The Australian Fire Service Medal was established by Her Majesty the Queen in 1988 to recognise distinguished service by members of Australian fire services.

The Medal is part of the Australian Honours system. Recipients of this award are entitled to use the post-nominals AFSM.

In the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2007, medals were awarded to the following members of the NSW Fire Brigades:

Superintendent Gary Meers AFSM

Superintendent Keith King AFSM

Station Officer Alan Walker AFSM

Station Officer William Clifford AFSM

Captain Vincent Oliver AFSM

Congratulations are extended to these members on their well-deserved awards.

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

File Reference: NFB/00139

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Public Service Medal

The Public Service Medal was established by Her Majesty the Queen in 1989 to recognise outstanding service by members of Australian Public Services (Commonwealth, State and Territory) and other government employees including those in local government.

The Medal is part of the Australian Honours system. Recipients of this award are entitled to use the post-nominals PSM.

In the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2007, a medal was awarded to the following member of the Human Resources Division of the NSW Fire Brigades:

Mr Stuart Henderson PSM

Congratulations are extended to Mr Henderson on his well-deserved award.

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

File Reference: CHO/00041

POLICIES

Domestic smoke alarms policy

1. Introduction

Under Clause 146A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and Division 7A of Part 9 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, smoke alarms are required in all buildings in NSW where people sleep. The smoke alarms must meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 3786, Smoke alarms. These provisions came into effect on 1 May 2006.

The legislation provides for a minimum level of protection. The NSW Fire Brigades supports this legislation and recommends that owners and occupants consider higher levels of protection than the minimum requirements.

2. Background

This policy is based on current knowledge about smoke alarm performance. This is the subject of ongoing research. The basis of much of this research is the US National Institute of Standards’ research into the performance of home smoke alarms, available at http://smokealarm.nist.gov/. This policy may change following further research into the performance of smoke alarms in the Australian environment.

3. Scope and application

A smoke alarm is a device that contains both a means of detecting smoke and a device for sounding an alarm. A domestic smoke alarm is one manufactured principally for use in the home.

This policy applies to domestic smoke alarms installed in residential accommodation. Residential accommodation includes buildings defined by the Building Code of Australia as Class 1a or Class 1b buildings, sole occupancy units in Class 2, 3, 4 or 9a buildings, and temporary accommodation, such as tents, boats and caravans.

4. Types of alarms

There are two main types of domestic smoke alarms available in the market: photoelectric and ionisation. The alarms work in different ways to detect smoke. Both types are capable of meeting Australian Standard AS 3786.

Photoelectric alarms appear to provide a faster warning than ionisation alarms in most circumstances, and there is little appreciable difference in performance during flaming fires.

To maximise the opportunity for early warning in all fire scenarios, the NSWFB recommends the installation of photoelectric alarms, hard wired and interconnected, in all residential accommodation. If only installing one alarm, it should be a photoelectric alarm.

In paths of travel between sleeping areas and exits to the open air or to common corridors, photoelectric alarms should be installed.

5. Minimum requirements

From 1 May 2006 all residential accommodation in NSW is required by law to have at least one working smoke alarm per floor.

All smoke alarms installed in residential accommodation in NSW must meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 3786.

6. Location of smoke alarms

If only one smoke alarm per floor is installed, the NSWFB recommend that this be a photoelectric smoke alarm installed between the sleeping area and the living area.

In addition to the minimum legislative requirement of at least one smoke alarm per floor, the NSWFB recommends the installation of smoke alarms in the following locations:

Building type	Smoke alarm locations
Single dwellings (Class 1a)	· outside all sleeping areas · inside all bedrooms if the occupant/s sleep with the door closed · in all paths of travel between sleeping areas and exits to the open air
Buildings containing two or more separate dwellings (Class 2 and Class 4)	· outside all sleeping areas · inside all bedrooms if the occupant/s sleep with the door closed · in all paths of travel between sleeping areas and exits to common corridors
Multi-level dwellings	· (in addition to the above) in the path of travel between each level

Where there is a passageway leading to the bedrooms, install the alarm at the end closer to the living area and before the first bedroom door.

Where the bedroom doors are closed, additional smoke alarms should be installed in the bedrooms, interconnected where possible to the alarms in the passageway and other parts of the dwelling.

If there is no passageway, and the bedrooms open directly from the living area, install the alarm outside each bedroom 900 mm from the doorway. For additional protection, also install alarms in each bedroom.

If there are bedrooms at both ends of the house, where possible, install interconnected alarms in the passageways to each of these areas.

Where there are two or more storeys, smoke alarms must be installed on each level and interconnected if possible.

Near kitchens and bathrooms, install photoelectric alarms. Research indicates that photoelectric alarms are less likely to produce false alarms than ionisation alarms in these areas.

Consider the effects of air conditioners, heaters, fans and other temperature control devices. Do not install smoke alarms where these devices will compromise their effectiveness.

Note: Features which facilitate smoke spread, such as ducted air conditioning systems, may require the installation of additional, interconnected smoke alarms.

7. Power supply

The NSWFB recommends that smoke alarms installed in permanent residential accommodation should be hard wired to the mains power supply. Hard wired smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarms that rely solely on power supplied by a removable 9 volt battery provide protection only if the battery is properly installed and regularly replaced. Research indicates that failure to properly install or replace a smoke alarm battery is a frequent cause of smoke alarm failure. The NSWFB therefore recommends installing hard wired smoke alarms wherever possible.

8. Interconnection

The NSWFB recommends the interconnection of hard wired smoke alarms. Interconnection ensures that, regardless of where a fire starts, all smoke alarms in the dwelling will sound.

If the occupants sleep with the doors closed, interconnected smoke alarms are strongly recommended. Children’s bedrooms should have a smoke alarm interconnected to the parent’s bedroom alarm, as children sleep more soundly than adults.

9. Domestic sprinklers

The presence of a domestic sprinkler system in a dwelling does not reduce the need for installation of smoke alarms in accordance with this policy. The NSWFB strongly recommends the installation of domestic sprinklers as well as smoke alarms.

10. Temporary accommodation

In temporary accommodation, such as tents, boats and caravans, smoke alarms should be installed in all sleeping areas. Where 240 volt power is unavailable or impractical, use battery powered smoke alarms.

11. Smoke alarms for the deaf and hearing impaired

Smoke alarms with sensory stimulation devices other than standard audible devices should be installed in accommodation occupied by the deaf or hearing impaired.

12. Escape plans

Most adults with normal hearing will be woken by a smoke alarm, but children under 16, elderly people and people with hearing impairments may not. All families should develop and practice a home fire escape plan. Adults will need to wake children and help them to escape the fire.

13. Maintenance

Smoke alarms should be maintained in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1851.

14. Life expectancy

Smoke alarms should be replaced when the service life date is reached (usually 10 years) or when the alarm ceases to operate correctly. The service life date should be clearly indicated on the base of each smoke alarm.

15. Disposal

Ionisation smoke alarms should be disposed of in accordance with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s guidelines on Radioactivity in domestic smoke alarms. In most cases ionisation smoke alarms in quantities of less than ten may be disposed of in domestic waste. Larger quantities must be treated as radioactive waste and disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Photoelectric alarms in any quantity may be disposed of in domestic waste.

16. Further information

For further, more detailed, information on domestic smoke alarms, see the smoke alarm information on the NSWFB’s Internet site.

Contact Officer: Chief Superintendent Steven Pearce, Assistant Director Community and Corporate Risk Management, (02) 9742 7127

File Reference: CHO/00713 and DRM/POL/000077

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Military leave for permanent firefighters

This instruction rescinds In Orders 1981/27, Leave of absence - members of the Defence Forces Reserves.

1. Scope and application

1.1 This instruction applies to permanent firefighters who are members of the Australian Defence Force Reserves, ie are employed on a part time basis by the Navy, Army or Air Force.

2. Notification requirements

2.1 If you are a member of the Defence Force Reserves, you should notify the NSWFB of your status:

· when joining the NSWFB, or

· when you enlist in the Australian Defence Force Reserves

whichever event is later.

2.2 To ensure that you can be contacted in an emergency, and to assist with the administration of your military leave entitlements, you should provide the Manager Operational Personnel with the following information:

· Defence PM Keys number

· full name

· military unit name

· Defence Service (Navy, Army, Air Force), and

· enlistment date.

3. Leave entitlement

3.1 Permanent firefighters who are members of the Defence Force Reserves are entitled to military leave on full pay for compulsory annual training, schools, classes, courses of instruction, or compulsory parades on the following basis:

Service	Leave entitlement per financial year
Navy	148 hours
Army	160 hours
Air Force	182 hours

3.2 If a public holiday falls within a period of military leave, you will be allowed an additional 8 hours military leave provided the public holiday coincides with a rostered working shift.

3.3 The NSWFB may also grant special leave of up to one shift (or one day in the case of day workers) to attend medical examinations and tests required for acceptance as a Reservist.

3.4 If your Commanding Officer certifies in writing that it is necessary for you to attend obligatory training on days additional to your entitlement in 3.1 above, the NSWFB may grant you additional military leave for up to 24 hours in any one year.

3.5 If you require any further leave, you may choose to take it from your consolidated, annual or long service leave balance or as leave without pay.

4. NSWFB operational requirements

4.1 If operational requirements dictate that it would not be in the public interest for the NSWFB to grant you military leave at a particular time, leave will be made available for you to attend an equivalent training opportunity at another time.

5. How to apply for leave

5.1 Military leave should be applied for at least 24 hours before commencement of the leave, and earlier if possible so that relieving arrangements can be made.

5.2 To apply for leave:

· check your entitlements under section 3

· ensure you have sufficient military leave available

· complete the Application for military leave form available on Station Portal

· attach a signed Letter of request/authorisation provided by an authorised officer of your military unit that gives your:

· name

· PM Keys number

· military unit name

· intended general activity and intended general location (if Unclassified), and

· the dates required

· have your application endorsed by your Station Commander/supervisor, and

· submit your application to your Duty Commander/manager for approval.

Contact Officer: Acting Chief Superintendent Marcus Baker, Acting Assistant Director Operational Personnel, (02) 9265 2869

File Reference: NFB/00335

GENERAL

Overt video surveillance at the New South Wales Police Aviation Support Branch

All personnel are advised that the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) has recently installed overt video surveillance cameras at the Police Aviation Support Branch at Bankstown airport.

The NSWPF has installed the surveillance cameras for the purpose of added security for Police, personal property and aircraft.

The NSWFB does not have access to the surveillance data and is not using the NSWPF cameras to conduct surveillance of NSWFB employees. However, all NSWFB personnel should be aware that if the NSWPF makes a complaint of misconduct against a NSWFB employee or charges a NSWFB employee with an offence, the surveillance data may be used by the NSWPF as evidence.

NSWFB personnel who are concerned about privacy issues at the Police Aviation Support Branch may contact the NSWFB Manager Counter Terrorism/Aviation for advice on
(02) 9318 4879.

Privacy complaints should be sent to the Professional Standards and Conduct Officer.

Contact Officer: Superintendent Steven Baker, Manager Counter Terrorism/Aviation, (02) 9318 4879

File Reference: CHO/05572 and CHO/07130

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Submission of AIRS Incident Reports for 2006/07 Annual Report

The NSW Fire Brigades’ Annual Report to Parliament includes statistics on responses by each fire station. This information is compiled from the AIRS forms submitted by stations, and indicates to Government and the community the NSWFB’s workload and its performance.

To make sure that your station responses are correctly reported in the Annual Report, AIRS Incident Reports, including Attendance Reports for all incidents up to 30 June 2007 should be entered on computer and ‘sent’ back to the central database by 14 July 2007.

Reports submitted after this date cannot be included in the 2006/07 Annual Report. Any station with AIRS reports not submitted by 14 July 2007 will be shown as having attended fewer than its actual number of calls.

Contact Officer: Susan Broomhall, A/Manager Strategic Information Services,
(02) 9265 2808

File Reference: CHO/01499

ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT STAFF NOTICES

Vacancy

Recruitment Officer, Clerk Grade 3/4

Position No: 742010. Clerk Grade 3/4, Head Office, permanent full–time. Total remuneration package valued to $62,569 pa including salary, ($51,784 - $56,701) employer’s contribution to superannuation and leave loading.

Duties: The Recruitment Officer is responsible for administering and participating in recruitment processes, ensuring that they are implemented efficiently and effectively in accordance with NSWFB and government policy and legislative requirements.

Selection criteria: Sound knowledge of and experience in computer based applications (eg Word, Excel, etc) and databases, and the ability to work with e-recruitment systems to improve efficiency and to manage the high volume of work. Good organisational and administrative skills with the ability to set priorities in a high volume working environment with competing demands, and work accurately within tight and fixed deadlines. Good interpersonal skills, oral and written communication, with the ability to effectively deal with clients at all levels and with the general public. Experience in the delivery of recruitment services within a team environment. Ability to participate in the development, preparation and distribution of information to a wide range of clients. Understanding of employment and human resource related legislation, industrial instruments and statutory requirements, and current recruitment trends and issues. Common selection criteria also apply.

Inquiries: Annabel Daley, (02) 9265 2940, annabel.daley@fire.nsw.gov.au

Information packages: Tamryn Russell, (02) 9265 2632, tamryn.russell@fire.nsw.gov.au

Applications to: Senior Recruitment Officer, NSW Fire Brigades, PO Box A249, Sydney South NSW 1232 or online at www.jobs.nsw.gov.au. Electronic applications must be MS Word compatible

Closing date: 6 July 2007

PERMANENT FIREFIGHTERS NOTICES

Vacancies

Manager Community Safety and Engagement

Applications are invited from operational personnel for the position of Manager, Community Safety and Engagement, Operational Support Level 4, at Greenacre.

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

Inquiries: Chief Superintendent Steven Pearce, Assistant Director Corporate and Community Risk, 0407 244 008 or (02) 9742 7127

Information packages: May Levy, (02) 9742 7455

Applications to: Manager Operational Personnel, NSW Fire Brigades, PO Box A249, Sydney South NSW 1232

Closing date: 3 August 2007

File reference: OPS/00347

Supervisor, Newcastle Communication Centre

In accordance with Clause 28A.6.1.1 of the Crown Employees (NSW Fire Brigades Firefighting Staff) Award 2005, applications are invited from operational personnel holding the rank of Station Officer for Supervisor positions that are or may become available in the Newcastle Communication Centre.

The appointment will be for a minimum period of two years.

This position attracts an allowance of $291.76 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 application form included in the information pack is to be completed in full.

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

Inquiries: Response Coordinator, Sydney Communication Centre,
(02) 9318 4354

Information packages: Amy Piddington, (02) 9318 4811

Applications to: Manager Operational Personnel, NSW Fire Brigades, PO Box A249, Sydney South NSW 1232

Closing date: 3 August 2007

File reference: CHO/01559-1

Appointment

The following appointment is 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

Station Commander Queanbeyan

7637

J Murphy

6 April 2007

Promotions

Qualified Firefighter to Senior Firefighter

5541 P Baggs 22 June 2007

Firefighter Level 3 to Qualified Firefighter

8488 L McNally 12 June 2007

Firefighter Level 1 to Firefighter Level 2

8841 T Hind 27 May 2007

8846 G Bertoldi 27 May 2007

Retirements

5661 Station Officer G Cogle 7 June 2007

6851 Qualified Firefighter P Horton 7 June 2007

7165 Senior Firefighter J Warner 7 June 2007

RETAINED FIREFIGHTERS NOTICES

New members appointed to Brigades

P Landrigan Coolamon 1 June 2007

A Byrne Broken Hill South 1 June 2007

R Sharpe Carrington 1 June 2007

D Corkill Blackheath 15 June 2007

D Templeton Weston 15 June 2007

D McHardie Cobar 15 June 2007

S Dalton Port Macquarie 15 June 2007

L Rice Bourke 15 June 2007

Correction

The appointment of RetF C Whiles in In Orders 2007/13 should have read:

C Whiles Junee 1 June 2007

Relinquishment of ranks

RetF T Terry Trangie Deputy Captain 22 May 2007

RetF S Hansen Saratoga Captain 15 June 2007

Appointed to Ranks

RetF C Jones Cobar Deputy Captain 15 June 2007

RetF J Merritt Helensburgh Deputy Captain 15 June 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 S Hansen Saratoga to West Wyalong 15 June 2007

RetF T Stockwell Umina Terrigal 15 June 2007

RetF R Sloane Ingleburn Narellan 15 June 2007

RetF R Brain Trangie Dubbo 15 June 2007

RetF D Brown Walgett Quirindi 15 June 2007

Resignation

RetF L Robson Coraki 20 May 2007

Greg Mullins AFSM

Commissioner

22 June 2007