IN ORDERS

16 February 2007 2007/04

Current national security alert level: Medium

POLICIES 2

Rank structure 2

Suspension of firefighters 4

PROCEDURES 5

Repair of layflat fire fighting hose 5

Pump tests * dry vacuum tests 9

ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT STAFF NOTICES 9

Resignations 9

PERMANENT FIREFIGHTERS NOTICES 9

Vacancies 9

Duty Commander, Regional West 3 9

Response Coordinator, Sydney Communication Centre 10

Operators, Katoomba Communication Centre 11

Appointments 11

Promotions 11

RETAINED FIREFIGHTERS NOTICES 12

New members appointed to Brigades 12

Appointed to Ranks 13

Appointed to Engine Keeper’s positions 13

Transfers 13

Termination 14

Resignations 14

Retirements 14

Transferred to Honorary List 14

POLICIES

Rank structure

This instruction rescinds In Orders 1998/6, Officer rank, and In Orders 1994/27, Rank and classification structure.

1. Introduction

The NSWFB is made up of several functional groups which are classified under two principal categories:

* Operational Personnel, and

* Administration, Technical and Trades Staff

2. Rank

The primary organisational structure within the operational personnel is that of rank. The holding of rank creates the lawful authority given to a firefighter to command others who hold a lower rank.

3. Ranks in the NSWFB

Clause 7(1) of the Fire Brigades Regulation 2003 allows the Commissioner to establish such ranks of firefighters as the Commissioner considers appropriate.

The rank structure of the NSW Fire Brigades is:

Rank Abbreviation

Permanent Firefighters

Commissioner Com

Deputy Commissioner DCom

Assistant Commissioner ACom

Chief Superintendent CSupt

Superintendent Supt

Inspector Insp

Station Officer SO

Leading Firefighter LF

Senior Firefighter SF

Qualified Firefighter QF

Firefighter Level 2 FL2

Firefighter Level 1 FL1

Recruit RecF

Retained Firefighters

Captain Capt

Deputy Captain DCapt

Retained Firefighter RetF

Note: a temporary rank of Firefighter Level 3 is in place until the March 2006 amendment to Clause 13 of the Crown Employees (NSW Fire Brigades Firefighting Staff) Award 2005 is fully implemented.

4. Officer ranks

Clause 7(2) of the Fire Brigades Regulation 2003 allows the Commissioner to establish officer ranks:

The officer ranks in the NSWFB are:

Permanent Firefighters

Commissioner

Deputy Commissioner

Assistant Commissioner

Chief Superintendent

Superintendent

Inspector

Station Officer

Retained Firefighters

Captain

Deputy Captain

5. Officer in charge

For the purposes of determining who is the officer in charge at a place where a fire brigade is present, Section 3(1) of the Fire Brigades Act 1989, provides that the officer in charge, in relation to a place at which a fire brigade is present, means the Commissioner or, if the Commissioner is absent:

(a) the person for the time being in charge of any members of a permanent fire brigade present at that place; or

(b) if no members of a permanent fire brigade are present, the person for the time being in charge of any members of a volunteer fire brigade present at that place.

Note: See also In Orders 2001/25, Command structure at incidents, which clarifies the duties and authorities conferred by the Fire Brigades Act 1989 for command and control at incidents and the legal powers of officers in charge to delegate their authority.

6. Operational support

Operational support positions do not affect the rank and command structure of the NSWFB.

Contact Officer: Superintendent Peter X Stathis, Professional Standards and Conduct Officer, (02) 9265 2826

File Reference: CHO/08540

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Suspension of firefighters

This instruction rescinds delegation 3.21.2.3 of the Delegations Manual and amends the first paragraph of section 2, Particular information relating to powers of suspension and holding inquiries, of In Orders 1981/2, Guideline on exercising powers of suspension.

The provisions concerning the suspension of firefighters are detailed in Division 2 of the Fire Brigades Regulation 2003.

Clause 37(1) of the Regulation provides:

37 Suspension of firefighter

(1) An officer authorised by the Commissioner for the purposes of this clause may suspend a firefighter from duty if:

(a) the officer is of the opinion that the firefighter is guilty of misconduct, or

(b) the firefighter has been taken into police custody or is in prison on remand.

For the purposes of this Clause, an authorised officer means an officer holding the rank of Inspector or above.

Contact Officer: Superintendent Peter X Stathis, Professional Standards and Conduct Officer, (02) 2965 2826

File Reference: CHO/01126

PROCEDURES

Repair of layflat fire fighting hose

This instruction rescinds In Orders 2000/23 and In Orders 2001/18, Repair of layflat fire fighting hose.

1. Introduction

A new contract has been awarded to Australian Fire Hose for the repair of layflat fire fighting hose. The company contact details are:

Australian Fire Hose

PO Box 105

Killara NSW 2071

Contact: Lou Ellen Overton

Ph: (02) 9415 6815

Fx: (02) 9415 6997

2. Obtaining service

2.1 Where repair of a hose is considered an economic option, (see section 3, Assessing viability for repair, below) the Station Commander must contact Australian Fire Hose to arrange for collection of the hose to be repaired.

2.2 A tag must be attached to hoses sent for repair. The tag must describe the repair required eg ‘hole six metres from hose strap end.’ Blank tags can be ordered through ESCAT, Cat No 01891.

2.3 The precise area requiring repair must be clearly identified by circling the area to be repaired with a red marking pen. Red marking pens can be ordered though ESCAT, Cat No 00154, or purchased locally.

2.4 Accurate identification of repairs will result in fewer pressure tests/inspections and consequently reduce the cost of repair.

2.4 Hoses must be securely packaged and addressed before pick up. A black plastic decontamination bag would be suitable for this purpose. Decontamination bags can be ordered through ESCAT, Cat No 01255.

2.5 Address the package to:

Australian Fire Hose

46 Hargraves Drive

TAREE NSW 2430

3. Assessing viability for repair

3.1 Before contacting the repairer, the Station Commander should make an assessment of the economic viability of repair as compared to the purchase of a new length of hose (coupled).

3.2 The factors to be taken into consideration when assessing hose are:

* age and condition of hose

* number of holes previously patched

* number of holes requiring patching at any one time.

* length of hose which is required to be cut back

* size and location of hole

* type of fault - blown/grazed/burnt.

3.3 The following costs should be taken into consideration when assessing the economy of repair as opposed to purchase of a new hose.

Note: A typical repair comprising pressure test, two patches and freight costs would be XXXX.

Repair Cost Table

Service Cost

Patch xxxx per patch

Bind and Couple xxxx per end

Brand xxxx per hose

Pressure Test xxxx per hose

Freight xxxx per service

Purchase Cost Table

Catalogue No Hose Type Cost

02823 25 mm percolating * 10 m xxxx

02784 25 mm percolating * 30 m xxxx

01032 38 mm percolating * 30 m xxxx

01028 38 mm non percolating * 30 m xxxx

06866 70 mm non percolating * 10 m xxxx

01030 70 mm non percolating * 30 m xxxx

04267 70 mm non percolating * 45 m xxxx

Note: Complete details relating to the supply of replacement hose assemblies can be found in ESCAT.

3.4 The Station Commander, after taking the above factors into consideration, is authorised to condemn a hose and submit requisitions for replacement.

3.5 Where the service provider recommends the condemnation of a hose, a replacement hose will not be provided automatically. The Station Commander must requisition a new hose using the documentation provided by the service provider to instigate the purchase. Replacement hoses can be obtained by completing and forwarding an Issue Voucher to the Zone Administration Officer. Along with the description of the hose type required, the Issue Voucher should contain the hose number details.

3.6 Where the Station Commander determines that the hose is beyond economic repair and consequently condemns the hose, the couplings must be removed from the hose and returned to Australian Fire Hose, 46 Hargreaves Drive, Taree NSW 2430. The condemned hose length can be disposed of at the local waste disposal facility.

4. Additional information

4.1 If, after repairing the faults indicated by the Station Commander, the pressure test reveals further faults previously not identified, the service provider has authority to repair up to three holes at any one time.

Example 1

The service provider repairs the two holes identified by the station and pressure tests the hose at the completion of all identified repairs. The pressure test reveals a further hole not previously identified.

In this case the repairer has authorisation to repair the hole and charge the station for the additional repair.

Example 2

The service provider repairs the two holes identified by the station and pressure tests the hose at the completion of all identified repairs. The pressure test reveals a further two holes not previously identified.

In this case the service provider will contact the Station Commander and advise the likely additional costs. The Station Commander will have the opportunity at this point to cease further repairs, pay for work completed, authorise condemnation of the hose and order a replacement hose. Conversely the Station Commander may judge the additional costs to be viable and authorise continuation of the repair.

5. Arranging payment

5.1 When the repaired hose is returned to the station a delivery advice and two copies of the Certificate of Inspection (original and billing copy) will accompany it.

Note: The Certificate of Inspection will detail the repairs carried out and certify that they are in accordance with AS 1851, Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.

5.2 Australian Fire Hose will send the invoice to the Zone Office.

5.3 The Station Commander must retain the original of the Certificate of Inspection at the station as a permanent record of the repair.

5.4 The Station Commander must sign, as proof of receipt, the billing copy of the Certificate of Inspection and forward it to the Zone Office WITHIN 7 DAYS of receipt so payment can be made.

5.5 The Zone Administration Officer will match the signed billing copy of the Certificate of Inspection (supplied by the Station) to the invoice received from Australian Fire Hose, and process the payment.

5.6 The Zone Office will charge these services to Chart of Account 512125, Hose Purchases and Hose Repairs, using the relevant Functional Area (FA) and the Station/Section Cost Centre (CC).

Contact Officer: Guy Tesoriero, Manager Contracts and Supply, (02) 9742 7442

File Reference: SUP/00782

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Pump tests * dry vacuum tests

In Orders 1991/30, Godiva Pumps-Dry Vacuum Test is rescinded and replaced by the following:

Due to advances in modern pump technology and pump servicing conducted by fleet services there is no further requirement for firefighters to undertake dry vacuum tests.

Dry vacuum tests will only be carried out under the direction or supervision of the Fleet Area Managers or the Fleet Officer Operations.

Contact Officers: Bill Ewing or Glen Breen, Fleet Officer Operations, (02) 9742 7359

File Reference: CHO/01518 and FLT 00062

ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT STAFF NOTICES

Resignations

29158 Michael Ryan 12 February 2007

30131 Stephen Neil McGrath 14 February 2007

PERMANENT FIREFIGHTERS NOTICES

Vacancies

Duty Commander, Regional West 3

Applications are invited from officers holding the rank of Inspector for the position of Duty Commander, Zone Regional West 3, at Leeton.

An information package should be obtained before submitting an application. Applications must address all the selection criteria.

The successful applicant may apply for the conditions in Clause 29 of the Crown Employees (NSW Fire Brigades Firefighting Staff) Award 2005. Contact the Manager Operational Personnel for enquiries on Award conditions and any entitlements.

Inquiries: Superintendent Gary Galwey, Zone Commander Regional West 3, (02) 6953 6583

Information packages: Administrative Services Coordinator, (02) 9895 4600

Applications to: Human Resources Manager, NSW Fire Brigades, PO Box H4, Harris Park NSW 2150

Closing date: 30 March 2007

File reference: WES/00448

Response Coordinator, Sydney Communication Centre

Applications are invited from officers holding the rank of Inspector for Response Coordinator position/s that are or may become available in the Sydney Communication Centre.

The appointment will be for a minimum period of two years. Appointment will involve an interview by a selection panel, and successful completion of a training course by the selected applicant.

This position attracts an allowance of $326.96 per fortnight which is superable.

The Response Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the New South Wales Fire Brigades’ four Communication Centres on a state-wide basis. The position is directly responsible to Manager Operational Communication Centres.

Inquiries: Manager Operational Communication Centres, (02) 9318 4855

Information packages: Karen Collins, Operational Communications Administration Officer, (02) 9318 4811

Applications to: Assistant Director Operational Communications, NSW Fire Brigades, 189 Wyndham Street, Alexandria NSW 2015

Closing date: 30 March 2007

File reference: CHO/01862

Operators, Katoomba Communication Centre

In accordance with Clause 28A.6.1.3 of the Crown Employees (NSW Fire Brigades Firefighting Staff) Award 2005, applications are invited from firefighters holding the rank of Qualified Firefighter or Senior Firefighter for Operator positions that are or may become available in the Katoomba Communication Centre. Note that Stage 3 applicants are drawn from the General Regional Transfer Register.

The appointment will be for a minimum of two years.

Operators are responsible to the Supervisor for carrying out duties and tasks required to maintain a high standard of service in emergency call taking, dispatching and notification of incidents.

The position attracts an allowance of $258.72 per fortnight which is superable.

Appointment will involve an interview by a selection panel and successful completion of a training course by the selected applicant. An information package must be obtained before submitting an application. An application form included in the information pack is to be completed in full.

An eligibility list will be created for a period of six months for vacancies which may occur during this period.

Inquiries: Response Coordinator A, B, C or D, (02) 9318 4354

Information packages: Karen Collins, Operational Communications Administration Officer, (02) 9318 4811

Applications to: Administration Officer, Operational Communications, NSW Fire Brigades, 189 Wyndham Street, Alexandria NSW 2015

Closing date: 30 March 2007

File reference: CHO/01558

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Appointments

The following appointments are subject to the provisions of the Government and Related Employees Appeal Tribunal Act 1980. In some cases the maximum salary of the position may exceed the limit under which an appeal may be made to GREAT. The 21 day period for appeal commences on the date of this In Order.

Position No. Name Date of Decision

Zone Commander Metropolitan West 2 2932 B Johnson 9 February 2007

Zone Commander Regional South 2 6032 G Picken 9 February 2007

Zone Commander Regional North 2 6784 G McKinnon 9 February 2007

Zone Commander Metropolitan North 3 6201 G Adams 9 February 2007

Zone Commander Regional West 1 6470 D Felton 9 February 2007

Station Commander, Orange 7503 M Jeffery 12 January 2007

Recruit Instructor, OS2 6935 C Lawson 16 February 2007

Recruit Firefighters

Correction

The appointments of 9176 N Hutchinson and 9177 J Hendricks on 19 January 2007 in In Orders 2007/2 should have read:

9176 N Hutcheson

9177 J Hendriks

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Promotions

Inspector to Superintendent

6032 G Picken 9 February 2007

6784 G McKinnon 9 February 2007

6201 G Adams 9 February 2007

6470 D Felton 9 February 2007

Firefighter Level 3 to Qualified Firefighter

8458 W Curran 31 January 2007

Firefighter Level 2 to Qualified Firefighter

8637 R Pauling 31 October 2006

8670 J Brown 2 January 2007

8654 B Abbott 2 January 2007

8682 A Coe 14 January 2007

Correction

The promotion of 8692 A Chalmers in In Order 2006/28 is rescinded.

Firefighter Level 1 to Level 2

8754 D Vidler 9 February 2007

8775 M Grunske 7 January 2007

8786 C Matuschka 7 January 2007

8787 J Markou 2 5 January 2007

RETAINED FIREFIGHTERS NOTICES

New members appointed to Brigades

W Wrigley Coonamble 1 November 2006

C Kentwell Warren 15 November 2006

A J Grieve Bathurst 15 December 2006

R J Hamstead Bathurst 15 December 2006

R Pettet Coolah 15 December 2006

W Nisbet Hay 15 December 2006

L P Corcoran Orange 15 December 2006

J Green Bombala 1 January 2007

L Hampshire Bombala 1 January 2007

C Riles Boorowa 1 January 2007

C Burke Broken Hill 1 January 2007

D J Wright Glenbrook 1 January 2007

J L Coleman Portland 1 January 2007

J Bianchini Yenda 15 January 2007

A Blackadder South Grafton 15 January 2007

R Pender South Grafton 15 January 2007

P Heggen Ballina 1 February 2007

P Hyland Narrabri 1 February 2007

J Turner Narrabri 1 February 2007

P Johnson Grafton 1 February 2007

G Harrison Hay 1 February 2007

T Payne Hay 1 February 2007

A Bardot Merriwa 1 February 2007

J R Collins Wentworth Falls 1 February 2007

J Brown Toukley 1 February 2007

S Mead Morpeth 15 February 2007

D Ferguson Goonellabah 15 February 2007

K Rose Warialda 15 February 2007

Appointed to Ranks

RetF I Thorpe Moss Vale Deputy Captain 1 January 2007

RetF C Carr Cootamundra Deputy Captain 15 January 2007

RetF S Delander Cobar Deputy Captain 15 January 2007

RetF J J Simpson Alstonville Deputy Captain 15 January 2007

RetF D W Dickie Mullumbimby Deputy Captain 15 January 2007

RetF M J Muscat West Wallsend Deputy Captain 1 February 2007

DCapt L Kiddle Helensburgh Captain 15 February 2007

These appointments are subject to the provisions of the Government and Related Employees Appeal Tribunal Act 1980. The 21 day period for appeal commences from the date of this In Order.

Appointed to Engine Keeper’s positions

RetF J A Gransaull Mullumbimby 15 January 2007

RetF M K Munn Tamworth 1 February 2007

These appointments are subject to the provisions of the Government and Related Employees Appeal Tribunal Act 1980. The 21 day period for appeal commences from the date of this In Order.

Transfers

RetF J Rowland Picton to Richmond 1 December 2006

RetF P Ellison Yenda Cobar 1 January 2007

RetF O Berry Trangie Delroy 1 January 2007

RetF H Stuart Yass Singleton 1 January 2007

RetF J R Gordon Molong Coffs Harbour 1 January 2007

RetF D G Cook Port Macquarie Wauchope 1 January 2007

RetF C T Whiteman Inverell Nelson Bay 15 January 2007

RetF B J Newell Laurieton Kurri Kurri 15 January 2007

RetF L O Jamieson Wallsend Umina 1 February 2007

RetF J J Young Belmont West Wallsend 1 February 2007

RetF W B Mant Wyong Toukley 1 February 2007

RetF J Gale Bourke Dubbo 1 February 2007

RetF M L Symonds Grafton Yamba 1 February 2007

RetF P A Elliott Coonabarabran Murwillumbah 1 February 2007

RetF G O L’Estrange South Tamworth West Tamworth 1 February 2007

RetF B Currey Coledale Corrimal 1 February 2007

Termination

Correction

The resignation of RetF N B Slater in In Orders 2007/2 should have been listed as a termination, as follows:

RetF N B Slater Alstonville 31 December 2006

Resignations

DCapt B C Birks Cobar 31 October 2006

RetF K A McAuley Singleton 13 November 2006

RetF K H Brown Scone 21 November 2006

RetF N R McCall Gulgong 28 November 2006

RetF W D Holman Richmond 30 November 2006

RetF C G Wein Cardiff 30 November 2006

RetF I W Churchill Nambucca Heads 30 November 2006

RetF R Calder Albion Park Rail 1 December 2006

RetF G McCann Kiama 1 December 2006

RetF A L Jeans Richmond 3 December 2006

RetF D J Duffy Gilgandra 4 December 2006

RetF D B Durie Leura 4 December 2006

RetF J L R Foureur Stockton 12 December 2006

RetF L M Schepisi Raymond Terrace 16 December 2006

DCapt J F Cook Alstonville 18 December 2006

DCapt D C Dempsey Tweed River 20 December 2006

DCapt M Maku Mullumbimby 31 December 2006

Retirements

Capt W E Donehue Balranald 15 December 2006

DCapt K Maughan South Grafton 17 December 2006

Transferred to Honorary List

Capt W E Donehue Balranald 16 December 2006

DCapt K Maughan South Grafton 18 December 2006

Greg Mullins AFSM

Commissioner

16 February 2007