COMMISH’S CORNER

Friday 16 November 2007 Number 426. NSWFB
The Rumour Mill No (02) 9265 2627

CURRENT NATIONAL SECURITY ALERT LEVEL : MEDIUM

Redfern fire

Firefighters did an excellent job at a 3rd Alarm fire involving a three storey building at Redfern yesterday. The crew from 10 Redfern arrived within three minutes of receiving the call, and immediately commenced search and rescue as people were trapped on an upper level. Four people were rescued and 13 Alexandria commenced first aid as the victims were removed. Congratulations to officers and firefighters from 10 Redfern, 13 Alexandria, 5 Newtown, 1 City of Sydney, 18 Glebe, 38 Pyrmont, 9 BA/Hazmat, 26 Mascot, and the Incident Management Team who responded.

Station visits

This week I spent three days in the Northern Rivers area visiting firefighters and discussing the challenges and issues impacting these communities. In particular the issues are population growth, hazmat issues on the Pacific Highway, and rescue response. My thanks to Chief Supt Rob Lindsay, Supt Gary McKinnon, and all of the officers and firefighters from 14 stations as far a field as Gloucester, Dorrigo, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Tweed Heads for their warm welcome and valuable discussions. I now have a far better grasp of current and future service delivery needs and issues in the north of the state.

Climate Change Seminars

I?m pleased to see that many staff from Head Office and Greenacre have now attended Climate Change Seminars. Deputy Commissioner Ken Thompson, and Environmental Risk Officer Shannon Heathcote have put many hours into preparing information and valuable insights into this growing issue. It is important that we all work together and find ways to refine our working practices and minimise our own carbon footprint. The next session is for staff at Alexandria on 20-21 November; please ensure you have your manager's permission to attend before sending your RSVP to Maria James on 9265 2905 or maria.james@fire.nsw.gov.au. The seminars will be rolled out across areas and zones in the New Year.

It was also interesting to note some 28,000 Sydney-siders marched in the annual Walk Against Warming march on Sunday 12 November to show their support for action on climate change.

Biofuels - (Petrol E10)

The NSW Government has a green fuel initiative that promotes the use of E10 Ethanol blended fuel in place of regular unleaded petrol. On 1 October 2007 The Biofuel (Ethanol Content) Act 2007 and Regulation 2007 was introduced to ensure that at least 2% of the total volume of petrol sold or delivered by primary wholesalers throughout NSW contains ethanol. Outlets for Biofuel will become more widely available following the introduction of the Act and users of NSWFB vehicles should use Biofuels wherever it?s available. For more information about purchasing Biofuels from government contract suppliers please refer to In Orders 2007/06 Ethanol Fuel for Minor Fleet Vehicles. In the case where Shell or BP cards have been issued Biofuels can be purchased with unleaded fuel cards.

Injury Research

Each month, injuries due to body stressing, slips, trips and falls make up more than 60% of all employee injuries. Over the past 5 years, these types of injuries have increased by 26%. More recently, there has also been a trend identified with injuries being caused while moving around appliances.

The Health and Safety Branch, along with the NSWFB's insurers, Allianz, are investigating these target areas more closely with the aim to identify tasks that are frequently associated with these sorts of injuries. The outcomes of the investigation will assist in evaluating techniques, training and redesign where required in order to reduce the number and severity of such injuries.

Budgewoi Fire Station

Last Friday I attended the official opening of the refurbishment of 245 Budgewoi. The renovations and extensions have significantly improved the amenities and facilities at the station, with a second storey addition including a recreation room, training area, staff facilities and change room. I also had the pleasure of presenting Captain Bruce Simpson with the Second Clasp to his National medal which recognises his long service and dedication to protecting life and property. The event was also a time for us to remember one of our fallen colleagues, retained firefighter Phillip Viles, who died in the line of duty while involved in a search and rescue at a house fire in 2004. For more information, see the intranet story.

Centenary of the Campsie Fire Brigade

On Saturday I attended the centenary celebration of the 52 Campsie with Local Member for Canterbury, Linda Burney, Campsie firefighters and members of the community. The event was an opportunity to thank all the firefighters past and present who have served the Campsie community since the Brigade was formed in October 1907. For more information, see the intranet story.

New Class 2 pumper for Yenda Fire Station

Last Saturday, the Mayor of Griffith City Council, Councillor Dino Zappacosta officially handed over the keys to a new Class 2 pumper to Captain Ken Brasington of 512 Yenda. For more information, see the intranet story.

Two new Inspectors for NSWFB

On Tuesday 6 November it was my pleasure to present Inspectors Murray West and Rob Jansen with their white helmets and epaulettes. Both Inspector West and Inspector Jansen have been with the NSWFB since 1985 and their skills and experience are a major asset to the Brigades. For more information, see the intranet story.

Pride of Workmanship Award

Congratulations to 59 Eastwood C Platoon for being awarded the Pride of Workmanship Award by the Rotary Club of Eastwood on Tuesday 30 October. The award was presented to C Platoon for their dedication and commitment to the NSWFB and the local community. It is gratifying to see this community recognition of the NSWFB.

Bodybuilding champion

Congratulations to firefighter Luke Schembri from 67 Northmead who won the International Federation of Bodybuilding?s Australian heavy weight title at the end of October. Luke?s commitment and dedication to the sport for the last four years is admirable. We wish Luke all the best in the sport and in future competitions.

Regional Operations Newsletter

The October edition of the Regional Operations Newsletter is now available online. For more information, see the intranet story.

RUMOUR MILL

Rumour: Is it true that moves are being made to have the NSWFB supply a primary rescue unit in the Wyong district to support the VRA and that a dual response will occur in the future?

Response:
No. The State Rescue Board has recently adopted draft service delivery standards which District Rescue Committees will be asked to report on. There has been no suggestion that the Wyong VRA is unable to meet these standards and it is important that the NSWFB works harmoniously and cooperatively with other emergency services.

Rumour: Is it true that a performance review is being undertaken into the workings of the Ambulance Service, and that the terms now include all three fulltime rescue services and will now look at which rescue service is in the best position to carry out land rescue?

Response:
It is correct that a performance review into all aspects of the Ambulance Service of NSW has recently been initiated. However the terms of reference do not mention other services nor do they specifically mention the rescue role. The NSWFB has been invited to meet with the review team.

Rumour: Is it true that the NSWFB pays the Salvation Army $20/head for meals at the fireground, that's $20 per person they feed?

Response: While we usually use the Salvation Army to provide meals at the fireground for major incidents, the amount paid varies and is in line with that charged by major commercial contractors. The provision of fireground meals is under urgent review. Part of the review process will be incorporation of the latest information on firefighter hydration and nutrition needs.

INCIDENTS
Firefighters from Albury respond to train fire


EVENTS
ComSafe trains Chinese specialists in confined spaces
Harden Rescue Exercise
Pink Ribbon Day
Art donation for Training College
Bathurst 1000
Firefighters from 306 Grafton brief the RFS on NSWFB's hazmat capabilities
Firefighters from 257 Coffs Harbour launch new retained recruitment campaign

 


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