CFA News
CFA News (62)
Ops Bulletin: Operation of three way valves on Medium Tankers
The following Operations Bulletin has been released by CFA this week;
Operations Bulletin 005/2014
Scope
This Operations Bulletin applies to CFA members operating Medium Tankers and 4.4R Concept Tankers which are equipped with electro-pneumatic operating 3 way valves (these units can be identified as they are also equipped with Ultra High Pressure (UHP) pumps).
Purpose
To provide information to CFA members regarding the operation of the electro- pneumatic 3 way valve.
It has been identified that when CFA members are operating these appliances they need to be aware if the crew protection system is switched on while draughting, the electro-pneumatic operated 3 way valve will automatically default to the tank supply. This then results in water delivery to all outlets, including the crew protection system being supplied from water remaining in the appliances water tank, and not from the static supply.
Details
The 3 way valve requires to be energised to work in the draughting position. When not energised a spring mechanism in the 3 way valve always brings the valve back to the tank setting. This ensures if the tankers electrical system is disrupted during a burn over, the reserved tank water is available for protection of the crew in conjunction with the pump which will also remain functional unless switched off. This is a safety feature as any hose used for draughting during a burn over will not have protection afforded by the Crew Protection Sprays.
In the case of a hydrant water supply being used when the Crew Protection Sprays are switched on, the supply will stay with the reticulated water because it feeds in after the 3 way valve just before the pump. In this situation if a boost length of hose to the hydrant fails during a burn over or the reticulation system fails, water supply to the pump will automatically revert to the tank supply as shown in figure 1. It is important to understand that there is no alarm or light to indicate this change has occurred.
Training material will be updated with this information for new appliances built from now onwards and existing documentation updated on CFA Online.
Note: In the event of a burn over when an appliance is connected to an unlimited static or reticulated water supply, the Crew Leader using the dynamic risk assessment process, has an alternative option to the Crew Protection Sprays instead of using hoses and water fogs to defend. This strategy would then include wetting down all fuel around the appliance in addition to using water fogs to protect the crew and essential elements of the appliance from radiant heat and direct flame impingement using as much water as practically possible.
Further Information
Contact the Operations Manager Wildfire Planning & Forestry Industry Brigades at CFA Headquarters on (03) 9262 8330.
CFA's "Vols On Hols" Pilot
If you are holidaying in District 10 between now and 30 April 2015, CFA would like to hear if you'd be willing to turn out with a local Brigade.
The Vols on Hols pilot project is open to current CFA volunteers who have completed their minimum skills and 6 mths probation.
It’s an opportunity to build on your professional skills and experience as a CFA volunteer, by turning out in a new and different environment. It's also a way to meet fellow volunteers at a new Brigade.
For further information please contact Terri Marsden at the CFA District Office at Sale on 5419 1000 or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CFA ADVERTISING FOR SESSIONAL TRAINERS
CFA is advertising jobs for sessional training instructors - qualified, experienced volunteers are encouraged to apply.
The new positions are good news for volunteers, as they mean more capacity to train at times and places to suit the needs of volunteers. VFBV and volunteers pressed for these roles during the Jones Inquiry.
For details of the sessional trainer roles, visit;
http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer-careers/jobs-at-cfa/
Regional Radio Dispatch Service (RRDS) update
Transition
The Regional Radio Dispatch Service (RRDS) project reached a significant milestone on Sunday 10 August 2014, with District 5 marking the final transition across regional Victoria to digital dispatch. All CFA regional brigades now have access to clearer, high quality dispatch communications. The transition to RRDS enables CFA members communication between a 24/7 CAD centre and emergency appliances in regional Victoria using enhanced coverage and better audio quality.
“This has been a major project and CFA is very pleased with the results. RRDS will make a major contribution to better emergency management as well as the safety of our members and the wider community,” said CFA Deputy Chief Officer Joe Buffone.
“RRDS solves many radio ‘black spot’ issues,” Mr Buffone said.
“RRDS ushers in a new generation of high-quality digital dispatch capability across the state. It’s the sort of service already enjoyed by Victoria Police, MFB, Ambulance Victoria and our brigades in metropolitan Melbourne.”
Reflash 2
Following the transition to CFA’s new digital radio network, the Radio Reflash 2 team has once again commenced scheduling brigade visits to upgrade software in CFA Tait radios.
All CFA Tait radios must be updated with new software enhancements, enabling additional radio features which are available through the digital network.
Radios across the state will be upgraded with new software, delivering additional functionality, including a 6 digit grid reference display.
When operating within regional districts, additional functionality will also allow for:
- Resource tracking - this feature allows IMTs to track appliance movements whilst on a dispatch talkgroup
- Trunk RMR network site name display – shown when the PPT is pressed
End User Observation Reports
RRDS team members have performed extensive field testing of the regional radio dispatch service and, in collaboration with members, conducted confidence trials across the state.
We are currently in the warranty phase, and members are reminded to inform us of unexpected coverage issues through the use of the end-user observation reports (Docs, Forms, Manuals > Fire & Emergencies > Communications > Regional Radio Dispatch Service). These observation reports are an important tool for capturing feedback relating to black spots, echoes or delays in transmission, difficulties receiving or transmitting to ESTA VicFire and/or other appliances and any other coverage issues.
End-user observation forms are currently available for download on CFA online, via a link from the communications page. Instructions on where to send the form are available on the bottom of the form.
The RRDS team is developing an online version of the observation report. Members will receive communication once this has been finalised.
RRDS Support Material
To assist with maintaining the learning from RRDS, we have provided each brigade with the following:
- Complete Learning Package & Materials DVD
A DVD containing all materials of the Regional Radio Dispatch Service’s learning program. Brigades may have already received some of this material as part of their RRDS trainer kit however this disc contains the full catalogue of the learning package to assist with ongoing training and skills maintenance.
- CFA District Dispatch Talkgroups/Channels Map
The map and associated table below ensure all brigades and members will have access to one complete visual list of digital talkgroups, as well as current and previous analogue channels for each district.
Download maps RRDS-1 and RRDS-2 below
- Dispatch Radio Procedures Sticker (download RRDS-3 below)
The dispatch radio procedures sticker is designed to be applied to the dashboard of brigade appliances, support vehicles, big fills and FCVs. This is to replace the current “wordback table” sticker.
The blue “radio information” sticker is designed to provide radio operators with talkgroup and local command channel information as found in your current local “comms” plan.
Emergency Services Project Expo
Sunday 14 September between 10.30 and 5pm at the Darebin Arts Centre in Preston.
More than 60 projects from CFA, DEPI, MFB and SES will be on show including a broad range of operational, community safety, training, IT, safety/rehabilitation displays along with vehicles and equipment. All emergency service members are invited to come along with family, friends and colleagues to see what’s new, talk with project teams and take advantage of free health checks.
CFA and DEPI projects include:
- New release training projects and mobile props
- Volunteerism resources and brigade sustainability pilot
- Health & Wellbeing and Manage your Mental Health initiatives
- Concept and new release equipment including (from CFA) Scoresby Hoselayer, Technical Rescue Pod, ArmCore Cooler Harness, Bendigo Hydraulic Pole Saw and Alpine vehicle; (from DEPI) Vehicle-mounted flame-thrower, aerial intelligence gathering platform and the self-propelled incendiary flare.
For more information and who’s exhibiting please visit www.projectexpo.com.au
Echuca CFA Team Wins in NSW
CFA volunteers from the Echuca Fire Brigade have won the Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Firefighter Championships at Swansea.
Seventeen teams battled it out, with Echuca winning six of the 11 events over the weekend, to outpace reigning NSW champions Kelso.
A regular at the FRNSW Championships over the years, Echuca Fire Brigade’s volunteers will also be taking part in the NSW State Championships at Kelso in October.
CFA communications survey
Two years ago, CFA asked members what their communications preferences were. The results of that survey led to a number of improvements including the regular inclusion of Regional Director columns in Brigade magazine and the introduction of an online version of the magazine.
Communications technology is rapidly evolving, especially with the revolution in smart phone use, so CFA is going back to members to ask again how they wish to be kept informed and which content they find useful.
The online will take 5 minutes to complete, and the responses collected will help CFA better understand the communication needs of staff and volunteers.
The 2014 survey is now available here:www.surveymonkey.com/s/Comms2014
The survey will close on Monday 4 August, and, a printed copy will be included in the winter edition of Brigade magazine.
CFA Challenge 2015 - leadership program for volunteers
Applications now open for CFA Challenge 2015 - a 12 day leadership development program for members aged 16 and over. Apply by 30 June.
The Challenge 2015 program is conducted over twelve days from Saturday 10th January 2015 to Wednesday 21st January 2015 and provides CFA members with the opportunity to realise their leadership potential.
The initial three day classroom based personal development program will equip participants with personal skills that will enable them to understand communication preferences, personal emotions, reactions in people, and accept individual differences within their teams. By setting goals, understanding stress reactions and setting team values, the program enables participants to bond as a team and operate in a safe environment to maximise their learning potential and make the most of their time on the Challenge program.
Participants will then spend seven days in the Victorian bush completing a demanding, adventure based leadership and team development program, consisting of team building and adventure based activities including:
- Bushwalking
- White Water Rafting
- Abseiling
- Caving
- Orienteering
- Rock Climbing
- Canoeing
The Challenge 2015 program will provide participants with the opportunities to:
- Clarify personal values, and discover more about their potential;
- Develop leadership skills and attributes;
- Confront and overcome self-imposed limits;
- Learn how to better relate to others;
- Enhance self-motivation and personal performance; and
- Be a supportive and creative team member.
CFA 12 week challenge - Get Moving to lose weight
COMPETITION: CFA’s 12 Week Get Moving Challenge
Get Moving is a state-wide competition for CFA volunteers and staff which challenges members to increase the number of steps they take in a day while shedding some kilos.
CFA members who sign up for the 12-week program (24 March – 17 June) receive a pedometer which they can wear during the day to keep count of their total steps. A drink bottle will also be provided to each registrant.
Due to current and recent fires, the competition will now be held one month later than originally advertised to allow everyone to participate. Members who have already registered will stay registered for the new dates.
About the Challenge
Participants are asked to report their average daily steps and their "before and after" waist measurement, and go into the running for one of 20 prizes including a treadmill, spin bike and $1000 sports equipment voucher. As well as prizes linked to results there are a number of generous random entry prizes.
Registrations
Registrations for the challenge close on March 18. Supplies of the bonus items are limited, so it's first in, best dressed. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register, or search for “Get Moving” on Brigades Online and register from there.
More...
Section 29 feedback trial
CFA is trialling a Brigade feedback section for its expanded Section 29 Online Inspection Reporting system.
Brigades are invited to participate in the trial, either along with their Section 29 or stand-alone.
Click here for the online version.
CFA Training Strategy Survey
CFA invites all members to respond to its Training Strategy Implementation Survey.
The Strategy, and a hard copy of the survey, can be downloaded from Brigades Online (Training > Strategy > F&EM Training Strategy).
The survey will be open until 31 March, 2014.
Click here to take the survey, which will take about five minutes to complete.
CFA's Vols on Hols Survey
CFA Survey: When holidaying, would you be interested in responding to incidents with a local brigade?
CFA is calling on members to indicate whether they would consider turning out with the local brigade where they are holidaying.
Fill in the online survey here (taking part enters you in the draw for a small prize) or call Operational Training & Volunteerism’s Rhonda Day on 0417 109 800 or Lisa Cruickshank on 0417 096 325.
The survey closes on 13 December 2013.
CFA Sunday - 24 November
CFA Sunday will be on 24 November – at the end of Fire Action Week which starts on 17 November.
More than 120 Brigades have registered so far (25 October).
Headquarters is supporting Brigades with CFA publications and giveaways, some financial assistance, information to assist with local media interviews, fliers, posters and backup support and advicefrom CFA's Communities & Communications team.
Brigade registrations close on Friday 1 November.
CFA will publish a map on its website, showing the locations of all participating brigades and the details of their events. The CFA Sunday information page is at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/cfa-sunday/
Brigades can register at - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CFASunday2013registration
