Fire Brigade Pre Learning Flashcards
Can you tell what type of roof a building has from the outside?
No.
Building age is not a guide as new roof may have been added.
Any fire on roof must make you doubt its structural integrity.
What are stairs used for?
For means of access inside or outside of building.
What type of stairs offer the best fire resistance?
Reinforced concrete,
Spalling should not lead to failure if concrete is reinforced, but should be considered
A well ventilated set of reinforced concrete stairs are a good place to base operations.
Give two methods of communication used in the brigade.
Written. (formal documents etc)
Verbal. (preferred) face to face
How soon should grievances be raised?
Within 3 months of the management decision that caused the grievance.
Who has the authority as well as duty to take immidtiate action in the interest of safety?
EVEYONE.
Home office description?
Government department.
Responsible for fire and rescue services act 2004.
Sets out nation framework for fire and rescue services.
National policy, legislation, guidance.
Research and stats.
What is an operational risk assessment?
continuous assessment and control of risk in rapidly changing circumstances of an operational incident
When should non LFB equipment not be used.
When LFB equipment will do the task.
Only used in exceptional circumstances where life is involved.
LFB equipment has been tested and well maintained and safe to use. Safety of non LFB equipment is uncertain
List hazards involving fires and gang nailed roof trusses. (3)
Severly weakened by fire.
Trusssed roof designed to spread whole weight across structure, when one fails, can lead to immediate sudden collapse.
timbers used in gang nailed roof trusses thinner than traditional methods.
Define Hazard?
A situation or object that has the potential to cause harm or injury.
What is the limbic system.
Part of brain that regulates basic bodily functions.
At what temperature will flamming occur in timber?
350 degrees
Two types of knot that are utilised to attach a line to a round object such as a spar or ring?
Round turn and 2 half hitches
Clive hitch
What are the important considerations when selecting the correct equipment?
Will it do the job
Can I operate it safely
Is it safe for others around me
Will the equipment become damaged
Are there any set procedures
What is the items away book?
Records of items of equipment sent away for repair or replacement.
Used for quick reference as well as POMS
Give examples of unacceptable behaviour.
Poor timekeeping.
Unauthorised absence from work.
Misuse of company facilities. Such as email,internet.
Fire resistance can be increased if timber has been treated.
.
What is discrimination?
Oppitiste of equality.
Violates basic hum rights of equal opportunity to succeed
List symptoms of trauma related stress.
Intense feelings. Anger, sadness, shame.
Physical symptoms. Lack of sleep, extreme tiredness, changing in eating/drinking habits.
Physiological symptoms. Nightmares, anxiety, depression
Behaviours. Withdrawn, irritable, impatient
Role The NJC (nation joint council) ?
National Body for negotiation anything related to the fire and rescue services act 2004.
What is community safety?
Working to stop fires and other emergencies happening, giving advice, and help protect people if an incident does occur.
The 3 strategic aims of the LFB London saftey plan are:
Prevention and protection
Response and resilience
People and resources.
These encompass community safety.
Give 2 examples of communication used the brigade.
One way.
Two way.
What is the probationary procedure, how does it effect you?
2 stages.
At training centre.
On station.
meet station manager: Upon arrival. After 1 month. After 3 months. After 9 months.
HR informed upon completion at station, letter sent to me, and then I’m liable to disaplinary and grievance procedures of brigade.
List the ‘British values’ under the prevent duty act.
Democracy
Rule of law
Mutual respect and Tolerance. (Of differences and religions)
Individual liberty
What is a beam over a small opening such as a door or window called?
A lintel
Why is timber less likely to suffer a sudden collapse?
Burning and charring rates are predictable and differ only slightly between wood types.
And the 2 sections that the community safety department is divided into….
Community safety policy team. (Writes policies and does research )
Projects team. (Engages with communities)
Benefits for the individual using the DMM?
4
Encourages to use initiative and take personal responsability.
Consistant assessment of management skills.
Reinforces training and actual experience.
Provides systems to develop and control safe systems of work.
Define, ‘element of structure’
Give examples.
Parts of a building that contribute of the overall stability of the structure.
>Beams
>Columns.
>Walls.
>Floors
>Structure enclosed Shafts. (escape routes)
>Gallery.
Explain areas of responsibility included in the safe person concept?
CALVES.
Am I COMPITANT to carry out task?.
Do I have the ADABTABILTY of changing circumstances?
Do I know my own ability and LIMITATIONS?
Can I remain VIGILANT for mine and others safety?
Am I an EFFECTIVE team member?
Do I have SELF discipline to work within accepted systems of work?
What part of the brain usually takes over at recording the events?
Amygdala
Properties exempt from the conditions of entry?
Crown owned buildings/MOD premisses/government premises.
Navy ships, this country and others.
Embassies.
List sources of info that may be considered when gathering info for the DMM?
Info of task/event.
Info of resources.
Info of risks/benifits.
Info of progress.
List considerations to take when moving on stairs. (6)
Look for fire damage.
Smoke issuing under stairs.
Material stairs are made of.
Signs of spalling/cracking.
Cosider if iron stairs have been cooled rapidly.
Stone stairs can fail suddenly in any fire/heat.
Definition of manual handling?
The movement of a load by either direct or indirect effort of a human.
Supporting a load without movement.
Pushing or pulling a load
Intentionally throwing or dropping a load
Is glass combustible?
No, will not contribute to fire spread,
Radiation heat can pass through glass though.
What is the unit that heat is measured in?
Joules. (Per kg)
surface are of a fuel and volume relevance?
more surface area, the more quickly and readily it will burn.
Personal responsibility of the safe person concept are?:
Competent of completing tasks assigned.
Adaptable to changing circumstances.
Able to recognise own ability and limitations
Able to remain vigilant for own safety and other ls around them.
Be an effective team member.
Self disciplined to work within accepted systems of work.
CALVES
define equality.
Recognising that individual needs are met differently
Making sure people are treated fairly and are given fair chances and the equal opportunity to succeed no matter their individual circumstance, including:
Gender. Age. Disability. Class. Race. Colour. Religion. Sexual identification. Sexuality. Nationality. Political beliefs. Marital status. Having/not having dependants. Trade union membership/activity.
Clove hitch?
Knot used to secure a line to an object,
and pulled at right angles.
3 interrelated systems of risk management?
Strategic.
Systematic.
Operational.
What properties of a wall in the element of structure.
Provides support by carrying loads. (Thicker at bottom)
Separates an area.
Provides protection from external elements
list two function of floors?
To devide building into usuable areas.
To provide support to the walls.
List some properties of concrete.
Non combustible
Weak tensile strength
Strong compression strength
Can spall
Can be reinforced using steel rods
Structural concrete has higher fore resistance and will not usually suddenly collapse
Define emergency?
An event or situation that causes or likely to cause:
Death/serious injury or illness.
Serious harm to environment.
What is bullying?
Behaviour towards an individual that causes alarm or distress, picking on somebody in a detrimental way because of their appearance or behaviour.
Questions that may be asked, and advice given about community safety at the scene of a fire or after a fire include…?
What could they have done to prevent the fire?
We’re there any smoke alarms, and were they sited correctly.
Did they do the right thing upon discovery of the fire?
Did they call the fire brigade in the correct way?
Definition of a line?
A piece of rope, cut to a specific length, for a specific purpose.
Three stages of stress?
Alarm stage
Resistant stage.
Exhustion stage.
List signs of a building collapse?
9
pieces of mortar/stone etc falling from walls
Floors coming away from wall.
Collapse of floors.
columns or beams failing/bending.
Cracks in walls, especially horizontal cracks.
bowing of walls.
spalling of concrete/stone.
collapse or arches over windows/doors/openings.
damage/collapse of walls of a protected shaft.
What is trauma related stress?
Exposure to an event outside of an individuals usual experience, which causes physical, emotional or psychological harm.
List some good equality practices within the LFB as an organisation..
Improving…
Communication within workforce/public
Recruitment, selection, promotion.
Transfer, leaving organisation
Training and development
Career progression
Retention of staff
Resilience planning
Grievance and discipline procedures
Explain how carbon dioxide extinguishers work…
Displaces air in a compartment, reducing oxygen available.
Smothers the fire.
Carbon dioxide is an asphyxiate, and breathing apparatus must be worn when it’s used or being considered.
How to report equality issues in the workplace?
what steps to take?.
Make their concerns known to the accused person in the first instance.
Report to line manager or inclusion team if necessary.
Describe iron/steel and properties relating to fire.
Very strong/load baring.
Neither are combustible.
Looses 2/3 of strength at 600 degrees. May begin to sag or twist.
Can be or protected by solid or hollow construction
Why is it necessary to inform all affected personal of any identified hazard?
To emilinamt risk of any injury or health implications to anyone.
power that prevents obstruction of emergency services?
Emergency workers obstruction act. 2006
What is a risk assessment?
Term used to describe the process where the likelihood and seriousness of an adverse outcome occurring is being considered
What is covered in the “ICT acceptable use” policy?
4
Your responsibility
Computer use and disciplinary action
Accepted use of email and internet
Accepted use of social media
Walls usually fall outwards when collapsing, but may be brought down inwards due to floors collapsing.
.
How often should an appliance operational readiness check take place?
Weekly and monthly.
how does powder/foam/carbon dioxide/fire blanket extinguish fire?
explain.
Class 1 fire?
Carbonaceous. wood/paper/cloth
extinguished with water.
What checks will be necessary to determine a piece of equipments rediness for use?
Visual inspection.
Checking correct operation of moving parts
Checking it can still perform its function
Completeing a standard test
Rectifying and defects if possible.
Who has responsibilities to manual handling safety in workplace?
Everybody
List projects run by the community safety department team?
The education team
Fire cadets (14-18)
Crossfire
Local intervention fire education (LIFE) (tackles anti social behaviour against firefighters) (14-17)
Juvenile firesetters intervention scheme (upto 17yrs)
How lines can deteriorate?
Local abrasion. Cuts/contusions. Exposure to heat/fire. Chemicals. Prolonged exposure to sunlight. Overloading/shock-load.
Name 4 safety regulations, that risk assessments are used to ensure standards are met?
Management of health and safety at work regulations
Provision and use of work equipment regulations
PPE regulations
Manual handling regulations
What are cantilever stone staircases and what are the dangers?
Stone staircase supported only on one side,
Liable to sudden collapse without being cooled or have any extra weight applied to then.
What are the LFB core values, that represent the standards expected of the authority and individual staff?
Fairness
Integrity
Respect
Service
Trust
FIRST
What type of listening would be used when listening to information from an emotional member of public?
Selective listening
Why is it important to have some information in written form?
To provide structured instructions or information. I
Can be referred to. (Policies, procedures) etc
list aspects of the LFBs role in community safety?.
6
Home fire safety visits.
Partnership work.
Informing people at a young age.
Reducing deliberately started fires.
Advising on fire safety in the workplace.
Carrying out inspections of buildings.
What could cause a collapse in a building?
4
Beams or columns failing. Extreme heat/rapid cooling.
Walls or floors Failing. Expansion due to heat.
Collapse of higher floors, falling on lower floors and leverage effect, shock loading.
Cracked or dropped arches/beams over windows/doors/openings.
What is the aim of the home office?
To help reduce deaths, injuries and damage caused by fire and other incidents.
What must be done upon hearing evacuation signal?
4
Repeat signal.
Withdraw from area immediately. (Crews closest to danger withdraw first, others protect escape routes)
leave equipment.
Report to booking in point.
Round turn and two hitches?
Knot tied round object, spar/ring.
Used to secure line to an object.
Long line description?
31 metres long. general use line. Stored in yellow bag. Identification code at end of line and barcode, station number, date of issue. made from polypropylene.
Are walls loadbearing in framed construction?
No. Usually only utilised for weather proofing, and can be made of glass etc
They usually are in solid/traditional masonry construction though
Where can manual handling injuries occur?
Anywhere people are at work.
List the 5 steps of operational risk assessment.
Evaluate the Risks.
Select a safe method of work.
Asses that safe method of work.
Control mesures to remove risk or control risk.
Re asses continually the method of work and Risks.
What are the 9 protected characteristics it is unlawful to discriminate against?
Equality act 2010.
Age
Sex
Sexual orientation
Gender reassignment
Marriage/ civil partnership
Pregnancy/ maternity
Disability
Race
Religion
Powers of entry for a firefighter, contained in FRSA (fire, rescue,services act 2004)
(5)
Enter premises without owners permission.
Enter/move vehicles without owners permission.
Stop a highway.
Direct Traffic.
Prevent persons entering premises/place for safety.
Where can the LEFPA (London emergency + fire planning authority) health and safety policy be found?
Hotwire
Why are standard tests carried out and where are they recorded.
To ensure that equipment is working well, any faults identified, and able to use in any emergency.
recorded on standard test cards. one per piece of equipment.
What is psychological resilience.
The process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress.
Describe aluminium in relation to fire.
Night strength to weight ratio.
Looses strength at 100-225 degrees.
Low melting point
Will set alight at very high temperatures
Define stress.
The adverse reaction to excessive pressures or other type of demands placed on an individual.
Benefits for the LFB for using the DMM?
3
Identifies areas for review.
Supports training of officers and management.
Improves knowledge and skills of staff.
List hazards and risks involving fires with sandwich panels?
(7)
Rapid fire spread due to PVC coating.
Large amounts of toxic smoke.
Can produce toxic gasses.
Sandwich panels may fail suddenly.
No structural integrity. Offer no support of weight. And often used on roofs
Steel sheets used can cause falling hazard.
Difficult to extinguish due to outer coating covering inner membrane.
List some causes of work/life stress?
Life based issues, such as break down of relationships, or financial difficulties.
Direct work based issues, such as bullying or harassment
Health and health concerns.
Demands at work
Control or lack of control at work
Feeling of lack of support at work
Lack of understanding of role or task that you’ve been asked to carry out.
pouch line?
4 meters long.
General perps line.
made from plaited nylon.
carried in fireguard pocket.
List ways of effectictive communication. (6)
The six Cs
Clear Concise Courtious Complete Correct Coherent
List four pieces of information that can be gathered to ensure effective use of the DMM?
Info on:
Task or event
Resources available
Risk and benifits.
Progress made so far.
Advantages/disadvatages of water?
Cheap.
Readily available.
Doesn’t damage environment.
Has cooling effect, as well as starvation and smothering effect as steam.
Can not be used on all fires. (flammable liquids/metals/electrical fires)
Good conductor of electric.
London assembly?
Committee elected to hold mayor to account and investigate London issues.
Class 2 fire?
Flammable liquids. Cooking oil/wax/melted plastics.
Not water.
Extinguised by smothering. Fire blanket/foam/carbo dioxide/possibly powder.
may reignite when oxygen reintroduced if not cooled enough. (AIT)
Give examples of conduct or behaviour that would lead to summery dismissal.
Theft
Fraud
Conduct inside/outside work that brings authority into serious disrepute.
Fishermans knot?
Used to tie two line of same thickness together.
Is a roof an element of structure?
No
List hazards involving stairs in fires.
wood
metal
stone.
Wooden, enclosed stair cases can have infected burning underneath and be unsafe for weight bearing.
steel staircases looses integrity at 600 degrees.
cast iron stairs can crack and fail when cooled rapidly.
Stone staircases present serious hazard. rapid cooling can cause spalling and cracking, and can lead to sudden dramatic failure.
some stone staircases only supported on one side.
Stone staircases should be avoided to use in fire.
What is the meaning of an emergency?
An event or situation where…
One or more individuals to die, become seriously injured, or ill.
Serious harm to environment, including health of plants and animals.
Define surface oxidation?
The reaction between a substances surface with the oxygen in the atmosphere surrounding it.
Can be seen as glowing and felt as heat. Is a form of combustion.
London safety plan main aims? (3)
Prevention and protection.
Response and resilience.
Resources and people.
3 sides of the triangle of fire?
Heat, Fuel, Oxygen.
What’s involved in the deciding stage of the DMM?
Gathering all available information.
Identifying objectives
Defining a plan
Considering the results and evaluating
Describe the evacuation signal?
Short repeated blasts on whistle. By incident commander or other personal aware of risk.
Can be made by any firefighter.
FREP (fire, resilience, and emergency planning committee?
Set up to scrutinise how Fire commissioner is performing.
How to check if a wall is bowing or bulging?
By standing at end of wall and looking along the wall.
What is glulam wood?
Layers of timber bonded together using adhesive
Which is the preferred method of communication used in the LFB?
Verbal. Face to face
How and when should safeguarding concerns be reported for all concerns where there is no immediate risk.
within 24 hours.
reported to the officer of the day via the resource managnet centre.
List 2 types of stress?
Work/life stress.
Trauma related stress.
What is a close coupled roof?
Traditional type of pitched roof.
List operational considerations in relation to building collapse?
Reinforced concrete normally have good fire resistance.
wooden floors covered in carpet may lead to undetected fire burning. Only discovered when weight is applied, ie firefighter.
collapsing floor joists may have levering effect on attached walls.
What 4 areas are the 33 borough grouped into?
North east
North west
South east
South west
How to care for a line?
Wash with warm washing up liquid and water.
Dry naturally, hung in a well aired room.
Showed correctly
3 stages of grievance procedure?
Informal
Formal
Appeal.
What is the principal aim of the authority?
Make London a safer city.
Where are the LFBs equality at work policies found?
Hotwire.
What are the characteristics of timber when used as an element of structure?
Oversized to provide sacrificial layer.
The outer chars, but the inner core is relatively uneffected and can retain its structural integrity.
What is a fighfighters involvement in community safety?
Home fire safety visits. HFSV
Community visits, such as home fire safety visits, grouped risk visits, hot strike/reassurance visits.
Stands and displays at public events.
Formal fire safety talks. (Schools/workplaces/clubs etc)
Training care workers to identify hazards in care homes.
Attending tenants and residents meetings.
Anything else that may help deliver the message of community safety to the public.
What are the responsibilities that employers have regards to health and safety?
(4)
Provide Healthy and safe enviroment to work in.
Safe and healthy buildings. (heat/running water etc)
Relevant information and training.
Good working practices.
Give examples of other people a firefighter may communicate with? (5)
The public
Police
Ambulance services.
Other fire brigades/firefighters.
Experts.
3 methods of extinguishing a fire?
Cooling.
Starvation.
Smothering.
Explain how foam extinguishes a fire…
Forms floating barrier between flammable liquid and surrounding air, preventing oxygen reactions with flammable vapours.
Has cooling effect as it contains water.
Cannot be used on electrical fires.
What is the primary concern when setting objectives in the DMM?
Reducing the risk to people
How many groups of boroughs?
4 areas, 33 boroughs.
each borough has commander.
Define Fire point.
The lowest temp at which sufficient vapours are being produced that when an ignition source is introduced the vapours burn and continue to burn once the ignition source is removed for 5 seconds.
How to improve listening skills, and be a good listener?
Be attentive, and remain interested.
Take into account emotions.
Do not interrupt.
be flexible, and keep an open mind.
Give something back, a response.
listen for ideas.
Capitalise on facts.
Mentally sumerise.
Common ignition sources?
7
Naked flame. Prolonged exposure to heat. (hot pipwork etc) Electrical sparks. Friction heat. Chemical reactions. pressurisation of gas. Spontaneous heating. (compost heaps)etc
List benifits of a diverse workforce.
Able to understand and meet a wider range of needs in the community.
Better communication and understanding/ closer links to public.
Safer practices and prevention plans can be implemented.
A more open relationship between workforce and public.
Be able to provide better post fire/incident care and support to communities.
Better relationships and understanding within the workforce. (Will gain different perspectives from all employees, which increases community awareness and recognition of their needs and firefighter needs)
How/when is a line tested? (4)
Standard test.
On acceptance.
After use.
Quaterly.
At anual workshops.
What is the firefighters maxim?
The balance between ensuring the safety of a firefighter and carrying out the role of the fire and rescue service
Half hitch?
Formed on spar or Object.
Basis of a knot.
Secures suction.
Double sheet bend?
Used to tie two lines with different thickness together.
List ways of dealing with stress.
Share feelings
healthy lifestyle.
Be realistic.
Self awareness/positive thinking.
Set routines.
Let things go.
What is a grouped risk visit?
Community safety visit, where there is a history of:
Identified risks.
A history of prior incidents
A large number of fires
Increased risk of deliberately started fires/secondary fires
What is a sandwich panel?
Sheet material used to cover steel or concrete framed buildings.
Who has the authority as well as the duty to take immediate action in the interest of safety?
EVERBODY
Information must be accurate to overcome barriers of effective communication, name 3 others factors…
Concise.
Given at appropriate time.
Make sure it’s understood
Bowline knot.
non slipping noose, to secure line to object.
Only used to tie round somebody when no specialist harness available.
What is the operational news bulletin?
Bulletin looking at challenging incidents attended by the LGB and sharing any lessons learned.
Give examples of trauma related stress?
Attending an incident where there has been loss of life and/or serious injuries.
Attending an incident where there has been loss of life and/or serious injuries to colleagues.
Exposure to human tragedy
Major or catastrophic incidents
Incidents where colleagues may be trapped or missing.
What building construction will have an effect of the reaction of a building at an incident.
Method of construction,
Damaged/weakened parts of building, especially elements of structure
Lines covered in modules should not be used for rescue purposes except in a emergency.
.
Explain how dry powder extinguishes a fire….
Flame interference. Prevents particles present in flame from meeting and reacting.
Chemically snuffs our flame.
Smothering.
Extremely messy.
Cannot be used in fires with very high temperatures, such as metal fires.
Breathing apparatus must be worn.
What checks on a piece of equipment are carried out to ensure its readiness of use?
Visual inspection being one.
Checking moving parts operation.
Checking it’s still able to perform its function
Completing a standard test
Rectifying any defects
List emotional Symptoms of stress.
Crying.
Anger.
Lack of understanding.
Lack of attention/concentration.
depression/moodiness.
Memory problems.
Nightmares.
Phobias.
Obsessions.
Fustration.
Butterflies in stomach.
Define risk?
The measure of likelihood of harm being caused by a hazard and the severity of that harm.
what is the ‘grey book’ and where is it found?
Book outlining conditions of service for operational fore staff.
Found in every station library.
what is a Home fire safety visit?
Fire-fighters visit people in their home to give advice on fire prevention and protection.
where necessary fit fire alarms.
What measurement is temperature measured on?
Celsius or centigrade
What does the fore resistance of timber depend on?
What are the characteristics of the timber?
Thickness of timber
Type of wood
Any treatment applied to timber
What is an oxidising agent, and why is it important.
Some fuels have Oxygen stored inside themselves, this is released during combustion and feeds more oxygen to the fire causing quicker and more efficient burning.
List four ways to overcome barriers for effective communication.
Be accurate.
Be concise and as clear as possible.
Give at appropriate time
Make sure what you communicate is understood
Explain unacceptable behaviour within the LFB.
Poor timekeeping.
Unauthorised absence.
Misuse of company facilities.
Examples of, and When can non brigade equipment be used?
Fixed installations. hose reels etc
Equipment belonging to works fire brigades/aiports etc.
Equipment on boats/ships.
Equipment on building sites, cranes/hoists etc fixed pumps
private hydrants on larger sites.
how is the LFB funded?
Funded by the GLA through the council tax payers in London.
And an annual grant by central government.
What is the DMM
Decision making model.
Qualities of a good knot. (4)
- easy to tie
- easy to untie
- doesn’t damage the line
- able to carry out task it’s employed to do safely without slipping.
Give examples of barriers of good communication.
8
Jargon
Emotional barriers/taboos.
Language differences.
Lack of interest.
Perceptions/unconcious bias.
Physical disabilities. (deaf/blind/speech)
Physical barriers. (no eye contact).
cultural differences.
What does the LFB equality policy ensure?
That all employees have an equal opportunity to succeed within the organisation.
Define harassment.
Unwanted conduct that violates a persons dignity or creates intimidation, hostility, degrading or an offensive environment.
List 4 types of discrimination?
Direct discrimination.
Indirect discrimination.
Discrimination by association.
Discrimination by perception.
Explain the risk MANAGEMENT process?
Identify the hazards and assessing the risks.
Eliminating risk altogether.
Introducing control measures to reduce risk.
Definition of communication?
The act or instance of communicating, the shattering of ideas, information or feelings.
Name types of materials used in buildings?
5
Concrete.
Stone.
Timber.
Metals.
Glass.
Two different types of load in manual handling?
Inanimate- box trolly etc
Animate - human/animal
Define auto ignition tempretute? (AIT)
The lowest temperature at which a fuel will ignite and continue to burn without the need for an ignition source to be introduced.
List ways to help manage work/life stress.
Be realistic with responsibilities and demands placed on yourself.
Healthy lifestyle
Be positive
Share feelings
Go easy with criticism
Self awareness
Routines
Letting things go.
what can a line be secured to?
Part of Itself
An object.
Another line.
When should appliance inventories be carried out?
At change of watch
Restow or change over of appliance
Leaving an incident
Return to station
Other occasions. (Where it’s believed station security may have been compromised)
give examples of work/life stress.
Demands.
Control/lack of control.
Support/lack of support.
Relationships at work, with other employees/employers.
Role at work. Lack of understanding.
What are the bindings at the end of a rope called?
Whippings
Who has the responsabliltiy of heath and safety at work?
EVERYBODY.
If your complaint about harassment is about your manager, who can you report it to?
Another manager of a similar level, or the HR advisor or inclusion team.
What is the most effective form form of listening?
Emphatic listening
When are inventories of appliance equipment carried out?
Daily, at watch change.
Equipment is checked to make sure it’s clean and ready to use.
What is a protected shaft.
Opening between floors, such as stairs or lift shafts.
Increased fire resistance, and strength, to allow escape route.
Who do equality policies apply to?
Everybody employed by the LFB.
What type of force is a column under?
Compressive force
What are the 5 stages of listening?
Ignoring
Pretending
Selective listening
Attentive listening
Emphatic listening
What is the health and safety at work act 1974?
Designed to make sure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare of employees at their work place.
What is the firefighter maxim?
The balance between ensuring a firefighters safety and carrying out the role of the fire and rescue service.
Running bowline?
Slipping noose knot. Used to secure line to objects.
Never tied around a person.
Where to get help for stress related issues in the LFB.
Advisory and Counselling Service.
ACS
Contact details on HOTWIRE.
Define diversity.
Valuing individual differences.
value and manage to enable employees to reach their full potential.
List factors of psychological resilience ?
Confidence
Perposefulness
Social support
Adaptability
Give and example of a potentially traumatic event. (PTE)
Threat of death/serious injury. To self or others.
Learning that events involved violence/death/injury to family or close friends.
Repeated exposure to PTE.
3 states of matter that fuel can exist?
Solids
Liquids
Gasses
List the 2 main stages of the DMM?
Deciding
Acting.
When should the DMM be used at an operational incident?
Continuously Throughout the whole event or task.
Ensures new information and process is considered and safe systems of work are maintained and benifit to risk is maintained.
What must be done with equipment after use?
Return it to appliance ASAP.
What should happen if risks are not proportionate to benefits?
Additional control measures must be introduced before any work is carried out.
The selection of correct equipment must be based on what important considerations?
WOSDS
WILL the piece of equipment do the job?
Can I OPERATE it safely?
Is it safe for me and OTHERS?
Will the equipment become DAMAGED?
Are there any SET PROCEDURES when using the equipment?
Define Flash point.
The lowest temp at which sufficient vapours are being produced that when an ignition source is introduced a momentary flash occurs. The burning does not occur after ignition source is removed.
What is involved in making sure equipment is used safely and having good working knowledge of the equipment.
Had necessary training.
Knowing how to safely handle equipment.
Understanding limitations of equipment.
Understandng how to maintain and care for the equipment.
knowing how to test the equipment.
Why must equipment be returned to appliance after use?
4
To prevent it being a hazard.
To prevent the equipment becoming damaged.
To prevent it being lost or stolen.
So its avalable if anybody else needs it.
also cleaned after use and ‘after use test’ tested if appropriate.
List 2 places where you would find copies of health and safety articles, bulletins and policies?
Hotwire
Health and safety notice board
List the 9 protected characteristics under the equality act 2010?
Age
disability.
Gender.
Colour
Race
Sexuality.
Religion
Gender reassignment.
marriage/civil partnership.
List types of operational equipment?
PPE
Firefighting equipment (hosed/lines etc)
Breathing apparatus
Special service and rescue equipment
What could damage to a protected shaft indicate?
Danger of imminent collapse.
overhand knot/figure of eight knot?
Used as a stopper knot.
tied on damaged hose to identify.
Structural timber has a sacrificial layer, inner layer remains relatively unefected and keeps strength and stability
.
Name the 2 LFB safeguarding policies.
Safeguarding vulnerable adults.
Safeguarding children.
How often should all areas of station building be inspected for health and safety reasons?
At least once every 28 days.
Most are checked twice a day at shift change
Why is a “after use test” carried out on equipment after an incident.
Identify any defects/damage.
How do metals act in a fire?
All metals expand when exposed to heat.
Can allow fire to spread by way of conduction.
What is a “form 426”
Standard test card
LFB Intranet name?
Hotwire.
Role of the London Mayor?
Premotes London at home and abroad.
Sets policies and priorities.
Sets the budget for the GLA.
Sets budget for Fire brigade/TFL/Police/London legacy.
Aproves London safety plan, and direct it to act.
Why do we need good communication in the LFB?
3
Inform others and be informed.
Direct others and be directed.
Influence others and be influence.
What are the managers responsibilities toward harassment, bullying or victimisation?
To implement and promote procedures
To remain alert and aware of staff behaviour
To be responsive and supportive to any victims
Decide course of action to take.
Two categories of serious outstanding risk? (SOR)
OUTSTANDING FIRE RISK
(Evidence of burns, precious unreported fires, undated practacies in home)
WELFARE RISK
(No heating/lighting, no food, vermin, broken property, neglect)
Whats the name of the scheme set up to prevent hoax 999 calls.
Crossfire.
What type of communication is likely to be used at an incident where orders must be given quickly?
One way.
It’s quicker
But two way will ensure the information is understood.
Rolling hitch?
Knot used to secure line to object,
and sideways pull.
Who do you report manual handling injuries to?
Line manager ASAP
Points to make for gang nailed roof trusses.
Timber typically thinner than traditional methods
Gang nails are shorter than tradional methods.
8-10mm vs 100-150mm
Gang nail plates are metal so may conduct heat deeper into timber.
Trusses may not support weight in gang nailed roof.
Failure of one gang nailed truss, places stress on others leading to complete failure and collapse.
Ridge is much weaker on gang nailed trussed roof, due to extra spacing between timbers, less timber used and no ridge board used.
what simple rules should be followed when using written communication? (3)
Clear Objective.
Plan the work then work the plan.
The Cs. Clear/concise/coherrent/courtious/complete/correct
Role of the GLA?
Greater London Authority.
Londons Regional governance.
Created in 2000.
Short line description?
15.5 metres long.
General use line.
Used when long lines would be too awkward.
Identification code at end of line and barcode, station number, date of issue.
made from polypropylene.
When are any health and safety issues brought to the attention of any station personnel?
At roll call at start of shift
Name 2 types of equipment that firefighters use?
Operational.
Non operational.
List physical symptoms of stress.
Insomnia.
Restlessness.
Anxiety.
Weight gain/loss.
Personal hygiene.
Fatigue.
Headaches.
Iregular heartbeats/palputations.
Constipation/diarroea.
How many boroughs in LFB
33, each has borough commander.
what action must be taken if there is a possibility of immediate risk or a crime has been committed when relating to safeguarding adults and children.
Call 999 and follow the LFBs internal procedures.
2 members of staff stay at scene until police arrive.
What is work/life stress?
The pressures felt at work and/or every day to day living.
What is the LFBs equality statement of commitment.
Committed to:
Treating all employees, members of public and other external agents with respect and dignity.
Providing a safe and secure work environment
Preventing harassment, bullying and victimisation
Promoting professional work standards.
What is involved in the acting stage of the DMM?
Communication of objective ls to personal.
Controlling activity
Carrying out tasks to reach objectives
Evaluating the outcome of plans in action.
what are the main sections of the Fire and rescue services act 2004? (8)
Fire safety and prevention.
Firefighting.
Road traffic accidents response/rescue.
Any other emergency situation.
Reinforcement schemes.
Powers of firefighters in an emergency
Powers of ENTRY for firefighters in an emergency
Meaning of an emergency
Role of London fire commissioner?
Responsible for providing Londons fire and rescue service.
Sets out action plan to deliver fire and rescue service in future for London.
What triggers contact from the LFB advisory and counciling team?
After attendance of a Critical incident. (CI)
What is tensile strength.
The strength of something in tension.
Wheat does the fire resistance of concrete depend on?
Over all Thickness
Type of aggregate
Size of reinforcement steel
Thickness covering reinforcement steel
What type of community safety visit would be needed where there is an increased risk of deliberate fires and secondary fires, or a history of previous incidents.
Grouped risk visit.
Define Pyrolysis.
Decomposition of a substance by heat.
Results in the release of certain gasses which combust above the fuel in a flame.
what is BME in relation to equality.
Black, minority, and ethnic.
Which organisation forms part of the GLA and runs the LFB?
LFEPA
London fire and emergency planning authority.
Set up to scrutinise how the commissioner is performing
What are passives in the triangle of fire.
6
Factores influencing combustion.
Non flammable gasses. Weather/humidity. Buidings/walls. Non flammable furniture/fixings. Soot. Nitrogen in atmosphere.
when tying knots, terms used to describe part of the line?
Standing part.
Bight.
Tail.
Running end.
What is a quick strike/ reassurance visit?.
A community safety visit carried out shortly after a fire to the local area to reassure the community and promote community safety.
Give examples of Trauma related stress.
Attending an incident that involved death/serious injury.
Death/serios injury of colleuges/friends.
Death/serious injury of Children/family members.
Uncertainty, not knowing what to expect day to day.
What are the powers of a firefighter in an emergency?
And the powers of entry for a firefighter in an emergency?
Anything they reasonably believes necessary.
Such as when….
A fire has broken out or about to break out.
If they believe a RTA to have occurred, for the periods of rescuing or preventing injury.
If they believe another type of emergency has occurred
To prevent or limit damage to property resulting from emergencies mentioned.
Enter premises without owners permission.
Enter/move vehicles without owners permission.
Stop a highway.
Direct Traffic.
Prevent persons entering premises/place for safety.
Give examples of construction methods in buildings?
2 main methods.
TWO BROAD GROUPS: SOLID CONSTRUCTION AND FRAMED CONSTRUCTION.
Solid construction. (traditional masonry)
Framed construction (metal/steel)
Timber
prefabricated.
Reinforced concrete.
Portal frame.
Lightweight steel.
Why are fire fighters well placed to carry out community safety?
Because they have direct and often first contact with members of the community, and able to deliver advice immediately
What are operational considerations with wooden floors?
Burning and smoke can travel undetected under floorboards.
Carpets and coverings can conceal burning.
Most electrical wires run through floors
Collapsing can have levering effect.
Activities involved in community safety are…
Home fire safety visits.
Partnership work
Informing people at a young age
Reducing deliberately started fires
Advising on fire safety in workplace
Carrying out inspections. (New buildings being built/hydrants etc)
What is a standard test.
A test to make sure a piece of equipment performs correctly and any faults and defects are identified.
Result is recorded on standard test card.
Only one test card per price of equipment.
Procedure of how they are conducted found in folder at stations or in policies on Hotwire
Role structure of the LFB? (bottom to top)
Development firefighter. Firefighter. Crew manager. Watch manager. Station manager. Borough commander. Assistant, deputy commissioner. Fire commissioner.
Secondary fire?
A ‘smaller’ fire
Does not require 4 or more pumping appliances.
Fires not involving casualties:
Bins
Open spaces
Open land
Derelict buildings/vechicles etc
What is a firefighters PRF?
Personal record file.
Copper/zinc/lead properties and considerations?
Used in plumbing and roofs/flashings.
Lead has low melting point (327 degrees)
Consideration should be taken if working below lead roof.
Zinc/copper has much higher melting point.
List hazards involving floors in fires?
Undetected burning in Covered wooden floors.
Collapse of floors can have levering effect.
collapse of floors above can cause shock loading and forth sudden collapse
How would a firefighter make a serious outstanding risk referral?
Via watch manager.
Also contact list in HOTWIRE.
What does the LFB diversity policy aim to do?
Aims to recognise, value, and manage individual differences
What is the role of “The community safety department”?
To Identify, educate and target those at most risk from fire in London.
Uses information gathered to inform frontline staff.
List types of stone used in construction?
Granite
Sandstone
Limestone
Etc
3 ways in which a fire can spread?
Convection.
Conduction.
Radiation.
List examples of non-mobile specialist equipment.
Large quantities of foam.
Emergency lighting
Special stand pipe keys or bars.
Animal rescue equipment
List signs of a building collapse.
Pieces or mortar, stone etc coming away from walls
Floors coming away from wall.
Walls bowing due to expansion
Cracking in walls, especially horizontal cracking
Columns or beams bending or failing.
Beams across doors/windows and other open areas sagging. (Collapse of arches)
Damage to walls or collapse of protected shaft.
Spalling in concrete
Collapse of floors.
Define the safe person concept?
The right person, doing the right job, with the right tools, at the right time.
What is victimisation?
The act of treating an individual in a detrimental way for whatever reason.
Define combustion?
Irriversable chemical reaction, producing light and heat.
Can smoke be flammable?
Yes, all smoke should be considered to be flammable.
Class 3 fire?
Flammable Gasses.
Extinguished by starvation.
Removing fuel source, turning off gas etc.
List some personal qualities and attributes. (Competencies)
Interpersonal skill. - working well with others.
Communication skills. - good communication.
Personal style. - commitment to diversity and integrity.
Explain stages of disciplinary procedure.
Informal
Formal stage 1, written a warning, but not more.
Formal stage 2, written warning, but not final written warning
Formal stage 3, Final written warning, could lead to dismissal or demotion.
appeal stage following each stage of formal stage.
representation avalable at each stage of formal stage. can be fellow employee or trade union official.
Summary Dismissal. Behaviour such as theft/fraud or bringing brigade into serious disrepute or serious breach of discipline. Dealt with in stage 3.
Flaming will occur in timber if surface temperatures reach in excess of 350 degrees
.
Define stress.
An adverse reaction to excessive pressures or other types of demands placed on an individual.
Round turn?
Passing line over spar or object completely once.
What is a systematic risk assessment.
Risk assessment where the hazards and risks are predictable, such as use of display equipment
Why is it sometimes necessary to have info in written form. (3)
Provides an official record of the communication.
Can provide official structures and technical plans.
Can be used for reference.
Why has steel replaced iron in many new buildings?
Steel has increased strength and stability
What is the procedure when a piece of equipment is found to be defective?.
It is removed from run and immediately reported to watch manager, or incident commander.
what is ‘POMS”
purchase order management system.
for ordering new equipment after damage or found to be deficient.
What is a mansard roof?
Special pitched roof that allows enough space to acoomedate another story. (loft extension)
List different types of wall.
Loadbearing
Compartment wall, (walls that contain fire, and reduce spread.)
Curtain wall. (External wall used for decoration) not element of structure
Plasterboard wall.
What incidents account for most workplace injuries?
Manual handling incidents
When should you consider seeking further help from the advisory and counselling service, if symptoms persist after attending Cristal incident?
2-3 weeks
4 colours of watches?
RED
WHITE
GREEN
BLUE
What is a Phoenix harness?
Harness worn by firefighters when working at height, roofs etc.
Describe the actions that must be taken when discovering a defect or H and S issue?
Report to line manager immediately.
Corden off effected area and notify personal in area.
Stay with hazard to prevent injury if necessary.
List the steps of the ORA?
Operational risk assessment.
Evaluate
Select safe systems of work
Asses selected systems of work
Add control mesures.
Continually re asses systems of work and control measures.
How and when should safeguarding concerns be reported where there is immediate risk.
within 4 hours.
reported to the officer of the day via the resource managnet centre.
Explain risk against benefit.
Comparing the benifit of a particular action against any risk involved.
What part of the DMM initiated the acting part?
Communication stage
What is a employees responsibility toward ls harassment, bullying or victimisation?
To review and follow harassment complaints procedures. (HCP)
To challenge any unacceptable behaviour
To offer support and advice to individuals being harrased
To consider own behaviour, and act in a way that would not be harassing.
Role of the DMM
Provides a platform for effective daily personal, operational, and managerial decisions to be made.
Can be used as operational risk assessment.
For safe systems of work.
Which act passed in 2007 makes it an offence to obstruct or hinder an emergency worker?
Emergency workers obstruction act 2007
What is the minimum length a tail on a line should be once a knot is tied?
50cm
When is a Serious outstanding risk referral made?
Problems that cannot be resolved through a Home fire safety visit, and no immediate safeguarding concern, but a serious risk of harm is still present.
(risk of arson, Elderly people, Lack of heating/food, vermin, broken windows, evidence of burns in homes, hoarders. etc)
Explain factors affecting the verbal form of communication.
4
Can see each other.
face to face.
Able to see expressions.
Can be repeated and clarified if needed.
What is a strategic risk assessment?
A risk assessment to ensure fire fighters are selected, trained and equipped to do their job safely.
Provide safe systems of work.
Provide safe PPE and policies
Explain the ridge, rafters, ridge tiles, and outlining of a roof.
.
What 3 fibres could lines be made from?
Vegetable fibres
Synthetic fibres (LFB)
Metal
Describe what is meant by:
personal qualities attributes, PQAs (competencies)
The underlying person skills and attributes that form the basis of your behaviour and skills you have that you require as a firefighter to carry out your role successfully
What is a firefighters PDR?
Personal development record
Class 4 Fire?
Metals.
No water.
Dry sand only, specialist dry powder.
Burns at higher temperatures.
List ways that may help overcome trauma related stress.
Talk to colleagues, have debrief when returning from Cristal incident.
Follow familiar routines
Exercise/eat healthily.
Monitor intake of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine. Etc.
Enjoy hobbies
Balance alone time and social time.
Accept this is a normal process.
Station manager responsible for determining the frequency which areas at station are inspected for health and safety.
Many areas inspected 2 times a day at shift change.
All areas must be inspected at least once every 28 day.
Watch managers are responsible for ensuring these tasks are carried out correctly.
.
Short line stowage?
Made up and stowed in way that does not get caught in the appliance locker shutter.
What are the steps of a risk management process?
Identify the hazard
Accessing the risk
Eliminating the risk altogether
Introducing control measures to reduce the risk.
Where can support for stress be found?
From the ACS
Colleagues
Line managers
Hotwire
how is a line stored in a bag?
Haphazardly.
Responsibilities of employees regarding health and safety?
Follow heath and safety guidelines.
Act in a responsable and Safe manner.
Inform immediate manager anything regarding heath and safety, damage, dangerous situations. etc
Assist in any H and S Inquiries.
Report any damaged equipment.
Participate in bettering H and S events/training.
List the 2 reasons the LFB carry out community safety?
Statutory reasons.
Moral reasons.
What is prevent strategy and duty responsibility?
Counter terrorism and security act, to prevent people becoming drawn into terrorism.
Who should you inform if you are being harassed?
Your manager.
What is involved in having good working knowledge of equipment to ensure it is used safely?
Had necessary training on equipment.
Knowing how to safely handle equipment
Knowing the limitations of equipment
Understanding how to maintain and care for the equipment
Knowing how to test the equipment
What is the London safety plan?
Plan set out by Fire commissioner.
Outlines plan to deliver services for London in future.
Risk management plan.
What is a trussed roof?
Pitched Roof designed to spread the load across whole structure and direct it into walls.
Timber often joined together with use of gang nailed truss plates.
Why does the authority carry out risk assessments?
For the HEL of it.
Humane.
Economical.
Legal.
What is a form 10?
Standard report form, for requests and reports for a watch manager
In which situations can the DMM be a useful tool?
Operational incidents
Accidents, investigation, and post accident action.
Performance or conduct issues
Complaints, procedures.
Welfare issues.
Increased prevention activity is needed where a grouped risk visit is made.
.
Hypothermia?
Body temperature under 35’
