OMS 035 - On Shift Training

Question 1

OMS 035 - On Shift Training
What is a Drill VS Exercise?

Answer 1

Drills are short duration, small scale training activities. Exercises are larger scale training activities that may involve the use of multiple appliances, Technical Operations resources, and external agencies over a longer duration.

Question 2

OMS 035 - On Shift Training
What are the safety considerations for a drill through SPADRA?

Answer 2

• Traffic management required
• Slip, trips and falls from firefighting equipment such as hose lines
• Environmental conditions
• Impacts on the community

Question 3

OMS 035 - On Shift Training
Approvals and notifications required for drills and exercises (combined drill)

Answer 3

• Do not place appliances on Combined Drill where the drill does not impact on the ability to respond to incidents.
• Place any appliance on Combined Drill where a drill/exercise prevents the appliance from being able to respond to incidents.
• Liaise with the District Operations Commander or Functional Commander prior to placing an appliance on Combined Drill to ensure a sufficient response capability is maintained.
• Communicate the Combined Drill status to the CommCen
• Pre-arrange for a move-up appliance for planned drills/exercise where a station will be left without a primary response capability.
  *Ensure appliances on Combined Drill are made available if a MULTIPLE ALARM EVENT occurs or during periods of high call numbers, to maintain the Standard of Fire Cover. FSCC Operation Commander or Functional Commander have the discretion to cancel any Combined Drill in these circumstances.
• Seek approval from the District ACFO when drills/exercises impact on specialist response capabilities (eg. drills involving Tech Ops)
• Advise the UFU in writing of an exercise/drill where significant impacts on resourcing is expected to occur (eg. reduction in response capability, exercises involving multiple agencies, or activities of an extended duration), allow at least 2 weeks notice.

Question 4

OMS 035 - On Shift Training
Who has discretion to cancel any Combined Drill?

Answer 4

FSCC Operation Commander or Functional Commander have the discretion to cancel any Combined Drill in these circumstances.

Question 5

OMS 035 - On Shift Training
Strategies to implement if drilling in hot weather:

Answer 5

• Rotate employees engaged in the heavier tasks
• Conduct the drill in shaded areas
• Provide shaded rest areas
• Use appropriate head protection and sunscreen
• Ensure adequate hydration supplies
• Consider the appropriate PPC for the conditions
• Encourage the relaxation of PPC when drills are complete

Question 6

OMS 035 - On Shift Training
Strategies to implement if drilling in cold weather:

Answer 6

• Provide shelter from the wind
• Ensure minimal contact with water
• Ensure appropriate clothing/PPC is worn for the conditions
• Provide adequate hydration supplies, and consider providing hot drinks
  *note, drills may be conducted in wet weather dependent upon the outcome of a dynamic risk assessment regarding any related potential hazards

Question 7

OMS 035 - On Shift Training
Rest breaks by Temperature

Answer 7

• 15 minutes in each hour at 30
• 30 mins in each hour at 32
• 45 mins in each hour at 35

Conduct a SPADRA at the end of each rest break.

CEASE drills and cancel planned drills when the temperature exceeds 35.