OPERATIONAL METHOD STATEMENTS #5

Question 1

BUSHFIRE - LACES

Answer 1

Lookouts
* Know where the fire is, the fire behaviour and the direction of spread.
* Maintain knowledge of crew location(s).
* Ensure a lookout is posted if you can’t see the fire.

Awareness
* Know the country/area or liaise with someone who has local knowledge.
* Ensure personnel are briefed and understand the situation and the objectives.
* Remain aware of current and forecasted fire behaviour and weather conditions.
* Identify any hazards and communicate as required.
* Wear correct PPC and PPE at all times, as relevant for the tasks being completed.

Communications
* Ensure radio channels are confirmed and known, including how to change the channels.
* Ensure communications are established with all crew, control points, ICC’s etc.
* Communicate situation updates to crew.
* Speak up if you have concerns.
* Stay in contact or tell someone where you are going at all times.
* Ensure all instructions are clear and understood.
Escape Routes
* Ensure there is more than one escape route.
* Communicate the location of escape routes to all personnel.
* Avoid escape routes that require travelling uphill, where possible.
* Ensure escape routes are free from hazards, not too long and clearly marked.
* Conduct continual reviews of escape routes.

Safety Zones
* Ensure transport is available and correctly positioned for escape.
* Identify safety zones that are a sufficient size and free from combustible materials and other hazards.
* Ensure safety zones are close enough given planned escape routes.
* Identify more than one safety zone, where available.
* Adapt safety zone size requirements as the situation or fire behaviour changes.

Question 2

HAZMAT Intitial Response - D.A.N.G.E.R

Answer 2

D – Do not enter smoke, gas or vapour clouds.
A – Approach from upwind and uphill.
N – No closer than 70 metres (Initial isolation zone).
G – Gather information by observation from a safe location.
E – Examine more closely, only if necessary and with full PPE.
R – Respond according to the information gathered.

Question 3

HAZMAT SIZE UP - Indicators (7)

Answer 3

Conduct Size Up enroute and on scene to identify the possible presence of hazardous materials. Indicators may include:
* Call type
* Incident location, e.g. major hazard facility
* Visual signs, e.g. coloured gas plume
* Vehicle or container types involved, e.g. dangerous goods containers
* Victim presentation, e.g. multiple casualties
* Environmental effect, e.g. dead/dying vegetation and/or wildlife
* Signage, e.g. dangerous goods placarding

Question 4

HAZMAT - immediate action (4)

Answer 4

Perform a SPADRA and consider undertaking the following immediate actions where there is a clear benefit:

• life rescue within the immediate isolation zone
• issuing public warnings to surrounding community
• environmental protection by immediate containment, e.g. blocking drains
• firefighting activities

Question 5

Phase 2 - Cold Zone Reconnaissance Questions - (4)

Answer 5

• What is the hazardous material?
• How can the material affect us?
• How do we best protect ourselves?
• How can we deal with it?

Question 6

HAZMAT Info Sources hierarchy: (6)

Answer 6

1. DANGER
2. HazChem Emergency Action Code (EAC)
3. Australian New Zealand Emergency Response
   Guidebook (ANZERG)
4. Hazmat Action Guide (HAG sheet)
5. Safety Data Sheets and Atmospheric Monitoring
6. Technical specialists

Question 7

HAZMAT - 5 Phase Approach

Answer 7

Phase One: Initial Consideration and Safe Approach

Phase Two: Cold Zone Reconnaissance

Phase Three: Hot Zone Reconnaissance

Phase Four: Mitigation

Phase Five: Handover Scene