FERG Flashcards
SEMP-
What are the 6 State Emergency Management Priorities in order with a brief example?
1) Protection and preservation of life is paramount- Safety of Emergency Services Personnel, community members, vistitors/tourists.
2) Issuing of Community Information and Warnings- Detailing Incident information that is timely and relevant to assist people in making informed decisions.
3) Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Community Assets- Things that support community eg. Hospitals, Phone Towers, Treatment Plants.
4) Protection of Residential Property- Primary place of residence.
5) Protection of Assets supporting individual livelihoods and economic production- That supports an individual or community financially eg. A farm.
6) Protection of Environmental and conservation assets- Things that considers cultural, biodiversity and social values of the environment eg. historic trees, cemeteries.
What 6 pieces of Chemdata information should the OIC relay to Firecom?
1) UN Name/Number
2) Product and Company name
3) Transport Company name
4) Quantity
5) Quantity spilled
6) Form
What is disposition signal 2-7?
Critical Incident Stress Management Team to be notified to contact requesting officer eg after nasty incident etc.
What is disposition signal 8-3?
Deceased person
What is disposition signal 5-6?
Vicpol attendance required, eg to assist someone thats been assaulted, perpetrator not on scene
What is disposition signal 4-0?
Vicpol attendance urgently for crews or public in trouble
What is disposition signal 5-5?
A hostile act or potential terror threat including significant violence with weapons
What are the 6 Community Warnings and Advice in order?
1) Advice: Issued to notify the community that an incident has occurred that may
escalate to impact on life or property
2) Warning (Watch and Act): Issued when an incident is likely to, or is directly impacting the community. They need to take action now
3) Emergency Warning: Issued when the community is in imminent danger from an
incident and need to take action now
4) Advice – All Clear: Issued when the threat of an incident has subsided. An ‘Advice – All Clear’ is required as a follow up where a Warning/Watch and Act or
Emergency Warning has been issued
5) Prepare to Evacuate: Issued when the community is recommended to quickly
prepare to leave the area
6) Evacuate Now: Issued when the community is recommended to immediately leave
or processes are in place to evacuate communities
Who has the responsibility to issue information and warnings?
The control agency does and must be authorised by the incident controller first.
When is an After Action Review (AAR) undertaken?
Conducted immediately after an incident/exercise. May be undertaken on scene or
on return to home station. Addresses any urgent health and safety issues or other
concerns that will not wait until the operational debrief.
What are the 4 steps of an AAR?
1) What was planned?
2) What really happened?
3) Why did it happen?
4) What can we do better next time?
What are the 8 positions of an IMT?
1) Incident Controller
2) Operations Officer
3) Logistics Officer
4) Planning Officer
5) Public Information Officer
6) Intelligence Officer
7) Finance Officer
8) Investigation Officer
What are the 11 positions of structure under Operations?
1) Sector Commander
2) Staging Officer
3) Breathing Apparatus Officer
4) Hazmat Sector Commander
5) Rehabilitation Officer
6) Safety Officer- Field
7) Logistics Officer
8) Intelligence Officer
9) Investigation Officer
10) Finance Officer
11) Liaison Officer
What are 2 Safety Considerations for Aircraft Incidents?
1) Beware of unfired ballistic parachute systems (BPS) or ballistic recovery systems
(BRS) fitted to the fuselage of light aircraft. Seek specialist advice when performing
operations near crashed/downed aircraft
2) Military aircraft may carry live ordinance. There is also danger of undeployed pilot
ejection seat/canopy jettison systems
What 4 steps should we do when attending a propellor craft incident?
1) Maintain clear distance of 5m radius from front of plane
2) Approach spinning propellers from rear only
3) Do not interfere with inactive propellers
4) Do not walk under wings
What 4 steps should we do when attending a Jet Engine incident?
1) Ensure ear protection is worn
2) Isolate fuel supply and shut down engine
3) Avoid blast area (rear of engines) at all times
4) Maintain 8m clearance from jet intake area
What must we ensure happens before we approach any Aircraft?
Only approach if given visual clearance by the pilot
What 3 steps should we do when attending Helicopters involved in an incident?
1) Approach and leave helicopter in crouched position in front view of pilot
2) Approach from downhill side only on uneven ground
3) Carry all equipment below waist level
Define the acronym AIRMEN for generic actions?
A Approach from either nose or tail directing lines down sides of fuselage, avoiding the wheel area. Dry powder must be used for wheels/brakes
I Insulate/isolate passenger/crew areas from fire using foam or water sprays
R Clear rescue access path to the door through application of foam/water sprays
M Maintain path to enable escape route for passengers or access path for firefighters
E Evacuate passengers from the aircraft immediately. Attend to fire/fuel spill
N Next appliance on scene acts as back up to support crew or provides extra water/
foam
Outline the 3 categories of Aircraft in regards to their carrying capacity?
Level 1 – up to 18 seats
Level 2 – up to 215 seats
Level 3 – up to 450 seats
What are the two types of incident definitions at Airports?
Full emergency: Aircraft approaching known or suspected to be in danger of an
accident
Crash on airport area/grounds: Self-evident situation where aircraft is seen to crash
or about to crash
What are the 7 step actions for an Aircraft Incident at Melbourne Airport?
1) Respond to the designated emergency access gate
2) Request all additional information from Firecom
3) Use MMR channel 52 to communicate with Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting
(ARFF). Note: This does not replace the fireground channel nominated by Firecom on turnout. This is a communications channel to speak to ARFF only
4) Obtain directions from the control tower or ASA Safety Officer (direct or via
Firecom)
5) Forward command post is indicated by a single flashing blue light
6) Exercise extreme caution when crossing runways/taxiways
7) Liaise with airport/firefighting personnel on scene
What colour is the flashing light at the Melbourne Airport Command Post?
Blue
In regards to Bushfire what does LACES stand for?
Lookouts- Fixed or Aerial or mobile lookout shold be used to provide timely advice on the need to use escape routes and safety zones
Awarness- Be aware of the impacts from changes to fire behaviour due to fuel, topography etc.
Communications- Communicate with crews to discuss safety and plans etc
Escape Routes- At least two escape routes should be agreed and made known to
all relevant personnel. The suitability of an escape route should be continually reviewed to ensure it remains effective.
Safety Zones- Safety zones should be identified and made known to all relevant firefighters. Firefighters need to consider escape time and safety zone size requirements that will change as fire behaviour changes
What 8 steps should be considered for fires in carparks incorporating Multi-Tiered Vehicle Stacking/ Storage Devices?
1) Access to vehicles that are recessed into a sub-structure cannot be guaranteed
2) Consider using a positive pressure ventilation fan or installed mechanical
ventilation system to improve visibility
3) Consider a defensive attack
4) Consider a foam fire attack
5) Concerns with regard to firewater
6) Consider building power isolation
7) Consider High Angle Rescue
8) Consider Safe Working at Heights
List the 4 Actions that should be taken in regards to a fire in a Car Stacker?
1) Isolate electricity to the car stacker. Lock out/tag out function on power supply
2) Use electrical current detector to test for live equipment before proceeding with any
firefighting operations
3) Immediately ascertain if sprinklers have activated if installed
4) Regularly conduct DRA
What are the actions for Fire/Hazmat incidents in the Citylink tunnel?
1) Confirm location of fire from CityLink TCR and ensure the effected tunnel is closed
to traffic
2) Consider use of installed telephone systems in tunnels
3) Evacuate tunnel as required via emergency access points or use safe havens within tunnel
4) Respond VicPol to assist evacuation
Within the tunnels:
The IC shall make every effort to contain pollutants to the incident site however
during major incidents pollutants can be permitted into drains
Minor Hazmat and biohazard incidents should be managed at road surface
level only
On the open roads:
All pollutants must be managed at road level
The IC is to consider ‘bunding’ of the drains or applying absorbent, etc
What are the actions for minor hazardous incidents/petrrol washaways in Citlylink?
1) Confirm the location of the incident, request and confirm a lane closure adjacent to
location of incident from the CityLink TCR (or a requirement to close the tunnel)
2) Control of pollutants in the tunnels and open roadways as above
3) DO NOT use sand
4) Check hydrocarbon alarms installed in underground pit and above filtration tanks
and if operated, flush the drainage system until the alarm resets
What is a consideration for a boiler incident?
Consider evacuation of the site
What 3 isolations should be attempted to turn off a boiler?
1) Emergency stop buttons
2) Burner switch
3) Main isolation switch
What 2 actions should be taken if unable to isolate the boiler?
1) Attempt to maintain water level in boiler
2) Reduce steam pressure to lowest pressure
What are the 2 Safety considerations for pressure vessels?
1) Identify contents prior to application of water onto exposed surface as water can
cause heat reaction
2)Possible BLEVE
What actions should be undertaken for presuure vessel incidents?
1) Liaise with onsite specialist
2) Secure the scene
3) Protect exposures and contain
4) Attempt to control with fuel isolation or dry agents
Ascertain:
Vessel contents
Can the vessel be isolated/turned off?
Can the vessel be depressurised?
What are 4 safety aspects of a Flammable metal fire?
1) Possible spontaneous heating or combustion
2) High risk of explosion for metal dust or powder
3) Storage potentially being in flammable liquid – kerosene, toluene
4) Toxic gases given off a fire involving metal
What 2 considerations should be implemented for Flammable metal fires?
1) Seek specialist advice – Plant Manager/operators/drivers/MSDS
2) Leave product to burn out, while protecting exposures
What 4 actions should be taken for Flammable metal fires?
1) Do not use water as extinguishing agent – creates violent reaction
2) Secure scene
3) Isolate burning product from the remainder of the product and any other exposures
4) Utilise specialist extinguishing agents (which should be available onsite):
What is the maximum size LPG cylinder that can be flared off?
200kg
How many flare off operators are required to commence operations?
2
What is 4 considerations to implement for flare off operations?
1) Eliminate potential ignition sources
2) Monitor atmosphere for flammability
3) Vicpol and AV attendance
4) Retain primary appliance
What are 5 actions for natural gas involved with fire?
1) Contact relevant gas supply company via Firecom and request immediate response
2) Approach from safe direction
3) Ascertain whether supply can be shut off
4) Protect exposures
5) DO NOT extinguish flame if gas flow cannot be stopped
What are 6 actions for natural gas not involved with fire?
1) Contact relevant gas supply company via Firecom and request immediate response
2) Eliminate ignition sources in the immediate area (min 30m). This is to be confirmed
with a personal gas monitor
3) Approach from upwind with appropriate PPE
4) A fully charged hose line should be deployed. Water should only be used in
exceptional circumstances to dissipate the gas
5) Place a dry chemical extinguisher on standby
6) Utilise gas monitoring equipment to monitor atmosphere (e.g. personal gas monitor)
Who should be notified for any Natural gas leak incidents list 3?
1) Relevant gas supply company
3) FRV must report to Energy Safe Victoria any fire or explosion in which
gas was the cause or contributing factor to a fire in accordance with the regulation
3) VicPol for evacuation/traffic control as required
What mustn’t firefighters carry onto any MHF? List 6
1) Mobile Phones
2) Pagers
3) Cigarette Lighters
4) Electronic Diaries
5) Matches
6) Any other electrical devices
What are some considerations for incidents at MHF’s?
Use of onsite installed systems, foam, bunding, onsite pre plans, specialist advice, appliance considerations aka Aerials, HART etc.
What actions must be followed for incidents at a MHF? List 11 steps.
1) First appliance on scene to respond to Incident Support Centre
2) Following appliances respond to designated staging area
3) Locate and access emergency information container (from gate/entrance)
4) Send regular SITREPS
5) Liaise with onsite Emergency Supervisor
6) Establish location and access to fire/spill
7) Evacuate work areas
8) Boost sprinklers/hydrants
9) Maintain flashing lights when travelling in refinery/MHF area
10) Wear eye/ear protection
11) Monitor wind direction/weather reports
When operating an Aerial appliance, what must be in use when working near powerlines?
A spotter
What are Zones for Powerlines on Poles and Aerial appliances?
List the 3.
1) Never above the Powerline, not within 3m of each side or 3m below, unless have confirmed isolations from Power Authority.
2) 3m-6.4m spotter required
3) Outside of 6.4m open area
What are the Zones for Powerlines on Transmission Towers?
List the 3.
1) Never above the Powerline, not within 8m of each side or 8m below, unless have confirmed isolations from Power Authority.
2) 8m-10m spotter required
3) Outside of 10m open area
Can Firefighters enter Electrical Substations/ Substation yards by themselves?
No- Firefighters shall not enter unless accompanied by an electrical supply company
representative or other trained/authorised persons.
What are 3 considerations in regards to responding to incidents at Electrical substations?
1) Identify ‘no go’ area where maximum radiation exposure levels may be exceeded
prior to entry
2) ‘No go’ areas are required to be signed/delineated to highlight potential hazard
3) Use the knowledge of an on-scene, competent person when required to work near
potential RF hazard
What 2 actions should be undertaken prior to entering an Electrical Substation?
1) If access is required, contact the emergency contact designated on signage, or the
supervisor appointed to manage the area to power down the equipment
2) Make access once power is shut down and access is authorised. Use the
SafeWork Procedures for the site if available
What are 3 Safety considerations of pole fires?
1) Set up safety perimeter around the pole – at least 8m
2) Do not stand under wires or in falling wire zone
3) Beware of high voltage cables fixed down the side of power poles – steel shielding
may become live following vehicle accident
What is a consideration in regards to pole fires? Eg. High Voltage
Pole fires should be extinguished at the discretion of the OIC with consideration of
safety. If high voltage lines present, do not attempt to extinguish
What 4 actions should be taken in regards to pole fires?
1) Request electrical supply company attend immediately
2) No attempt should be made to extinguish the fire until the electrical company has confirmed that the area been made electrically safe
3) Protect exposures if required
4) Only attack fire if absolutely
necessary for preservation of life
If extinguishment of pole fire is neccesary, how should this be achieved?
1) Utilising partial fog or broken
stream. Do not use direct jet
2) Avoiding hitting wires directly
with water
3) Spraying stream above pole and lob onto fire
4) Not standing in pools of water or on wet surfaces
What are 4 considerations in regards to Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) incidents?
1) UPS may be present when dealing with computers, telephone exchanges, process
controllers
2) Treat all such equipment as live.
3) Isolate power between electrical equipment and UPS
4) Consider requesting electrical supply company to respond to ensure power
isolation
Who can request Fire Investigation to attend an incident?
The Incident controller can request through the commander if assistance is required to determine the cause and or origin.
What are the 9 instances where Fire Investigation is to be notified?
1) All fire related deaths
2) All fire related serious injuries
3) Fires where the origin and cause cannot be easily determined
4) Significant fires (CFA)
5) Notification at 3rd alarm and automatic FIA response at 4th alarm or greater at
structure fires (MFB)
6) Any firefighter injury (MFB)
7) Fires involving fire brigade property
8) MFB Fire Investigation will not attend suspicious fires unless requested by VicPol
9) CFA Fire Investigators will attend suspicious structural, vehicle, marine craft and
bushfires as a support agency to VicPol
What are 6 considerations for OIC’s in regards to Fire Investigation?
1) Vehicles/ People seen leaving scene
2) Suspiscious paraphernalia
3) Signs of Forced Entry/ Criminal Behaviour
4) Fire behaviour eg intensity, smoke colour etc.
5) Point Of Origin, where was it, how many seats of fire.
6) Protect the Point Of Origin to Aid investigators
What is the expansion ratio of LPG?
270:1
Is LPG heavier than air?
Yes, therefore will tend to pool and gather in low lying and confined areas
What is the explosive range for LPG?
LEL- 1.5%
UEL- 10%
Is LPG an Asphyxiant?
Yes
What distance should be considered for evacuations?
800m
What Actions should be taken at Hospital Incidents?
1) Identify Emergency Coordinator, Chief Warden and security
2) Locate and access emergency information container (from entrance)
3) Check hazardous materials information on Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
4) Ascertain PA colour code announced
5) Confine incident
6) Assist evacuation ambulant, non-ambulant. This may be internal and horizontal to
the other side of the smoke/fire doors. If horizontal evacuation is insufficient can lifts be used to assist with evacuation
7) Request sufficient ambulances for transport and ensure they have clear access
8) Check progress of operating theatres
9) Isolate medical gases
10) Check staffing/patient levels
11) Check high security patients
12) Check plant room/ventilation system operations
What is a Code Red in a Hospital?
Fire or smoke present
What is a Code Orange in a Hospital?
Evacuation is in place
What is a Code Purple in a Hospital?
Bomb threat, extortion or suspiscious package
What is a Code Yellow in a Hospital?
Explosion, person trapped, chemical emergency. Can also be an internal emergency like Power Outage or Water Leak.
What is a Code Black in a Hospital?
Armed violence
What is a Code Blue in a Hospital?
Medical Emergency
What is a Code Brown in a Hospital?
State disaster or Major Incident
What steps need to be actioned for Electric/Hybrid vehicle incidents?
1) Approach from the side
2) Chock the wheels
3) Apply park brake
4) Place transmission in ‘park’
5) Stabilise the vehicle if not on four wheels
6) Disable/isolate ignition/ready system by checking if “ready” indicator is off, pushing the power button and ensuring the smart key is 5m away, isolating the HV system by the Orange isolation points.
How long may a HV system of an electric car remain energised for after disconnection?
Up to 10mins
What are 4 general considerations for all motor vehicle accidents?
1) Availability of water supply – respond water tanker or pumper tanker if required
2) Fuel source (petrol, diesel, LPG, hybrid, hydrogen powered, compressed natural
gas powered and alternative fuel sources)
3) Undeployed airbags (including side intrusion/curtain). See Undeployed Airbags
section
4) Be aware once the 12V battery is disconnected, the handbrake may not engage/
disengage, it may be impossible to open the boot, open or close windows, etc.
List 4 safety steps for LPG vehicle fires?
1) Do not extinguish burning gas if tank is still venting; leave to burn
2) Beware an increase in fire intensity/pitch of escaping gas – indications of the situation deteriorating and risk of tank failure/rupture
3) Evacuate if tank is suspected of rupturing
4) Do not direct water at venting pressure relief valve as icing may occur
What 3 actions should be taken on a LPG vehicle during fire?
1) Utilise hose lines from sheltered position where possible
2) Cool cylinder by directing flooding quantities of water onto upper surfaces until well
after fire is out
3) Use dry chemical, CO2
or water spray to extinguish fire (only if it is absolutely
necessary and safe to do so)
What 4 actions should be taken on a LPG vehicle fire if safe to do so?
1) Disconnect the battery under water spray
2) Open the boot under water spray
3) Locate the tank to find liquid service valve
4) Isolate the gas by shutting liquid service valve
What 4 actions should be taken on an LPG vehicle after the fire has been extinguished?
1) Cool the tank with water spray
2) Consider flare-off remaining contents (gas flare-off kit on heavy rescue vehicles)
3) Apply the damaged cylinder sticker on cylinder
4) Advise the owner to have cylinder tested
What are the 7 notifications that may be required for a Non Structure Fire at Rubbish Tips or other waste facilities?
1) Council MERO
2) EPA
3) Department of Health, if required
4) Victorian WorkCover Authority if required
5) FRV Operations Commander or CFA Rostered Duty Officer (RDO)
6) Community Resilience Commander
7) Fire Safety Issue notification (completed to ensure notification of Building
Inspection and Compliance department)
What are the 10 action steps when attending Secured Facilities aka Prisons?
1) Meet with facility Liaison Officer (LO) and Field Commander (FC) at entrance to site
2) The attending OIC is to ascertain nature and status of event, status of secured facility
and assess situation
3) Enter only on request of facility management, if site security is confirmed, and only
under the guidance of an escort/Liaison Officer (LO) (one per appliance)
4) If requested to enter and is deemed safe to do so, and if the need arises the IC is to
notify FRV Operations Commancer or CFA Rostered Duty Officer (RDO)
5) Fire service personnel to receive briefing from facility staff including arrangements for
any emergency evacuation plan
6) A minimum number of appliances and crew will be committed, IC to determine
7) Routine security checks undertaken in consideration of situation
8) Fire services to withdraw if safety/security of personnel/appliances becomes threatened
9) Security checks on departure. LO to confirm absence of prisoners on appliances
10) IC to confirm identity of firefighters leaving secured facility
What are 4 considerations for Safe Working at Heights?
1) Respond High Angle Rescue
2) Possibility of utilising aerial appliance
3) Creation of separate radio channel for SWH operations
4) Thermal imaging camera for roof temperature (if available)
What are 5 safety considerations for incidents at Docks/Ports?
1) Beware of load limitations on piers, jetties and wharves. No vehicles are to be driven onto these that do not have a weight limitation plaque
2) Exercise caution when working near edges
3) Personal flotation devices (PFD) shall be worn when working within 2m of body of
water
4) Establish 2m safety zone around edges
5) Appoint a safety officer when working near water
What are 4 general considerations for incidents at Docks/Ports?
1) Waterway Emergency Response operators
2) Beware of weight limitations/loading on wharves and appliance exclusion zones.
Do not enter if load limit is not identified. Marine response for safety, lighting, firefighting, booms and specialist advice
3) Tugs – available if required for firefighting west of Bolte Bridge only. SF1s to be assigned to operate water monitors on tugs. The tug Coxswain has overriding
responsibility for the safety of the vessel and the crew
4) Shipping container – obtain container number (2, 3 or 4 alpha characters, followed
by 6-7 numeric characters e.g. CRXU2933507) and relay to Firecom for details of contents. Number marked on all sides of container
What are 4 actions to be taken for incidents at Docks/Ports?
1) Liaise with port authority personnel
2) Seek specialist advice
3) Maintain red/blue flashing lights at all times
4) Be aware of other vehicles in dock areas
What actions shall be taken for ship emergencies/firefighting tugs?
1) Respond fire boats (FRV)
2) Respond Coast Guard (FRV/CFA)
3) Establish and maintain contact with ship’s senior officer on board
4) Report to the ship’s bridge
5) Determine location and access to fire and intensity
6) Access information:
Ship’s plans
Firefighting already undertaken
Operation of firefighting installations/equipment
Details of cargo/manifest/log
State of ship’s services – power, water
Ventilation
Ship’s stability
State of the ship’s hatches
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Technical Response June 2018 – Edition 1 187
7) Fire service vessels or fire tugs to cool the exterior of the vessel
8) Monitor amount of water used and removal of firefighting water (stability)
9) Establish origin of ignition
10) Consider and monitor alternative extinguishing media
What are the 5 considerations in regards to pollution control?
1) Size, location and type of spill
2) Identify control agency
3) Specialist advice early on
4) Accessing State cache of equipment
5) Waterway Emergency Responder (WR) response
How many DC volts are in a Tram if the pantegraph is still in contact with the overhead wires?
600v
What is the minimum safe working distance for the overhead DC powerlines?
3 metres
Can we enter the roof of a Tram?
Roof areas of trams are ‘no go’ zones until isolation and earthing is confirmed by
relevant tram company maintenance crews on site
What are 4 general considerations for incidents involving Trams?
1) Trams operate on 600 volt DC tractive control from overhead trolley wire
2) Power control centre is able to isolate power to each section in the network remotely. However isolation is not ensured until maintenance crews confirm on site
3) Responding Heavy Rescue pod
4) Responding High Angle Rescue if incident involves roof of tram
Who is generally the Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator (MERC) from Vicpol?
The district Senior Sergeant
What responsibilities does the MERC have?
The MERC has the responsibility to coordinate requests
from the Fire Services, including but not limited to accommodation, logistics, support resources or issues related to recovery activities. The MERC should be embedded into
the EMT at the earliest convenience, regardless of the size of the incident.
How do we request Vicpol Airwing?
Requests for Victorian Police air support in emergency situations may be made through the on-scene VicPol coordinator
What are the 3 levels of Hostile acts?
Level 1- Hostile act could occur
Level 2- Hostile act is likely
Level 3- Hostile act is imminent or has occurred
What are the 6 steps for siting of appliances at a hostile act event?
1) Park minimum 300m from area until the incident site has been assessed by Bomb
Response Unit personnel (BRU)
2) Utilise open space wherever possible
3) Park appliance facing away
4) Notify Firecom of location of appliances
5) All firefighters stay in rear seat, side windows open
6) Maintain clear access and egress all times
