Major Exam 2

Question 1

What defines our role and powers

What section and part can these be found

Answer 1

Emergencies Act 2004.

Chapter 3 Part 3.2

Question 2

General powers under the chief officer

Answer 2

With any necessary assistance and force, enter land.
Close a street or road to traffic.
Bring equipment onto land or into a structure or vehicle.
Open a container, or dismantle equipment, using any necessary or reasonable force.
Remove, dismantle, demolish or destroy a structure or vehicle.
Contain an animal or substance.
Turn off, disconnect or shut down a motor or equipment.
Control, shut off or disconnect a supply of fuel, gas, electricity, water or anything else.
Use a supply of water without charge.

Question 3

A FF slips on a wet floor and hurts themselves, describe the WHS reporting system and progress up the chain of command

Answer 3

Riskman is the online reporting system for accidents, incidents and near misses. Found on the intranet under Brigade forms.
Person completes report and forwards to SO.
SO completes their part of the report and forwards to relevant Commander for review.
Commander forwards report to F&R HR Commander who will post the report onto the system.

Question 4

Define hazard and risk and give examples

Answer 4

Hazard: A hazard is a source of danger.
Anything which has the potential to cause injury, illness, damage or loss of property.
E.g. Sharps, smoke, debris.
Risk: Risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause injury or illness to a person or to damage property.
E.g. How likely you are to cut yourself on sharps.
Inhale smoke.
Slip, trip or fall due to debris.

Question 5

Levels of PPE and describe

Answer 5

Level A - Fully encapsulated gas suit
Worn to HAZMAT & CBR incidents.
Level B - Splash suit with BA
Worn to HAZMAT & CBR incidents.
Level C - Splash suit with respirator
Worn to HAZMAT & CBR incidents.
Level D - Structural PPC (with Ba as required)
Worn to alarm calls, structural fires, transport fires and rescue that require fire protection.
Level E - Wildfire (respirator/mask as required)
Worn to RCR’s, bush/grass fires and medical assists.
See PPC & PPE section for more.

Question 6

3 types of water mains

Answer 6

Trunk mains
Service mains
Ring mains
See water supplies for more.

Question 7

3 main types of hydrants

Answer 7

Spring valve hydrants
High capacity hydrants
Pillar hydrants
See Water supplies for more.

Question 8

What is water hammer and how can it be prevented

Answer 8

If water flow is suddenly cut off, its kinetic energy is converted into pressure energy that must be absorbed by the pipe and fittings. This shock, and the pressure waves that it generates, is transmitted through the column of water and gives rise to what is known as water hammer. Water hammer can be so great as to rupture hose joints, hydrants, water mains or pump casing.
To avoid water hammer:
Shut off branches smoothly and steadily.
Close hydrants smoothly and steadily.
Shut off deliveries and collectors at the pump smoothly and steadily.
If vehicles must be driven over charged line of hose, ensure that it is done very slowly. And use ramps where available.

Question 9

3 methods to prevent deterioration of rope lines

Answer 9

Avoid storing lines near generators, batteries or industrial processes.
Thoroughly wash and dry any lines that have been used in mud, sand or grit.
Store lines away from exposure to heat and direct sunlight.
Know the causes of damage to lines and avoid them.
Store in bags.

Question 10

How are lines inspected

Answer 10

Look and feel.

Question 11

What to look for when inspecting lines

Answer 11

Look for:
Any signs of local abrasion.
Sheath wear may indicate that fibres on the sheath are cut. This will produce a furry look to the line.
Any sign of cuts, nicks and contusions.
Exposed core fibres indicate damage to sheath and/or core.
Any reduction in diameter and excessive elongation of the lay.
Lack of uniformity in diameter size may indicate core damage.
Any signs of discolouration and softening or powdering of the fibres.
Discolouration and powdering indicate dirt or chemical damage.
Signs of charring, singeing or heat damage.
In synthetic lines, glossy marks can indicate heat damage.
Feel for:
Stiffened fibres - indicates aged line or heat damage.
Changes in the diameter - core damage
Soft spongy areas indicating core damage.

Question 12

How lines should be stored when not on an appliance

Answer 12

Store lines in bags, away from exposure to heat, direct sunlight and damp areas.

Question 13

Safe practises for search and rescue

Answer 13

Ensure PPE & BA are worn to structure fires and AFAs.
Size up must be done before committing crews internally.
Where possible, utilities should be isolated before entry.
Crew accountability systems are in place (BA control).
Work in pairs.
Carrying necessary equipment including hose lines by all crews engaged in offensive operations at structure fires.
Crews maintain integrity, ensuring they have physical, visual or voice contact at all times.
Internal crews must be constantly alert to changing conditions, be proficient at branch usage, control their environment and coordinate search and rescue with fire attack crews.
All personnel on the fire ground must be alert for changing conditions that would indicate a danger to crews and communicate such changes promptly.
Maintain good communication on fire ground, relaying all necessary info clearly, without unnecessary radio chatter.
Incident control must be maintained throughout incident.
Personnel should avoid ‘freelancing’ (taking action not in accordance with incident plan.

Question 14

What do you do if something breaks

Answer 14

Five R’s. Report, Rectify, Replace, Repair, Re-stow.
Report the fault to the Station Officer.
Rectify the problem (if possible) at the station.
Replace the item or exchange (for equipment such as extinguishers).
Repair – liaise with the Brigade Workshops or Technical Operational Support Section (TOSS) and arrange for repair.
Re-stow may be necessary, depending on the nature of the problem.

Question 15

2 principles of good firemanship and examples

Answer 15

Firemanship relates to the overall attitude/ ethics and work practises used by firefighters is all aspects of work such as on station, emergency incidents and public relation exercises.
Attitude includes:
Respect the rank.
Remember your part of a team, which is only as good as its members input.
Respect others knowledge and learn from them.
Just because your senior doesn’t mean you know more in every area, other members may still be more knowledgeable due to trades of life experience.
Done take shortcuts, do thing properly.
Don’t leave problems for others, fix it or notify someone of the problem.
Respect the station as is everyone’s home.
Work ethics:
Always do what is right.
Use the correct tool.
Care for tool when using.
Keep things clean (tools, station)
Conduct yourself with professionalism at all times.

Question 16

When and how are brigade forms found

Answer 16

Anytime on the intranet homepage.

Under brigade forms heading.

Question 17

Where a BA wearing forms found

Answer 17

Intranet homepage.
Operations.
BA wearing section.

Question 18

What are daily checks on Harris radio

Answer 18

Identify your radio for that shift.
Switch radio on.
Check the battery charge level. Replace if below 80%.
Check the aerial and mike attachments are firm.
Ensure Zone A: Ch 1OPS1 on front screen.
Listen for OPS ONE announcement.
Ensure channel knob is reset in position 1 and group selector is in group A.
Switch radio off and place on truck in secure position.

Question 19

Reasons your radio won’t transmit

Answer 19

Flat battery.
KS2_MIX is selected.
Radio shadow.
Tower issues/ tower down/

Question 20

What are the message colours and when are they used

Answer 20

Question 21

Describe correct work practises when communicating on the fire ground

Answer 21

Don’t:
Don’t have personal conversations.
Don’t use obscene language.
Don’t use first names.
Don’t use radio jargon.
Don’t Argue.
Do:
Do wait 3 seconds between transmissions to allow for other stations that have been waiting to pass their message.
Do listen before transmitting to ensure airways are clear.
Do consider alternative methods of contacting ComCen or other units, if after one or two calls, the person whom you are addressing does not answer.
RSVPS
Rhythm - speak naturally with normal rhythm.
Speed - speak with steady constant pace. Pause between phrases.
Volume - Slightly louder than normal. Hold mike in consistent position.
Pitch - Slightly higher pitch.
Sentences - Short, use pro words where applicable.

Question 22

Safe work practises when working with ladders

Answer 22

Wear a helmet.
Check for overhead obstructions.
Foot whilst partner is on ladder.
Tie of head of ladder.
Climb ladders briskly but smoothly.

Question 23

Detail the daily check procedure for the resus kit

Answer 23

Check bag and zips are in good condition.
Attach pressure reducer.
Open (all the way 1/4 turn back) and ensure pressure of at least 100 bar.
Open and check oxygen therapy control valve.
Connect demand valve and resus bag and squeeze to ensure correct refill.
Check the suction device.
Close cylinder.
Release pressure.
Check all inventory
B.A section inspect and test every 6 months ensure in date

Question 24

List procedure if resus kit gets contaminated

Answer 24

All single use items are to be disposed of in hazardous waste bag.
Resuscitator equipment sheet filled out.
Resus kit placed in clear plastic bag and labelled for cleaning.
Sent to BA section for cleaning and re-stocking.
Replacement Resus kit issued.

Question 25

First aid procedure for suspected asthma attack

Answer 25

Re-assure patient and get them to sit upright.
Provide asthma reliever using spacer.
Shake puffer and use 4x4x4 rule. (administer 1 puff into the spacer and get patient to take 4 deep breaths. Do this 4 times then wait 4 minutes)
Monitor conditions and respond accordingly.

Question 26

Considerations when applying tourniquet

Answer 26

PPC nitrile gloves.
Undo and wrap around affected area.
3 finger rule (above wound site and above or below joint).
High, tight and wide.
Turn until bleeding stops + 1 extra turn.
Never remove once fitted.
If bleeding starts again, apply second above.
Note date and time on casualty forehead.

Question 27

Explain first aid response when treating an unconscious non-breathing casualty

Answer 27

When decided to use oxygen.
Set up oxygen cylinder attach bag and mask.
Ensure clear airway.
Lay casualty on back.
Insert oropharyngeal airway (if appropriate).
Position yourself and provide adequate head tilt.
Ensure mask in sealed fully.
Squeeze bag firmly but gently, until visible chest rise.
Allow casualty to exhale.
Constantly reassess airway.

Question 28

There is a fire on the 8th floor, 1300kPa is required at the branch. What should pump pressure be?

Answer 28

8 floor at assumed 3m per floor = 24m
10 kPa for every 1m in rise = 240kPa
Therefore pump need to be at 1300 + 240 = 1540kPa

Question 29

Difference between flow and pressure

Answer 29

Pressure:
Is the force at which water is delivered from the mains. Pressure is what pushes the water (fluid) through the lines and equipment. Usually measured in kPa (kilopascals)
Flow:
Is the quantity of water being delivered in a given time. The volume of water (fluid), that flows through a passage (hose line) of any given section during a unit of time. i.e litres per minute.

Question 30

Seven main components of SCBA and description

Answer 30

Harness and back plate
Demand Valve
Pressure reducer
Warning whistle and pressure gauge
Band and clamp
Rescue second mask CEJN
Cylinder
Mask
Cylinder connection point

Question 31

BA Safe work practices.

Answer 31

Always work with a minimum of 2 firefighters.
BA must be worn when there is any doubt of quality and safety of working environment.
BA not to be used underwater.
Firefighter to ensure they have sufficient air before use. Minimum 260bar for work sets and minimum 200bar for escape sets.
Always carry out pre operational checks.
When on BA, BA control must be used.
Always don in fresh air.
Always wear a helmet.
Check pressure gauge frequently.
make mental note of route taken to assist exit.
Allow time to get out.
When supplying air to auxiliary mask wear time is halved.
Remain in verbal contact. Physical contact advised in limited visibility.
When one whistle sounds both members leave.
Upon hearing DSU report to BA control and go to signal to assist.
Never remove BA in toxic atmosphere.

Question 32

8 Stages of RCR.

Answer 32

PRIGEDRT
Preparation - maintenance of tools and regular training in realistic situations.
Response - safe travel to scene, approach incident quietly and purposefully, position appliance to protect incident. Liase with other services.
Incident management - inner and outer circle assessments, hazard controls, equipment staging.
Gaining access - make rapid and safe access making sure to not make the situation worse.
Emergency care - follow DRSABCD.
Disentanglement - disentangle to allow extrication.
Removal and Transfer - remove from vehicle. Transfer to ACTAS vehicle.
Termination - final checks and clean up.

Question 33

Indicators and causes of cavitation.

Answer 33

Indicators:
The pump will make noise like there were many small stones passing through. (this is imploding vapour bubbles)
The engine evolutions will increase. (the engine is not pushing as much water so the engine does not have to work as hard)
When operating from a hydrant supply, the compound gauge will show a negative pressure and the collector hose will go soft. (over running supply)
When droughting, the compound gauge will show the maximum lift. (will drop below -75kPa)
Decrease in delivery flow.
Causes:
The lift is too high for the volume of water and pressure being discharged.
The suction hose diameter is too small for the volume of water being discharged.
There may be a restriction or partial collapse of the suction line.
Hydrant supply being over-run.

Question 34

Foam eductor pressure and flow.

Answer 34

38mm inline eductor:
1400kPa
230Lpm
64mm inline eductor:
1400kPa
475Lpm

Question 35

Explain why foam branch is always operated in fully open position

Answer 35

To prevent back pressure which disturbs the venturi induction process.

Question 36

Combined flow rate of 2 x HP lines at 3000 KPA and how long will 1500 Litres last ?

Answer 36

3000 drop zero = 300
Minus 50 = 250Lpm
X 2 = 500Lpm
1500L used at 500Lpm = 3 minutes

Question 37

UDD must be cancelled by?

Answer 37

Driver or officer in charge.

Question 38

In an open school zone, MD when responding must:

Answer 38

Take all reasonable care and ensure lights and sirens are on.

Question 39

System of vehicle controls.

Answer 39

Course.
Mirrors and signals.
Brakes.
Gears and mirrors.
Evasive action.
Acceleration points.

Question 40

Main cause of skidding

Answer 40

Formula 1/2 mv2

Question 41

Hang back rule for a truck.

Answer 41

6 seconds on a dry road, 12 seconds on a wet road.

Question 42

Define the term peer support, how it is available and to who else?

Answer 42

Support network of colleagues trained in support techniques.
Available 24/7 via mobile phone.
Number can be found online.
By FF’s for FF’s.
For immediate family or those in the same property.

Question 43

3 control zones for hazmat.

Answer 43

Hot:
The hot zone is identified as an area of isolation where contaminant levels are considered sufficiently high to threaten life and safety. Only personnel equipped with correct PPE and equipment can enter.
Warm:
The warm zone is the area immediately surrounding the hot zone where decontamination commences. May still pose exposure risk to unprotected personnel.
Cold zone:
The cold zone is a support area immediately surrounding the warm zone. Site control, casualty treatment area and marshalling/ assembly areas are generally established in cold zone.

Question 44

MircroRae detects what?

Answer 44

LEL - Lower explosive limit
O2 - Oxygen
CO - Carbon Monoxide
H2S - Hydrogen Sulfide

Question 45

MicroRae test table

Answer 45

Question 46

Hazards associated with RCR and how to manage them.

Answer 46

Safety of the scene:
Some form or fire response is to be places close to staging area in the event of fire. Charged line, high-pressure hose, CO2 extinguisher, foam extinguisher.
Crowd control:
Request to stay outside the cordoned off area. Police should maintain the integrity of the working area.
Electrical:
All persons kept clear until electrical source is isolated. Casualty’s must stay inside and not touch any metal part of the body. Reassure casualty from safe distance and notify ActewAGL to disconnect the power immediately.
Traffic:
Park in ‘fend off’ position. Lay cones and traffic bollards to divert and slow traffic. Available member can direct traffic until police can assist.
Hazardous Materials:
If hazardous materials are present the scene may become a HazMat scene first and rescue second.
Biological Hazards:
Use PPE stop direct contact. Masks to stop air transfer. Keep area clean and free of food and drink.
Leaking Fuel:
Stop the fuel leak (isolate, clamp), Contain leaking fuel, Clean up using absorbents (spongolite).
Stabilisation:
Blocking, cribbing, stabfast.

Question 47

Three ways to access casualty trapped in vehicle.

Answer 47

Through the Doors.
Through the windows.
Through compromising the body of the vehicle.

Question 48

Technical decontamination corridor

Answer 48