A Government of Western Australia Department of Fire & Emergency Services Operations

OPERATIONAL CIRCULAR 57/2015 File: 22391

AUGUST 2015

Clandestine Laboratories - GET OUT AND STAY OUT

Department of Fire & Emergency S•rvf~s

DFES have partnered with Western Australia Police and St John Ambulance in an effort to raise first responder awareness of the dangers of Clandestine Drug Laboratories and the hazards involved in Illicit Drug Manufacture Sites (IDMS). Clandestine Drug Laboratories pose serious health hazards to first responders. A typical site contains both toxic and volatile chemicals and materials.

The key message from the campaign is "GET OUT AND STAY OUT". Posters highlighting the indicators of an IDMS and appropriate actions to take have been produced in support of this campaign.

Hard copy A3 versions of the poster will be delivered directly to CFRS and VFRS stations where the risk of encountering an IDMS is most likely. Additional posters will be sent to DFES Regional Offices for distribution to brigades, groups and units as appropriate or on request. To assist with promoting the "GET OUT AND STAY OUT" message, DFES staff, career and volunteers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the indicators of an IDMS, what to do and what not to do on encountering an IDMS.

An electronic version of the "GET OUT STAY OUT POSTER" and information regarding Clandestine Drug Laboratories is available on the DFES intranet:

• Illicit Drug Manufacture Sites (IDMS) Poster.pdf • SOP 3.17 .5 - Clandestine Drug Laboratories • Clandestine Laboratory Information Presentation

For further enquiries or additional poster orders please contact District Officer David Gill, Manager Hazmat/CBRN on (08) 9395 9595 or David.Gill@dfes.wa.gov.au

STEVE FEWSTER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CAPABILITY

A IB IC ID I Vol 0.1.C. is to read this circular to all station personnel and discuss. Then sign the approoriate box above to confirm that this has been completed

~ Government of Western Australia Department of Fire & Emergency Services Operations

OPERATIONAL CIRCULAR 56/2015 File: 22391

AUGUST 2015

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT GROUPS

~-

DFES Department of Fire & Ernerg.ncy Strvleea

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has undergone a range of structural changes since 2012. These changes have been implemented with the intention of improving service delivery to the Western Australian community and the fire and emergency services staff and volunteers who support them.

An important part of successfully managing change is the involvement of operational personnel and the development of systems and structures which support their response. In some areas this has meant that existing processes needed review and change.

One such area is the Departments approach to the provision of the range of assets necessary to equip responders to deliver the required capability; a change from an engineering focus to a user requirement or effects focus. In particular the strengthening of the role of the user in the definition of their requirements, in properly described and documented functional specifications. The Departments Operational Resource Review and Development (ORRD) Branch within Capability Command is the business area that has responsibility for the development of functional specifications. Consultation with the end user is therefore a critical role of ORRD.

In implementing new consultative structures some existing committee's such as the Volunteer Vehicle Advisory Committee (WEAC) will change or no longer be required.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES To support these changes ORRD will liaise with the VAC to establish consultation processes in the following order:

a) Fleet - in support of the Future Fleet Project, separate career and volunteer reference groups will be established to provide advice on user requirements for all vehicles provided under the Departments arrangements, including the Local Government Grants Schemes (LGGS).

b) Operational Equipment - identifying and making recommendations for future equipment to achieve identified capability requirements.

c) Operational Communications - provide an end user focus on operational communication requirements.

d) Protective Clothing and Uniforms - provide advice in identifying future clothing and uniform requirements to meet our changing operational environment.

This will see new focus groups established covering the four areas mentioned above, with representation across all operational service delivery areas. The groups will be:

• Volunteer Vehicle Advisory Group • Volunteer PPC and Uniform Advisory Group • Volunteer Operational Equipment Group • Operations Communication Sub Committee

A IB IC ID I Vol 0.1.C. is to read this circular to all station personnel and discuss. Then sign the appropriate box above to confirm that this has been completed

_mt Government of Western Australia Department of Fire & Emergency Services Operations

TERMS OF REFERENCE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE

~ DFES Departmenl of Fire & Emergency Services

Terms of Reference will be established for each group which will outline the key requirements including:

• Group Purpose, • Resolution process, • Membership and, • Voting I quorum rules

Each group will report via the Chairperson to the appropriate Steering Committee or Command Head.

TIMING Initial meetings should commence in September following confirmation of membership through Volunteer Advisory Committees and Associations. Each Groups meeting schedule will be determined at their initial meeting.

INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS Outstanding business from existing committees such as the WEAC will be assessed and either transferred to the appropriate DFES business area for management or be referred to the appropriate group in the new structure.

While recognising that many of the members of the existing committees will continue under the revised structure, DFES wishes to express its appreciation to all the volunteers who formed the advisory committees; their input has been invaluable over the years and has seen substantial advances in the equipment and vehicles available to volunteers.

STEVE FEWSTER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CAPABILITY

A IB IC ID I Vol 0 .1.C. is to read this circular to all station personnel and discuss. Then sign the appropriate box above to confirm that this has been completed

A Government of Western Australia Department of Fire & Emergency Services Operations

OPERATIONAL CIRCULAR 54/2015 File: 22391

JULY 2015

·~

DF ES lltpa"m•nt of Flro & Emergency Services

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST-VOLUNTEERS ON STATE DUTY ROSTER

To ensure DFES command, control, coordination capacity and the supporting information systems are at the highest standard, the State Duty Roster requires a sufficient number of trained staff and volunteers to support successful response operations.

To meet DFES's operational objectives, State Operations is seeking a pool of state­wide volunteers for Bushfire and Natural Hazard incidents. These personnel will fill positions in the following teams:

• State Operations Centre (SOC); • Metropolitan Operations Centre (MOC); • Regional Operations Centres (ROCs ); and • Incident Management Teams (Metro based Level 3 IMTs).

The roles within these teams are based on the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AllMS), with the following areas specifically sought for volunteer integration:

• Incident Control

• Planning

• Operations

• Logistics • Intelligence

• Public Information and

• Finance .

A general description of these functions, including a brief summary of the required background follows:

General Mandatory Skills • Ability to work under pressure • Ability to work in a team environment • Safety focussed mindset • AllMS awareness or certification • Ability to multi-task and • Capability to convey information and liaise with other functional areas.

A IB IC ID I Vol 0.1.C. is to read this ci rcular to all station personnel and discuss. Then sign the appropriate box above to confirm that this has been completed

Incident Control Function (Level 3 Teams) The management of all activities necessary for the resolution of an incident. An incident Controller is appointed for every incident and is responsible and accountable for all of the functions of incident management. Core skills are:

• Specific Incident Control experience and certification • Experience within emergency management • Experience as an Emergency Management Sector Commander • Able to present briefings and information sessions and • Understanding of risk, and risk management strategies.

Planning Function The development of objectives, strategies and plans for the resolution of an incident based on the outcomes of collection and analysis of information. The planning function provides support for the control and management of an incident. Core skills are:

• Experience with Resource (human , physical, facilities, services, material) management and or experience in any supporting roles or activities relating to resource management or

• Experience and capability in assessing (tactical, strategic) intelligence and forming strategies and plans to manage incidents or

• Understanding of risk, and risk management strategies or • Ability to collate and manage information or • Experience and capability to directing planning activities or • Experience in providing management support services or • Excellent Problem solving capabilities. • Experience in the preparation and delivery of information/reports.

Operations The tasking and application of resources to achieve resolution of an incident. Personnel involved in the operation function will generally be part of an incident management team , providing direct assistance to incident resolution . The core skills are:

• Emergency Management experience and/or qualifications or • Capability to understand and implement incident management plans or • Experience in the management of resources or • An understanding of safety relating to emergency management, including the

implementation of safety plans and processes.

Logistics: The acquisition and provision of human and physical resources, facilities, services and materials to support achievement of incident objectives. Core skills are:

• Experience with logistical (human, physical, facilities, services, material) management and or experience in any supporting roles or activities relating to logistical management

• An understanding of safety relating to emergency management, including the implementation of safety plans and processes

• Experience and capability to direct logistical activities • Experience in the preparation and delivery of information/reports.

Intelligence Function The task of collecting and analysing information or date, which is recorded and disseminated as intelligence to support decision making and planning. Core skills are:

• Experience in the gathering, processing and collation of information or • Ability to transform gathered information into meaningful intelligence or • Experience and capability to directing information gathering activities or • Experience with information display methods and technology (e.g. mapping

systems, weather systems) or • Experience in the preparation and delivery of information/reports.

Public Information: Provision of warnings, information, and advice to the public, and liaison with the media and affected communities. The public information function is focussed on gathering, assembling, and disseminating timely, tailored, and relevant information to stakeholders outside the Incident management Team. Core skills are:

• Good verbal and written communication capabilities • Experience dealing with government agencies, and the general public • Sound telephone and computer literacy.

Finance: The task of providing support for control of an incident through the management of financial activities. Core skills are:

• Experience with accounts for purchases and supplies and hire of equipment or

• Experience with Insurance and compensation for personnel, property and vehicles or

• Experience with the collection of cost data and provision of cost-effective analyses and providing cost estimates for the incident or

• Experience within general finance (invoicing, payments, accounting records) or

• Experience managing timekeeping records for staff and contractors.

Respondents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these various AllMS roles, to determine areas of suitability.

Successful applicants will integrate into existing DFES Emergency and Incident Management Teams, and be required to align with the standard rostering and on-call obligations of these teams.

Conditions Related to Volunteer Positions DFES operations commence unpredictably and there is an expectation that personnel on a roster will be available during the rostered period . To ensure effective operation of control centre the following general conditions are preferred:

• Personnel are contactable by telephone and are located within approximately 60-90 minutes road travel time of the relevant team location.

• Applicants will be placed on rotating on-call rosters and when mobilised, immediately travel to their team location.

Applicants should complete the attached form or provide the requested information electronically in support of their application. Completed applications should be submitted via email to leanne.donegan@dfes.wa.gov.au by Friday 21st August 2015.

All applicants will be advised of their application outcome by Friday 25th September 2015. An induction briefing session for the first volunteer intake will be held during October 2015.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting State Operations on telephone 9395 9674.

Thank you for your interest.

STEVE FEWSTER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CAPABILITY

Title: Mr I Mrs I Ms I Miss I Volunteer No: I Applicant's Name:

Brigade/Group/Unit Name:

CBFCO/Captain/Unit Manager Endorsement:

Telephone - Home: Work:

Telephone - Mobile:

Email Address:

TEAM: (SOC/MOC/ROC/IMT)

POSITION:

Briefly outline your experience:

5

•~ Government of Western Australia

Department of Fire & Emergency Services Operations

OPERATIONAL CIRCULAR 51/2015 File: 22391

JULY 2015

WALL COLLAPSE RISK AT INCIDENTS

~ DFES Dopartment of Fire & Emergency ServicH

Walls of buildings that have been affected by fire, storm or other impact can collapse without warning, with the potential to result in injuries or fatalities to emergency response personnel. This Operational Circular provides information on the risks of wall collapse and reinforces the requirement for an exclusion zone to be maintained wherever the risk of wall collapse is identified.

All emergency response personnel must observe exclusion zones of 1.5 x the height of any wall affected by fire or other impact.

Incidents where emergency response personnel have suffered injuries or fatalities as a result of wall collapse have occurred during both internal and external operations, meaning that choosing a defensive strategy alone is not sufficient to control the risk of wall collapse.

Affected walls may collapse with little or no warning. Any change to the structural equilibrium of a building, such as damage to support structures, is likely to affect stability. Fire presents a particularly high risk because heating of internal surfaces may cause expansion and displacement of wall materials, columns and beams, which can increase the risk of the wall collapsing.

Walls may collapse hours after impact of fire extinguishment, so the length of time a wall has remained standing should not be used as an indicator of stability. Wall collapse may also cause additional hazards such as detached power lines and other utilities. No level of personal protective equipment or clothing can protect emergency service responders from wall collapse.

Risk minimisation requires exclusion zones to be established with barrier tape and communicated to all personnel at the incident. Consideration should also be given to requesting attendance of a Safety Advisor.

Further information: SOP 3.4.10 - Structural Fire Involving Tilt-Up Construction

Urban Fire 2 - Structural Firefighting Hazards

LLOYD BAILEY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OPERATIONS

A IB IC ID I Vol 0.1.C. is to read this circular to all station personnel and discuss. Then sign the appropriate box above to confirm that this has been completed

Government of Western Australia Department of Fire & Emergency Services Operations ·

OPERATIONAL CIRCULAR 45/2015 File: 15930

JUNE 2015

T CARD AND A3 INCIDENT MANAGEMENT BOARD REVIEW

-~ DFES DeportmOllt of Fire & Eme~cy Service•

In January of this year a new set of T Cards was made available to all DFES Operational Service Groups, plus Local Government Fire Services and associated agencies.

The purpose of this re-design was to consolidate and simplify the existing T Card system while ensuring flexibility across various incident types. Accompanying the new T Cards is the re-designed A3 Incident Management Board (IMB) (previously known as the Battle Board) which reflects the current AllMS structure.

Following the summer fire season, feedback is being sought on the use of both the new T Cards and A3 Incident Management Board. This feedback will enable improvements to be made to both the equipment and the procedures for use.

Please take the time to complete a brief survey at the link below, or forward a

feedback form via the suggestions tab in Ops Resources, prior to 31st August 2015.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7HZF9PF

For further information contact Kelsie.Stanford@dfes.wa.gov.au

STEVE FEWSTER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CAPABILITY

A IB IC ID I Vol 0 .1.C. is to read this circular to all station personnel and discuss. Then sign the appropriate box above to confirm that this has been completed

Government of Western Australia Department of Fire & Emergency Services Operations

EQUIPMENT RECALL & PROHIBITION (ERAP) CIRCULAR 03/2015 File: 22390

JULY 2015

KEY PLATES (4WD TOWING DEVICE)

~ DFES Dopertment of Fire & Emtrgenty StNices

Some Brigades/Groups/Units may be in possession of Key Plates (similar or identical to the item in the illustration) as part of their Off-Road Driving vehicle recovery kit.

Key Plates were used as a method of providing an attachment point to vehicles (between the tow-ball and U-bolt) so that towing ropes or straps could be connected.

Due to the significant consequences of failure of the tow-ball assembly and plate, the use of key plates is no longer permitted. Alternative recovery methods and mechanisms have subsequently been adopted including the use of winches, recovery straps, bridle straps, and vehicle recovery points.

RECALL All Key Plates which attach to the base of tow-balls to provide a point of attachment for towing should be withdrawn from service and destroyed. Relevant District Officers, Area Officers, Unit Managers, Captains or Apparatus Officers should remove and destroy all Key Plates in service with their units on reading this notice.

PROHIBITION Effective from the date of this notice the equipment is unsafe and not to be used for this or any other purpose.

Failure to comply with this notice may have ongoing implications for insurance, health and liability issues.

LLOYD BAILEY AFSM

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OPERATIONS

A IB IC ID I Vol 0.1.C. is to read this circular to all station personnel and discuss, then sign the appropriate box above to confirm that this has been completed.

~ Government of Western Australia Department of Fire & Emergency Services Operations

EQUIPMENT RECALL & PROHIBITION (ERAP) CIRCULAR 02/2015 File: 20458

JUNE 2015

STORZ COUPLED FOAM BRANCH

~ UFES Department of Fire & Emergency Services

Operational Circular 47/2014 Storz Coupled Foam Branch Issue advised that the Total Walther and AWG Storz coupled foam branches were deemed unsuitable. These branches were fitted to DFES Country Pumps, HSR and Medium Pumps, Bushfire Service 1.4, 2.4, 3.4 and 4.4 appliances.

Investigation following an accidental uncoupling found that any twists in attached lay flat hose will unwind under pressure and has the potential to cause the Storz connection to uncouple. The BIC however cannot be disconnected unintentionally, and has capacity to release hose twist until the pressure seal takes hold.

All DFES and LG service groups with firefighting capability are instructed to inspect all foam branches for Storz coupling configuration. Replacements are to be managed by contacting DFES Fleet & Equipment Services Stores Manager Ric Monastra on 9337 0630 and/or ric.monastra@dfes.wa .gov.au . DFES equipment will be replaced on a 'one for one' basis. LGGS equipment will be replaced via provision of part details with costs attributed through the LGGS Operating Grants.

In the interim, crews must take care with hose layouts to minimise hose twist.

STEVE FEWSTER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CAPABILITY

A IB IC ID I Vol 0.1.C. is to read this circular to all station personnel and discuss, then sign the appropriate box above to confirm that this has been completed.

NEW VOLUNTEER MEMBER

Brigade Application

Criminal History Check

(as required)

Medical

(as required)

DFES Induction

(Under Development)

Service Induction

Pathway- Endorsed VFFl_vl.O

Volunteer Firefighter 1 - {VFF 1)

REQUIRED COURSES

AllMS Awareness

Introduction to Firefighting

Bush Fire Firefighting

Pathway ID: OPVFFSlC

OPTIONS

Machine Supervision

Plantation Firefighting

First Aid

(Arranged Locally)

3/10/2014

NEXT PATHWAY

• VFF 2

• GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

-~

DFES 0.partmtnt of Fl!'t' I Emergene;ySe1Ykel

Page 1of1

. PREREQUISITES

• VFF 1

* Denotes - Training applicable to

Brigade hazard response role.

** Applicable to Brigade role or designated driver role

Pat hway-VFF2_Proposed_vl.l

..

Volunteer Firefighter 2 - {VFF 2)

. ~~~~~

• r- • --~. -----.. ..

, • REQUIRED CQ~fl~~~ · - • Introduction to Structural

Firefighting

OR

Structural Firefighting

.. Pathway ID: OPVFFS2C

OPTIONS

Pump Operations

Ground Controller

Driving- On Road ** •

Driving - Off Road * *

20/10/2014

.. .9PTIONS l_ -- - ___ .J

Manage Injuries * •

Road Crash Rescue *

Breathing * Apparatus

• Internal Structural *

firefighting

AND /OR

HAZMAT *

.. • GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Dcpnrtment of FIN & EnitirgencyStrvlc:u

NEXT PATHWAY

• VFF 3

# Crew Leader I Lieutenant

I Apparatus Officer (VFF 5)

# VFRS members require Breathing

Apparatus, Hazmat & Road Crash Rescue prior to VFFS if appllcable to Brigade hazard response role

Page 1of1

PREREQUISITES

VFF 2

Pathway-VFF3_Endorsed Vl.O

• m .. iiiil

Volunteer Firefighter 3 - (VFF 3}

REQUIRED COURSES

Advanced Bush Fire

Firefighting

Pump Operations

•

Pathway ID: OPVFFS3C

Cl Cl

OPTIONS

Delivery (Trainer)

Assessment (Assessor)

3/10/2014

• NEXT PATHWAY

• I VFF 4

GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

·~­DFES Dtp1ttmtnt 01 Flrt & Emtfi•ncy S.rvlcH

Page 1of 1

PREREQUISITES

VFF 3

* Denotes - Training applicable to

Brigade hazard response role

Pathway-VFF4 Endorsed vl.2

•

Volunteer Firefighter 4 - {VFF 4)

REQUIRED COURSES

Manage Injuries *

Road Crash Rescue *

Breathing * Apparatus

Internal Structural * Firefighting

AND/OR

HAZMAT *

Pathway ID: OPVFFS4C

• OPTION

Crew Leader Bush Fire I

28/11/2014

• NEXT PATHWAY

Crew Leader/Lieutenant

I Apparatus Officer (VFF 5)

• GOVERNMENT OF WDTEl\N AUalltALIA

Department of Firo & EfriMDency &I rvicaa

Page 1of1

PREREQUISITES

• VFF2

VFRS members require Breathing

Apparatus, Hazmat and Road Crash

Rescue if applicable to Brigade

response

* Denotes -Training applicable to

Brigade hazard response role

Pat hway-VFFS_CL-L-AO_Endorsed_vl.2

•

Volunteer Crew Leader/Lieutenant/ Apparatus Officer -(VFF 5)

m El El B B

REQUIRED COURSES

Advanced Bush Fire

Firefighting

Crew Leader Bush fire

Ground Controller *

Sector Commander

AllMS4

•

Pathway ID: OPVFFSCL

OPTIONS

Delivery (Trainer)

Assessment (Assessor)

28/11/2014

•

• •

NEXT PATHWAY

Captain/Fire Control

Officer/Chief Bushf ire

Control Officer (VFF 6)

Incident Controller

(Level 1)

• QOVERNMEKT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

Deplf'lmtnt of Fire- I Eniergency Servk:.el

Page 1of1

PREREQUISITES

Crew Leader/Lieutenant

I Apparatus Officer (VFF 5)

** Applicable to Brigade Role

Pathway-VFF6 _ Capt-FCO _Endorsed_ vl.O

I

Volunteer Captain/Fire Control Officer/ Chief Bush Fire Control Officer - {VFF 6)

REQUIRED COURSES

Incident Controller

(Level 1)

Pathway ID: OPVFFSCA

• m

OPTIONS

Lead, Manage and Develop

Teams

Fire Control Officer

21/10/2014

OPTIONS

Chief Bush Fire Control

Officer **

• GOVERNMENT OF W'ESJERN AUSlRAUA

I

NEXT PATHWAY

National Qualifications required

Community Emergency

Services Manager

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