Commissioner

‘ReAlarm’ campaign launched at Parliament House

On Wednesday last week I was joined by Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott and fire survivor Linda Buchan to launch the ‘ReAlarm’ smoke alarm campaign at NSW Parliament House. After losing her sister in a home fire and sustaining serious lifelong injuries herself, Linda spoke poignantly about the need for a working photoelectric smoke alarm. With two fire appliances featuring smoke alarm decals as a backdrop, almost 30 MPs came out into the sunny Domain for a photo opportunity with firefighters from City of Sydney C Platoon and the Community Engagement Unit to help spread the word in their electorates.

The message is simple – with the 10-year anniversary of NSW smoke alarms this year, it’s time for families to ‘ReAlarm’ by replacing outdated smoke alarms with new photoelectric alarms. Photoelectic alarms provide faster warning than ionisation alarms in most circumstances, especially when there is a smouldering fire, and they are less prone to false alarms. They are the only type that we endorse.

The following morning I appeared on The Today Show on Channel 9 to talk about winter fire safety and the importance of installing photoelectric smoke alarms. For more information and to access the media footage, see the intranet story.

2016 Emergency Management Conference aiming for operational excellence

Our third annual Emergency Management Conference is being held today and tomorrow at Brighton Le Sands with the theme of navigating uncertainty to ensure we achieve operational excellence. The Conference is designed to help us to align our strategic direction, to collaborate and work together to learn and plan for the future, and to celebrate the success of our people

Based on feedback from the recent ‘Have Your Say’ employee engagement survey and last year’s Emergency Management Conference, we decided to do things a bit differently this year. This morning we heard from a selection of frontline staff from Metro and Regional Operations, Operational Capability, and Education and Training.

After an opening address by AC Rob McNeil (Metro) and A/AC Gerry Byrne (Regional), I spoke about the changed operating environment that we now work in and how this is likely to affect us into the future. I also stressed just how good we are – something that we often fail to recognise. In my international and national roles I see many other fire services here and abroad. We are often our own harshest critics, however the fact is we are up there as one of the best fire services in the world. That being said, we cannot rest on our laurels, and we need to seek out constant improvement and learning. Later sessions focussed on how we can enhance our leadership, and how we can increase diversity and inclusiveness within our workforce. We also had the privilege of hearing from Deputy Commissioner Cindy Briscoe from the Australian Border Force. Tonight retired NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney will reflect on his leadership journey and how this can apply to the emergency management sector.

Tomorrow, in our first “celebrate success” session, staff from across the organisation will showcase projects they are working on. This will be followed by three sessions focussing on how we can strive for operational excellence through technology, fostering innovation and ensuring appropriate governance.

What next? It is vitally important that the information captured at this Conference is followed up and actioned over the next 12 months. In order to stay accountable and communicate our direction more broadly, we will be uploading videos of key Conference sessions over the next couple of weeks, so watch out for these. For more information about the Conference visit the intranet site (Toolkits > About You > All Staff > EM Conference).

Another chance to have your say – the 'People Matter' Employee Survey

I encourage all staff to participate in the 2016 NSW Government 'People Matter' Employee Survey. This is a good opportunity to share your perception of how well public sector values and principles are applied within FRNSW, and to comment about important indicators such as your job satisfaction, wellbeing at work and commitment to the organisation. Your feedback from the 2014 survey was invaluable in shaping how we design and implement work within the public sector and within FRNSW on positive, respectful and productive workplace cultures. The Public Service Commissioner and Secretary of the Justice Cluster have both impressed on me the need to ensure that FRNSW maximises response to the survey, and I will be held accountable for any improvements required as a result.

To access the survey, click on this link, or copy/paste into your web browser: www.NSWEmployeeSurvey.com. Responses are completely confidential and anonymous, and no individual response will be identified. The survey closes Tuesday 31 May. See the email we sent to all staff on 2 May for more information; also see the FAQs. Any questions, contact our HR Helpdesk on 9265 3900, or the Public Service Commission Survey Helpdesk on (02) 9272 6144 or employeesurvey@psc.nsw.gov.au.

Thank you for your contribution and for helping to make our workplace and the wider NSW public sector a better place to work.

Permanent Firefighter recruitment campaign opens

As I announced in last Commissioner’s Corner, our 2016 Permanent Firefighter recruitment campaign opens next Monday and will be open for two weeks until Monday 30 May. We are looking for intelligent, fit and healthy men and women who are keen to serve the community and who are committed to our values.

Together with other Australian fire services, FRNSW is working to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. To achieve this, we are making equal numbers of recruit positions available this year to applicants from separate male and female streams. All must meet required standards.

The recruitment page on our website (www.fire.nsw.gov.au/recruitment) clearly sets out the recruitment process. We’ve also created an easy-to-follow flowchart to guide prospective candidates through the key stages. Please visit the website to bring yourself up-to-date, and refer any members of the public enquiring to this as well. Comprehensive FAQs are also available on the intranet toolkit (Toolkits > About You > Permanent Firefighters > Permanent Firefighter Recruitment Campaign).

Open Day – how do you build yours?

By now most of you know this year’s Open Day will have not one, but two external partners. Last year we joined with NSW Kids in Need for the first time, and raised more than $20,000 for six children’s charities at selected stations, including the Westmead Childrens’ Burns Unit. This year Kids in Need will join us again at around 30 stations (see the full list on the intranet toolkit) with volunteers collecting donations on the day. FRNSW has also partnered with LEGO City to promote youth fire safety. The partnership will kick off with LEGO fire car sets and limited edition Brigade Kids activity book giveaways on Open Day, both of which are guaranteed to be real crowd pleasers.

Don’t forget Open Day is also an excellent time to remind the public to ‘ReAlarm’ by replacing outdated 10-year-old smoke alarms with photoelectric alarms. For everything you need to know about Open Day, see the toolkit (Toolkits > Operational > Community Safety > Open Day). I wish every station the best for a great event.

St Florian’s Day honours and awards ceremony

On Sunday 1 May, I hosted the annual FRNSW St Florian’s Day honours and awards ceremony at Bankstown Sports Club. Scott Farlow MLC represented the Minister for Emergency Services, along with 120 guests, and film crews from Channels 7 and 9. Awards were presented to a range of firefighters including Humanitarian Overseas Service Medals for the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami deployment, as well as Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and Clasps. Senior Firefighter Guy Fleming and Station Officer Darren Bofinger each received Commendations for their life-saving actions at incidents early last year, and Chief Superintendent Greg Buckley for his leadership in preparing and presenting FRNSW’s evidence to the coronial inquiry into the fatal September 2012 Bankstown unit fire. I also presented Commissioner’s Commendations to two members of the public for their brave actions at home fires in January and February last year. For more information, see the intranet story.

MDT auto update with new release SOGs and PIPs

In the second half of 2015, ADASHI First Responder mobile data terminals (MDTs) were rolled out to more than 180 appliances around NSW. Mounting kits were also installed in an additional 14 SEV vehicles in early 2016 to allow MDTs to be transferred from the appliance to the SEV when a station does a restow.

In order to keep the data on the MDTs current, regular automatic updates are scheduled for release by IT and Operational Communications. Last Thursday, the first new release of data (SOGs and PIPs) was automatically sent to all MDTs and ADASHI Lite laptops. The updates install automatically on the MDTs when the appliance is at the station (not when mobile) or, for ADASHI Lite, this will happen when Officers connect their laptops to the network and a power source.

A new software update, with features and functions requested by you, is also planned for release for both the MDTs and ADASHI Lite very soon. Planning is underway for the next wave of MDT installations with the goal of having every appliance fitted within two years. For more information about the recent release, see the intranet story.

Investigation into PFCs in Armidale

FRNSW recently invited the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to undertake preliminary soil and water sample tests for perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) at its Armidale training site. FRNSW historically used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrates which were later found to contain PFCs, in accordance with previous industry best practice and manufacturer’s advice. However when concerns emerged, we began phasing out foam containing PFCs from 2000.

The EPA has conducted preliminary tests at Armidale, however these are indicative only, and more extensive testing is required. FRNSW is working closely with the EPA, local authorities and NSW Health to further understand any effects of historical use of firefighting foam containing PFCs. We are also commissioning a specialist environmental consultant to undertake further detailed testing as recommended by the EPA.

FRNSW continues to work closely with staff at the Armidale facility. Meantime, all staff are reminded of the FRNSW Safety Bulletin 2016-02 Perfluorinated compounds, and also the NSW Health PFOS and PFOA fact sheet. FRNSW’s Employee Assistance Program is available to assist staff with any concerns. For any enquiries, please email PFCFoamGroup@fire.nsw.gov.au, and see the intranet story for more information.

GHS chemical labelling – are you ready?

On 1 January 2017 the new globally harmonised system for classifying and labelling chemicals, known as GHS, comes into effect. Australia’s transition to it will align us with the international community and some of our biggest trading partners, including the EU, China and USA. The new system has been on a five-year transition period to give manufacturers and suppliers time to update Safety Data Sheets (SDS). This means that a significant amount of labelling and SDSs should already be aligned to the GHS.

The key changes are new standardised terminology and pictograms to classify chemicals based on their physical, health and environmental hazards. Firefighters and commanders must be able to interpret GHS pictograms and terminology in order to manage risks from chemicals at incidents. Managers and supervisors must also ensure chemicals being bought or otherwise introduced to workplaces under their control are classified and labelled in accordance with the GHS. For more information, see the intranet story.

New phone numbers for Retained turnout

Yesterday a new Retained Firefighter turnout system (RTAS) was activated. For Retained Firefighters, the upgrade means that the phone numbers RTAS uses to alert you have changed. I strongly recommend you save the new numbers (02 8303 2300 and 02 4920 5600) in your phone and assign the same ringtone as the existing RTAS numbers. The upgrade also means the system will ring until the call is answered, rings out or is transferred to voicemail (rather than hanging up after 20 seconds) and a summary of Retained Firefighters attending/not attending the incident will be provided at the end of the call.

If you need any help or support with RTAS during the switch-over, contact the IT Service Desk on 02 9318 4888. For more information, see the intranet story.

Riding to raise funds for the Burns Unit

The 2016 running of the FRNSW 400in4 Charity Ride, now in its 11th year, kicked off on Monday this week at Berowra. Dr John Harvey and other representatives from the Children’s Hospital joined me in farewelling the riders as they departed on the 1,000km trek to Brisbane. The ride will raise money for the Burns Unit and promote fire safety awareness for families and schoolchildren they meet along the way. This year we are partnering with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and their Bike for Burns as they celebrate their 10th year.

The riders have raised more than $450,000 for the Burns Unit to date, and this year, are hoping to top last year’s effort of $100,000. The riders are selling raffle tickets as well as seeking donations to help the Burns Unit fund a Researcher who will be planning trials of new approaches to treating burns and also researching laser treatment of scars. See the Facebook site for more details www.facebook.com/Fire400in4.

FRNSW makes a dream come true for a very sick young boy

On Tuesday last week, I was privileged to see FRNSW team up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to bring a very ill little boy’s dream to life. Seven-year-old Lyam battles acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. His dream? Same as mine, to be a firefighter.

This little fighter put his bravery to the test in the yard at Alexandria when he became a firefighter for a day. It was a day full of great moments: Lyam experiencing his first fire truck ride dressed in firefighting uniform, beating down a blaze in the tower with a first aid reel, soaring seven stories high in the aerial with an unwavering smile on his face, rescuing a ‘live’ victim, and finally re-entering the yard at the head of the Stokes litter to a rousing ovation and guard of honour where I presented him with a plaque and some other goodies. He then finished up with a visit to City of Sydney, where Responder 1 with its animal call siren was another favourite.

CEO and Young Professionals Breakfast

Last Friday, the Institute of Public Administration Australia NSW once again held their highly successful annual CEO and Young Professionals Breakfast. I hosted a table and attended along with nine staff from FRNSW. Two young entrepreneurs, Annabelle Chauncy, Founding Director of School for Life Foundation, and Stephanie Lorenzo, CEO of Project Futures Ltd, both spoke about how to harness the power of collaboration between diverse stakeholders to achieve real change. The breakfast is one of many ways that FRNSW engages and fosters young talent, as well as providing a forum for sharing ideas about how to build a better NSW public sector.

Last chance for a free flu jab

If you haven’t had your influenza vaccination this year, there is still time with clinics open until 17 May. It is important to be vaccinated every year as the virus ‘strain’ changes from year to year. Influenza is not the same as having a cold and can lead to pneumonia, hospitalisation, and for some people, a life-threatening situation. This year it’s even easier to protect yourself with a number of flu vaccination options available including FRNSW Clinics, Priceline and Terry White Chemist vouchers (FRNSW ID required) and reimbursement of GP vaccination costs.

There is absolutely no doubt that vaccinations help save lives so I urge you to get your flu jab for the sake of the health of you and your family. The Health & Safety Branch was also recently contacted by one of our own firefighters whose five-week-old son had to be revived after contracting whooping cough. The firefighter asked for assistance to increase awareness of the role of vaccination in minimising the risk of infection and the subsequent serious risks to babies. For more information about the flu vaccine and whooping cough, see the intranet story.

Huge Finley stockfeed fire burns for nine days

Finley Brigade was responded just before midnight on Sunday 24 April to a fire in a large stockfeed facility in Rice Mills Road at Finley. As firefighters left their station, they could see the red glow, and when they arrived they reported that a large storage facility measuring 50 x 30 metres containing 4,000 large straw bales, almond husks and other feed products was fully involved in fire.

Bales were stacked up to 8 metres in height and the shed structure and roofing hindered a direct attack on the fire. Another storage facility only 20 metres away was also under direct threat. A grass fire broke out at the rear of the shed and NSWRFS crews worked to contain the blaze as a road grader was brought in to clear a fire break in the grasslands around the shed.

The intensity of the fire prevented a close approach to the burning bales, and as the flames encroached on the large surrounding metal shed structure, there were fears that the structure would collapse. Initially this prevented the use of heavy machinery vehicles to break apart the densely-packed burning bales. It quickly became apparent that the fire would burn for many days and a long term Incident Action Plan would be required.

The Zone formed an Incident Management Team to ensure that crews would be rotated and rehabilitated every 12 hours over the lengthy operation. Atmospheric monitoring was conducted and a media strategy developed to inform local residents of Finley that smoke would likely impact the township for a number of days. A traffic advisory was issued to ensure that motorists on the nearby Newell Highway were alerted to the protracted smoke hazard across the roadway.

NSWRFS crews were called in to provide bulk water supplies for a number of days. Despite the use of foam, the deep-seated fire continued to burn for the following eight days. A heavy plant contractor was commissioned to provide excavators to slowly pull apart the burning mass over the next several days. The final Stop message reporting total extinguishment was not transmitted until 1545 hours on Tuesday 3 May, more than one week since the fire started.

Despite the difficulty in extinguishing the massive blaze, the fire was successfully contained to the original shed and a number of surrounding exposures were saved by the long protracted firefighting operations. Congratulations to all attending crews and the management team for a great effort in very difficult circumstances. Attending brigades were from 293 Finley, 223 Berrigan, 463 Tocumwal, 278 Deniliquin, 472 Turvey Park, 336 Jerilderie together with several local NSWRFS crews. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

5th Alarm church fire at Rockdale

At 2145 hours on Sunday 1 May the first of numerous 000 calls were received to a fire in the Macedonian Orthodox Church in Frederick Street, Rockdale, prompting FireComm to upgrade the response to a 2nd Alarm before any Code 1’s had been received. Just six minutes later, 21 Kogarah arrived on scene reporting that the church building was fully involved. Of major concern was the adjoining nursing home premises located within metres of the church building.

A 3rd Alarm was requested, but as the extent and speed of the fire spread became more apparent, the response was quickly upgraded to a 5th Alarm. An aerial and hand lines were set up in sector D in an attempt to defend the adjoining nursing home, however as parts of the church building began collapsing, a decision was made to evacuate 63 residents from the adjoining nursing home. Further protection lines and a second and third aerial were established in sectors B and C to protect other surrounding buildings including a block of units at the rear. The TAF20 was also responded to be available for firefighting operations within the collapse zone of the building. Two firefighters were conveyed to hospital with fortunately only minor injuries as a result of being struck by bricks from a wall which suddenly and unexpectedly collapsed. Two residents from the nursing home were also conveyed to hospital for further treatment.

One of the residents of the evacuated nursing home was full of praise for all the emergency workers, and made special mention of how well the evacuated residents were looked after by firefighters until alternate accommodation arrangements could be made.

Just hours earlier the building had been hosting one of the biggest events on the Christian Orthodox calendar, the Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations. The church, parts of which were built in 1890, was a well known historic icon in the area and hundreds of distraught church patrons and local residents watched the dramatic events unfold from the street.

The fire was finally extinguished in the early hours of Monday morning with a fire duty remaining on scene throughout the following day. I was able to personally thank the many attending crews for their outstanding work - when I looked inside the nursing home every window facing the church was cracked, however firefighters prevented any fire extension despite extreme fire behaviour and building collapse. Well done to crews from 21 Kogarah, 29 Arncliffe, 52 Campsie, 28 Marrickville, 35 Botany, 64 Lakemba, 26 Mascot, 20 Hurstville, 13 Alexandria, 48 Mortdale, 5 Newtown, 34 Riverwood, 47 Revesby, 15 Burwood, 18 Glebe and 45 Miranda. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Q: After a recent visit to station from FRNSW-seconded paramedics, there was discussion in relation to our PPE and the effects it has on our health. Does this PPC require review, and are there any risks we should be aware of?

A: NSW Ambulance Paramedics have been delivering Advanced Resuscitation Techniques training to firefighters for over 18 months. During this time they have gained insight into our working environment, from a health perspective. Understanding that our PPC is required to perform our role, they reinforce there is a potential heat stress health risk from wearing structural PPC.

FRNSW structural PPC provides the best possible protection in fire situations. A risk associated with this is that metabolic heat loss via evaporation is reduced. In order to manage this necessary risk, firefighters and officers must be aware of their limits and signs that they may require rehab/medical attention while observing standing instructions to “dress down” and release heat when not actively working in the hot zone. Cooling down methods and management are addressed by paramedics in accordance with FRNSW SOG 18.4 Incident Ground Health Monitoring. This message supports FRNSW Personal Protective Clothing, Equipment and Uniform recommended practice Section 5: Managing Heat Stress and Section 6: Wearing PPE. In short, firefighters cannot operate at maximum physical output, for extended periods of time, without periodically 'self-assessing' to monitor their fatigue levels. The responsibility lies with the individual, crew and commander.