SOGs Flashcards
Question 27. A driver in a road tunnel noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment of their car and immediately pulled into the emergency break down bay and called 000. The Tunnel Control Centre closed the tunnel allowing attending fire crews access to extinguish the fire. Peak hour traffic is starting to build at the entrance to the tunnel and thick smoke is throughout. List the Smoke Management Systems found in road tunnels that could assist in clearing the smoke?
Road tunnel smoke management systems may use: • longitudinal ventilation (jet fans) • ducted ventilation • natural ventilation • a combination of the above.
Question 28. According to SOGs -As an incident develops and crews become fatigued, they will need to be rested. Name and describe the two ways crews can be rested.
*Recycle – Crew stops work for a short period just outside the Hot Zone, to rest, rehydrate, and replenish air cylinders if relevant. They remain accountable to IC or Sector, Group or Division commander (SGD Commander), as per the incident structure. • Full rehabilitation – Crew is released and moves to the rehabilitation area. Once there, they are accountable to a Rehabilitation Officer.
Question 29. According to SOGs - List and describe the three incident phases.
- Life at risk phase- where there are savable human lives. The incident in uncontrolled and requires rapid actions to control the risks to life * Expanding phase-where the incident is uncontrolled and likey to expand. It requires rapid actions to control risks to life and property *Contained phase-there are sufficient resources to contain the incident within the defined area. There is no life risk, or life or property have already been lost.
Question 36. Expand the Acronym - SISIACMR
Safe Approach-Uphill Upwind 200m Incident Command establish Scene Security Identifiy Hazardous materials Assess Potential Harm Life/Environment & minimise contanmination Call in Resources Monitor information Render Safe and decontaminate
Question 64. According to SOGs - When an LPG container is involved in fire, what area of the container is considered most crucial and a high priority area for cooling?
cool flame impinged on heated tanks and cylinders
Question 67. You are responded to a bushfire with four Fire Rescue NSW pumpers two RFS tankers and one inspector, according to SOGs what class is the fire?
Class 1
Question 68. According to the guideline support document for electricity SOGs - Electrical transformers in high density areas of cities maybe situated in underground vaults, if a fire occurs in one of these vaults, CO2 can be injected via a wall mounted or footpath CO2 connection box. What does the number on the connection box indicate?
The number of CO2 cylinders required to be injected.
Question 69 According to the guideline support document for electricity SOGs - What factors affect voltage gradient at wires down?
Composition of the ground – eg concrete, road surface, soil • Moisture content • Voltage of the electrical source
Question 70 According to the guideline support document for electricity SOGs - Conductors allow electricity to easily pass through them. List five conductors.
- Metals (eg copper, aluminium, steel) – including ladders, fences, guttering, roofing • Human body • Timber and trees • Flame and dense smoke • Vehicle tyres • Some fire extinguishing mediums • Wet or dirty rope • Water – including hose lines
Question 71. According to the guideline support document for electricity SOGs - Name four measures to control the risks associated with electricity.
- Stay away from the hazard. Always regard it as live until you know otherwise * Assess the risk from at least 8 metres away from the hazard * If suspected to be electrically hazardous, establish an Exclusion Zone * Have the electricity company isolate power * When leaving the incident site, if possible, provide information to the owner or other responsible person on the hazards still present at the site and the control measures in place.
Question 74. According to SOGs - FRNSW has an interagency notification policy, list the reasons NSW Police are required to be notified.
- Possible Terrorist incident * Crime Investigation * Site, crowd, traffic and evacuation management * Rescue Incidents
Question 75. You are responded to fire in a Correctional facility, centre or complex operated by government agencies or private contractors. As stated in FRNSW SOGs on arrival what actions should be taken?
- Identify and liaise with the Emergency Coordinator * While waiting to enter, start developing the IAP by assessing information- eg pre-incident plans, SOGs, and utilities. * Where entry to the facility is delayed, nominate a staging area and advise FireCOM to inform responding resources. Remain in the staging area until met by the Emergency Coordinator. Notify FireCOM if entry is delayed. ** Always remain outside facility on standby if it is undafe to enter** * At the main entry, access the Red Fire Emergency Plan Box containing the FRNSW pre-incident plan, safety data sheets folder, site plans, and Local Emergency Plans (LEPs) and breif crew about the facility. * Prepare the appliance and secure equipment before entering the facility. List all equipment to be taken in.
Question 82. Whilst participating in a community event at the local oval and armed offender attack occurs. According to SOGs, what actions should you take?
- Escape- as a priority, remove yourself and others from close proximity to the offender/s or areas they might reasonably access. Consider removing or leaving cumbersom equipment so you can move quickly. If it is safe to do so, snatch and grab as many casualties as possible when exiting. Do not stop to provide first aid. * Hide- If you don’t believe you can safely escape, consider sheltering in place. Mute all communication equipment, including private mobile phones, so as not to give away your hiding place. Do not turn off phones as text messaging may be used to update you on the situation. Constantly re-assess the situation and your options, based on the best available information. * Tell- The more information you can pass on to FireCOM or the Police, the better, but never at risk of your own safety or the safety of others.
Question 83. According to SOGs - There are many duties of the BA Control Operator, list five.
- Establish BA Control as close to the entry/exit point as possible. * Check and enter all details on the BA Control Board. * Ensure that BA team members are identified by a call sign determined by the Incident Communication Plan. * Calculate and monitor entry and exit times. * Monitor all radio communication withinthe sector. * When exit time is reached: - Immediately contact the individual wearer or BA team leader. - If unble to contact, notify their Commander. - Activate the RIT immediately when required and notify the IC. *Indicate to exiting BA crews the location of the BA staging area and rehabilitation Area. * Provide updates to their commander as reuired. A second radio transceiver may be required for communications on the tactical channel. * ensure BA Control Boards clearly show when extended duration BA (EDBA) is in use. This is indicated by the Red tag from the EDBA twin manifold being attached to the wearers yellow tall on the board. * Ensure BA Control Boards clearly show when areial appliance operators are wearing BA. * Ensure BA Control Boards clearly show when extension facemasks are in use: - With air Trolley (ATBA). - On aerial appliances - With auxillary facemask from another BA set. - When an extension airline from a standalone BA set. * Notifying the IC or Sector Commander if they require assistance.
Question 85. According to SOGs - What can P2 particle masks be used to protect against?
- Known low concentrations of inert dust, such as those produced when cutting metal or wood. * Concrete, stone and masonary cutting operations where the work piece can be kept wet. * The particles, but not the gases such as CO, in bushfire smoke * Contamination from body fluids
Question 86. According to SOGs - At any incident, the Incident Commander will consider the incident phase and the risk that may be accepted. Describe the life at risk phase.
Life at risk phase- where there are savable human lives. The incident is uncontrolled and requires rapid actions to control the risks to life.
Question 88. According to SOGs -You respond to a building fire and the contaminated runoff/pollutant is impacting a canal that runs into a creek. Which agencies are you required to notify?
- EPA- Pollution incidents *RMS - state water pollutions and waterway spills * Safework NSW-incidents creating a risk to health and safety of workers and the public *NSW Police Force-crowd, traffic and evacuation management *DPI-activation of agricultural and animal services supporting plan *OEM-activation of local emegency plans
Question 89. According to SOGs -You are relieving at a regional station, and you conduct an Incident Management drill for Retained (On Call) Firefighters. You state incident management involves strategic functions that must be addressed in order to safely and effectively manage and resolve an incident. Name the strategic functions.
1.Deployment 2. Command 3. Situational Awareness 4. Incident Action Plan 5. Incident Communications 6. Incident Structure 7. Review and Revision 8. Escalation and De Escalation
Question 90. According to SOGs - What are the three basic principles for communication at incidents?
*to use the principles of ICS and ensure an effective span of control; * to establish a flow of information at all levels of the incident, without overwhelming the IC or ComCen with superfluous data; * and to ensure the safety of firefighters by using effective communication.
Question 91. According to SOGs - You inspect the hydrant and booster system at a large industrial complex, and you notice the booster system has no main wheel valve and no pillar supply hydrants. What does this tell you about the hydrant system?
They are Ord 70 and are no longer installed * single head hydrants • minimum flow of 4.5 L/s @ 275 kPa from a hydrant • the hydrant booster only has supply hydrants if the nearest street hydrant is more than 60 m away, a maximum of four booster inlets and possibly no main wheel valve • internal hydrants are usually located on a floor or within a fire compartment.
Question 92. According to SOGs - Emergency Response Teams have varying levels of skills, equipment, and training. Depending on the hazards involved, the IC must determine, from Pre-Incident Planning and discussion with the Emergency Response Team Leader, their role at an incident. Name three activities Emergency Response Team can participate in.
*Specialist advice to the IC relating to hazards, industrial processes and installed fire systems. * Operation of valves and other industrial processes. * Fire attack under the control of NSWFB officers.
Question 93. SOGs describe how to de-escalate an incident. What is de-escalation?
De-escalation is the scaling back of FRNSW involvement at an incident. Both the strategic and tactical levels scale back and delegated functions are handed back to the IC. The IC determines that the incident has been contained and that resources can be released. Eventually the incident terminates and the incident is completed.
Question 94. According to SOGs - The Emergency Control Organisation may consist of people identified by coloured helmets, hats, caps, vests, or tabards. Name the members and the identifying colour.
White: Chief Warden-Deputy Cheif Warden-Communications Officer Yellow: Foor/Area Wardens Red: Wardens Green with White Cross: First Aid Officer
Question 95. What are the correct meanings for the numerical codes: • Code 3 • Code 6 • Code 4 • Code 1 • Code 7
Code 3 - Arrival at incident Code 6 Entering into RFS Fire District Code 4 Available to respond Code 1 Responding Code 7 Unavailable to respond (Need to detail reason)
Question 96. You are completing a pre-incident plan for an occupancy located within your station area. Your priorities are confirming correct keys and swipe cards, along with updating information for the MDT. The SO directs you to inspect the Fire Control Room. According to the SOGs, What features are included in a Fire Control Room?
• a fire isolated room with a 2-hour fire rating and separate ventilation • two exit points, to the front of the building and directly into a fire exit • Fire Indicator Panel • Fire Fan Control Panel • Master Emergency Control Panel • controls for fire pumps • Security Alarm and Control Panels • telephone (direct line outside)• whiteboard, corkboard and plan table • Tactical Fire Plans (maps and schematics).
Question 97. You are attending an incident at a large cold storage facility. Your SO has directed you to cut into an Insulated Sandwich Panel (ISP). Prior to cutting the ISP, you conduct a risk assessment. According to the SOGs, list the important issues to consider?
· if there is sufficient time and resources available. · leaked refrigerant gas which may be pocketed behind panels or in ducting · electrical wiring or refrigerant gas pipes that may be located behind the panels · the potential to generate sparks that could ignite flammable refrigerant gas or ESP panel cores · Weakening of the structure when multiple panels are cut. · An increase in fire activity due to the introduction of air; · Have a charged line of hose in place for protection before cutting ISPs. (Additional information contained in GSD Section 5)
Question 98. You are attending a 3rd Alarm structure fire and note the current incident commander is being overwhelmed by radio messages. According to SOGs, following span of control rules, what is the optimal amount an individual resources you should communicate with?
Span of control – an individual should only have 5 people reporting to them (optimal is 1:5 ratio), but this can vary between 1:3 to 1:7, depending upon the activity, geography, or nature of the incident.
Question 99. It is the responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC) to ensure that in general, each tactical priority has been addressed, according to the SOGs, involving structure fires the IC should consider how many sides of the fire?
(i) Consider the “seven sides” of the fire: front, rear, both sides, top, bottom and inside.
Question 100. On arrival at an incident, you observe the EWIS is operating. Upon closer inspection you note it has defects. According to the SOGs, what actions should you take?
NOTE: If any defects are noted, advise the NSWFB Fire Safety Division to have the matter investigated. Do not initiate any action yourself.
Question 101. You attend a Hazmat incident involving Phosgene, you appreciate the importance of correct spelling of a substance when transmitting messages to Comms. You are requested to relay the message using the phonetic alphabet. What is the correct phonetic alphabet transmission for Phosgene?
Papa Hotel Oscar Sierra Golf Echo November Echo
Question 102. An MVA has occurred between a truck and two cars requiring the attendance of a rescue unit, the MVA has occurred on the M5 Motorway in the GSA. There are multiple emergency services within NSW that are responsible for rescue incidents. According to SOGs, who determines which emergency service will send a rescue unit to this rescue incident?
Senior Police Officer on site/RESCO
Question 103. Fumigation is a process of applying a pesticide chemical to a sealed area for a period, generally to treat insects or other vermin. The pesticide is applied in gas form (or a state that produces a gas) to the area. According to SOGs if a firefighter is exposed to chemicals at a fumigation what actions need to be taken on arrival back at station?
If a firefighter is not wearing appropriate PPE and is exposed to the chemical (eg if automatic dispensing equipment starts operating without warning): 1. Immediately withdraw from the area to a place with clean air. 2. Decontaminate as outlined in SOG 10.4, Decontamination. 3. Carry out first aid as indicated in the Hazmat Action Guide, SDS or chemical database, or on medical advice. 4. Call for resources – eg ambulance, specialists, hazmat. Request Duty Commander and Health & Safety Branch are notified. 5. Record details of the chemical. Do not transport bags containing contaminated clothing in the cabin of the appliance. On return to station 1. Have the firefighter shower and dress in clean clothing. 2. Record the exposure in the Occurrence Book and in the eAIRS report. 3. Ensure that Notification of Injury, Illness, Exposure or Near-Miss (NIIENM) form is completed.
Question 104. According to SOGs - FRNSW priorities guide the strategy and incident action plan (IAP) for the incident. What are our priorities at an incident?
• The first priority is the safety of firefighters. • The second priority is protecting savable lives. • The third priority is protecting savable property and the environment. Resources should not be committed to save what is already lost
Question 108. According to SOGs - A medical emergency access incident is an actual or probable situation where either the Police Rescue Coordinator or the Ambulance Service of NSW (ASNSW) Communication Centre Manager considers serious. What do they consider a person at risk of if access is not gained quickly?
• a patient is at risk of further serious injury or death if medical assistance is not provided quickly, and • a physical barrier or incorporated security system requires the assistance of an accredited rescue unit and/or other resource with the capability to gain access to the patient.
Question 111. According to SOGs - Radio codes for automatic fire alarms (AFAs) are used by the Incident Commander (IC) to send an incident completed (Stop) message to FireCOM at the conclusion of an AFA-reported incident. When AFA call is to an actual fire – i.e., one which FRNSW has been alerted to by the activation of an AFA or manual call point. What is required to be reported to FireCOM?
The IC must ensure that a detailed message is sent with the 100 code. The code is passed to eAIRS, but, on return to station, the eAIRS report needs to be updated to reflect the nature of the incident.
Question 112. According to SOGs - Safety is paramount at all bushfires. A safety briefing must be completed and communicated to firefighters. Firefighters should constantly review LACES. Describe each letter of the acronym LACES.
- Lookouts-Know the current fire behaviour, location and size in relation to crew location * Awareness- be situationlly aware * Communications- maintain communications * Escape Routes- Identify two escape routes * Safety Zones- identify safety zones (refuge areas)
Question 113. According to SOGs-Fire danger ratings (FDR) give an indication of the consequences of a bushfire. The higher the fire danger, the more dangerous the conditions. List the ratings.
- No Rating * Moderate * High * Extreme * Catastrophic
Question 114. According to SOGs when sending radio messages, to ensure they are easy to understand and hear. How should they be formulated?
- BE CLEAR, CONCISE and FACTUAL * MAKE SURE MESSAGE IS UNDERSTOOD * AVOID RADIO CONGESTION * DESCRIBE WHAT IS HAPPENING
Question 115. According to SOGs - There are three strategies used during bushfires operations. Name and describe them.
- Direct Attack- In this method, work is applied directly to the fire edge which then becomes the established control line. *Parallel Attack- In this method a fire line is constructed parellel to, and just far enough from the fire edge, to allow firefighters and equipment to work effectively away from heat and smoke. * Indirect Method- This method consists of burning back from natural barriers, roads or firebreaks, or from trails or fire lines constructed to suit the occassion. It usually involves dropping back a considerable distance from the fire front and burning out a strip of enough width to provide and effective barrier against the main fire.
Question 116. According to SOGs - To minimise the risk of heat related illness, what is the minimum level of PPE that should be worn at a bushfire.
Level 2
Question 117. Heat stress is the most common condition which affects firefighters. It all too frequently affects their welfare, but more importantly, it affects their judgement and competence in the field. All firefighters must be able to recognise the symptoms, name three symptoms as stated in SOGs.
• heat stress • heat exhaustion • heat stroke.
Question 118. According to SOGs - The status of a bushfire is the degree to which it is under control. What terminology is to be used in radio messages and sitreps to FireCOM?
- Going * Being Controlled * Contained * Patrol * Out
Question 119. According to SOGs - What acronym is used to assist ICs in remembering the factors which should be considered in an effective size-up?
BELEA * Building * Exposures * Location of fire * Extinguishment * Assistance
Question 120. According to SOGs - Describe offensive and defensive firefighting strategies.
Offensive – operating in close proximity to the hazards. Defensive – operating away from the hazards.
Question 121. As stated in SOGs - What does the Incident Action (IAP) usually describe?
Incident Action Plan
Question 122. As stated in SOGs - In the event of a major fire, the IC must establish an exclusion zone to protect personnel from the risk of windows, panels and debris that become dislodged by heat, wind pressure or water jets. Any external Control Point (e.g., Incident Control Vehicle) must be located outside this zone. How far will the exclusion zone extend?
• upwind, minimum 50 metres • downwind, a minimum distance of twice the height of the highest fire floor. (eg a fire on the 20th floor, allowing 3m per floor, requires an exclusion zone of 120m).
Question 123. According to SOGs - At a high-rise structure fire, what are the actions of the first arriving Station Commander?
Station Commander becomes Sector Commander for the fire floor, establishes a Forward Control Point, and commences operations from the floor below the fire.
Question 124. According to SOGs - Twin bore tunnels, where traffic flows occur in separate tunnels, the tunnels are usually separated by 4-hour fire-resisting construction. Crossover passages between the tunnels are usually how many metres apart?
120 metres apart and maybe pressurised.
Question 125. According to SOGs - List the roles of FRNSW at incidents involving bomb threats or detonations?
- Support NSW Police Foorce or the Australian Defence Force by protecting life and property from the effects of fires or hazardous materials that may occur. * Act as the lead agency in urban search and rescue (USAR) operations, if required. * If requested, assist NSW Ambulance.
Question 126. According to SOGs - When referring to storage facilities describe- • Bulk • Flatbed storage • Ventilated • Sealed
• Bulk more than 4 tonnes (net), or more than 4 cubic metres of a substance, not in individual packages. • Flatbed storage a single level building or other structure designed for the storage of solids in bulk of more than 40 tonnes. • Ventilated containers open to the atmosphere, including silos with explosion vents that have activated • Sealed a grain container is sealed during fumigation and semi sealed at other times – includes semi-sealed and oxygen limiting containers.
Question 127. According to SOGs - Standards Australia refers to Breathing Apparatus (BA) as supplied air respirators. Fire and Rescue NSW uses positive pressure supplied air respirators to provide the highest level of protection. Name and describe them.
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). • Extended duration breathing apparatus (EDBA): An SCBA set in twin cylinder configuration which allows firefighters to work for approximately twice the time as single cylinder SCBA. • Airline respirator: An extension facemask with an airline supplied from a source of compressed air. These sources include: − Air trolley breathing apparatus (ATBA): A mobile trolley with compressed air cylinders, a valve assembly and an airline connected to an extension facemask. − An independent SCBA set. − SCBA worn by a firefighter: An extension facemask and airline worn by a second person which is attached to the auxiliary connection of an SCBA or EDBA set worn by a firefighter.
Question 128. According to SOGs - Decontamination is the process of removing contaminants from people and equipment to prevent further injury and reduce the spread of the contaminant. What are the three ways decontamination can be implemented.
• Standard decontamination is implemented where there is no life at risk. • Emergency decontamination is implemented where there is a life at risk (a person is rescued from the Hot Zone), or an immediate response is required due to an accidental contamination. • Mass decontamination is implemented in an unexpected and dangerous situation which must be dealt with immediately where a group of people are contaminated.
Question 129. According to SOGs When dealing with radiological incidents, the first priority is to minimise the exposure to radiation while rendering the incident safe. What are the main considerations for protecting people at radiological incidents?
Time – minimise the duration of exposure. Distance – maximise the distance from the radiological source. Shielding – maximise shielding between the radiological source and people.
Question 130. According to SOGs - What are three types of radiation.
Alpha, Beta, Gamma and X-rays, Neutrons
Question 131. According to SOGs - Materials that contain asbestos are known as asbestos containing materials (ACM). If asbestos is encountered at an incident, as far as practical, employ dust suppression tactics and leave ACM in situ. Provide three examples of dust suppression tactics.
Dust suppression tactics As far as practical, employ dust suppression tactics and leave ACM in situ for remediation by owner/occupier or responsible agency: • Minimise disturbance – ie restrict salvage and overhaul work. • Keep it lightly dampened down with fog spray. • Apply a bonding agent such as a foam blanket or coloured PVA/water mix. • Bag into marked asbestos containment bags. • Wrap or cover with salvage plastic sheeting.
Question 132. Materials that contain asbestos are known as asbestos containing materials (ACM). There are generally two categories of ACM name and describe them.
Friable Any ACM that is in powder form, or that can be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Examples are loose-fill insulation, pipe lagging, and fire damaged ACM. Nonfriable Previously known as bonded. Any ACM that is not friable, including materials containing asbestos fibres reinforced with a bonding compound. (Non-friable ACM that has been reduced to powder by fire or severe impact will become friable.) Examples include fibre cement sheeting (‘fibro’), corrugated or moulded fibre cement, and electrical switchboards.
Question 139. According to SOGs - What is the unit of measurement for external radiation?
mSv = milli-Sieverts & μSv = micro-Sieverts or could be RAD’s?? The incident area has: • A Hot Zone boundary at a maximum of 100 µSv/h, reading on the dosimeter, or wherever determined to be contaminated. • A Warm Zone from the Hot Zone to an outer boundary, determined by the IC or 0.5 µSv/h. • An entry and exit control point at a maximum of 10 µSv/h
Question 140. According to SOGs - The risk of developing asbestos related disease depends on many factors. List three factors.
• Concentration of exposure: Greater quantities of inhaled fibres will increase the likelihood of developing disease. • Duration of exposure: The longer the duration you are exposed, the greater the likelihood of developing disease. • Fibre characteristics: The type of fibres inhaled have an effect on the likelihood of developing disease. Shorter, straight fibres are more likely to be breathed deeper into the lungs. • Other exposures: Exposure to other hazardous materials may compound the likelihood of developing disease. For instance, people who have smoked have a much greater likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease.
Question 141. List and define the three zone systems as outlined in SOGs Scene Security.
Three Zone System • Hot Zone – where no personnel enter until a DRA determines appropriate actions and level of PPE. • Warm Zone – where Fire and Rescue NSW conducts its operations. • Cold Zone – where the Incident Control Point and support agencies are located and where the Police implement overall site control
Question 142. According to SOGs - Operators of aged care facilities have emergency plans, which include a staged evacuation plan. List the stage numbers including the stage FRNSW would likely be involved.
Staged evacuation plan Stage 1 Residents removed from immediate danger – evacuated to an adjoining room or corridor. Stage 2 – FRNSW are likely to be involved from this stage. Residents removed from adjoining rooms and corridors, away from the emergency (fire, smoke, gas) – evacuated to an adjoining fire or smoke compartment, or another floor below the emergency. Stage 3 Residents completely evacuated from the building – evacuated to a nominated safe assembly area.
Question 143. According to SOGs - During bushfire operations safeguarding strategy is not fire suppression but can be used when defensive operations are not safe. Describe the actions taken in this strategy.
Safeguarding strategy When offensive or defensive strategies are no longer viable with intense fires under the worst conditions, the actions during safeguarding strategy, while not fire suppression, warns, escorts (moves) and protects community members to ensure their safety.
Question 144. According to SOGs - At a high-rise structure fire, what area provides a safe location with building communications, control equipment and plans?
The Fire Control Room (FCR) provides a safe location with building communications, control equipment and plans. The IC will establish a control point in the FCR or send a firefighter there to operate the equipment and liaise with wardens.
Question 145. SOGs state - In some cases, mostly at larger structures and complexes it may not be appropriate to turn off power to the entire structure. List three of these structures or complexes.
In some cases – mostly at larger structures and complexes – it may not be appropriate to turn off power to the entire structure, eg: • Industrial complexes – some processes may be difficult to shut down quickly • High-rise buildings – lights or lifts may be needed during evacuation of residents • Health care facilities – life-sustaining equipment may be in use.
Question 154. According to the SOGs - The minimum training requirements, for career firefighters at permanent stations, what is the minimum hours of training per set of four shifts (DDNN) or 2 shifts (on the 24hr roster)?
Station Commanders at permanent stations are required to deliver a minimum of 6 hours training per set of 4 shifts (DDNN). This equates to 270 hours of training per annum. Group A topics must be completed at least once every 6 months. Group B topics must be completed at least once every 12 months.
Question 155. According to SOGs - When using a hydrant booster, the IC will instruct the pump operator to run the hydrant booster system in one of three modes. List and describe all three.
Stand by mode . 1.Connect up to four 70 mm hoses from the feed or street hydrant to the collector. 2. Connect an equal number of 70 mm hoses from the deliveries to booster inlets. 3. Remove leather strap and test movement of the main wheel valve. 4. Note the reading on the booster pressure gauge. 5. Advise IC ‘Hydrant/Sprinkler booster is now in Standby mode’. 6. Await instructions from the IC to go to another mode. Activation mode 1.Determine the required operating pressure from the IC. 2. Connect up to four 70 mm hoses from the feed or street hydrant to the collector and open the feed hydrants. 3. Connect an equal number of 70 mm hoses from the deliveries to the boost inlets and open the deliveries. 4. Remove leather strap and close the main wheel valve. (This will prevent backflow and contamination of the public water supply) 5 . Increase pressure to the required level (allow 30 kPa per floor). 6. Advise IC ‘Hydrant booster is now in Activation mode at … kPa’. 7. Maintain pressure and flow, especially when hydrant pump is running. 8. Await instructions from the IC to vary the pressure or go to another mode. Deactivation mode 1. Reduce pressure and disengage the pump. 2. Open the main wheel valve and restore the leather strap. 3. Shut off the feed hydrants to the collectors. 4. Shut down the deliveries to the boost inlets. 5. Remove the hose. 6. Shut down the hydrant pump to further reduce pressure if required.
Question 160. You respond to a building that has a dry riser system. In accordance with SOGs, if you identify one of these systems what should you be aware of?
Dry risers are hydrant systems that are not charged with water, relying on the NSWFB to charge them from street hydrants. They are no longer installed in NSW. If a dry riser is identified, notify the NSWFB Fire Safety Division, to initiate a possible upgrade to an AS2419.1 system.
Question 161. During a bushfire, a helicopter is carrying out hot refuelling operations to prepare for ongoing water bombing operations. According to SOGs, a designated Fire Protection Crew should follow what procedures?
- wear Full Structural PPE SCBA + Earplugs * Do not become involved in refuelling or fire protection with extinguishers at the refuelling point. * Locate the appliance uphill/upwind and at least 50m from the landing site, fuel pumps and fuel storage areas, and any incident on the air base. * Standby with lines of hose charged, foam eductor attached and Class B foam ready to be inducted. * Prevent water or foam streams from hitting the moving rotors. If there is NO risk to life, before applying foam or water streams, seek advice on how to minimise aircraft damage. If there IS life risk, commence fire attack immediately.
Question 163. At a 4th alarm industrial unit fire, the Incident Commander (IC) had assigned Sector Commanders, a Safety Officer and a Staging Officer with four pumps initially in Staging. The IC later requested an extra six firefighters and a Station Commander from Staging, but there was only one pump in Staging. Why was this error not identified?
Staging Officer didn’t notify IC of shortage
Question 168. You attend a 3rd Alarm structure fire, and the Incident Commander (IC) appoints you the Safety Officer. What is the Safety Officer responsible for? List five.
*Identify unsafe conditions or operations and report these to the IC (or Operations Officer if in place). • Correct unsafe work practices through the appropriate commander. If this affects strategy and tactics, inform the IC so that the incident action plan can be reviewed. • Communicate with commanders, to identify safety concerns and the control measures implemented. • Identify hazards likely to affect the safety, health, or welfare of personnel. Through the appropriate commander, ensure all those at the incident are properly briefed on these hazards, including measures to eliminate, prevent, or mitigate risks. • Assist the IC to complete the operational risk assessment and the risk assessment worksheet. Alternatively, conduct the operational risk assessment for the IC and communicate the assessment to the IC. • Confirm that all health and safety systems are in place – eg breathing apparatus control, rehabilitation, health monitoring. • Confirm that all utilities are identified and rendered safe. • Confirm that all those at the incident are aware of the location of the hazard zone, any exclusion zones, and any other designated areas. • Request the appointment of additional Safety Officers if needed. • Maintain awareness of the incident communications plan and incident action plan.
Question 171. According to SOGs, as the Incident Commander, you may choose a fast attack command position. What does fast attack enable the IC to do?
• More fully size up the incident. • Directly supervise the crew. • Assist the crew with task level work if needed. • Take advantage of the limited window of opportunity available while the incident is in its early stages.
Question 180. According to SOGs, if co2 is used to extinguish a fire in an underground vault substation what is the minimum time it needs to be kept sealed within the vault?
Keep the vault closed and openings sealed for at least 20 minutes
Question 181. According to SOGs, what is the definition of decontamination?
Decontamination is the process of removing contaninamts from people and equipment to prevent further injury and reduce the spread of the contaminant.
Question 182. During a bushfire, your sector contains an area where trees and grass are alight under high voltage power lines. According to SOGs, what are the safe working distances and what firefighting activities can you perform?
• Do not engage in firefighting under high voltage power lines. • Keep people and vehicles a minimum of 25 metres clear of a fire burning under or near power lines.
Question 184. A BA team reports to a Breathing Apparatus Control Operator (BACO) two floors below the fire floor at a high-rise structure fire. They provide their BA tallies to the BACO and proceed to the fire floor but remain in the fire stairs for ten minutes before donning BA and beginning firefighting tasks. Ten minutes after that the BACO is trying to contact the Sector Commander urgently stating that they are running low on air when they are not. According to SOGs, what went wrong?
The BA wearer notifies the BACO when they don their facemask and begin using their air supply. The BA crew failed to notify the BACO when they went on air (donned their facemask)
Question 185. According to SOGs, there are five members of a decontamination team. Name all members.
- Decontamination Officer * Wash Operator * Wash Assistant * Disrobe Assistant * Pump Operator
Question 187. You are in charge of firefighters providing fire protection during helicopter refuelling. You instruct them to wear full PPE. According to SOGs, what full PPE will they wear?
- Full Structural Firefighting ensemble, including helmet and gloves * Flash hood * SCBA * Earplugs
Question 189. According to SOGs- Bushfire classes are determined by the level of resources committed to the fire, and its potential impact on the community, economy, essential infrastructure, and not its size. Describe a Class 3 bushfire?
A major bushfire or fires where appointment is made or is imminent under the provisions of Section 44 of the Rural Fires Act 1997
Question 191. You are first arriving Station Commander at a fire to find smoke issuing from a single level house. You have not conducted a 360° size up but have given your crew initial tasks. What actions would most assist in formally assuming command?
If you are first on scene, formally assume command of the incident as follows: • Confirm via initial radio report to FireCOM that an IC is in place. • Name command. • Select an appropriate command position – ie fast attack or stationary. Once you have assumed command: • Build and maintain situational awareness. • Declare the strategy. • Deploy incoming resources and allocate tasks. • If you feel that you are becoming overwhelmed or losing situational awareness, transition to a stationary command position, or handover command to a later arriving FRNSW officer.
Question 192. You respond to a High-Rise building. According to SOGs, High Rise buildings are generally described by what characteristics?
High-Rise buildings are generally described as being more than 25 meteres high or having more than 10 levels
Question 193. If there is a minor bushfire in a Fire District attended four FRNSW pumpers and two RFS tankers managed by the FRNSW Duty Commander, what class of bushfire is it?
Class 1
Question 196. FRNSW incident management is consistent with the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS). What are the key principles of AIIMS?
- Flexibility * Management by Objective * Functional Management * Unity of Command * Span of Control
Question 197. According to SOGs, Describe the term “All Clear.”
Search and rescue have been completed and the Incident Controller is satisfied that all occupants have been accounted for.
Question 198. According to the SOGs, on arrival at a high-rise structure fire, the Hazmat Officer will become the BA Commander and perform what duties?
- Establish a main BA Control Area, on street level * Provide reserve BA cylinders for servicing and regenerating EDBA and SCBA * Manage contaminated water run-off * Monitor smoke plumes
Question 199. You are the Incident Commander at a large factory fire. There are 8 pumps code 3 at the incident. According to SOGs, list two combinations could you allocate these pumps to achieve three-deep deployment?
1st Pump tasked to Hot Zone 2nd Pump to recycling in the warm zone 3rd Pump uncommitted on the edge of the warm zone able to rapidley intervene if required, next into the Hot Zone. Pumps 4-5-6-7-8 in Staging waiting to be deployed
Question 204. You are responded to a report of an unknown odour at an abandoned petrol station. You inform your crew to prepare a 4-head gas detector for use on arrival. According to SOGs, what four items of information can the detector tell you?
SOG 11.3 Rec Practice * Flammable Gases LEL * Combustible Gases in % of LEL * Carbon Dioxide CO * CO in PPM * Hydrogen Sulphide H2S * H2S in PPM * Oxygen Levels O2 * O2 % in Atmosphere
Question 205. Insulated Sandwich Panels (ISPs), especially those with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) cores can create an extremely hazardous environment for firefighters and may force adoption of a defensive strategy from an early stage. According to SOGs, what are the reasons for this?
*EPS melts and flows like a liquid. It is highly flamable, inducing rapid fire spread, which is undetectable with a thermal camera (due to the insulation properties of the panels) and can spread to areas remote from the fire origin. * Panel delamination, where the hot metal panel skins bow and open up, rapidly increases the rate of fire spread, which heats the ceiling void, creates secondary pool fires from the melted EPS, and causes panels to collapse. * There is an increase of flashover and backdraught. * Large volumes of toxic, thick, black, acrid smoke are prodeuced. * Sudden loss of structural intergrity may cause substantial building collapse
Question 207. According to SOGs, when responding into a Rural Fire District, when are you required to send a Code 6?
*A Code 6 must be transmitted: − Immediately it becomes apparent to the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of an FRNSW appliance that they have received a call to an incident located within a Rural Fire District, or − * With the Code 1 (responding) message if it is known at the time of the call that the incident is in a Rural Fire District.
Question 210. In accordance with SOGs, when developing objectives, strategies and tactics what should be considered?
• The IC manages the incident, sets objectives and makes all strategic decisions related to resolving the incident. In order to do this, the IC must maintain situational awareness of (at a minimum): − The incident’s critical factors and hazards. − The incident action plan (IAP), including risk management strategy, objectives, tactical priorities, and task level work being done or pending. − Who is attending the incident, where they are located, what they are doing in relation to the IAP, and who is supervising them.
Question 214. According to SOGs - During the de-escalation of an incident, at what stage is command terminated?
• Command is only terminated when the last resource leaves the incident
Question 215. What are principles of situational evaluation in incident management?
• The Incident Commander (IC) must identify a set of critical factors – ie elements that, if not dealt with rapidly, could cause expansion of the incident or a threat to firefighters or others – and process them into an incident action plan (IAP). • The IC can only deal with 3-7 critical factors at any one time. If there are more than this, consider expanding the incident structure so that delegation can occur. • Collecting and evaluating information may start before arriving on scene. • Once on scene, further information is collected and rapidly evaluated via an initial size up from the vehicle. Whenever possible, the IC should collect additional information via a 360 degree size up. • Critical factors must be communicated to FireCOM. • The IC should continually collect information during the incident from commanders and other external sources such as onsite experts, Bureau of Meteorology, and other agencies. • Critical factors may change rapidly as the incident evolves. The IAP must be modified as critical factors change. • The IC’s initial size up and decision-making about critical factors may need to be rapid. Once the incident is contained, the IC should take a more deliberate approach. • Situation evaluation only ends when command is terminated. • Anyone at the incident may collect information regarding critical factors. These need to be communicated to the IC. Critical safety concerns can be addressed immediately if required, before informing the IC.
Question 217. According to SOGs - A major goal for the IC is to develop an Incident Action Plan for the incident. What is an incident action plan?
The IAP is developed to manage the incident. The IAP describes, at any point in time, the risk assessment, strategy and objectives, incident structure, layout of the incident, and any other relevant information.
Question 218. According to SOGs - What are the terms used in an initial radio report, to indicate the size of a structure at a fire incident.
The terms small, medium, large, very large and mega are useful in an initial radio report, to indicate the size of a structure at a fire incident. They are used in conjunction with building type – eg terrace, free-standing house, factory. The terms are defined in terms of hose lay as follows: • Small – One hose lay can cover the entire structure. • Medium – One hose lay can cover 75% of the structure. • Large – One hose lay will cover 50% of the structure. • Very large – One hose lay will cover 25% of the structure. • Mega – One hose lay will cover 10% of the structure. Hose lay is considered to be 50 metres – ie two 30 metre lengths of hose which includes 10 metres from the entry point
Question 219. As stated in SOGs - Example -Initial radio report - The initial radio report (IRR) is sent by the first arriving officer to FireCOM. It time-stamps command, confirms and identifies the IC, and records initial details about the incident. It should be in Conditions, Actions, Needs (CAN) format and should include-
• Confirmation of address. • Conditions: Brief description of the incident; obvious critical factors including hazards. • Actions: Initial incident action plan (IAP); assumption of command and naming of incident; strategy. • Needs: Increase of alarm level as per the Alarm Response Protocol (ARP), or, in areas where this does not operate, request for particular resources as per local arrangements (FireCOM will confirm the availability of requested resources).
Question 226. When conveying sensitive information on an open channel what should be considered as listed in SOGs?
Messages containing details of injuries, fatalities or personal information should be sent by alternate means of communication such as mobile phone, GRN private call facility, or face to face. Be sensitive to the feelings of non-operational personnel or members of the public who may overhear messages. Ensure that outside speakers on appliances are turned off if sensitive information is being sent eg fatalities
Question 233. According to SOGs - Describe the terms withdraw and abandon as used by the IC to indicate to crews the urgency required to move from offensive to a defensive strategy.
• Withdraw – this indicates that firefighters have enough time to exit the structure or the position they are working in, with all their equipment, in a controlled manner. It is usually given by the IC in response to a tactical CAN report. An example of a message given to a Sector Commander or crew could be: Sector Commander Bravo we are changing strategy to defensive for the entire structure withdraw all crews and report PARS on exit. If there is more than one sector then this would be conveyed to all sectors. • Abandon – this indicates that there is an immediate threat to firefighter lives and the firefighters must exit the structure or position they are working in immediately and only bring equipment with them if it will not compromise their safety. This could be that a fire has rapidly escalated, wall collapse is imminent, or a trench is about to collapse. An example of a message is: All sectors roof collapse imminent we are going to a defensive strategy abandon your positions and report if you do not have a PAR. The term abandon should be the exception rather than the rule.
Question 240. According to SOGs when responded to a Community First Responder incident and the patient refuses care. What should you do?
If care is refused, observe the patient until the ambulance arrives. Assume an unconscious patient wants assistance. If a patient previously refusing treatment loses consciousness, treat them.
Question 241. According to SOGs - To ensure the safety of crews working on roads, list the actions that should be taken when positioning the vehicle and defining the workspace.
• place and orient the advanced warning sign on the footpath where it is clearly visible to road users at a distance twice the prescribed speed limit in metres from the start of the work area to a maximum of 140 m, or at the next intersection • position the vehicle safely and turn on the emergency beacons and hazard warning lights to warn approaching traffic • ensure that a line of traffic cones is placed from the warning sign to the vehicle, spaced evenly to provide a safe work area • if necessary, appoint spotters to monitor traffic. NOTE: If traffic conditions become dangerous, move to safety imediately.
Question 243. According to SOGs - Occasionally, FRNSW personnel may have to prepare a helicopter landing site. List the points to be considered when doing this.
*position the landing site in an area 30 m x 30 m minimum, on solid, level ground away from power lines or wires, and clear of trees or similar obstacles • mark the corners of the landing site by placing a firefighter at each corner and cordon off to prevent unauthorised entry. Do not use tape or loose materials • clear all loose debris from the area, e.g. paper bags, cigarette cartons, aluminium cans etc, and secure all NSWFB equipment near the landing site • in dry, dusty conditions, the landing site may require wetting down to maintain visibility during landing and take off. During night landings, place a strobe light and two vehicles with beacons flashing facing into the wind and facing inwards at 45° to the approach line with their headlights on. Ensure that the strobe light is turned off once the helicopter has identified or flown over the landing site.
Question 244. According to SOGs - Structure Fires in Rural Fire Districts- Where FRNSW is requested to assist the NSW RFS at a structure fire in a rural Fire District who will be the Incident Controller?
Where the NSWFB is requested to assist the NSW RFS at a structure fire in a rural Fire District, the senior officer from the NSW RFS present at the fire will be the Incident Controller.
Question 246. According to SOGs - When must Level 1 or Level 2 Rehabilitation be considered?
Incident ground rehabilitation applies at all emergency incidents and training exercises involving strenuous physical activity, long duration activities, or severe environmental conditions.
Question 247. According to SOGs - What two items do FRNSW use that lays out safe working practices to manage the safety of firefighters at incidents?
- Training * Doctrine
Question 248. According to SOGs - There are many aspects to ensuring safety at an incident, from the IC implementing the correct strategy, down to the firefighters wearing the right PPE for their assigned tasks. Incident safety can therefore be described in terms of what three levels?
- Task * Tactical * Strategic
Question 250. According to SOGs - What safety related worksheet is used as method of documenting hazards or risks and control measures at an incident
Incident Safety Worksheet
