Policy Number 979 Section 16,19,25 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the recommended frequency for continuation training for working near water?

A

At least once a year

This can be increased if identified by the Station Commander or Sub/Stn Officer.

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2
Q

What is essential for locations where water operations may take place?

A

Systems to identify and inspect these locations must be in place and recorded on the ORD.

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3
Q

Define Level 1 water operations.

A

Operations where firefighters work within 3m of unprotected water or enter water without risk of being swept off their feet.

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4
Q

What must the Incident Commander (IC) establish regarding unprotected water?

A

A restricted zone at least 3m from any unprotected water’s edge unless substantial protection is available.

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5
Q

What is the minimum PPE for any firefighter entering water for a rescue?

A
  • Full structural firefighting kit
  • Personal flotation device (PFD)
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6
Q

What is the hierarchy of rescue under Level 1 conditions?

A
  • Talk (self-rescue)
  • Reach
  • Throw
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7
Q

True or False: Firefighters trained in swift water rescue (SRT) may enter water without restrictions.

A

False

Firefighters not trained in SRT may only enter water as a last resort.

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8
Q

What control measures must be in place before a firefighter enters the water to affect a rescue?

A
  • 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
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9
Q

What defines a wade rescue?

A

Entering the water to carry out a ‘Reach’ or ‘Throw’ rescue under certain circumstances.

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10
Q

Who can perform a Row or Go/Tow rescue?

A

Only by FRU SRTs.

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11
Q

What PPE must FRU SRTs wear during wade, row, or go/tow rescues?

A
  • Drysuit
  • PFD
  • Water rescue helmet
  • Gloves
  • Thermal under clothing as required
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12
Q

What should the IC position downstream during water operations?

A

Safety officers dressed in full PPE and equipped with throw lines.

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13
Q

What are the hazards associated with crossing frozen water surfaces?

A

Ice breaking, swift water flow, drowning. Significant hazards that can only be controlled by FRU SRTs using appropriate equipment.

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14
Q

What should be done if the initial call was not for an ice-related incident?

A

Send a priority message to implement water operations procedure level-2.

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15
Q

What additional hazards are presented by mud rescues?

A

Deep mud unstable for applicables or equipment. Ground appearing safe. Particularly on the tidal Thames, requiring FRU SRTs or fireboat crews.

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16
Q

What is the position of LFB associated with subsurface (water) rescue?

A

Considered too high due to hazards beyond LFB safe working procedures.

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17
Q

What operations are involved in Level 3 water operations?

A

Deployment of the Flood Response Kit (FRK) for working near, on, or in floodwater.

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18
Q

What types of flooding can London be vulnerable to?

A
  • Fluvial (river)
  • Pluvial (rain)
  • Tidal
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19
Q

What are the three phases of a flooding incident?

A
  • Phase 1: Immediate life-saving rescues
  • Phase 2: Rescue/recovery from temporary safety
  • Phase 3: Final search and recovery
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20
Q

What should firefighters wear during flood-related incidents?

A

PPE provided as part of the FRK and work in teams of a minimum of 4.

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21
Q

What is the maximum wading depth for firefighters wearing L3 PPE?

A

60cms (2 feet)

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22
Q

What should be done with PPE after contact with open water?

A

Decontaminated in accordance with the control of infection policy.

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23
Q

Why should water supplies be treated as potentially contaminated?

A

Personal hygiene is important where crews have been in contact with open water or mud.

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24
Q

What policy outlines the decontamination of PPE following an open water event?

A

Policy number 707 (The control of infection and infectious diseases policy).

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25
Q

What should be done with workwear uniform worn under contaminated fire gear?

A

It requires specialist cleaning under Policy number 533 – Uniform and personal protective equipment excluding structural firefighting PPE.

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26
Q

What is required for equipment used in open water upon return to the station?

A

It should be cleaned and tested according to appropriate standard tests and the infection control manual.

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27
Q

What is the Hazardous Materials health hazards notification policy?

A

It applies to all personnel who suffer cuts, scratches, or abrasions of the skin, regardless of how trivial.

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28
Q

What is the capacity of the Flood Rescue Boat (FRB)?

A

The FRB is rated to carry up to 8 adults.

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29
Q

Who must operate the FRB under power?

A

A minimum of two PB (powerboat handlers) and one FRU water rescue technician.

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30
Q

True or False: Firefighters are trained to operate with helicopters during major flooding events.

A

False.

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31
Q

What must the Incident Commander (IC) do upon contact with vehicle occupants in water?

A

Reassure them and brief them on the plan, including safety precautions and communication methods.

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32
Q

List some specific risks and hazards associated with vehicle rescues from water.

A
  • 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
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33
Q

What must be in place before initiating a rescue from a vehicle in the water?

A

Upstream and downstream backup strategies.

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34
Q

What is necessary for stabilizing a vehicle before a rescue?

A

The vehicle must be stabilized using strops or lines, protecting the line from sharps.

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35
Q

What orientation will a vehicle in flowing water normally have?

A

The engine block facing upstream.

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36
Q

Where should rescuers stabilize the vehicle from?

A

From the low risk zone.

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37
Q

What is the responsibility of the LFB in relation to rescues in inland waterways in London?

A

LFB has the responsibility for rescue in all other inland waterways.

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38
Q

What is the role of the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) on the tidal section of the River Thames?

A

Coordinating authority for Search and Rescue (SAR).

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39
Q

What does the River Thames grid mobilising scheme assist with?

A

It enables the London Operations Centre – Merton (LOC) to mobilise resources to the correct location of an incident.

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40
Q

What is the role of Access Points (AP) on the River Thames?

A

To allow safe and effective access and egress for personnel and equipment.

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41
Q

What is a Reconnaissance point (RP)?

A

The initial mobilising location where LFB land crews can view a section of the river for rescue operations.

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42
Q

What must the fireboat do upon mobilization by the LOC?

A

Inform VTS on marine VHF channel 14 of their passage plan.

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43
Q

What should the fireboat crew ensure before leaving for an incident?

A

The fireboat is operationally ready and crew are rigged in appropriate PPE.

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44
Q

What is the responsibility of the appliance commander on the fireboat?

A

To assess if it is reasonable to respond to give assistance or rescue.

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45
Q

What is the first task in a man-overboard incident involving the Fireboat?

A

Locate the person and maintain visual contact.

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46
Q

What should be prepared for retrieval in a man-overboard incident?

A

Retrieval equipment.

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47
Q

What should be prepared and deployed when ERB is being positioned?

A

Retrieval equipment

This ensures readiness for operations involving the fireboat.

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48
Q

What may cause a vessel to lose the ability to maneuver?

A

Mechanical failure or incapacitated crew

These factors necessitate the assistance of a fireboat.

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49
Q

What communication methods should be used when approaching a vessel for assistance?

A

Marine VHF radio or verbally

Effective communication is crucial for coordination.

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50
Q

What should the appliance commander and coxswain consider when towing a vessel?

A

River and meteorological conditions

These factors impact the safety and success of the towing operation.

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51
Q

What must be established before any towing operation?

A

Understanding of the objective and type of tow

Clear communication among all parties is essential.

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52
Q

What hazards should be considered when performing towing operations?

A

Lines under tension

Serious injury can occur if not managed correctly.

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53
Q

What factors must be considered before personnel board a vessel midstream?

A
  • 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.

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54
Q

What is the priority when a vessel is taking on water?

A

Evacuation of persons on board

This is critical due to the increased risk to life.

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55
Q

What should be considered before assisting a vessel taking on water?

A
  • Amount of water taken on
  • Vessel size
  • Cause of taking on water
  • Options for stopping water ingress
  • State of the tide

These considerations help assess the situation and plan an effective response.

56
Q

What is a key point to consider when evacuating persons from a vessel?

A

Immediacy of the threat to life

This determines the urgency of the evacuation.

57
Q

What equipment should be used for rescues from the foreshore?

A
  • Inflatable rescue path (IRP)
  • Mud lance

These tools enhance safety and effectiveness during rescues.

58
Q

Who has primacy at incidents involving persons threatening to jump from structures?

A

MPS (Metropolitan Police Service)

They coordinate the response in such critical situations.

59
Q

What should be done if body recovery is requested?

A

Refer to a National Inter Agency Liaison Officer (NILO) and a Tactical Advisor (TAR)

This ensures proper protocol is followed during body recovery.

60
Q

What protective measures should be taken when recovering a body?

A
  • Avoid direct contact with blood/body fluids
  • Wear appropriate PPE
  • Consider cross-contamination
  • Decontaminate PPE and crew

These measures are vital for health and safety.

61
Q

What is the first consideration in a HAZMAT incident?

A

Bring the vessel alongside

This enables safer and more effective management of the incident.

62
Q

What should be done if a HAZMAT vessel cannot be brought alongside?

A
  • Confirm and proceed to the appropriate Access Point (AP)
  • Crew dons HAZMAT PPE
  • Fireboat transports crew to affected vessel
  • Approach upwind

These steps are critical for safety and effective response.

63
Q

What is the responsibility of the fireboat or land-based IC regarding environmental protection?

A

Inform the PLA and/or EA of potential environmental damage

This is crucial for mobilizing appropriate resources to mitigate pollution.

64
Q

What role can the fireboat assume during river incidents?

A

On Scene Coordinator (OSC) vessel

This role is essential for coordinating the response efforts on the river.

65
Q

What must be established before launching an Emergency Rescue Boat (ERB)?

A

Contact with VTS on Airwave channel ES3

This ensures communication and coordination during operations.

66
Q

What is the maximum capacity of an ERB?

A

7 people (650kg)

This includes rescuers and equipment.

67
Q

What must all crew members wear when launching an ERB?

A

Dry suits, personal flotation devices, and rescue helmets

These are essential for safety during water operations.

68
Q

What should be done after completing HAZMAT tasks?

A

Transport contaminated personnel back and apply decontamination procedures

This is necessary to ensure safety and prevent contamination.

69
Q

What must all crew wear when operating on the river or foreshore?

A

Dry suits, personal flotation devices, and rescue helmets.

70
Q

How must ERBs be launched?

A

Under power, with the paddles stowed on the ERB.

71
Q

What is the minimum crew requirement for ERBs based on operational needs?

A

A minimum of two, including one trained powerboat handler.

72
Q

Where must ERBs operate in relation to the incident commander?

A

Within sight of the incident commander, delegated safety officer, or support craft.

73
Q

What communication must be maintained during ERB operations?

A

Handheld radio communications with the IC and fireboat at all times.

74
Q

What should the incident commander do after deploying the ERB?

A

Inform the MCA via airwave and LFB Control as soon as possible.

75
Q

What additional safety measures should the IC implement as soon as practicable?

A
  • Brief and deploy spotters
  • Deploy a second FRU with BT attribute
  • Establish communication with relevant agencies
  • Brief ERB crew on objectives
76
Q

When should operations for the ERB cease?

A

When all rescues are achieved, conditions are unsafe, or no casualties are found after 90 minutes.

77
Q

What must be done to the ERB after it is removed from the river?

A

It must be thoroughly washed using a hose reel before being re-stowed.

78
Q

What guidelines are in place for training with ERBs on the River Thames?

A

Strict guidelines agreed between LFB, MCA, and PLA.

79
Q

What must be completed and forwarded to the PLA before a training event?

A

The training notification template must be completed and forwarded at least 14 days prior.

80
Q

What must crews do before launching for training on the Thames?

A

Establish contact with VTS on Airwave channel ‘M SAR HG’.

81
Q

What are the designated roles in a line operations team?

A
  • Line ops team leader
  • Line ops team safety officer
  • Rescuer
  • 2 x operators
82
Q

What should an incident commander do if an FRU is needed for safe working at height?

A

Send an assistance message requesting an FRU for line operations level 1.

83
Q

What is the difference between level 1 and level 2 line operations?

A

Level 1 supports weight with backup; Level 2 relies wholly on equipment.

84
Q

What must be established to control the immediate scene of operations when working at height?

A

An inner cordon must be established.

85
Q

What is prohibited by work at height regulations regarding weather conditions?

A

Planned working at height is prohibited if weather conditions may compromise safety.

86
Q

What should be done when working at height near an unguarded edge?

A

Establish a safe system of work and erect temporary physical barriers if possible.

87
Q

What hierarchy of controls should be applied when planning work at height?

A
  • Carrying out the task remotely
  • Safe working platform
  • Working behind barriers
  • Work restraint
  • Work positioning
  • Fall arrest
88
Q

What is the primary means of support in work restraint or fall arrest systems?

A

The individual supports their own weight.

89
Q

What type of system must all activities involving suspending crew members use?

A

A twin line system.

90
Q

What must the line operations team leader have in every situation where line operations are implemented?

A

A plan for recovering or rescuing crews if needed.

91
Q

What is the maximum load considered a ‘rescue’ load?

A

200Kg maximum.

92
Q

What must be done if line operations equipment is used to secure a load to prevent imminent injury?

A

It must be removed from service and returned for inspection.

93
Q

Under what circumstances can single line systems for suspension be used?

A

In exceptional circumstances after a risk assessment.

94
Q

What should personnel avoid doing during a protest situation?

A

Personnel should not attempt to secure persons making a protest or assist their situation, such as by offering food or clothing.

95
Q

What must be done with line operations equipment used to secure a load after DRA?

A

It must be removed from service and returned with a full report to Operations support centre (OSC) for inspection.

96
Q

What type of system should be used for suspending crew members?

A

A twin line system.

97
Q

Under what circumstances can a single line system be used for suspension?

A

In exceptional circumstances following a risk assessment if the time taken to implement a twin line system might result in further injury or death.

98
Q

What must be put into place when a single line is used to suspend a live person?

A

A backup or second line must be put into place at the earliest practicable opportunity.

99
Q

What should be reported when a single line is used to suspend a live person?

A

The event is to be reported as a ‘near miss’ safety event.

100
Q

Should a live person be raised or lowered on a single line system during training?

A

No, under no circumstances should a live person be raised or lowered on a single line system during training.

101
Q

What is the role of a Technical Rescue Tactical Advisor (TAR)?

A

TARs provide advice and support to the Incident Commander (IC) and can act as a functional sector commander at incidents involving line operations.

102
Q

When is a TAR mobilized?

A

A TAR is informed when level 1 line operations are implemented and mobilised when level 2 line operations are implemented.

103
Q

Is the presence of a TAR necessary for operations to commence?

A

No, it is not necessary for the TAR to be present for operations to commence.

104
Q

What should be considered when working with personnel from other agencies at incidents?

A

Only LFB line operations equipment should be used by personnel from other agencies unless there is a formal agreement.

105
Q

What is the responsibility of police in incidents involving persons in crisis or protesting?

A

Negotiating with persons in crisis or protesting is the responsibility of the police.

106
Q

Under what condition should the IC proceed with a rescue?

A

The IC should only proceed with a rescue if the casualty requests help or becomes unconscious or incapacitated.

107
Q

What should be done if a body recovery request is received?

A

It must be referred to the duty NILO and a TAR.

108
Q

What does body recovery refer to?

A

Body recovery refers to casualties known to be deceased prior to the call being made to the Fire Brigade.

109
Q

What must happen to line operations equipment after an incident?

A

All line operations equipment should be examined by competent line operations technicians before being placed back into use.

110
Q

What is the first step in rescue operations from collapsed structures?

A

An initial survey and dynamic risk assessment (DRA) should be carried out.

111
Q

What does the ‘Six Stages of Rescue’ acronym R.E.P.E.A.T stand for?

A
  • R: Reconnaissance and survey
  • E: Elimination of utilities
  • P: Primary surface search and rescue
  • E: Exploration of voids and spaces
  • A: Access by selected debris removal
  • T: Termination by general debris removal
112
Q

What is the purpose of reconnaissance and survey during a rescue operation?

A

To search for possible casualties and evaluate the structure’s stability and potential danger to rescue personnel.

113
Q

What should be done with utilities during rescue operations?

A

All utilities must be evaluated and controlled for safety, often best practice is to shut down all utilities when possible.

114
Q

What is the focus during the primary surface search and rescue stage?

A

To prioritize individual rescue sites and determine resources based on the potential for successful rescue of those trapped.

115
Q

What should be used to identify areas that have been searched during a rescue operation?

A

Cordon tape should be used.

116
Q

What should personnel be cautious of when entering a debris pile?

A

The debris of the building is very unstable and prone to additional movement.

117
Q

What should be done with casualties who require lowering or lifting?

A

They should receive medical assessment by LAS, even if they have no apparent injuries.

118
Q

What must be ensured during the rescue phase to protect rescue teams?

A

Care must be used to ensure rescue teams do not become casualties.

119
Q

What should personnel be cautious of regarding the appearance of a structure?

A

Outward appearance may be misleading; settled debris could lack genuine support.

120
Q

What is the primary focus during the exploration of voids and spaces?

A

Search for live casualties in all voids and accessible spaces.

121
Q

How can rescuers identify the locations of casualties during the search?

A

Use a system of calling out.

122
Q

What devices can be utilized to explore voids?

A

Thermal imaging camera (TIC).

123
Q

What routine action should be taken approximately every hour during the incident?

A

Shut down all work for a few minutes to listen for calls for help.

124
Q

What measures should be taken regarding noise during the rescue operation?

A

Stop or reduce noise and vibration from surrounding sources.

125
Q

What is the purpose of selected debris removal?

A

To remove only certain obstructions blocking access to a casualty.

126
Q

Why is information about a casualty’s location prior to the collapse helpful?

A

It aids in the selected debris removal phase.

127
Q

When is general debris removal typically conducted?

A

After all known casualties have been removed.

128
Q

What exceptions exist for conducting general debris removal?

A

When there may be other casualties, large debris obstructing operations, or when using heavy equipment.

129
Q

Under whose authority do USAR teams operate?

A

The Incident Commander (IC).

130
Q

What are non-government organisations (NGOs) in the context of search and rescue?

A

Organisations offering search and rescue capabilities, not linked to the UK fire service or local authorities.

131
Q

What should incident commanders be aware of regarding media attention?

A

Incidents are likely to attract considerable media attention from early stages.

132
Q

What should ICs ensure regarding NGOs operating at the incident?

A

NGOs must operate within the Brigade’s incident plan and adhere to the National Incident Command system.

133
Q

What protocol should be followed for offers of assistance from NGOs?

A

Refer offers to the officer of the day (OOD) for consideration by the duty assistant commissioner.

134
Q

What should not happen until approval is given by the duty assistant commissioner?

A

NGOs should not take any role in the incident.

135
Q

How should requests for special equipment be made during incidents?

A

In accordance with mobilising policy.