Suspension of Compartment Fire Behaviour Training
Until an external health and safety assessment can be undertaken, I have suspended all CFBT. My decision was based on the concerns of NSWFB staff regarding the health and safety aspects of the smoke produced during CFBT evolutions. As soon as this decision was made, I advised the Union and offered to provide any information required.
The next part of the process is for an independent accredited company to conduct a health and safety investigation, and I have asked that this be expedited. The assessment will involve a full audit and health assessment of CFBT and control measures in place to protect fire fighters from smoke and containments, followed by a health, safety, and environmental assessment of all NSWFB owned training sites. As more information becomes available, staff will be advised.
Executive and Regional Restructure update
The restructure is progressing on track with the new Area Commanders to be appointed before December. During November and December administrative staff will be redeployed to the new Zone Offices and the current Regional Offices will cease operation. Any interim arrangements involving those offices will also cease at that time.
Please be aware that the old region phone lists have been deleted from the Intranet because they do not reflect the current structure, and I encourage everyone to use the online phone book to contact NSWFB staff. It is essential that all staff keep their contact details on the Online Phone Book up to date by accessing Electronic Self Service through Station Portal on the intranet. (Note that location information within the Online Phone Book is automatically updated from StarGarden and this will reflect the new structure in the future.)
Coroner Praises Emergency Services
It was pleasing to see the NSW Deputy State Coroner, praise the actions of NSWFB units who responded to a fatal construction site accident in Lake Cargelligo in 2002. The Brigades’ response comprised 355 Lake Cargelligo, 259 Condobolin, 360 Leeton, CID Peer Debriefer, Urban Search and Rescue Reconnaissance Team, Deputy Manager Rescue, BA HAZMAT Technician, and Zone Commander West 7 Leeton.
The Deputy Coroner issued a statement praising the actions of all emergency services involved in the incident, stating: "The rescue and retrieval of the men who fell into the tower was faultless. All emergency personnel who attended the scene to either treat the living or retrieve the dead are to be commended."
I can only add my congratulations to these comments, a difficult job well done by all the units concerned.
State Firefighter Championships
As you are aware, the State Championships commence on Sunday in Port Macquarie. I am looking forward to once again watching (and joining in) the Championships and soaking up the great atmosphere that accompanies the competition. I would like to wish all 35 teams competing the best of luck, and hope to have the chance to speak with as many of you as I can during the week’s activities. An important part of the Championships is community education and hundreds of school students and thousands of visitors will participate in Fire ED and firefighting and rescue demonstrations. It is a great chance to show off the training and capabilities that make the NSWFB one of the best fire and rescue services in the world.
Launch of revamped Fire ED
I had the pleasure of joining Station Officer Greg Hopcroft and crew from 90 Menai, Chief Superintendent Paul Rugg, Minister for Emergency Services Tony Kelly, Menai MP Alison Meggarity, and a class of young primary school students at the launch of the revamped Fire ED program at Alfords Point Public School on Thursday 19 October. Fire ED is one of the most valuable community safety services that we perform. The new brighter Fire ED program is more appealing to children, with simple props including games, signs and flash cards containing important fire safety messages. I have no doubt that the time and effort firefighters put in to attending their local primary schools has saved the lives of many children over the years. It is a measure of the trust that firefighters enjoy in the community that students readily listen, believe and follow the lessons that are presented during Fire ED.
A new Fire ED station template is also available on the intranet.
New Bushfire research released
The Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre has released new research based on previous bushfires that shows that people who are well prepared for fire and stay to defend their homes are more likely to survive than those who stay and then flee at the last moment.
This research, in conjunction with the most recent Australian Fire Season outlook that suggests the likelihood of this bushfire season being a particularly bad one, once again highlights the need for members of the community to take appropriate precautions this summer.
I ask every firefighter to do what you can to spread the word on bushfire safety this summer. See the preparation for bushfire template media release on the intranet.
Jindabyne send off
On Saturday it was my pleasure to attend a retirement function at Jindabyne for recently retired Captain Charles Parker, and Deputy Captain Brian Farmer. Charles and Brian were the inaugural Captain and Deputy Captain when the Brigade was first formed in 1980, and have forged an excellent team since then. Local dignitaries, emergency services representatives and Brigade members gave Charles and Brian a warm send off.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that fleet management has decided to discontinue with LPG fuelled vehicles as part of the fleet due to the stowage of the spare wheel?
Response: No. In accord with government directives on fleet management which take into account environmental factors and cost effective use of vehicles, LPG, Hybrid or other alternative fuelled vehicles will always be an option. They are assessed for suitability in the same manner as other vehicles and must meet the functional requirements for the particular application. A risk assessment has been conducted and LPG fuelled vehicles have been determined to be safe for most NSWFB uses.
Rumour: Is it true that the Commissioner is going to be sending water tankers down the South Coast into firefighting situations without having any mobile telephones installed?
Response: The NSWFB uses the GRN radio network for communications in the first instance. All appliances are fitted with GRN radios and firefighters are issued with hand held GRN radios. Mobile phones are currently installed in some appliances and there is now a program to install more, especially in regional NSW. Strike Team Commanders are issued with contingency mobile phones for use if they do not already have a NSWFB mobile phone. If there is a need for additional phones during major emergencies, they will be rapidly provided.
Rumour: Apparently our female union representatives are pushing for employment on a permanent/part-time basis. How would this effect station staffing and how far down the track have discussions taken place with the union?
Response: Firstly, the “push” is not coming from “female union representatives”. Arising out of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission's decision in the Family Provisions Test Case 2005, the NSWFB has established a working party looking at part time work options for permanent firefighting staff with carer responsibilities. Both men and women are in this position. In Addition I note, on 14 September 2006, the FBEU held a Special General Meeting. Amongst a number of issues, a part time roster was proposed. This proposal was supported (see FBEU Notice dated 15 September 2006), and discussions are taking place regarding a possible trial.
Rumour: Is it true that the Equipment Development Unit is currently trialling a new type of fighting ensemble that has an inflatable life jacket fitted? Is this because a retained firefighter from a mid-north coast station fell into an in-ground swimming pool at a house fire in full PPE and SCBA and had to be rescued by Police?
Response: No. However a petty cash receipt for a pair of ‘floaties’ was queried by the accounts section.
INCIDENTS
Who says we just push buttons in the city - The Rocks D platoon come to the rescue
Interconnected sub-stations complicate firefighting
EVENTS
Commissioner tours south-western NSW
Firies racing for charity
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