LF Questions Flashcards
A 6-level building has a fire burning on the 3rd level. Heat smoke and fire gases are gradually rising through vertical openings and spreading to floors above the fire. As per the Firefighters Training Manual, what factors will mostly affect the levels reached by these stratified layers?
- the type of fuel in the fire;
- size of the fire;
- size of the internal openings;
- height of the building; and
- the weather.
Source: FIREFIGHTERS TRAINING MANUAL TOPIC 2 SECTION 14 PAGE 6, 14.9.3 Stratification of Smoke and Gases
A BA team reports to a Breathing Apparatus Control Operator (BACO) two floors below the fire floor at a high-rise structure fire. They provide their BA tallies to the BACO and proceed to the fire floor but remain in the fire stairs for ten minutes before donning BA and beginning firefighting tasks. Ten minutes after that the BACO is trying to contact the Sector Commander urgently stating that they are running low on air when they are not. According to SOGs, what went wrong?
The BA wearers did not notifies the BACO when they don their facemask and begin using their air supply during remote entry. The BACO did not confirm to the IC or their Commander that entry has been made.
Source: RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SOG (NO. 9.4), 6 Remote entry, c, d, Page 2
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. The Tunnel Control Centre closed the tunnel allowing attending fire crews access to extinguish the fire. Peak hour traffic is starting to build at the entrance to the tunnel and thick smoke is throughout. List the Smoke Management Systems found in road tunnels could assist in clearing the smoke?
- longitudinal ventilation (jet fans)
- ducted ventilation
- natural ventilation
- a combination of the above.
Source: SOG LAND TRANSPORT INCIDENTS No. 6.6, 3.3 Ventilation, page 2
According STP - Who must give consent for PIP inspections to be conducted on a premises?
PIP inspections shall only be conducted with the consent of the building owner or occupier of the building and in accordance with FRNSW standing orders.
Source: Station Training Program, Topic: Building Inspections & Pre-Incident Planning, Drill:#11, Slide 19
According to CASE STUDY 2023-06 on the Intranet, 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 FRNSWs definition of unauthorised equipment as described in the case study?
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.
Source: CASE STUDY 2023-06 Four firefighters injured by unauthorised equipment
According to Firefighters Training Manual - The numbers relayed back from FireCOM for the Hazmat Action Guide (HAG) sheet are used to determine PPE, form, hazards, effect with water, action, firefighting, and personnel decontamination. TX at the end of the transmission means there is text. What does the text usually refer to?
This TX or text usually relates to Additional Personal Protection (APP).
Source: FIREFIGHTERS TRAINING MANUAL- TOPIC 7 SECTION 2 PAGE 8, 2.5.1 Correct Identification Procedure, HazMat Action Guide
According to Firefighters Training Manual -You attend a house fire at 2am and on arrival notice a small amount of smoke issuing from the ground level of a 2-storey residence. Two cars are parked in the driveway. What three principles should you keep in mind when forcing entry?
- enter without undue delay;
- enter with the minimum of structural damage; and
- enter so as to provide access to as much of the building as possible.
Source: FIREFIGHTERS TRAINING MANUAL TOPIC 2 SECTION 9 PAGE 3 9.5 Forced Entry Principles
According to FRNSW 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?
Annually
Source: Fire and Rescue NSW Cyber Security Policy, 7.1 All employees, page 6
According to FRNSW 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. As a guide, a break from these tasks should be taken how often?
As a guide, a break from these tasks should be taken at least every four hours.
Source: Fatigue Management Procedure, 6.1.1 Control measures for short-term fatigue risk for firefighters, During working hours, Page 8
According to FRNSW Policy 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 and registered with who?
Declare and register with Professional Standards Source: FRNSW Policy Managing Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy and Procedure
Source: Fatigue Management Procedure, 6.1.1 Control measures for short-term fatigue risk for firefighters, During working hours, Page 8
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?
The responsible station must submit an Agency Member Motor Vehicle Claim Form within 8 days.
Source: OPERATIONS BULLETIN 2020-04, Reporting appliance damage and maintenance issues
According to Operations Bulletin 2023-02. List the risk management measures that should be taken when attending incidents involving hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
- 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.
Source: OPERATIONS BULLETIN 2023-02- Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles
According to Recommended practice - To ensure visibility, firefighters must always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on roadways. List the PPE that can be used.
Structural firefighting coat, Multi-purpose coat, High visibility vest, High-visibility raincoat, Duty wear trousers, Structural firefighting trousers
Source: RP- Personal protective clothing, equipment and uniform 6.3
According to Recommended practice - When using the gloves from the electrical safety kit, what is the correct donning sequence?
To wear electrical gloves: 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.
Source: RP- Personal protective clothing, equipment and uniform 3.6.4
According to Recommended practice, list four safety precautions when using extension ladders.
The maximum number of persons permitted on the ladder at any time is two. 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. A 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.
Source: RP- Extension ladders 3.1.1
According to Recommended Practice, state why the thermal imaging camera may or may not be suitable for use in a flammable atmosphere.
Thermal imaging cameras are not intrinsically safe.
Source: RP- Thermal imaging cameras
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 what is the safest method to pass to the front firefighter?
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.
Source: SAFETY BULLETIN 2023-03 Thermal imaging camera- Lanyard entanglement risk
According to Six Minute Intensive Training - During Firefighting Operations, what does fire attack crew never ignore?
FIRE ATTACK crew never ignores a casualty
According to Six Minute Intensive Training – Search and rescue during firefighting operations-The objective of a search is to confirm an ALL CLEAR, this is usually broken into what two components?
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.
According to Six Minute Intensive Training, what is the purpose of placing an appliance in the fend off position?
Six Minute Intensive Training, Subject Area: Personal Safety and Risk Management (STP 6B), Topic: Working safely on roads Source: It uses the appliances bulk and visibility to form a physical barrier protecting FRNSW personnel, other emergency services and patients from oncoming traffic.
According to Six Minute Intensive Training-Door entry - What are the door entry techniques that can be used with the Halligan tool?
Inward Adze Roll Technique, Fork Drive, Outward Adze (drive and steer)
According to Six Minute Intensive Training-Door entry - What are the five steps to forcing a door?
Size up, gap, set, force, control.
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?
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.
Source: check sheet Incident management – SOG 1.4 Incident action planning, page 1
According to SOGs - At a high-rise structure fire, what are the actions of the first arriving Station Commander?
The first Station Commander becomes the Sector Commander for the fire floor, establishes a Forward Control Point and commences fire operations from the floor below the fire
Source: STRUCTURE FIRES SOG (NO. 4.5) PAGE 1, 4.5 HIGH-RISE STRUCTURE FIRES, 8.1 First pump
According to SOGs - At a high-rise structure fire, what area provides a safe location with building communications, control equipment and plans?
The Fire Control Room (FCR)
Source: STRUCTURE FIRES SOG (NO. 4.5) PAGE 3, 8.2 Second pump
According to SOGs - At any incident, the Incident Commander will consider the incident phase and the risk that may be accepted. List and describe the incident the life at risk phase.
Life at risk phase, where there are salvable human lives. The incident is uncontrolled and requires rapid actions to control the risks to lives. A higher level of risk may be acceptable.
Source: Incident management – SOG 1.4 Incident action planning, 2 Principles, page 1
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. What are the three ways decontamination can be implemented.
- 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.
Source: Hazardous materials – SOG 10.4 Decontamination, Page 1, 10.4 DECONTAMINATON, 2 Definitions
According to SOGs - Describe offensive and defensive firefighting strategies.
Offensive – operating in close proximity to the hazards. Defensive – operating away from the hazards.
Source: Incident management – SOG 1.4 Incident action planning, 2 Principles, page 1
According to SOGs - Describe the terms withdraw and abandon as 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.
Source: SOG 1. Incident Management – Incident communications, Change in strategy or position, page 47
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.
- 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.
Source: SOG Bushfire - SOG 3.1 Guidelines for bushfires, Safeguarding strategy, Page 52
According to SOGs - During the de-escalation of an incident, at what stage is command terminated?
Command is only terminated when the last resource leaves the incident.
Source: Incident management – SOG 1.8 Escalation and de-escalation, 3 De-escalation, Principles
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. Name three activities Emergency Response Team can participate in.
- 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.
Source: STRUCTURE FIRES SOG (NO. 4.9), page 3, 7 Use of Emergency Response Teams
According to SOGs - FRNSW has an interagency notification policy, list the reasons NSW Police are required to be notified.
Possible terrorist incident, Crime investigation, Site, crowd, traffic and evacuation management, and Rescue incidents
Source: SOG 1.15 Inter-agency notifications, 3 Agency list, page 1
According to SOGs - FRNSW priorities guide the strategy and incident action plan (IAP) for the incident. What are our priorities at an incident?
- The first priority is the safety of firefighters.
- The second priority is protecting savable lives.
- The third priority is protecting savable property and the environment.
Source: Incident management – SOG 1.9 Incident safety, Principles, Risk Management
According to SOGs - List and describe the three incident phases.
- Life at risk phase – where there are salvable 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.
Source: SOG 1. Incident Management – Incident action planning, page 35
According to SOGs - List the roles of FRNSW at incidents involving bomb threats or detonations?
- 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.
Source: Special incidents – SOG 8.1 Bombs, 8.1 BOMBS, 3 Principles
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. Provide three examples of dust suppression tactics.
- 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.
Source: Hazardous materials – SOG 10.11 Asbestos. 6 Operations, page 3
According to SOGs - Occasionally, FRNSW personnel may have to prepare a helicopter landing site. List the points to be considered when doing this.
- position the landing site in an area 30 m x 30 m minimum, on solid, level ground away from power lines or wires, and clear of trees or similar obstacles
- mark the corners of the landing site by placing a firefighter at each corner and cordon off to prevent unauthorised entry. Do not use tape or loose materials
- clear all loose debris from the area, e.g. paper bags, cigarette cartons, aluminium cans etc, and secure all NSWFB equipment near the landing site
- in dry, dusty conditions, the landing site may require wetting down to maintain visibility during landing and take off.
Source: SPECIAL APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT SOG No. 15.2, 5.5 Landing Sites, page 7,8
According to SOGs - Operators of aged care facilities have emergency plans, which include a staged evacuation plan. List the stage numbers including the stage FRNSW would likely be involved.
Stage 1, Stage 2 – FRNSW are likely to be involved from this stage, Stage 3
Source: Structure fires – SOG 4.8 Aged care facilities, Emergency and evacuation plans, page 2
According to SOGs - Safety is paramount at all bushfires. A safety briefing must be completed and communicated to firefighters. Firefighters should constantly review LACES. Describe each letter of the acronym LACES.
- 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
- 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.
Source: Guidelines for bushfires – SOG 3.1 Bushfires, 3 Safety, page 1
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. Name and describe them.
- 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.
Source: RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SOG (NO. 9.1) PAGE 1, 9.1 USE OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, 4.1 Supplied air respirators
According to SOGs - Structure Fires in Rural Fire Districts- Where FRNSW is requested to assist the NSW RFS at a structure fire in a rural Fire District who will be the Incident Controller?
Tthe senior officer from the NSW RFS present at the fire will be the Incident Controller.
Source: INCIDENT CONTROL SYSTEM SOG (No. 1.11) GUIDELINE 11 PAGE 1, 11.4 Structure Fires in Rural Fire Districts
According to SOGs - The Emergency Control Organisation may consist of people identified by coloured helmets, hats, caps, vests, or tabards. Name the members and the identifying colour.
White- Chief warden, Deputy chief warden, Communications officer, Yellow- Floor warden, Area wardens, Red- Wardens, White cross on a green background- First aid officer
Source: STRUCTURE FIRES SOG (NO. 4.9) PAGE 1 4.9 WARDENS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS, 4 Identifying members of an ECO
According to SOGs - The risk of developing asbestos related disease depends on many factors. List three factors.
- Concentration of exposure
- Duration of exposure
- Fibre characteristics
- Other exposures
Source: SOG 10.11 Asbestos – Asbestos risks, Health Effects, Page 31
According to SOGs - The status of a bushfire is the degree to which it is under control. What terminology is to be used in radio messages and sitreps to FireCOM?
Going, Being Controlled, Contained, Patrol, Out
Source: Status of bushfire – SOG 3.1 Guidelines for bushfires, 6 Status of bushfire, Page 18
According to SOGs - 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?
- Task
- Tactical
- Strategic
Source: SOG 1.9 Incident safety – Incident safety, Levels of risk management – Task, Tactical and Strategic, page 9
According to SOGs - There are many duties of the BA Control Operator, list five.
- 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:
*Immediately contact the individual wearer or BA team leader.
*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.
- Ensure BA Control Boards clearly show when extension facemasks are in use:
*With air trolley BA (ATBA).
*On aerial appliances.
*With auxiliary facemask from another BA set.
*With an extension airline from a standalone BA set. - Notifying the IC or Sector/Group Commander if they require assistance.
Source: RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SOG (NO. 9.4) 4 Duties of BA Control Operators, page 1
According to SOGs - There are three strategies used during bushfires operations. Name and describe them.
An offensive strategy aims at immediately limiting fire spread, while a defensive strategy aims at life. A safeguarding strategy is used 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.
Source: Operations – SOG 3.1 Guidelines for bushfires, Methods of attacking bushfires, Page 47, Page 3
According to SOGs - To minimise the risk of heat related illness, what is the minimum level of PPE that should be worn at a bushfire.
Level 2 PPE must be worn.
Source: SOG 3.1 Guidelines for bushfires – 2 Personal protective equipment Page 9
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?
120 metres apart
Source: LAND TRANSPORT INCIDENTS SOG No. 6.6 PAGE 1, 6.6 ROAD TUNNEL INCIDENTS, 3.1 Emergency egress/access
According to SOGs - What are the terms used in an initial radio report, to indicate the size of a structure at a fire incident.
The terms small, medium, large, very large and mega
Source: SOG 1. Incident Management – Incident communications, Structure fire size, page 47
According to SOGs - What are the three basic principles for communication at incidents?
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.
Source: COMMUNICATIONS SOG (No. 2.1) GUIDELINE 1 PAGE 1, 1.4 Communication principles
According to SOGs - What are three types of radiation.
Alpha radiation, Beta radiation, Gamma rays and X-rays, Neutrons
Source: SOG 10.9 Radiological incidents, 2 Types of radiation, Page 4
According to SOGs - What can P2 particle masks be used to protect against?
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.
Source: RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SOG (NO. 9.1), PAGE 2 CHECK SHEET
According to SOGs - What is the unit of measurement for external radiation?
microsievert (μSv), one millionth of a sievert.
Source: SOG 10.9 Radiological incidents 3 Radiation dose, page 6, 4 Minimising exposure to radiation, Page 8
According to SOGs - What safety related worksheet is used as method of documenting hazards or risks and control measures at an incident?
Incident safety worksheet
Source: SOG 1.9 Incident safety – How to manage risk at incidents, page 21
According to SOGs - What two items do FRNSW use that lays out safe working practices to manage the safety of firefighters at incidents?
Training and doctrine
Source: SOG 1.9 Incident safety – Incident safety, Organisational strategies, page 8
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?
The container’s vapour space (area above the liquid) is most crucial and is to be considered a high priority area for cooling.
Source: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SOG (No. 10.10) GUIDELINE 10, PAGE 1, 10.3.6
According to SOGs - When must Level 1 or Level 2 Rehabilitation be considered?
At all emergency incidents and training exercises involving strenuous physical activity, long duration activities, or severe environmental conditions.
Source: INCIDENT/EMERGENCY SUPPORT SOG (NO. 18.3), 3 Levels of rehabilitation, page 1
According to SOGs - When referring to storage facilities describe- * Bulk * Flatbed storage * Ventilated * Sealed
- bulk more than 4 tonnes (net), or more than 4 cubic metres of a substance, not in individual packages.
- flatbed storage a single level building or other structure designed for the storage of solids in bulk of more than 40 tonnes.
- ventilated containers open to the atmosphere, including silos with explosion vents that have activated.
- sealed a grain container is sealed during fumigation and semi sealed at other times – includes semi-sealed and oxygen limiting containers
Source: SPECIAL INCIDENTS SOG (NO. 8.2) PAGE 1, 8.2 BULK SOLIDS STORAGE FACILITIES (SILOS), 3 Definitions
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.
Stand by mode, Activation mode, deactivation mode
Source: STRUCTURE FIRES SOG No. 4.11 PAGE 5, 9 Hydrant booster use
According to SOGs -As an incident develops and crews become fatigued, they will need to be rested. Name and describe the two ways crews can be rested.
Crews can be rested in one of the following ways:
* 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.
Source: SOG 1. Incident Management – Deployment, page 21
According to SOGs- Bushfire classes are determined by the level of resources committed to the fire, and its potential impact on the community, economy, essential infrastructure, and not its size. Describe a Class 3 bushfire?
A bush fire has assumed or is likely to assume such proportions as to be incapable of control or suppression by the fire fighting authority or authorities in whose area or locality it is burning, orthe prevailing conditions are conducive to the outbreak of a bush fire likely to assume such proportions, ora bush fire is not being effectively controlled or suppressed by the fire fighting authority or authorities in whose area or locality it is burning, ora bush fire is burning in a place that is not the responsibility of any fire fighting authority.
Source: SOG 3.1 Guidelines for bushfires – Classes of bushfire, Rural Fires Act 1997 No 65, 44Commissioner’s responsibility
According to SOGs When dealing with radiological incidents, the first priority is to minimise the exposure to radiation while rendering the incident safe. What are the main considerations for protecting people at radiological incidents?
Time – minimise the duration of exposure.
Distance – maximise the distance from the radiological source.
Shielding – maximise shielding between the radiological source and people.
Source: Hazardous materials – SOG 10.9 Radiological incidents, 3 Safety, page 1
According to SOGs when responded to a Community First Responder incident and the patient refuses care. What should you do?
If care is refused, observe the patient until the ambulance arrives.
Source: Medical – SOG 12.1 Community first responder, 8 Refusal of care, page 2
According to SOGs when sending radio messages, to ensure they are easy to understand and hear. How should they be formulated?
Take the CAN (conditions, actions, needs) format.
Source: Incident management system – SOG 3.1 Guidelines for bushfires, Fundamental principles, Page 16
According to SOGs -You respond to a building fire and the contaminated run-off/pollutant is impacting a canal that runs into a creek. Which agencies are you required to notify?
Environment Protection Authority, Roads and Maritime Services Transport for NSW.
Source: Incident management – SOG 1.15 Inter-agency notifications, 3 Agency list
According to SOGs, as the Incident Commander, you may choose a fast attack command position. What does fast attack enable the IC to do?
- 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.
Source: Command – SOG 1. Incident Management, Fast attack, page 24
According to SOGs, Describe the term “All Clear.”
The term all clear indicates that primary and secondary searches have been completed
Source: Incident communications – SOG 1. Incident Management, Standard message terminology, page 46
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?
20 minutes
Source: Utilities – SOG 14.5 Substations, 4 Underground vaults, page 2
According to SOGs, there are five members of a decontamination team. Name all members.
Decontamination Officer, Wash Operator, Wash Assistant, Disrobe Assistant, Pump Operator
Source: Hazardous materials – SOG 10.4 Decontamination, 6 Operations, Standard decontamination, page 2
According to SOGs, what is the definition of decontamination?
Decontamination is the process of removing contaminants from people and equipment to prevent further injury and reduce the spread of the contaminant.
Source: Hazardous materials – SOG 10.4 Decontamination, 10.4 DECONTAMINATON, 2 Definitions, page 1
According to SOGs, when responding into a Rural Fire District, when are you required to send a Code 6?
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
Source: Communications – SOG 2.5 Standard radio codes, 4 Code 6, PAGE 2
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 the ratings.
Catastrophic, Extreme, High, Moderate, No rating
Source: Guidelines for bushfires – SOG 3.1 Bushfires, 4 Fire danger ratings and alert levels, page 2
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. What are two things’ firefighters should consider before entering the building?
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.
Source: Standing Order- Smoke screen security devices, 2 Safety precautions, Page 62
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.
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.
Source: Standing Orders- COMMUNITY ACTIVITY REPORTING SYSTEM, 5 Who can submit a CARS report, Page 389
According to Standing Orders – The minimum number of new PIPs to be completed by each platoon yearly is?
A minimum of four new PIPs a year must be completed by each platoon
Source: Standing Orders- AREA RISK MANAGEMENT, Pre incident planning, 1 Policy, Page 143
According to Standing Orders - Why does FRNSW conduct hydrant inspections?
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.
Source: Standing Orders- WATER SUPPLY, Hydrant inspections, 1 Purpose, Page 138
According to Standing Orders who are the people authorised to ride on FRNSW appliances?
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.
Source: Standing Orders- RIDING ON FIRE AND RESCUE NSW’S APPLIANCES page 40
According to Standing Orders, when are seatbelts required to be worn when travelling in FRNSW vehicles (including tankers)?
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
Source: Standing Orders, Page 38
According to Standing Orders, with no impact of the service delivery, List the procedures to be followed if drivers of FRNSW vehicles are involved in an accident.
Advise the other driver to contact Fire and Rescue NSW’s Fleet Unit in the first instance to obtain the relevant claim number and contact details for Fire and Rescue NSW’s insurers. Drivers of Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles involved in accidents are to be suspended from driving for the balance of the shift on duty unless the exigencies of the service dictate to the contrary. Generally a member of the permanent staff will be reinstated by an officer above the rank of Station Officer at the next rostered shift unless there are contrary circumstances such as medical evidence or unmistakable evidence that the persons suspended may cause injury to persons or damage to property by neglect or lack of skill if reinstated. The reinstatement to be effected by verbal instruction and occurrence book entry at the station concerned. Any additional suspension from driving, in connection with a particular incident, to be as a result of the findings of an inquiry. Station Commanders and supervisors must complete an Agency member motor vehicle claim form for all accidents involving Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles, including fire appliances, and submit it to their Duty Commander or manager with a covering memo explaining how the accident occurred. The Duty Commander or manager must undertake an initial investigation of the accident to determine if any action is required. The Agency member motor vehicle claim form must then be forwarded to the Fleet Management Unit who will process the insurance claim. If the accident involved an injury, illness, exposure or near miss, a Notification of injury, illness, exposure or near miss form must also be submitted.
Source: Standing Orders, Page 44-45
According to STP – ‘Fire Safety and Investigation’ there are four classifications of cause. Name and describe them.
Cause can be accidental, natural, incendiary or undetermined
Source: Station Training Program, Fire Safety and Fire Investigation, #12, Fire Investigation, Slide 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?
The explosion can occur up to 24 hours after the cylinder is removed from the fire or heat source, if it is not cooled.
Source: STP 01 Specials slide 44
According to STP - 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
The IC must be the only person to deploy resources.
Source: STP IM Presentation (PDF)
According to STP - Crews operating on levels above the fire should be constantly alert for the potential of fire extension. List the actions should crews take.
Checking concealed spaces, including ducting and pipework with the TIC. Closing windows and moving flammable material away from windows. Always having charged lines of host. Maintaining communication with outside crews, who can report any externally visible indicators of changed fire activity
Source: Station Training Program, Multi-Level Complex Fires, #19, High Rise, slide 16
According to STP - 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. State the recommended procedure.
- On-site consultation: determine whether it is appropriate to turn solar power system off and how best to do so.
- Assume switchboard is live: Don electrical safety gloves then over-gloves. Have your helmet visor down and look away.
- Follow the shutdown procedure: This may be on or near the switchboard or inverter. If not found, turn off the inverter main switch then turn off the solar panel main switch.
- Consider if benefits outweigh risks: Restrict work as far as reasonably practical to that required to protect life or prevent dangerous expansion of the incident.
- Isolate the power: If required, have the owner/occupier contact their electrician to isolate the power
Source: Station Training Program Topic: Utilities & Structures Drill: #32 Name: Electricity and fires involving electrical hazards, slide 22
According to STP - FRNSW uses the YOU principle to establish priorities of safety at a rescue incident. What are these priorities of safety?
Yourself (and other rescuers), Others (not involved eg; bystanders), Unfortunate (person/s involved).
Source: Station Training Program, Rescue Drill #30 Road Crash Rescue, Page 26
According to STP - If solar panels, or the attached isolators, are on fire, in addition to the considerations with turning off an alternative power source what actions should firefighters take?
- Conduct firefighting from the ground or an aerial appliance. Do not get onto the roof to extinguish the fire. Do not put a ladder against the roof as the gutter may be electrified.
- Extinguish the fire with a spray nozzle, using a pulse spray in a dispersed pattern. If the solar panel is at ground level, consider using CO2 to extinguish the fire, ensuring that there is at least 250 mm air gap between the CO2 extinguisher nozzle and any electrified components.
Source: Station Training Program Topic: Utilities & Structures Drill: #32 Name: Electricity and fires involving electrical hazards, slide 23
According to STP - List 2 common hose laying techniques that can be used by firefighters?
“S” Lay and Cleveland Load
Source: STP #9 Firefighting Operations page 11-12
According to STP - List 3 hazards/considerations when using CAFS at a structure fire.
- Care must be taken to anticipate the jet reaction and ensure the operator is in the appropriate stance. Once the initial jet reaction has been released, the hose line and branch itself is easier to handle and lighter than a standard water filled hose.
- Slug flow- if you experience slug flow, notify the motor driver so that they can adjust the settings at the pump.
- A CAFS line must never be used for an internal attack, that is because the mixture does not contain enough water to cool the hot fire gasses. This will result in dangerous conditions that goes against our SOG’s for internal firefighting.
Source: STP 01 Specials slide 28