Policy Number 979 Section 16,19,25 Flashcards
What is the recommended frequency for continuation training for working near water?
At least once a year
This can be increased if identified by the Station Commander or Sub/Stn Officer.
What is essential for locations where water operations may take place?
Systems to identify and inspect these locations must be in place and recorded on the ORD.
Define Level 1 water operations.
Operations where firefighters work within 3m of unprotected water or enter water without risk of being swept off their feet.
What must the Incident Commander (IC) establish regarding unprotected water?
A restricted zone at least 3m from any unprotected water’s edge unless substantial protection is available.
What is the minimum PPE for any firefighter entering water for a rescue?
- Full structural firefighting kit
- Personal flotation device (PFD)
What is the hierarchy of rescue under Level 1 conditions?
- Talk (self-rescue)
- Reach
- Throw
True or False: Firefighters trained in swift water rescue (SRT) may enter water without restrictions.
False
Firefighters not trained in SRT may only enter water as a last resort.
What control measures must be in place before a firefighter enters the water to affect a rescue?
- A competent firefighter identified
- All personnel briefed
- Floating safety line supervisor in place
- Proper rigging and attachment to a safety line
- Use of inflated fire hose for buoyancy
- Effective communication established
- Minimize noise for communication
- Enter water slowly
- Gauge water depth before entering
- Monitor rescuer for distress
What defines a wade rescue?
Entering the water to carry out a ‘Reach’ or ‘Throw’ rescue under certain circumstances.
Who can perform a Row or Go/Tow rescue?
Only by FRU SRTs.
What PPE must FRU SRTs wear during wade, row, or go/tow rescues?
- Drysuit
- PFD
- Water rescue helmet
- Gloves
- Thermal under clothing as required
What should the IC position downstream during water operations?
Safety officers dressed in full PPE and equipped with throw lines.
What are the hazards associated with crossing frozen water surfaces?
Ice breaking, swift water flow, drowning. Significant hazards that can only be controlled by FRU SRTs using appropriate equipment.
What should be done if the initial call was not for an ice-related incident?
Send a priority message to implement water operations procedure level-2.
What additional hazards are presented by mud rescues?
Deep mud unstable for applicables or equipment. Ground appearing safe. Particularly on the tidal Thames, requiring FRU SRTs or fireboat crews.
What is the position of LFB associated with subsurface (water) rescue?
Considered too high due to hazards beyond LFB safe working procedures.
What operations are involved in Level 3 water operations?
Deployment of the Flood Response Kit (FRK) for working near, on, or in floodwater.
What types of flooding can London be vulnerable to?
- Fluvial (river)
- Pluvial (rain)
- Tidal
What are the three phases of a flooding incident?
- Phase 1: Immediate life-saving rescues
- Phase 2: Rescue/recovery from temporary safety
- Phase 3: Final search and recovery
What should firefighters wear during flood-related incidents?
PPE provided as part of the FRK and work in teams of a minimum of 4.
What is the maximum wading depth for firefighters wearing L3 PPE?
60cms (2 feet)
What should be done with PPE after contact with open water?
Decontaminated in accordance with the control of infection policy.
Why should water supplies be treated as potentially contaminated?
Personal hygiene is important where crews have been in contact with open water or mud.
What policy outlines the decontamination of PPE following an open water event?
Policy number 707 (The control of infection and infectious diseases policy).
What should be done with workwear uniform worn under contaminated fire gear?
It requires specialist cleaning under Policy number 533 – Uniform and personal protective equipment excluding structural firefighting PPE.
What is required for equipment used in open water upon return to the station?
It should be cleaned and tested according to appropriate standard tests and the infection control manual.
What is the Hazardous Materials health hazards notification policy?
It applies to all personnel who suffer cuts, scratches, or abrasions of the skin, regardless of how trivial.
What is the capacity of the Flood Rescue Boat (FRB)?
The FRB is rated to carry up to 8 adults.
Who must operate the FRB under power?
A minimum of two PB (powerboat handlers) and one FRU water rescue technician.
True or False: Firefighters are trained to operate with helicopters during major flooding events.
False.
What must the Incident Commander (IC) do upon contact with vehicle occupants in water?
Reassure them and brief them on the plan, including safety precautions and communication methods.
List some specific risks and hazards associated with vehicle rescues from water.
- Uncontrolled movement of the vehicle impacting or trapping casualty or rescuer
- Hazardous fluids leaking from the vehicle
- Sharps and snagging hazards on the vehicle
- Upstream and downstream siphon and entrapment hazards
- Unpredicted failure of ropes and lines under tension
What must be in place before initiating a rescue from a vehicle in the water?
Upstream and downstream backup strategies.
What is necessary for stabilizing a vehicle before a rescue?
The vehicle must be stabilized using strops or lines, protecting the line from sharps.
What orientation will a vehicle in flowing water normally have?
The engine block facing upstream.
Where should rescuers stabilize the vehicle from?
From the low risk zone.
What is the responsibility of the LFB in relation to rescues in inland waterways in London?
LFB has the responsibility for rescue in all other inland waterways.
What is the role of the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) on the tidal section of the River Thames?
Coordinating authority for Search and Rescue (SAR).
What does the River Thames grid mobilising scheme assist with?
It enables the London Operations Centre – Merton (LOC) to mobilise resources to the correct location of an incident.
What is the role of Access Points (AP) on the River Thames?
To allow safe and effective access and egress for personnel and equipment.
What is a Reconnaissance point (RP)?
The initial mobilising location where LFB land crews can view a section of the river for rescue operations.
What must the fireboat do upon mobilization by the LOC?
Inform VTS on marine VHF channel 14 of their passage plan.
What should the fireboat crew ensure before leaving for an incident?
The fireboat is operationally ready and crew are rigged in appropriate PPE.
What is the responsibility of the appliance commander on the fireboat?
To assess if it is reasonable to respond to give assistance or rescue.
What is the first task in a man-overboard incident involving the Fireboat?
Locate the person and maintain visual contact.
What should be prepared for retrieval in a man-overboard incident?
Retrieval equipment.
What should be prepared and deployed when ERB is being positioned?
Retrieval equipment
This ensures readiness for operations involving the fireboat.
What may cause a vessel to lose the ability to maneuver?
Mechanical failure or incapacitated crew
These factors necessitate the assistance of a fireboat.
What communication methods should be used when approaching a vessel for assistance?
Marine VHF radio or verbally
Effective communication is crucial for coordination.
What should the appliance commander and coxswain consider when towing a vessel?
River and meteorological conditions
These factors impact the safety and success of the towing operation.
What must be established before any towing operation?
Understanding of the objective and type of tow
Clear communication among all parties is essential.
What hazards should be considered when performing towing operations?
Lines under tension
Serious injury can occur if not managed correctly.
What factors must be considered before personnel board a vessel midstream?
- State of the tide
- Ability to maintain contact with the vessel
- Proximity of other river traffic
- Obstacles in the river
These factors ensure safety during boarding operations.
What is the priority when a vessel is taking on water?
Evacuation of persons on board
This is critical due to the increased risk to life.