage facility. Your SO has directed you to cut into an Insulated Sandwich Panel (ISP). Prior to cutting the ISP, you conduct a risk assessment. According to the SOGs, list the important issues to consider.

Answer 97

Before cutting any ISP, conduct a risk assessment. Important issues to consider include:
* if there is sufficient time and resources available.
* leaked refrigerant gas which may be pocketed behind panels or in ducting
* electrical wiring or refrigerant gas pipes that may be located behind the panels
* the potential to generate sparks that could ignite flammable refrigerant gas or ESP panel cores
* Weakening of the structure when multiple panels are cut.
* An increase in fire activity due to the introduction of air; Have a charged line of hose in place for protection before cutting ISPs. (Additional information contained in GSD Section 5)

Question 98

Question 98. You are attending a 3rd Alarm structure fire and note the current incident commander is being overwhelmed by radio messages. According to SOGs, following span of control rules, what is the optimal number of people who should be reporting to the IC?

Answer 98

Span of control – having an individual ideally supervise no more than 5 people (a 1:5 ratio).

Question 99

Question 99. It is the responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC) to ensure that in general, each tactical priority has been addressed, according to the SOGs, for structure fires the IC should consider how many sides of the fire?

Answer 99

Consider the “seven sides” of the fire:
* front,
* rear,
* both sides,
* top,
* bottom and
* inside.

Question 100

Question 100. On arrival at an incident, you observe the EWIS is operating. Upon closer inspection you note it has defects. According to the SOGs, what actions should you take and who should you notify after you have investigated and found no sign of fire?

Answer 100

If any defects are noted, advise the NSWFB Fire Safety Division to have the matter investigated. Do not initiate any action yourself.

Question 101

Question 101. You attend a hazmat incident, and you appreciate the importance of correct spelling of a substance when transmitting messages to Comms. You are requested to relay the message using the phonetic alphabet. What is the correct phonetic alphabet transmission for …………….? (Word to be inserted in test paper, knowledge of phonetic alphabet)

Answer 101

Phonetic answers

Question 102

Question 102. An MVA has occurred between a truck and two cars requiring the attendance of a rescue unit, the MVA has occurred on the M5 Motorway in the GSA. There are multiple emergency services within NSW that are responsible for rescue incidents. According to SOGs, who determines which emergency service will send a rescue unit to this rescue incident?

Answer 102

NSW Police will determine which emergency service will send a Rescue unit to rescue incidents

Question 103

Question 103. Fumigation is a process of applying a pesticide chemical to a sealed area for a period, generally to treat insects or other vermin. The pesticide is applied in gas form (or a state that produces a gas) to the area. According to SOGs if a firefighter is exposed to chemicals at a fumigation list the actions needed to be taken on arrival back at station.

Answer 103

On return to station;
* 1. Have the firefighter shower and dress in clean clothing.
* 2. Record the exposure in the Occurrence Book and in the eAIRS report.
* 3. Ensure that Notification of Injury, Illness, Exposure or Near-Miss (NIIENM) form is completed.

Question 104

Question 104. According to SOGs, FRNSW priorities guide the strategy and incident action plan (IAP) for the incident. List our priorities at an incident?

Answer 104

“FOP - Firefighters, Others, Property.”

FRNSW priorities guide the strategy and incident action plan (IAP) for the incident:
* The first priority is the safety of firefighters.
* The second priority is protecting saveable lives.
* The third priority is protecting saveable property and the environment.
Resources should not be committed to save what is already lost.

Question 105

Question 105. According to the FRNSW fatigue management procedure permanent firefighters, what is the
definition of fatigue?

Answer 105

An acute or ongoing state of tiredness that leads to mental or physical exhaustion.
In most cases, fatigue results from a lack of restorative rest or sleep

Question 106

Question 106. According to the GSD for Incident Management- every person at the incident must behave in a manner that ensures that they can be accounted for. List the behaviours of officers not in command that destroy accountability.

Answer 106

Some specific behaviours that destroy accountability are:
With anyone at the incident
* Failing to pre-deploy or stage.
* Working outside the incident structure – ie freelancing.
With the officer in command
* Not showing leadership or command presence.
* Splitting crews or removing supervisors from their subordinates.
* Not developing and communicating the incident structure.
With officers not in command
* Tasking firefighters to undertake unauthorised activities – ie activities outside of the incident action plan.
* Changing the incident structure – ie deploying firefighters, or poaching or adopting crews.
* If of a higher rank than the IC, arriving and working outside the incident structure but not assuming formal command.
In AIIMS terms, officers must not take actions that threaten unity of command.

Question 107

Question 107. According to the intranet toolkit, during a bushfire with CFUs, list the 5 points under the heading CFU members.

Answer 107

• like all residents, must follow Fire Danger Rating instructions and their Bushfire Survival Plan
• do not fight fires or enter bushland; they are only empowered to protect properties in their area of activity from spot fires and ember attack
• are no different to other residents during a bushfire, and do not have any authority, responsibility or role in FRNSW bushfire operations
• must obey instructions from FRNSW firefighters or other emergency service agencies to deactivate and/or evacuate
• after the front has passed, can carry out mopping up on their area of activity, freeing up firefighters to respond to the moving fire front

Question 108

Question 109. According to the FRNSW Alcohol and other drugs policy, workers must not be in the workplace with a blood alcohol concentration of how many grams or above of alcohol per 210 litres of breath?

Answer 108

Workers must not be in the workplace with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02 grams or above of alcohol per 210 litres of breath.

Question 109

Question 108. According to SOGs - A medical emergency access incident is an actual or probable situation where either the Police Rescue Coordinator or the Ambulance Service of NSW (ASNSW) Communication Centre Manager considers serious. Describe what they consider a person at risk of if access is not gained quickly?

Answer 109

Serious injury or death if medical assistance is not provided quickly.

Question 110

Question 110. According to SOGs – list the seven signs that could indicate an impending structural collapse.

Answer 110

Signs of impending collapse could include:
− Cracks in walls or other support elements.
− Displaced supporting columns, joists or beams.
− Concrete spalling or falling debris.
− Leaning or bulging walls.
− Cracked or dropped supports over doors and windows.
− Gaps between floors and walls.
− Cracking sounds or other noises as the structure moves.

Question 111

Question 111. According to SOGs - radio codes for automatic fire alarms (AFAs) are used by the Incident Commander (IC) to send an incident completed (Stop) message to FireCOM at the conclusion of an AFA-reported incident. When AFA call is to an actual fire, one which FRNSW has been alerted to by the activation of an AFA or manual call point, what is required to be reported to FireCOM?

Answer 111

AFA-reported fire
Use code 100 where an AFA call is to an actual fire – ie one which FRNSW has been alerted to by the activation of an AFA or manual call point.
The IC must ensure that a detailed message is sent with the 100 code. The code is passed to eAIRS, but, on return to station, the eAIRS report needs to be updated to reflect the nature of the incident

Question 112

Question 112. According to SOGs - safety is paramount at all bushfires. A safety briefing must be completed and communicated to firefighters. Firefighters should constantly review LACES. List and describe each letter of the acronym LACES.

Answer 112

• Lookouts – Fire crews must LOOKOUT and ensure that they have a clear appreciation of current fire behaviour, location and size of the fire in relation to crew location.
• Awareness – Firefighters must be aware of what is happening around them, including: − the impact of changes in fire behaviour caused by variations to fuel, weather and topography − observation of smoke colour, direction and column − fire ground and urban hazards including the potential for falling rocks and trees − hydration of themselves and others.
• Communications – All fire crews must maintain communication in accordance with the communications plan and ensure safety issues are discussed and addressed immediately.
• Escape Routes – At least two escape routes should be agreed and made known to all relevant personnel. The suitability of escape routes should be reviewed continually to ensure they remain effective.
• Safety Zones - Safety zones (refuge areas) should be identified and made known to all relevant firefighters. Firefighters need to consider escape time and safety zone size requirements, which may change as fire behaviour changes.

Question 113

Question 113. According to SOGs-fire danger ratings (FDR) give an indication of the consequences of a bushfire. The higher the fire danger, the more dangerous the conditions. List and describe the ratings.

Answer 113

Fire danger Ratings;
* Catastrophic FBI 100 +
o Uncontrollable extremely fast and intense, spot fires 20 km.
o No structure is guaranteed safe, lives may be lost
* Extreme FBI: 50 – 99
o Uncontrollable, very fast and intense, spot fires 6 km.
o Only prepared houses offer safety; house and life loss possible.
* High FBI: 25 – 49
o Difficult to control, spot fires 2 km.
o Housing may come under increased threat.
* Moderate FBI: 12 – 24
o Controllable, spot fires very close and less likely.
o Prepared houses offer good safety.
* No rating FBI: 0 – 11
o Fires easily controllable, spot fires very unlikely.

Question 114

Question 114. According to SOGs, list the benefits of effective management at incidents?

Answer 114

Incidents must be effectively managed in order to:
* Provide a safe working environment for those at the incident.
* Effectively and efficiently control the incident.
* Minimise the impact on life, property and the environment.

Question 115

Question 115. According to SOGs - There are three strategies used during bushfires operations. Name and describe them.

Answer 115

Offensive strategy
FRNSW initiates offensive operations at bushfires. The factors that determine the success of an offensive operation are the location and size of the attack and support for the attacking crew.
* Direct attack - is at the fire edge to extinguish or control the flames directly, eg applying water, smothering with foam or soil, beating, or starving of fuel by raking the fuel into the fire. This then becomes the established control line.
* Parallel attack - is used to control the intensity of the fire. A fire line is constructed parallel to, and just far enough from the fire edge, to allow firefighters and equipment to work effectively away from heat and smoke. There are many factors that determine the distance from the edge including terrain; number of firefighters available; fire’s rate of spread; the fire’s intensity.
* Indirect attack - involves falling back some distance from the fire perimeter – this could be up to a few kilometres at times – and burning back from a strong control line such as natural barriers, roads, tracks, firebreaks, or from trails or fire lines constructed. Where a fire is too intense for direct or parallel attack eg when flame height is greater than 3 metres, spotting is occurring, or the terrain is inaccessible to firefighters, the indirect method of control may be used. If the fire’s behaviour is too severe, an indirect attack may only be possible on the flanks of the fire.

Defensive strategy
* Line defence - is used when conditions would normally allow an offensive attack (eg the fire is not intense, weather conditions are favourable), but there are not enough resources to mount an offensive attack in time. It involves preventing the approaching line of fire from closely approaching the property.
* Ember - is used when the approaching line of fire is too intense to be suppressed by offensive means and is producing significant ember attack. It involves extinguishing small fires that occur in and around buildings. Firefighters operate from safe positions behind suitable shielding from the main fire or pull back to a safer refuge, until the main fire front has passed.
* Backstop - is used when there is no safe defensible space around buildings; the approaching fire is so intense that firefighters cannot safely protect the buildings. Firefighters withdraw temporarily a short distance away to suitable safe refuges, with the intention of coming back after the fire passes.

Safeguarding strategy
When offensive or defensive strategies are no longer viable with intense fires under the worst conditions, the actions during safeguarding strategy, while not fire suppression, warns, escorts (moves) and protects community members to ensure their safety.

Question 116

Question 116. According to the eAIRS Data Management Policy, describe the roles and responsibilities of the
reporting officer?

Answer 116

Reporting Officer
The officer in charge of the first arriving FRNSW appliance is the Reporting Officer in relation to the completion of the eAIRS report for each incident. The Reporting Officer is responsible for the accurate recording of the attendance of the first arriving crew, as well as actions taken, equipment used and observations. The task of completing the eAIRS report may be delegated to another member of the crew who attended the incident however the officer in charge of the first arriving appliance remains accountable for the incident report.

Question 117

Question 117. According to FIREFIT Heat exhaustion fact sheet- list the strategies to prevent heat exhaustion.

Answer 117

• Appropriate work to rest ratios based on environmental conditions. Increasing rest break durations as ambient temperature increases is warranted.
• Firefighters should identify signs and symptoms which indicate need to slow, modify, or stop activity before medical emergency arises.
• Adequate hydration before, during and after work can help. Maintaining blood volume is a key prevention strategy against developing heat exhaustion.

Question 118

Question 118. According to the GSD for Bushfires - the status of a bushfire is the degree to which it is under control. List and describe the terminology to be used in radio messages and sitreps to FireCOM.

Answer 118

Status of bushfire
The status of a bushfire is the degree to which it is under control. The following terminology is to be used in radio messages and sitreps to FireCOM.
* Going - The fire is spreading on one or more flanks, and effective control strategies are not in place for the entire perimeter.
* Being Controlled - Effective strategies are in operation or planned for the entire perimeter.
* Contained - The entire perimeter is behind identifiable control lines. Mop up and patrol have started.
* Patrol - Firefighting resources are only required for patrol purposes and major reignition is unlikely.
* Out - The fire is totally blacked out and can be removed from the list of current fires.

Question 119

Question 119. According to FIREFIT Heat exhaustion fact sheet- list the treatment for heat exhaustion.

Answer 119

• Move the individual to a cool/shaded area and remove excess clothing.
• Cool the individual with fans, self-dousing, forearm immersion (Kore Kooler chairs) and apply cold packs to neck, groin, and armpits.
• Elevate legs to promote blood return to heart.
• Provide oral fluids for rehydration if fully conscious.

Question 120

Question 120. According to SOGs - Describe offensive and defensive strategies.

Answer 120

The strategy can only be:
* Offensive – operating in close proximity to the hazards, or
* Defensive – operating away from the hazards.

Question 121

Question 121. According to SOGs – list what the Incident Action (IAP) usually describes.

Answer 121

What is an Incident Action Plan?

The IAP usually describes:
* The risk assessment.
* The strategy and objectives, including notes relating to critical factors
* The incident structure, showing the resources being used or needed.
* The layout of the incident (mud map).
* Any other information relevant to resolve or control, such as incoming resources.
* * tactics (deployment of crews and appliances); and.
* (objectives - rescue, protect exposures, contain spread etc); (strategies -offensive, defensive, marginal);
* * tasks (individual work assignments to crews and individuals).

Question 122

Question 122. According to the heat stress minimisation fact sheet-exertional heat illness (EHI) occurs in otherwise fit and healthy individuals during vigorous activity while wearing PPC which inhibits the body’s ability to cool effectively. List and describe the three factors that increase the risk of EHI in firefighters found in the fact sheet.

Answer 122

Three factors that increase the risk of EHI in firefighters:
1. Vigorous work demands – the build-up of significant metabolic heat whilst working.
2. Wearing of PPC – inhibits the body’s ability to cool effectively.
3. Extreme environmental heat – including high atmospheric temperatures and high radiant heat.

Question 123

Question 123. According to the Clean firefighter policy describe the aim of onsite decontamination.

Answer 123

The aim of decontamination is to ensure zero exposure for firefighters, with all contaminates removed and left at the incident, where possible.
All PPE, including boots, require cleaning before leaving the incident.

Question 124

Question 124. According to SOGs - twin bore tunnels, where traffic flows occur in separate tunnels, the tunnels are usually separated by 4-hour fire-resisting construction. Crossover passages between the tunnels are usually how many metres apart?

Answer 124

Crossover passages between the tunnels are usually 120 metres apart and may be pressurised.

Question 125

Question 125. According to SOGs - List the roles of FRNSW at incidents involving bomb threats or detonations?

Answer 125

The role of FRNSW at incidents involving bomb threats or detonations is to:
* Support NSW Police Force or the Australian Defence Force (ADF) by protecting life and property from the effects of fires or hazardous materials that may occur.
* Act as the lead agency in urban search and rescue (USAR) operations, if required.
* If requested, assist NSW Ambulance.
The FRNSW Commander is responsible for the safety of all FRNSW personnel at the incident.

Question 126

Question 127. According to SOGs, Standards Australia refers to Breathing Apparatus (BA) as supplied air respirators. Fire and Rescue NSW uses positive pressure supplied air respirators to provide the highest level of protection. List and describe them.

Answer 126

These include:
* Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
* Extended duration breathing apparatus (EDBA): An SCBA set in twin cylinder configuration which allows firefighters to work for approximately twice the time as single cylinder SCBA.
* Airline respirator: An extension facemask with an airline supplied from a source of compressed air. These sources include:
o Air trolley breathing apparatus (ATBA): A mobile trolley with compressed air cylinders, a valve assembly and an airline connected to an extension facemask.
o An independent SCBA set.
o SCBA worn by a firefighter: An extension facemask and airline worn by a second person which is attached to the auxiliary connection of an SCBA or EDBA set worn by a firefighter.

Question 127

Question 126. According to the Clean firefighter policy state the definition of exposure.

Answer 127

Exposure: occurs when a harmful substance enters the body through a route (i.e. inhalation, ingestion, or dermal/ocular absorption). Exposure to a hazardous substance may create a risk of harm or illness.

Question 128

Question 129. According to SOGs - when dealing with radiological incidents, the first priority is to minimise the exposure to radiation while rendering the incident safe. List and describe considerations to minimise exposure at radiological incidents.

Answer 128

The main considerations for protecting people at radiological incidents are:
* Time – minimise the duration of exposure.
* Distance – maximise the distance from the radiological source.
* Shielding – maximise shielding between the radiological source and people.

Question 129

Question 128. According to SOGs, decontamination is the process of removing contaminants from people and equipment to prevent further injury and reduce the spread of the contaminant. List and describe three ways decontamination can be implemented (not the methods).

Answer 129

Decontamination is the process of removing contaminants from people and equipment to prevent further injury and reduce the spread of the contaminant.
* Standard decontamination is implemented where there is no life at risk.
* Emergency decontamination is implemented where there is a life at risk (a person is rescued from the Hot Zone), or an immediate response is required due to an accidental contamination.
* Mass decontamination is implemented in an unexpected and dangerous situation which must be dealt with immediately where a group of people are contaminated.

Question 130

Question 131. According to SOGs - materials that contain asbestos are known as asbestos containing materials (ACM). If asbestos is encountered at an incident, as far as practical, employ dust suppression tactics and leave ACM in situ. List three examples of dust suppression tactics.

Answer 130

As far as practical, employ dust suppression tactics and leave ACM in situ for remediation by owner/occupier or responsible agency:
* Minimise disturbance – ie restrict salvage and overhaul work.
* Keep it lightly dampened down with fog spray.
* Apply a bonding agent such as a foam blanket or coloured PVA/water mix.
* Bag into marked asbestos containment bags.
* Wrap or cover with salvage plastic sheeting.

Question 131

Question 130. According to GSD Radiological Incidents – list three types of radiation.

Answer 131

3 Types of radiation:
* Alpha,
* beta,
* Gamma rays and X-rays.

Question 132

Question 133. According to definitions on the Intranet- describe flashover.

Answer 132

Flashover is a stage in the development of a fire in a room or compartment when the heat from the fire raises the temperature of all the room’s contents to their ignition point simultaneously. The room becomes totally engulfed in flames.

Question 133

Question 132. Materials that contain asbestos are known as asbestos containing materials (ACM). There are generally two categories of ACM. List and describe them.

Answer 133

ACM may be either friable or non-friable:
* Friable - Any ACM that is in powder form, or that can be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Examples are loose-fill insulation, pipe lagging, and fire damaged ACM.
* Non-friable - Previously known as bonded. Any ACM that is not friable, including materials containing asbestos fibres reinforced with a bonding compound. (Non-friable ACM that has been reduced to powder by fire or severe impact will become friable.) Examples include fibre cement sheeting (‘fibro’), corrugated or moulded fibre cement, and electrical switchboards.

Question 134

Question 134. According to Standing Orders - list the purpose of hydrant inspections.

Answer 134

The purpose of hydrant inspections is to:
* ensure that hydrants work when needed
* notify water authorities of problems with hydrants, and
* familiarise crews with hydrants in their area.

Question 135

Question 137. According to FRNSW Managing Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy and Procedure - Any offer of a gift or benefit in excess of $50 or not token in nature, whether it is accepted or not, must be declared with which section of FRNSW?

Answer 135

Report as soon as possible any offer of an inappropriate gift or benefit to their manager/supervisor.
With Professional Standards (PSB) by completing the ‘Gifts and Benefits Registration Form on the Professional Standards Gifts and Benefits intranet page’.

Question 136

Question 135. According to the After-Action Review (AAR) Policy - AARs are held for the purpose of reviewing organisational performance, resulting in a series of observations, which are analysed to produce thematic insights. What timeframe should a Type 1 review be conducted?

Answer 136

The Type 1 may be conducted at the scene following the incident, or informally upon return to the station (such as a mess room chat) or during the next shift if timing is an issue.

Question 137

Question 136. As stated in in the FRNSW Code of Conduct and Ethics -the NSW government sector and FRNSW values underpin how we interact with our colleagues, the government, stakeholders and members of the community. List the FRNSW and NSW government sector values.

Answer 137

FRNSW – Respect, Integrity, Service, Courage.
NSW Gov – Integrity, Service, Trust, Accountability.
= Service & Integrity

Question 138

Question 139. The Quarantine and malfunction of equipment and personal protective clothing procedure outlines the procedures to be taken if equipment or personal protective clothing fails at an incident or drill, and it is not a safety incident. List these procedures.

Answer 138

If equipment or personal protective clothing fails at an incident or drill, and it is not a safety incident:
* complete a NIIENMS form
* notify the Manager Equipment Management Unit
* quarantine the equipment or personal protective clothing.
The Manager Equipment Management Unit will investigate the incident in consultation with the Health and Safety Branch and the equipment manager.

Question 139

Question 138. According to the infection prevention and control manual, an infection occurs when another organism enters your body and causes disease. List the six main transmission routes.

Answer 139

There are six main transmission routes:
* Direct contact transmission with blood or body substances
* Indirect contact transmission
* Droplet transmission
* Airborne transmission
* Gastrointestinal transmission
* Vector borne (Zoonotic) transmission

Question 140

Question 140. According to the GSD for Asbestos, the risk of developing asbestos related disease depends on many factors. List these factors.

Answer 140

The risk of developing an asbestos-related disease is dependent on many factors, however the risk is known to be dependent on:
* Concentration of exposure: Greater quantities of inhaled fibres will increase the likelihood of developing disease.
* Duration of exposure: The longer the duration you are exposed, the greater the likelihood of developing disease.
* Fibre characteristics: The type of fibres inhaled have an effect on the likelihood of developing disease. Shorter, straight fibres are more likely to be breathed deeper into the lungs.
* Other exposures: Exposure to other hazardous materials may compound the likelihood of developing disease. For instance, people who have smoked have a much greater likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease.

Question 141

Question 141. State the General functions of Commissioner as outlined in 5A of the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989. (1) (2) (a) (b) (c) (3)

Answer 141

General functions of Commissioner
(1) It is the duty of the Commissioner to take all practicable measures for preventing and extinguishing fires and protecting and saving life and property in case of fire in any fire district.
(2) It is the duty of the Commissioner to take all practicable measures—
(a) for protecting and saving life and property endangered by hazardous material incidents, and
(b) for confining or ending such an incident, and
(c) for rendering the site of such an incident safe.
(3) The Commissioner is authorised to take measures anywhere in the State for protecting persons from injury or death and property from damage, whether or not fire or a hazardous material incident is involved and, in the case of a fire, it does not matter whether or not the persons are, or the property is, within a fire district.

Question 142

Question 144. According to SOGs, at a high-rise structure fire, what area provides a safe location with building communications, control equipment and plans?

Answer 142

The Fire Control Room (FCR) provides a safe location with building communications, control equipment and plans.
The IC will establish a control point in the FCR or send a firefighter there to operate the equipment and liaise with wardens.

Question 143

Question 142. According to SOGs - operators of aged care facilities have emergency plans, which include a staged evacuation plan. List and describe the stages and identify the stage FRNSW would likely be involved.

Answer 143

• Stage 1 - Residents removed from immediate danger – evacuated to an adjoining room or corridor
• Stage 2 – FRNSW are likely to be involved from this stage - Residents removed from adjoining rooms and corridors, away from the emergency (fire, smoke, gas) – evacuated to an adjoining fire or smoke compartment, or another floor below the emergency.
• Stage 3 - Residents completely evacuated from the building – evacuated to a nominated safe assembly area.

Question 144

Question 143. According to SOGs - during bushfire operations safeguarding strategy is not fire suppression but can be used when defensive operations are not safe. Describe the actions taken in this strategy.

Answer 144

Safeguarding strategy is not fire suppression but can be used when defensive operations are not safe. Actions are to;
* warn – tailored to the current situation and locality
* move – support, assist and move, particularly vulnerable people to a safer location
* protect – when moving to a safe location is impossible provide protection in whatever form necessary.

Question 145

Question 145. According to SOGs, in some cases, mostly at larger structures and complexes it may not be appropriate to turn off power to the entire structure. List three of these structures or complexes and the reasons it may not be appropriate for each one.

Answer 145

In some cases – mostly at larger structures and complexes – it may not be appropriate to turn off power to the entire structure, eg:
* Industrial complexes – some processes may be difficult to shut down quickly
* High-rise buildings – lights or lifts may be needed during evacuation of residents
* Health care facilities – life-sustaining equipment may be in use.

Question 146

Question 146. According to the FRNSW smoke alarm installation procedure, when installing a smoke alarm in a residential dwelling, what is the most suitable fixing method to attach to surfaces?

Answer 146

Use heavy duty double sided tape to attach smoke alarms to surfaces.

Question 147

Question 147 Suspicious substance incidents (including suspicious package incidents) are multi-agency incidents. FRNSW, the NSW Police Force and the Ambulance Service of NSW have developed multi-agency procedures to provide emergency services personnel with the knowledge, skills, and ability to ensure a consistent and safe approach for management and resolution of suspicious substance incidents. The level of risk can be identified by a colour. List the colours and the corresponding risk level for each colour.

Answer 147

The Suspicious Substance Matrix uses a colour coded classification system of RED, BLUE or GREEN which has been agreed to by FRNSW, NSWPF and NSWA, with;
* RED indicating the highest assessed risk,
* BLUE indicating a medium risk, and
* GREEN the lowest.
The colour code should prompt emergency service personnel to take appropriate response actions.

Question 148

Question 149. According to Definitions on the intranet - Describe the Critical Incident Support Program.

Answer 148

The Critical Incident Support Program (CISP) is a program which offers help to FRNSW employees affected by individual traumatic incidents or the cumulative effect of incidents over the course of their career.

Question 149

Question 148. Sexual harassment is against the law and never acceptable. FRNSW adopts the legal definition of sexual harassment as per the Anti- Discrimination Act 1977. Describe the meaning of sexual harassment as described in the Act?

Answer 149

22A Meaning of “sexual harassment”
For the purposes of this Part, a person sexually harasses another person if;
(a) the person makes an unwelcome sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours, to the other person, or
(b) the person engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation to the other person, in circumstances in which a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated that the other person would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

Question 150

Question 151. According to the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989, state the definition of a hazardous material incident?

Answer 150

Hazardous material incident means an actual or impending land-based spillage or other escape of hazardous material that causes or threatens to cause injury or death or damage to property.

Question 151

Question 150. According to the Crown Employees FRNSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2023- Change of shift agreement. The applicant must apply in writing at least how many hours in advance?

Answer 151

The applicant must submit the form to their Station Commander or Supervisor at least 24 hours in advance.

Question 152

Question 153. According to the Toolkit Workplace Safety- Annual Workplace Safety Inspections aim to reduce the number of safety incidents by identifying and controlling a broad range of potential hazards in FRNSW-owned or leased workplaces. When must each FRNSW-owned or leased workplace be inspected by each year?

Answer 152

FRNSW-owned or leased workplaces are to be inspected by 31 May each year

Question 153

Question 152. According to the NSW RFS and FRNSW Memorandum of Understanding, in relation to response to AFAs within the jurisdictional, responsibility of the RFS the first arriving brigade can de activate the local alarm. Who can carry out resetting of the alarm?

Answer 153

Re-setting of the alarm will only be carried out by FRNSW.

Question 154

Question 155. According to SOGs, when using a hydrant booster, the IC will instruct the pump operator to run the hydrant booster system in one of three modes. List all three modes.

Answer 154

Standby mode -
Activation mode –
Deactivation mode –

Question 155

Question 154. According to SOGs, list the priorities if an LPG cylinder is involved in a fire situation.

Answer 155

The priorities are to:
* evacuate unnecessary persons;
* cool flame impinged on heated tanks and cylinders;
* control leaks by closing appropriate valves; and
* extinguish fires external to the tank causing flame impingement or heating.

Question 156

Question 156. According to the workplace safety toolkit, every workplace should have a prominently displayed Health & Safety Notice Board. List all documents that should be attached.

Answer 156

Every workplace should have a prominently displayed Health & Safety Notice Board with the following documents:

• SIRA Poster - If you get injured at work
• Commissioner’s Safety Statement
• Safety and Wellbeing Plan
• FRNSW Return to Work Policy and Program Summary
• Workplace Evacuation Diagrams
• WHS Issue Resolution Flowchart
• Guide - NIIENM Submission Workflow
• Safety information and Contacts
• Safety Representatives Template
• First Aid Officers Template (not necessary for stations)
• Fire Warden Template (not necessary for stations)

Question 157

Question 158. According to Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation 2023, Section 20 complete the following. (1) A
firefighter- (a) (b)

Answer 157

A firefighter—
(a) must take care of all articles of uniform and personal equipment issued to the firefighter, and
(b) may be required to meet the replacement cost of an article of uniform or equipment damaged or lost through the firefighter’s negligence.

Question 158

Question 157. According to Standing Orders - Smoke screen security devices produce a barrier of dense white fog when a monitored security alarm system is activated. FRNSW may be responded to buildings where the smoke screen has been activated and mistaken for a fire. List two things’ firefighters should consider before entering the building?

Answer 158

Firefighters should consider that:
* intruders may still be in the building;
* a real fire may have set off motion detectors and activated the smoke screen device.

Question 159

Question 159. According to the Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2023. Section 25.17. Performance of out duties how many out duties can a firefighter be directed to perform per calendar year.

Answer 159

An employee cannot be directed to perform more than twelve (12) Outduties in any Calendar
year, unless the employee is a Leading Station Officer who is performing higher duties pursuant
to clause 23.

Question 160

Question 160. According to the GSD for Bulk Solid Storage Facilities - when dealing with fires at bulk solids storage facilities, list the environmental considerations.

Answer 160

When dealing with fires at bulk solids storage facilities:
*Monitoring of firefighting water run-off.
*Preventing run-off from entering water sources.
*Where smoke plumes affect populated areas, evacuation of the affected areas.

Question 161

Question 161. At a structure fire incident in the GSA, list the resources that would be responded to a message requiring a “Third Alarm” as stated in SOG 2.3 Alarm Response Protocols).

Answer 161

This is the answer for alarm response part of the question
* 6 pumps
* 1 pump for RIT
* 1 Rescue
* 1 Aerial
* 1 Hazmat
* LSV
* 2 Duty Commanders
* ICV

Question 162

Question 163. According to SOGs Community Fire Units have 3 types of members. List and describe the
members and their roles.

Answer 162

There are three types of CFU members:
Operational members,
Operational members are trained in the safe use of supplied equipment to:
* Prepare and protect their home and other properties in their area of activity from
spot fires and ember attack in accordance with ‘Prepare. Act. Survive.’ strategies.
* Assist with mop up in their area of activity after the fire front passes, releasing fire
services to respond to the fire front.

Associate members - Associate members are not trained in equipment use. Instead, they provide the following support functions to the CFU team:
* Monitor public warnings on bushfire activity and relay information to the team.
* Patrol the area of activity, to alert operational members to outbreaks of spot fires and ember attacks.
* Pass information between operational members, and other communication tasks.
* Assist in the coordination of food and drink supplies for CFU members.
* Provide appropriate first aid where trained.

Cadet members who are aged 16 or 17. - trained in safe equipment use may act as operational members; otherwise they act as associate members.

Question 163

Question 162. According to SOGs - confined spaces pose dangers because they are usually not designed to be areas where people work. List the risks of working in a confined space.

Answer 163

The risks of working in a confined space include:
* Loss of consciousness, impairment, injury, or death due to the immediate effects of airborne contaminants.
* Fire or explosion from the ignition of flammable contaminants.
* Difficulty rescuing and treating an injured or unconscious person.
* Asphyxiation resulting from oxygen deficiency or immersion in a free-flowing material, such as grain, sand, fertiliser, water or other liquids.

Question 164

Question 165. According to the SOGs for Incident safety, describe Hazard and Risk.

Answer 164

Hazard; Anything with potential to harm (Can be an object or a task).
Risk; The harm that may occur to a person exposed to a hazard

Question 165

Question 164. You are responding to a fire call in a Class 3 Scania P320 pumper through small roundabouts in wet weather and the driver reports that the vehicle’s brakes are operating independently and intermittently. In accordance with the Operations Bulletin 2014-02, what actions should be taken?

Answer 165

If Scania P320 pumpers are continually activating the ESP system, they are travelling too quickly for the road conditions and must alter their driving behaviour.

Question 166

Question 167. According to the Repairing Firefighting Hose Toolkit on the Intranet, before sending hose for repair, Station Commanders must compare the cost of the anticipated repair with the cost of a replacement hose. When assessing hose describe what must be considered.

Answer 166

• The age and condition of the hose.
• The number of holes previously patched.
• The type of damage: is the hose blown, grazed or burnt?
• The size and location of the hole. The largest hole that can be patched is 8 mm by 8 mm. If the hole is larger than this, condemn the hose. This will save courier costs and assessment fees.
• The number of holes requiring patching at any one time.
• If the hose can be repaired by shortening the hose rather than repairing the hole. (Thirty metre hose only: after repair, the hose must be a minimum of 25 metres long. Do not shorten 10 metre or 45 metre hose.)
• After repair, a hose must have a maximum of four repaired holes.

Question 167

Question 166. List the principles of the Fire and Rescue NSW eAIRS Data Management Policy.

Answer 167

• Accuracy
• Usefulness
• Timeliness
• Security

Question 168

Question 168. You attend a 3rd Alarm structure fire, and the Incident Commander appoints you the Safety Officer. According to SOGs, list 5 roles the Safety Officer is responsible for.

Answer 168

The Safety Officer’s role is to:
* Identify unsafe conditions or operations and report these to the IC (or Operations Officer if in place).
* Communicate with commanders, to identify safety concerns and the control measures implemented.
* Assist the IC to complete the operational risk assessment and the risk assessment
* Confirm that all utilities are identified and rendered safe.
* Confirm that all those at the incident are aware of the location of the hazard zone, any exclusion zones, and any other designated areas.
* Request the appointment of additional Safety Officers if needed.
* Maintain awareness of the incident communications plan and incident action plan

Question 169

Question 169. According to the GSD for Bushfires-A sound knowledge of fire behaviour will allow firefighters to recognise dangerous situations. List the situations that require a high degree of caution.

Answer 169

*you are on a steep slope with fire below you
*you are approaching a fire burning slowly downslope from across a steep gully
*you are immediately downwind of a large fire
*spot fires start to fall in the area around you. This situation is critical.
*you have heavy fuels between you and the fire edge
*you are in an area where there are fine suspended fuels extending some height above the ground.

Question 170

Question 170. You are performing a fire duty after a fire at a factory. The cause is yet to be determined; the Fire Investigation and Research Unit and Police are at work. An employee asks if he can go and retrieve some personal belongings. State Part 3 Section 31 of the Fire and Rescue Regulation 2023.

Answer 170

31 Security on fire duty and watch duty
A firefighter on fire duty or watch duty at the site of a fire, hazardous material incident or other emergency must—
(a) ensure a person does not enter, or interfere with or remove goods from, premises at the site unless the person establishes the person’s identity and authority to do so, and
(b) if a person unlawfully enters, or interferes with or removes goods from, premises at the site—report the person to the officer in charge at the site

Question 171

Question 171. According to the GSD for Incident Management, as the Incident Commander, you may choose a fast attack command position. What does fast attack enable the IC to do?

Answer 171

Fast attack enables the IC to:
* More fully size up the incident.
* Directly supervise the crew.
* Assist the crew with task level work if needed.
* Take advantage of the limited window of opportunity available while the incident is in its early stages.

Question 172

Question 174. According to the SOGs for Bushfires, alert levels are linked to the Fire Danger Ratings and the
time to impact on a community. List and describe the alert levels.

Answer 172

Advice – A fire has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Watch and Act – There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing, and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

Emergency Warning – An Emergency Warning is the highest level of Bushfire Alert. You may be in danger and need to act immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

Question 173

Question 172. Hazardous chemical (Hazchem) emergency action codes provide information for the fire brigade and police on how to deal with a fire or spillage. List what the 3-digit code gives basic information on.

Answer 173

The initial action required in the event of a dangerous substance.
1st Digit in code;
Firefighting media (1 of 4) to be used – Jet, Fog, Foam & Dry Agent.
2nd Digit in code;
8 different codes used to indicate an answer to 3 question:
- Reactivity? P S W or Y indicate violent reaction is possible.
- Level of PPE? P R W or X indicate Full PPE with BA, S T Y or Z (White background) indicate protective gloves with BA, and S T Y or Z (Black background) indicate BA for fire only.
- Dilute or contain? P R S or T indicate may be diluted, W X Y & Z indicate must be contained.
3rd Digit in code;
Special code – E. Consider evacuation.

Question 174

Question 175. Clause 39 of the Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award
2023 relates to sick leave. How many hours of sick leave are you entitled to in a calendar year?

Answer 174

144 hours on full pay in any one year.

Question 175

Question 173. While participating in a community event at the local oval and armed offender attack occurs. According to SOGs, list and describe what actions you take?

Answer 175

Escape
As a priority, remove yourself and others from close proximity to the offender/s or areas they might reasonably access.
Consider removing or leaving cumbersome equipment so you can move quickly.
If it is safe to do so, snatch and grab as many casualties as possible when exiting. Do not stop to provide first aid.
Hide
If you don’t believe you can safely escape, consider sheltering in place.
Mute all communications equipment, including private mobile phones, so as not to give away your hiding place. Do not turn off phones as text messaging may be used to update you on the situation.
Constantly re-assess the situation and your options, based on the best available information.
Tell
The more information you can pass on to FireCOM or the Police, the better, but never at the risk of your own safety or the safety of others.

Question 176

Question 176. A Station Inventory Management System (SIMS) display board is provided for each operational fire appliance. List the six components to the SIMS display board.

Answer 176

1. Maintenance Calendar
2. Inventory
3. Seals
4. Defect sheets
5. Appliance recommended Practices
6. Sims Worksheets

Question 177

Question 178. According to FRNSW’s Fatigue Management Procedure, short-term fatigue management is the management of acute fatigue that may occur as a result of tasks undertaken by firefighters during work hours and contributing factors outside of work. As a guide, a break from physically and mentally demanding tasks should be taken how often?

Answer 177

At least every 4 Hours.

Regular breaks should be taken away from physically or mentally demanding tasks. As a guide, a break from these tasks should be taken at least every four hours.

Question 178

Question 177. According to the GSD for Bulk Petrochemical Storage, what is a petrochemical?

Answer 178

A petrochemical is a hazardous chemical substance derived by refining or processing crude oil, or blending other liquids. Petrochemicals include diesel, benzene, petrol, heavy fuel oils, and alcohol-based and kerosene-based fuels.

Question 179

Question 179. According to the GSD for Bulk Petrochemical Storage- List the four conditions that must be
present for boilover to occur.

Answer 179

• Water must be present
• The oil must contain free carbon (boilover only occurs with heavy fuel oils)
• The burning oil must produce a heat wave
• The oil must be viscous enough to form a froth when the heat wave hits the water and turns the water into steam.

Question 180

Question 180. According to SOGs, if co2 is used to extinguish a fire in an underground vault substation what is the minimum time it needs to be kept sealed within the vault?

Answer 180

20 Mins.

Question 181

Question 181. According to the GSD for Decontamination, describe what decontamination is.

Answer 181

Decontamination is the process of removing contaminants from people and equipment to prevent further injury and reduce the spread of the contaminant

Question 182

During a bushfire, your sector contains an area where trees and grass are alight under high voltage power lines. According to SOGs, list the safe working distances and what firefighting activities can you perform.

Answer 182

• Do not engage in firefighting under high voltage power lines.
• Keep people and vehicles a minimum of 25 metres clear of a fire burning under or near power lines.
• Mopping up can proceed once fire front has passed still adhering to above safe distances, and only hitting low spot fires (below 2m), keeping hose stream out of smoke columns and away from trees or shrubs in power line easement.
• If crossing a power line easement, ensure that there is adequate clearance between the highest point of the vehicle (including aerials) and the power lines. The clearance varies between 3 and 8 metres depending on the voltage of the power lines. Avoid areas with tall vegetation under power lines.

Question 183

Question 183. According to the toolkit on the intranet describe what the Station Inventory Management System is used for and what it consists of.

Answer 183

• for managing your inspections of operational equipment and appliances.
• SIMS consists of a set of worksheets for equipment and appliances. Inspection schedules are guided by the SIMS calendar for your appliance type.

Question 184

Question 185. According to SOGs, there are five members of a decontamination team. List all members and their duties.

Answer 184

• Decontamination Officer: Establishes the decontamination corridor, manages the decontamination team, debriefs crews exiting the Hot Zone, provides updates to the IC, and records exposures and potential exposures.
• Wash Operator: Manages the dirty area, directs people about to be decontaminated, decontaminates people, inspects decontaminated people, and manages extension airline for crews being decontaminated.
• Wash Assistant: Assists and relieves Wash Operator, monitors auxiliary air supply and directs decontaminated people to the disrobe area.
• Disrobe Assistant: Manages disrobe area, assists with the removal of PPE, bags and tags PPE, and provides water for rehydration.
• Pump Operator: Manages pump, ensures water supply, and provides BA Control for decontamination team.

Question 185

Question 184. According to the Station Inventory Management System (SIMS) Guide at permanently staffed
stations who conducts a pre-operational check of the appliances breathing apparatus?

Answer 185

At permanently manned stations, each firefighter conducts a pre-operational check of their own breathing apparatus at the commencement of each shift.

Question 186

Question 188. As listed in Section 3 of the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989, define flammable matter.

Answer 186

flammable matter includes—
(a) any substance capable of ignition or combustion by the application of heat, by means of sparks or spontaneously, &
(b) any substance prescribed as flammable for the purposes of this definition.

Question 187

Question 186. At an incident, fire crews believe accelerants may have been used. According to Standing Orders, what are possible signs of accelerant use?

Answer 187

Some of the possible signs of use of accelerant are:
* characteristic burn pattern,
* indication of fire trailers,
* rapid fire development inconsistent with available combustible materials,
* unusual odours, or
* damage to building consistent with a vapour explosion.

Question 188

Question 187. According to the toolkit, if you discover a fault while conducting a SIMS inspection on the
appliance or equipment, list your actions

Answer 188

If you discover a fault, complete the SIMS defect report and post it on the SIMS board in the station. Make sure your Station Commander is aware of the fault.

Question 189

Question 190. According to the GSD for Incident Management, describe a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR).

Answer 189

A personnel accountability report (PAR) is a report between the IC and any commander that seeks to find out if all resources assigned to the commander can be accounted for. It is generally a radio report, but does not have to be.

Question 190

Question 189. State the definition of relieving employee as defined in Clause 4 of the Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2023.

Answer 190

“Relieving Employee” means an employee serving at a station while not being permanently attached to any one station.

Question 191

Question 192. According to the GSD for Incident Safety, incident safety worksheets are one method available to create a written record for incident safety. List the information that is recorded on the worksheet.

Answer 191

• Incident details.
• Details of the hazard and/or risk, including its location. It may be necessary to state both the hazard and risk if the relationship is clear.
• Control measures that are planned or in place, an indication of when the control measures were actioned (ie implemented), and when the control measures were reviewed.

Question 192

Question 191. According to SOGs, FRNSW may be requested to retrieve a reptile from an area where the reptile is causing a possible threat of injury or death to people. Describe the response procedure to this incident

Answer 192

Proceed under normal road conditions to the reptile retrieval site, unless there is an immediate threat to life.

Question 193

Question 193. According to the GSD for Incident Management- Describe pre-deployment.

Answer 193

Pre-deployment allows the IC to deploy resources into the incident in an orderly fashion, giving the IC much needed mental space to task and deploy crews into the right location, doing the right things.

Question 194

Question 194. According to the GSD for Incident Management- Describe Staging.

Answer 194

Staging is the act of reporting to a designated Staging area somewhere near the incident and waiting until deployed into the incident. The Staging area is a non-hazard zone sector of the incident.

Question 195

Question 195. You are the Incident Commander at a hazardous materials incident and find water coming from an adjoining business is entering the Hot Zone and spreading contaminants. You order this water supply to be shut off, but the business owner next door complains that he will lose money by shutting down production.
State Section 15 Use of water etc of the FRNSW Act?

Answer 195

15 Use of water etc
The officer in charge at a fire or hazardous material incident may, for the purpose of extinguishing or controlling a fire or confining or ending the incident or rendering the site of the incident safe, without payment—
(a) take and use any water from any source on any land, and
(b) cause water to flow into or be shut off from any main or pipe.

Question 196

Question 197. According to SOGs, Describe the term “All Clear.”

Answer 196

“All Clear” - Search and rescue have been completed and the Incident Controller is satisfied that all occupants have been accounted for.

Question 197

Question 196. According to Clause 46.4 of the Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2023 what is the minimum period of advertisement for a non-Station based role.

Answer 197

6 weeks

Question 198

Question 198. According to Clause 39.6 of the Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2023 relates to unsupported sick leave absences. List when such absences may not be taken.

Answer 198

• Such absences may not exceed 4 separate occasions in any calendar year, where an ‘occasion’ shall be a shift or part of a shift
• Such absences may not be taken on consecutive days; and
• Such absences may not be taken on public holidays; and
• Such absences may not be taken in relation to any matter that may be covered by workers’ compensation.

Question 199

Question 199. You are responded to a report of an unknown odour at an abandoned petrol station. You inform your crew to prepare a 4-head gas detector for use on arrival. According to recommended practices, what do all Altair 5Xs detect?

Answer 199

All Altair 5Xs detect:
* 02 oxygen (O2) percentage of the atmosphere
* CO combined: carbon monoxide (CO), in parts per million and
* H2S hydrogen sulphide (H2S), in parts per million
* LELs combustible gases and some combustible vapours as a percentage of the lower explosive limit (LEL).

Question 200

Question 200. FRNSW is committed to achieving the principles and requirements of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy. To achieve this what are all employees responsible for?

Answer 200

All employees are responsible for:
* Creating a culturally safe workplace environment which is free from discrimination and everyone is valued and treated with respect;
* Working collaboratively to recognise and appreciate equity, diversity and inclusion;
* Identifying and addressing any form of discrimination in the workplace.

Question 201

Question 202. According to the GSD for Incident Management, when locating a staging area at an incident, list what you should consider.

Answer 201

• Should be far enough away from the incident to avoid traffic congestion
• Within radio range
• Large enough to position a number of appliances EG carpark
• Ideally within walking distance of incident

Question 202

Question 201. According to the Transfer and Mobility Policy, list the reasons permanent Officers and Firefighters may seek transfer or be transferred to other locations.

Answer 202

Career development
* Operational Capability (skills and qualifications development)
* Compassionate issues / staff welfare
* Location based transfer
* Performance / Disciplinary

Question 203

Question 203. According to the GSD for Incident Management- A strong command presence from the Incident
Commander (IC) is essential at all incidents in order to manage it safely and effectively. Describe what a strong command presence means.

Answer 203

A strong command presence means that a commander provides effective leadership and direction and is recognised as the commander. All levels of commander, including the IC, should have a strong command presence.

Question 204

Question 205. Insulated Sandwich Panels (ISPs), especially those with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) cores can create an extremely hazardous environment for firefighters and may force adoption of a defensive strategy from an early stage. According to the GSD for Buildings with Insulated Sandwich Panels, list the reasons for this.

Answer 204

ISPs, especially those with EPS cores, create an extremely hazardous environment for firefighters and may force adoption of a defensive strategy at an early stage, for the following reasons:
* 1. EPS melts and flows like a liquid. It is highly flammable, inducing rapid fire spread, which is undetectable with thermal imaging cameras (due to the insulating properties of the panels) and can spread to areas remote from the fire origin.
* 2. Panel delamination, where the hot metal panel skins bow and open up, rapidly increases the rate of fire spread, which heats the ceiling void, creates secondary pool fires from melted EPS, and causes panels to collapse.
* 3. There is an increased risk of flashover and backdraught.
* 4. Large volumes of toxic, thick, black, acrid smoke are produced.
* 5. Sudden, loss of structural integrity may cause substantial building collapse.

Question 205

Question 206. According to the GSD for Incident Management, describe critical factors.

Answer 205

Critical factors are a set of elements that can be managed or considered at one time by the IC. Generally they are elements that, if not dealt with rapidly, cause expansion of the incident, or a threat to firefighters or others.

Question 206

Question 209. According to the GSD for Incident Management, critical factors fall into two broad categories. List and describe the two categories.

Answer 206

Critical factors fall into two broad categories:
* Variable – elements that allow for some form of task level action. For example, a room fire can be managed by tasking a crew to attack, contain and extinguish the fire.
* Fixed – elements that cannot be changed but will need to be considered when developing the incident action plan. For example, a large and complex building layout may need to be considered, but cannot be changed.

Question 207

Question 208. According to Operations Bulletin 2023-02, describe the risk management measures that should be taken when attending incidents involving hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

Answer 207

• Conduct atmospheric monitoring with a four head gas detector for LELs to detect if hydrogen is leaking.
• Use a thermal imaging camera (TIC) to identify if hydrogen fire is present.
• Conduct thermal checks on the battery using a TIC to determine whether thermal runaway may be occurring within the lithium-ion battery. Increasing temperature is an indication that a thermal runaway event may be occurring. If so, use a hose stream to cool.
• Establish an exclusion zone (minimum 15 m) around any hydrogen FCEV incident.

Question 208

Question 207. According to SOGs, when responding into a Rural Fire District, when are you required to send a Code 6?

Answer 208

A Code 6 must be transmitted:
* Immediately it becomes apparent to the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of an FRNSW appliance that they have received a call to an incident located within a Rural Fire District, or
* With the Code 1 (responding) message if it is known at the time of the call that the incident is in a Rural Fire District.

Question 209

Question 210. According to the GSD for Incident Management, describe a 360-degree size up at an incident.

Answer 209

A 360 degree size up is a rapid walk around the incident (360 degrees if possible) to observe the incident from all sides, and perhaps see critical factors not visible from the vehicle.

Question 210

Question 211. You are the Officer in Charge at a hazardous materials incident, and the site manager is failing to cooperate. You advise the site manager of your authority to enter and operate under the FRNSW Act. List the sections of Act that allow you to enter any place and also control and direct the operations.

Answer 210

12 Investigation of reported fires and hazardous material incidents
(1) The officer in charge may, with or without members of a fire brigade, enter any place—
(b) in respect of which a report of a hazardous material incident has been made to ascertain whether there is any hazardous material at the place that is, or is about to be, the subject of a hazardous material incident.
(2) Reasonable force, whether by breaking down gates or fences or breaking open doors or otherwise, may be used to gain entry.
13 General powers of officers at fires and hazardous material incidents
(1A) At the site of a hazardous material incident, the officer in charge—
(a) may take such measures as the officer thinks proper for the protection and saving of life and property, for confining and ending the incident and for rendering the site safe, and
(b) is to control and direct the operations of any fire brigade. The site is taken to be such area in the vicinity of the incident as is for the time being determined by the officer in charge.

Question 211

Question 212. According to the Toolkit for Respectful Workplaces, clear communication is one of the best ways to build a respectful workplace and to avoid conflict. What is the tool that will help employees to communicate clearly when addressing difficult topics?.

Answer 211

Straight Talk Protocol- Straight Talk is a tool that will help employees to communicate clearly when addressing difficult topics. It takes a simple and structured approach to preparing for and having difficult conversations. It consists of six easy steps that help us say what we need to say and listen to what others need to say – all without falling into the trap of unprofessional or disrespectful behaviour.

Question 212

Question 214. According to SOGs, during the de-escalation of an incident, at what stage is command terminated?

Answer 212

Command is only terminated when the last resource leaves the incident.

Question 213

Question 213 According to the Toolkit for Mental fitness, what program offers an external service that provides professional and confidential counselling/coaching to help you with challenges, issues or concerns that may be affecting you at work or home?

Answer 213

Employee Assistance Program

Question 214

Question 215. According to SOGs, describe four of the principles of situation evaluation in incident
management?

Answer 214

The IC can only deal with 3-7 critical factors at any one time. If there are more than this, consider expanding the incident structure so that delegation can occur.
* Collecting and evaluating information may start before arriving on scene.
* Critical factors must be communicated to FireCOM.
* Critical factors may change rapidly as the incident evolves. The IAP must be modified as critical factors change.
* Situation evaluation only ends when command is terminated.

Question 215

Question 216. According to Recommended Practice, state why the thermal imaging camera may or may not be suitable for use in a flammable atmosphere.

Answer 215

• TICs are not intrinsically safe. Do not use these tools in potentially flammable atmospheres.
• If there is a possibility a flammable atmosphere exists, use a gas detector to monitor lower explosive limit (LEL). If an LEL reading greater than zero is obtained, the TIC must be removed from the Hot Zone

Question 216

Question 217. According to SOGs - A major goal for the IC is to develop an Incident Action Plan for the incident. What is an incident action plan?

Answer 216

The IAP is developed to manage the incident.
An Incident Action Plan (IAP) describes, at any point in time, the risk assessment, strategy and objectives, incident structure, incident layout, and other relevant information.

It is used to manage the incident.

The IAP usually describes:
* The risk assessment.
* The strategy and objectives, including notes relating to critical factors.
* The incident structure, showing the resources being used or needed.
* The layout of the incident (mud map).
* Any other information relevant to resolve or control, such as incoming resources.

Question 217

Question 219 As stated in GSD for Incident Management, Example -Initial radio report - The initial radio report (IRR) is sent by the first arriving officer to FireCOM. It time-stamps command, confirms and identifies the IC, and records initial details about the incident. It should be in Conditions, Actions, Needs (CAN) format. What should include?

Answer 217

Confirmation of address.

Conditions:
* Brief description of the incident;
* obvious critical factors including hazards.

Actions:
* Initial incident action plan (IAP);
* assumption of command and naming of incident;
* strategy.

Needs:
* Increase of alarm level as per the Alarm Response Protocol (ARP), or, in areas where this does not operate, request for particular resources as per local arrangements (FireCOM will confirm the availability of requested resources).

Question 218

Question 218. According to the GSD for Incident Management– List and describe the terms used in an initial radio report, to indicate the size of a structure at a fire incident.

Answer 218

The terms are defined in terms of hose lay as follows:
* Small – One hose lay can cover the entire structure.
* Medium – One hose lay can cover 75% of the structure.
* Large – One hose lay will cover 50% of the structure.
* Very large – One hose lay will cover 25% of the structure.
* Mega – One hose lay will cover 10% of the structure.
Hose lay is considered to be 50 metres

Question 219

Question 220. According to Standing Orders, the Community Activities Reporting System (CARs) is the platform for reporting community activities engaged in at a station level and by our other specialist units. Who is authorised to enter completed activities in CARs?

Answer 219

Any member of the crews participating in the activity can complete the report, provided that they have direct knowledge of the information they are submitting

Question 220

Question 221. According to FRNSW’s Cyber Security Policy, employees are responsible to protect the information they use and manage as part of their daily job. Employees are expected to complete Cyber Security Awareness Training how often?

Answer 220

Each employee must complete annual Cyber Security Awareness Training, which will provide the knowledge to help employees fulfil these responsibilities

Question 221

Question 222. According to the Bushfire Hazard Reduction Procedure - There are two types of broad area prescribed burns. List and describe them.

Answer 221

There are two types of broad area prescribed burns - simple and complex.

• ‘simple’ prescribed burn is characterised by low risk, low intensity, small area, low potential impact on assets, completion in one shift and minimal variation of fuel and terrain.
• ‘complex’ prescribed burn is characterised by moderate to high risk, a range of fire intensity, medium to large areas, significant potential impact on assets and involve a variety of fuels and terrain.

Question 222

Question 223. According to the Bushfire Hazard reduction procedure, pile burns may be carried out by FRNSW to dispose of vegetation resulting from which activities?

Answer 222

Pile burns may be carried out by FRNSW to dispose of vegetation resulting from the following activities:
* removal of bushfire fuels
* bush regeneration/weed removal from authorised activities eg Landcare on behalf of local council
* agricultural activities.

Question 223

Question 224. According to the Bushfire hazard Reduction Policy, list occasions when prescribed burning conducted by FRNSW is not permitted in a fire district.

Answer 223

Burning is not permitted in a fire district on days when:
* there is a total fire ban (TOBAN)
* the EPA has issued a No-Burn Notice (unless prior exemption has been granted)
* the Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) is greater than 23**
**The RFS allows burning on days with FBI greater than 23. If FRNSW is assisting RFS with a prescribed burn, they may be required to continue assisting on these days.

Question 224

Question 225. According to Case Study 2023-06, four firefighters injured by unauthorised equipment, during 2020-2021, four firefighters required treatment in hospital after being injured by unauthorised equipment that had been brought into FRNSW workplaces. What is the definition of unauthorised equipment as described in the case study.

Answer 224

Unauthorised equipment is any item which is purchased, introduced, or used within an FRNSW workplace that has not first met the requirements of the Procurement Manual. This includes equipment which has not been obtained via the Electronic Supply Catalogue (ESCAT) or through an approved Request Purchase Order (RPO)

Question 225

Question 226. According to the GSD for Incident Management, review and revision is undertaken to ensure that the IAP meets the ongoing tactical requirements of the incident and considers the safety of the firefighters. List the questions that review, and revision can help to answer.

Answer 225

Review and revision helps answers the following questions:
* Are the objectives of the IAP being achieved?
* Are the strategy and tactics employed safe?
* Are the tactics effective?

Question 226

Question 227. According to the Guidelines for Managing Unsatisfactory Performance for Permanent and Retained Firefighters, describe generally unsatisfactory performance.

Answer 226

Generally, unsatisfactory performance means not undertaking required tasks, or meeting timeframes or expected or required standards of work.

Question 227

Question 228. According to Standing Orders, who must be contacted before conducting PIP inspections on a premises to ensure the information is accurate?

Answer 227

Contacting building owner/manager in consultation with the manager or occupier to ensure the information is accurate.

Question 228

Question 229. According to the Six Minute Intensive Training – for Door entry, list the door entry techniques that can be used with the Halligan tool?

Answer 228

• Inwards Adze Roll
• Outwards Adze (Drive & Steer)
• Fork Drive

Question 229

Question 230. According to the Six Minute Intensive Training for Door entry, list and, describe the five steps to forcing a door?

Answer 229

• Size up - Assess how urgent the situation is. If it is not time critical, consider passive ways of making entry- Through a window, wait for keys etc. Conduct 360 of premises, trying all windows and doors.
• Gap- Usually starting with the Adze blade, work the tool between the door and door stop or door frame to create a workable gap.
• Set - With a gap established between the door and frame (a wedge may be required), manoeuvre tool to complete the forced entry
• Force - Final action to defeat the lock. Using the mechanical advantage leverage of the tool to complete the spread
• Control -Open the door in such a way so as not to have an adverse effect on the situation. Use Adze on Halligan to hook the back of the door to pull closed.

Question 230

Question 231. According to Six Minute Intensive Training, Search and Rescue, during Firefighting Operations, what does fire attack crew never ignore?

Answer 230

The Golden Rule:
* FIRE ATTACK crew never ignores a casualty,

Question 231

Question 232. According to the Six Minute Intensive Training for Search and Rescue during Firefighting Operations, the objective of a search is to confirm an ALL CLEAR, this is usually broken into two components, list and describe them?

Answer 231

• The PRIMARY SEARCH is rapid and systematic, usually carried out simultaneously with fire attack, if fire conditions and crew response allow.
• A SECONDARY SEARCH is more thorough and methodical, undertaken to confirm casualties have not been missed. The secondary search is often conducted once Fire control has been achieved and at times can be done simultaneously with ventilation.

Question 232

Question 233. According to the GSD for Incident Management, describe the terms withdraw and abandon as used by the IC to indicate to crews the urgency required to move from an offensive to a defensive strategy.

Answer 232

The terms withdraw and abandon are used by the IC to indicate to crews the urgency required to move from offensive to a defensive strategy.
* Withdraw – this indicates that firefighters have enough time to exit the structure or the position they are working in, with all their equipment, in a controlled manner.
* Abandon – this indicates that there is an immediate threat to firefighter lives and the firefighters must exit the structure or position they are working in immediately and only bring equipment with them if it will not compromise their safety.

Question 233

Question 234. As stated in Six Minute Intensive Training – Search and rescue during firefighting operations, list the signs that would indicate it’s time to withdraw.

Answer 233

• Worsening fire/smoke conditions
• Signs of structural collapse
• Previously unknown hazards e.g. Acetylene
• Emergency Radio Message signaling:
  o Loss of PAR
  o Change to a Defensive Strategy via an order from the I.C. to Withdraw or Abandon

Question 234

Question 235. According to Safety Bulletin 2023-03 TIC lanyard entanglement risk - If the TIC needs to be handed between members of firefighting or search and rescue teams, describe the safest method to pass to the front firefighter.

Answer 234

If the TIC needs to be handed between members of firefighting or search and rescue teams then it is safest to do so around the side of the body of the front firefighter and not over the shoulder.

Question 235

Question 236. According to the Six Minute Intensive Training, working safely on roads, what is the purpose of placing an appliance in the fend off position?

Answer 235

It uses the appliances bulk and visibility to form a physical barrier protecting FRNSW personnel, other emergency services and patients from oncoming traffic.

Question 236

Question 237. According to the SIMS worksheet, warning gear is used to mark off incidents sites and warn the public that FRNSW operations are nearby. As listed on the worksheet list the warning gear.

Answer 236

Warning gear includes:
* Eflare or strobe kit,
* the Hazard Ahead sign,
* barrier and hazmat Hot Zone tape,
* witch’s hats, and
* breakdown road triangles.

Question 237

Question 238. According to the SIMS Worksheet for extinguishers, all extinguishers are inspected and serviced by who and at what timeframes?

Answer 237

Monthly – by firefighter’s inspection & test
All extinguishers are inspected and serviced by a competent person six monthly, annually and five yearly (AS 1851)

Question 238

Question 239. According to the Toolkit, Mayday – Firefighter down, list the fast technique for removing a firefighter who is unconscious or has a decreased level of consciousness from their full firefighting ensemble and BA so that they can be assessed and treated.

Answer 238

The Firefighter Down Mayday Drag.

Question 239

Question 240. According to SOGs when responded to a Community First Responder incident and the patient refuses care, what should you do?

Answer 239

Observe the patient until the ambulance arrives.
* Assume an unconscious patient wants assistance.
* If a patient previously refusing treatment loses consciousness, treat them.

Question 240

Question 241 According to the GSD for Incident Management-, until the IC delegates functional areas, the IC is managing all functions. The IC can delegate whatever functions are required to improve span of control, or deal with critical factors. List 5 of the functional roles that can be delegated.

Answer 240

• Staging
• Operations – including sectors, groups or divisions
• Intelligence
• Rehabilitation
• Public information
• Planning
• Logistics
• Finance

Question 241

Question 242. According to the Recommended practice for Personal Protective Clothing, equipment and uniform, to ensure visibility, firefighters must always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on roadways. List the PPE that can be used.

Answer 241

Whenever working on or near roadways, firefighters must wear a high visibility torso garment and high visibility trousers as shown below. Firefighters must comply with SOG 13.2
* Structural Firefighting Coat
* Multi-Purpose Jacket
* High Vis Vest
* High Vis Raincoat
* Structural Firefighting Trousers
* Duty wear Trousers

Question 242

Question 243. According to the GSD Incident Management, there are several ways to communicate at an incident.
List the most effective and preferred method

Answer 242

Face-to-face is the most effective form of communication and is the preferred method of communication.

Question 243

Question 244. According to SOGs, where FRNSW is requested to assist the NSW RFS at a structure fire in a rural Fire District who will be the Incident Controller?

Answer 243

11.4.1 Where the NSWFB is requested to assist the NSW RFS at a structure fire in a rural Fire District, the senior officer from the NSW RFS present at the fire will be the Incident Controller.

Question 244

Question 245. According to the Recommended Practice, list the safety precautions when using extension ladders.

Answer 244

• The maximum number of persons permitted on the ladder at any time is two.
• Exercise care when ascending and descending ladders.
• Firefighters climbing the ladder must ensure they have 3 points of contact on the ladder. A point of contact is either a hand holding a rung, or a foot firmly placed on a rung.
• An firefighter must always foot the ladder by standing on the anti-slip feet and holding either the rungs or the handles when anybody is on the ladder.
• Maintain a working angle of 4:1. For every 4 metres the head of the ladder extends up the wall, the base of the ladder must be a metre from the wall. If the head extends 8 metres up the wall, the base must be 2 metres from the wall, etc.

Question 245

Question 246. According to SOG 18.3, there are two levels of incident ground rehabilitation. Describe when Level 1 or Level 2 Rehabilitation is recommended.

Answer 245

• Level 1 Rehab – recommended for small incidents not requiring the response of a specialist incident ground rehabilitation capability.
• Level 2 Rehab – recommended for:
• long duration incidents
• in circumstances where crew rotation is limited
• hot and dry, or cold and wet, conditions
• where working conditions are arduous
• where breathing apparatus usage and rotation is high, or
• where conditions are such that specialist incident ground rehabilitation capabilities are required.

Question 246

Question 247. According to the GSD for Incident Safety, FRNSW manages the safety of firefighters at incidents using what two strategies that lay out safe working practices?

Answer 246

FRNSW manages the safety of firefighters at incidents by providing training and doctrine that lays out safe working practices.

Question 247

Question 248. According to the GSD for Incident Safety, there are many aspects to ensuring safety at an incident, from the IC implementing the correct strategy, down to the firefighters wearing the right PPE for their assigned tasks. Incident safety can therefore be described in terms of what three levels?

Answer 247

• 1 Strategic,
• 2 Tactical, &
• 3 Task.

Question 248

Question 249. Describe the term Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) as found on the intranet.

Answer 248

The short term exposure limit (STEL) is the maximum concentration of a substance to which a worker may be exposed for no more than 15 minutes, 4 times a day over an 8 hour day with 60 minutes between exposures.

Question 249

Question 250. According to the GSD for Incident Safety, what safety related worksheet is used as method of documenting hazards or risks and control measures at an incident?

Answer 249

Incident Safety Worksheet

Question 250

Question 251. According to the GSD for Illicit Laboratories, list the categories of illicit labs.

Answer 250

Illicit labs may be categorised as:
* Active lab
* Inactive lab
* Stored lab or ‘a boxed lab’
* Used site
* Hydroponics site (generally marijuana plants)

Question 251

Question 252. According to the GSD for Electricity, describe what each letter of UPS. stands for.

Answer 251

uninterruptible power supply,

Question 252

Question 253. According to the GSD for Illicit Laboratories, describe what FRNSW defines as an illicit lab.

Answer 252

Fire and Rescue NSW defines an illicit lab as any site that is used for unauthorised storage, processing or manufacturing of illicit substances, including drugs, chemicals, explosives, biological and radiological substances.

Question 253

Queston 254. According to the GSD for Illicit laboratories, if you find yourself in what you believe to be an illicit lab, list the do nots associated.

Answer 253

Unless there is an immediate risk to life, DO NOT:
* engage with occupants
* enter any site if you suspect it to be an illicit drugs laboratory.
If you find yourself in a what you believe to be an illicit lab, DO NOT:
* use phones/radios until clear of site
* turn on/off any lights or electrical appliances or remove power sources to the premises
* touch, smell, remove or tamper with anything
* allow persons to re-enter site.
Leave the site immediately and try to remember everything you have seen.

Question 254

Question 255 As stated in the Infection prevention and control manual, a yellow sharps container must always be available on every appliance and in each fire station to enable appropriate and safe disposal of sharps. Who must ensure that one is available?

Answer 254

Station Commanders

Question 255

Question 256 According to Standing Orders what are the aims of annual occupational health and safety inspections of all fire stations and workplaces?

Answer 255

Annual occupational health and safety inspections of all fire stations and workplaces aim to:
* reduce the number of accidents by identifying hazards
* remove potential hazards
* provide an ongoing assessment of the health and safety of workplaces
* develop and promote safe working environments and practices.

Question 256

Question 257. According to Standing Orders Risk Management – Describe what a Pre incident plan is.

Answer 256

Pre incident planning (PIP) is a tool firefighters can use to protect themselves and the community by gathering and compiling information about high risk occupancies that will assist them to reduce the impact of emergency incidents that may occur.

Question 257

Question 258. According to Standing Orders, list the procedures Incident Controllers must follow when handing over control at the conclusion of an incident:

Answer 257

Incident Controllers must follow the procedures below when handing over control at the conclusion of an incident:
1. Seek out a responsible person, who may be the owner, occupier, agent or representative of the owner or occupier, or the person in charge of the site, and advise them that Fire and Rescue NSW believes the incident to be under control and is preparing to leave the scene.
2. Request that the person accept responsibility for the building, vehicle, vessel or property.
3. Fill in the Site handover form (see page 95) in accordance with the instructions on the pad, and ensure that the original and the copy are signed by both the Incident Controller and the person accepting responsibility.
4. Send a message to the Communication Centre advising that control has been passed to another person or entity, so that there is a time-logged record.
5. Advise the senior Police Officer on scene, if any, that Fire and Rescue NSW has transferred control, and to whom.
6. Where there is nobody to pass control to, ensure as far as practicable that the scene and any property is secured, or that appropriate arrangements are in place to safeguard it. Request the attendance of the Police if necessary.
7. Include details of the person or entity to whom control was passed in the AIRS report together with the precise time of handover.

Question 258

Question 259. According to Standing Orders, why is a site handover form completed and what information does it include?

Answer 258

The Site handover form is used to capture relevant information when transferring responsibility for an incident site from Fire and Rescue NSW to another party in accordance with the policy on Transfer of control after incidents on page 95. This includes information on hazards that could be encountered at the site, and recommendations on safety precautions.

Question 259

Question 260. According to the GSD for Water Rescue, list who the legislated combat agency is for flood, storm and tsunami.

Answer 259

The NSW SES is the legislated combat agency for flood, storm and tsunami. The NSW SES has the authority to request any asset or resource, public or private, whether accredited, trained or not, to assist in flood operations, as referenced in the State Flood Plan.

Question 260

Question 261. Section 28 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, lists the duties of workers while at work. List these duties.

Answer 260

29 Duties of other persons at the workplace
A person at a workplace (whether or not the person has another duty under this Part) must—
(a) take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety, and
(b) take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons, and
(c) comply, so far as the person is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction that is given by the person conducting the business or undertaking to allow the person conducting the business or undertaking to comply with this Act.

Question 261

Question 262. According to SOGs when establishing a hot zone at a major LPG gas leak, what distances should be established around tanks?

Answer 261

300 m from sides and 900 m from ends of tanks

Question 262

Question 263. Safety and Operations Bulletins are communication tools that can be used as part of a plan to manage a risk or communicate an issue. According to Safety and Operations Bulletins policy list what are all staff responsible for?

Answer 262

All staff are responsible for:
*reading and following instructions and guidelines in Safety and OperationsBulletins that relate to them or their workplace
*undertaking any actions required of them by a Safety or Operations Bulletin
*discussing with their supervisor any aspects of the bulletin they do not clearly understand.

Question 263

Question 264. Section 46 of the Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation 2023 deals with false alarms. State the provisions of this section.

Answer 263

46 False alarms—the Act, s 42(1)(e)
For the Act, section 42(1)(e), the charge prescribed is $1,600 if—
(a) the false alarm resulted from the activation of the alarm other than during a test of which prior notice was given to a fire brigade officer and that the Commissioner is satisfied was properly carried out, and
(b) it is the second or subsequent occasion of a false alarm by the alarm, in
circumstances specified in paragraph (a), during a period of 60 days.

Question 264

Question 265. Section 18 of the Fire and Rescue NSW Regulation 2023 refers to damage or misuse of departmental property. State the provisions of this clause.

Answer 264

18 Damage or misuse of departmental property
A firefighter must not—
(a) wilfully or negligently damage departmental property, or
(b) fail to promptly report damage to departmental property, regardless of how the damage was caused, or
(c) use departmental property for an unauthorised purpose, or
(d) engage, whether directly or indirectly, in unauthorised use of departmental property.