2007 Focus
Welcome to the first Commish’s Corner for 2007. The Christmas-New Year period was relatively quiet and unlike other states we have had mild temperatures and some coastal rain, meaning minimal bushfire activity, unlike conditions commonly experienced at this time of year. We must be mindful that we are still in the middle of the bushfire season and continue to be prepared should conditions rapidly deteriorate.
A major issue that is being widely discussed this year is the importance of safe driving and the higher representation of P-plate drivers in accidents, particularly those involving speed. Many of you have seen the devastating impact of motor vehicle accidents on individuals and their families. The NSWFB provides an important community service in educating our young people about the dangers of driving through the RescuEd program, which was launched in March last year. I encourage those stations involved in RescuEd to continue this vital work.
During 2007 we will continue to modernise and improve the NSWFB so that we know we are providing the people of NSW with world-class service, and so that this remains a great organisation to work for. Our major focus in 2007 will be safety. Because we work in often dangerous situations, it is even more important than in most other occupations for all of us to be “safety fanatics”. I do not want to be visiting firefighters in hospital, or worse.
I consider that my most important duty as your Commissioner is to ensure that proper systems, resources and processes are in place to make sure that each and every one of you returns home safe and sound following each emergency call or working shift. However to make those systems and processes work, every member of the NSWFB, from members of the Corporate Executive Group, to clerks, mechanics and recruit firefighters need to “do their bit” to assist. Safety is also a high priority to the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union and other unions, so I look forward to working in partnership with them as we roll out improvements.
2007 will be a great year for the NSWFB, and I wish everybody and their families a happy and successful year. Stay safe!
Asbestos Register
The NSWFB is embarking on a major project to update our Asbestos Register this year. A survey will be undertaken of all NSWFB buildings built prior to 1986 to identify any suspected asbestos carrying material (ACM). Property Services has appointed an accredited consultancy to undertake the survey, which commences next week and is expected to take six months to complete. If suspected ACM is identified, it will be labelled and a risk assessment undertaken while any ACM assessed as being sealed and intact will remain in-situ. Staff safety will be a primary consideration at all times, and no chances will be taken where ACM is identified. More information about the identification, assessment and management process is available via the intranet (under Human Resources Directorate - Health and Safety Branch page) including the NSWFB's Management Plan, the Survey Schedule, Questions and Answers, a sample of the label used and, once the survey is completed and the information collated, a copy of the Asbestos Register. The Fire Brigade Employees' Union has been briefed and has indicated support for the proposed survey. I ask that all staff provide every assistance with access for the contractors, who will have NSWFB identification - this is about your safety. Sites will be notified one week prior to inspections to confirm the intended visit details.
Working with the community
It was a great start to the year for community engagement thanks to the initiative shown by Redfern Fire Station B platoon. Last week, the platoon - comprising SO Andrew Faunce and firefighters James Buist, Nick Richards and Andrew Gore - presented kitchen and household fire safety messages to a group of 70 non-English speaking Cantonese seniors. With the aid of an interpreter, the crew stressed the importance of dialling 000 (ling, ling, ling) and for those who can’t speak English, simply saying “fire” and leaving the phone off the hook. The NSWFB plays an important role in prevention through the delivery of fire safety messages and I encourage all stations to follow Redfern’s lead and work closely with at-risk groups, such as the culturally and linguistically diverse, in their community. For more information or advice on delivering fire safety presentations to ethnic communities, contact NSWFB Community Safety Advisor for Culturally Diverse Services David Weir. For more on Redfern’s presentation see the intranet story.
Calling all firefighters
It was pleasing to see such a positive response to the intranet story on recruitment for the emergency dispatcher role at the Sydney Communication Centre (ComCen). This is a vital role that offers excellent opportunities to further your career within the NSWFB. Many senior officers have spent time in Sydney ComCen, which provides a good overview of what is happening statewide and opportunities to work hand-in-hand in an emergency situation with the RFS, NSW Police, Ambulance, SES and other emergency and support services. For those wanting a change in direction in their career or a role which requires additional skills and responsibility, then Sydney ComCen offers all this and more. For more information contact your local ComCen or Operational Communications o-n 9318 4351.
Death of Fred Orreill
On Tuesday 9 January, retired Station Officer Fred Orreill passed away just short of his 102nd birthday. Fred was a living treasure of the NSWFB and up until his 101st birthday was extremely active in community activities including sporting bodies and Meals on Wheels. Fred loved to tell stories of his firefighting days, including the Black Friday 1939 bushfires that devastated NSW, Victoria and South Australia, and the 1946 and 1957 bushfire emergencies. He was fit, strong and alert until recently, and passed away peacefully. Fred will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
World Police and Fire Games
Firefighters attending the World Police and Fire Games in Adelaide this March are reminded they must register with the NSWFB Sports Association before 19 January to allow for uniforms to be ordered. For how to register visit the intranet or contact Sports Association Secretary Chris Murtagh at 426 Station Perisher Valley on x5426.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that the fire brigade will be phasing out manual vehicles so responding drivers can concentrate more on directing the vehicle through traffic and not what gear they are in?
Response: The passenger vehicle fleet has principally been automatic for some time. The heavy 4WD passenger vehicles can be manuals if required. The fire appliance fleet in Class 1 (4X4) and Class 2 have manual transmissions and hundreds of these new and relatively new appliances are in service. Manufacturers will in the future be introducing automated manual transmissions as an option in the chassis used in the Class 2. The automated manual will be evaluated for use in the Class 2 as the transmission becomes available.
Rumour: Is it true that the SOPP results were once again leaked prior to official notification to the candidates?
Response: The Professional Development Unit (PDU) was notified by the FBEU that there had been a leak of the SOPP results. While no evidence was produced supporting this statement, PDU responded quickly to these claims by reviewing the notification process. Should the review determine a need for change it will be implemented immediately.
Rumour: Can the Commissioner shed light on why employees of the NSWFB who are members of the defence force reserves get different amounts of military leave? Why do the Air Force reserves get more hours of military leave than that of the Army and Navy reserve? Why can't the three services get equal amounts?
Response: Military leave entitlements are not determined by the NSWFB. They are the subject of agreement between the Federal and State governments going back many years. The reason that Air Force reservists are allocated more hours of military leave than the Army or Navy is because, when the agreement was made, they were required to participate in extra training and skills maintenance. The issue of military leave is to be the subject of a review by both Federal and State governments early in 2007.
INCIDENTS
Factory fire - Liverpool
EVENTS
Caravan and Camping Fire safety campaign - January
Station Officers graduation
COMMISH’S CORNER
Commissioner’s e-mail: Commissioner@fire.nsw.gov.au
Cora Sarmiento, Commish’s PA: 9265 2930
PACSU: fax 9265 2882
Commish’s Corner Rumour Mill: 9265 2627
To contribute a story to the intranet, please contact Public Affairs Officers: (West) 9265 2613, (South) 9265 2802 or (North) 9265 2631