CFS NOTES (50) Flashcards
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1
Q
RECEO
A
RECEO = the CFS Structure Fire Management Acronym
- R = RESCUE
- E = EXPOSURES
- C = CONTAIN
- E = EXTINGUISH
- O = OVERHAUL
2
Q
UN HAZCHEM NUMBERS & CODES (3YE etc)
A
All industrial chemicals have a unique UN number which tells you what it is, and a 3 character code giving basic fire and emergency instructions:
The first character is a number which indicates the FIREFIGHTING MODALITY:
- = WATER JET
- = FOG
- = FOAM
- = DRY AGENT
The Second character is a letter which indicates the PPE REQUIRED
- PRWX = full chemsuit
- STYZ = BA (hence Petrol*, 3YE, needs BA)
- There may be a third character:
- V = may react violently
- E = consider evacuation
Note: Petrol is now 1203, not 1270, which is obsolete, but still used
3
Q
“GET OUT NOW” SIGNAL AT STRUCTURE FIRES?
A
- unlike the continuous yip of the burnover warning, the structure fire warning is 3 yips, repeating, to help distinguish it from incoming vehicle sirens
4
Q
FIRE CLASSES: ABCDEF
A
- CLASS A = ordinary combustibles, wood, paper etc
- CLASS B = flammable liquids
- CLASS C = flammable gases
- CLASS D = flammable metals
- CLASS E = live electrical equipment
- CLASS F = fat fires
5
Q
EXTINGUISHER TYPES BY COLOUR
A
It is the BAND, not the body that indicates colour
- RED = Pressurised water
- BLUE = Foam
- WHITE = Dry Chemical Powder
- BLACK = CO2
- YELLOW = Vaporising liquid (eg BCF, for live electrical equipment)
- OATMEAL = Wet Chemical (for fat fires: works by Saponification)
6
Q
AFFF vs BFFF
A
- AFFF = AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM : best for making foam blankets for Class B (flammable liquid) fires, typically in 3-6% concentration
- BFFF = BUSHFIRE FIGHTING FOAM : a surfactant which helps water penetrate into Class A fuels, typically in a 0.5% concentration
7
Q
USE OF CLASS B FOAMS IN TRUCK MOUNTED PROPORTIONERS
A
- Class B (AFFF) foams are chemically incompatible with Class A foams and should not be run through the trucks plumbed proportioner
- always make Class B foam by drawing directly from the drum with a foam branch
8
Q
HOW MUCH STEAM DOES 1 LITRE OF WATER MAKE?
A
- one litre of water makes 1700 litres of steam
9
Q
STANDARD LAYFLAT FIREHOSE LENGTHS & CHARGED WEIGHTS
A
Std layflat firehoses are 30m (100ft) long and their charged wts are:
- 25mm (1 inch) = 20kg
- 38mm (1.5 inch) = 45kg
- 64mm (2.5 inch) = 120kg
10
Q
FIREHOSE COUPLING TYPES, USAGE AND FEATURES
A
the 3 common types in Australian use are:
- LONDON ROUND (aka SAMFS) = the old style male/female coarse screw fittings
- STORZ = unisex, 1/4 turn, internal lug couplings, widely used by metropolitan fire services
- WAJAX (aka FORESTRY) = unisex, 1/4 turn external lug couplings, preferred by rural agencies as they are dirt resistant, and the 25 & 38mm couplings are interconnectable
Australian fire services are slowly standardising on
- FORESTRY couplings for 25 & 38mm hoses
- STORZ for 64mm, and all suction hoses
11
Q
WHAT DOES ‘ROLLED ON THE BIGHT’ MEAN
A
- a layflat hose that is rolled upon itself from the middle
12
Q
HOSE REEL DIMENSIONS
A
- the standard building hosereel has 36m of 19mm (3/4 inch) hose
- Echunga 34 has 2 reels each with 60m of 25mm hose
- Echunga 14 has one 30m, 25mm hosereel (check)
13
Q
TYPICAL MAINS PRESSURE = ?
A
- standard mains pressure = 500-600kPa, ie a bit less than optimum branch pressure
14
Q
OPTIMUM BRANCH WORKING PRESSURE
A
- Branches are optimised to work at 700kPa (100psi), and the flow settings are calibrated to that pressure
15
Q
FIREHOSE SAFE WORKING PRESSURE
A
- Large layflats (38 & 64mm) are rated to withstand 1500kPa, ie a bit over twice optimal branch pressure
16
Q
PUMP REVS REQUIRED TO RUN THE HALO?
A
- PLENTY! enough to make at least 1000kPa
17
Q
EXTINGUISHERS SUITABLE FOR LIVE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT?
A
- (YELLOW Banded) Vaporising Liquid types are best
- DRY CHEM & CO2 are acceptable
18
Q
EXTINGUISHERS SUITABLE FOR CLASS D (METAL) FIRES
A
- NONE really, and certainly not water, you need specialty ‘DRY AGENTS’ which are NOT the same as DRY CHEMICAL POWDER
19
Q
CFS RADIO SYSTEMS & CHANNELS (GROUND)
A
The CFS uses 3 separate radio systems, GRN, VHF & UHF
-
GRN - is for talk between the base controlling the incident and the fireground, typical TGs are
- 124 to Adelaide Fire
- 128/129 to Heysen Stations or the Group base
- 136 for Lofty Grp (Mylor)
- VHF - is for talk between units at an incident, typically on Channel 087
-
UHF CBs - these are small unofficial handheld walkie talkies for non operational housekeeping at incidents, typically on
- Ch 11, or
- 9, 19 or 29 for farm units
20
Q
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE GRN BEFORE ISOLATING THE BATTERY?
A
- Otherwise the Network will not know the radio is off, and will keep looking for it
- (Nobody bothers with this)*
21
Q
RADIO COMMS WITH CFS AIR ASSETS?
A
- INITIAL contact with incoming bombers is on the Regional Air Ops G__RN (108 for Echunga), then switching to VHF for tactical operations, typically VHF 56 for Echunga
- these will be paged out with the response page
22
Q
WHO TO CALL IN A MAYDAY SITUATION ON THE FIREGROUND?
A
- First choice is a MAYDAY call on the local fireground VHF channel, or failing that, the local GRN talkgroup (they are the only ones close enough to visualise your problem and provide immediate help)
- 2nd choice is to press the ORANGE Mayday button*, but this will only notify ADELAIDE fire, who are unlikely to be able to offer immediate help
* NOTE, the new Digital VHFs also have the Orange Mayday button
23
Q
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE (CFS) GRN MAYDAY BUTTON IS PUSHED ?
A
- It sets off an alarm at ADELAIDE FIRE, denoting the source of the call, and, with Digital Systems* the GPS location of the radio.
- The Radio switches to the emergency TG (115) but no longer goes Hotmike: you need to PTT after Adelaide Fire calls you.
* in Region 1, VHF is now digital, but GRN is not yet
24
Q
HOW TO RESET THE GRN MAYDAY BUTTON
A
- notify Adelaide Fire the button was pushed in error
- hold the ORANGE button down until one long beep is heard
25
RADIO CALL USED TO DENOTE
## Footnote
*"IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOLLOWING, ALL OTHERS LISTEN"?*
* check, check, check
26
HOW TO UNLOCK A GRN OR VHF HANDHELD WHICH HAS HAD THE KEYPAD LOCK ENGAGED?
* Move the _rotary collar_ adjacent the volume knob to 'B', it must have inadvertently been set to A or C.
27
ACTION TAKEN ON GRN RADIO GIVING A 'BUSY' SIGNAL?
* Release PTT and retry shortly
28
WHAT ARE THE GRN 'MULTI-AGENCY TALKGROUPS'?
* most GRN talkgroups are agency specific and can only be reached on their own radios
* GRN 17-36 are _multiagency talkgroups_ which can be reached on any GRN radio (but need to be centrally patched together).
29
CFS FUEL CARD PIN
* = the Region number (1) plus the 3 numbers of the registration plate
30
DRIPTORCH FUEL MIXTURE ?
* 2 DIESEL : 1 PETROL
31
CFS HLO DUTIES
* contact _SAAS EOC_ (aka 5FT) enroute to scene on _TG 20_ to advise ETA of HLO to scene, using the callsign [Incident location]-HLO (eg 'Flaxley HLO')
* on arrival, _select suitable site_, at least 50m dia (day) or 75 (night). If at night, marked by crossed headlights pointing into wind.
* Monitor TG 20 for incoming helo, then relay landing instructions, wind direction and speed
* if at night, on Helo approach, ensure _all high beams and beacons are extinguished_: just use amber flashers and low beams\*
## Footnote
*\*same same for runway aprons, and yes, this is often neglected at primaries, but the pilots would like it*
32
FIRE RISK V RELATIVE HUMIDITY?
RH is a major determinant of fire behaviour: as a general guide:
* \> 30% = fires are easily manageable
* 15-30% = fires become increasingly difficult to control
* \< 15% = fires are generally uncontrollable
* \< 10% = CATASTROPHIC conditions
33
FDI SCALES
* \< 12 = LOW - MODERATE
* 12 - 24 = HIGH
* 25 - 49 = VERY HIGH
* 50 - 74 = SEVERE = _TOBANS_
* 75 - 99 = EXTREME
* \> 100 = CATASTROPHIC
34
STANDARD CFS RESPONSE LEVELS TO RURAL FIRES DURING THE FIRE DANGER SEASON?
During the _FIRE DANGER SEASON_, but not on a TOBAN day:
1. Initial response = _1st ALARM_ = 2 Tankers\*
2. Next level = _2nd ALARM_ = 2 more Tankers
3. Next level = _3rd ALARM_ = 2 more Tankers
4. Next level = STRIKE TEAMS via REGION
On a _TOBAN day_
1. Initial response = _1st ALARM_ = 4 Tankers + 1 BWC
2. Next level = _2nd ALARM_ = 4 more Tankers
3. Next level = _3rd ALARM_ = 4 more Tankers
4. Next level = _STRIKE TEAMS_ via REGION
*\* = at least a 24, or sometimes 2x 14/QRVs*
35
CFS RECOMMENDED IDLE SPEED FOR TANKER ENGINES ON THE FIREGROUND?
* 1300 RPM!
36
CFS STANDARD RCR RESPONSE LEVELS
* _Standard RCR response_ = 1 Rescue + 1 Tanker
* _Heavy rescue_ = 2 Rescue + 2 Tankers
* + an extra Tanker if Helicopter _landing site_ reqd
37
THUNDERSTORM METEOROLOGY
* _UNSTABLE_ atmospheric conditions\* may allow warm moist air at lower levels to ascend to great heights, 60,000 ft or more
* the moist air _cools as it rises_, producing first rain drops (and CUMULUS CLOUDS) then hail
* _Strong turbulence_\*\* within the cloud causes collisions between hail particles, creating electric fields, causing _lightning_ to jump within the cloud, between clouds, and to the ground
* repeated rise and fall within the cloud can produce very large raindrops or hailstones which may fall violently to earth, accompanied by strong local winds.
## Footnote
* \* = those conducive to large vertical movement of air masses*
* \*\* this is why thunderstorms are dangerous to fly through*
38
WHAT IS THE C-HAINES INDEX?
the _C-Haines index_ is a is a measure of how _UNSTABLE_ the atmosphere is, which is an important\* predictor of fire behaviour, because increasing instability favours generation of _convection columns_ which _increase local winds_
* _0-4_ = _stable_, fires easily controlled, models over predict fire behaviour
* _4-8_ = _becoming unstable_, fires becoming difficult to control: models are good predictors
* _8-10_ = _unstable_: fires are difficult to control, models under predict
* _\>10_ = _very unstable_, fires uncontrollable, models dramatically under predict
*\* albeit not part of traditional models*
39
WHAT ARE PYRO-CUMULUS CLOUDS?
* these are high white _cumulus clouds_ which develop _above the smoke column_ at a big fire: they are a _RED FLAG MARKER OF ATMOSPHERIC INSTABILITY_, and of severe and unpredictable fire behaviour
40
CFS BA CYLINDER CAPACITY
* CFS uses _9 litre, 300 bar fibreglass cylinders_ with a maximum capacity of 2700 litres
41
MINIMUM BA CYLINDER PRESSURE FOR BUILDING ENTRY?
* 170 BAR
42
WHEN DOES THE CABA WHISTLE SOUND?
* Whistle time = out time = _50 Bar_ = 10 mins air left
43
ECO DUTIES
The ECO controls the entry of BA operators into incidents
1. don _ECO vest_ & set up ENTRY CONTROL POINT at a suitable site near incident entry point
2. lay out _Green & Red & tarps_ for full & empty cylinders
3. _collect TAGS_\* from incoming BA operators, add operator name and record cylinder start pressure, and that it _exceeds 170 bar_
4. when enters, _calculate out time_ from starting pressure
5. ensure team\*\* out on time, or send rescue crew in\*\*\*
* \* removing this tag from the DSU activates it*
* \*\* a team = 2 operators*
* \*\*\* always aim to have the next team ready to go in*
44
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ROOFTOP SOLAR & BATTERY STORAGE
1. Solar Panels produce _DC current_ and feed it to an _INVERTER_ which converts it to _240V AC_ for household use, export to the GRID, or storage in a BATTERY system
2. Homes with solar panels have a _PV_ (Photovoltaic) _sticker on the fusebox_, and those with Batteries have an _ES_ (Energy storage) sticker
3. Traditional Battery banks were LEAD-ACID arrays, but smaller Li-Ion batteries are appearing
4. Li-Ion batteries can melt down or explode if pierced or overheated.
5. _EMERGENCY ACTION_ in the event of a house fire or battery emergency:
* Turn off all switches in the fusebox
* Treat battery leakage as HAZMAT
* Cool overheated Li-Ion batteries with FOG only *(jets risk electrocution)*
* Allow battery fires to _burn out_ whilst protecting exposures
45
WHO TO NOTIFY HOW WHEN RESPONDING TO AN INCIDENT (2016)
1. ack receipt of page to _Adelaide Fire_ by phone on arrival at station
2. notify _Adelaide Fire_ when _mobile_, arrived, clear etc, using K codes (there is now no need to change to GRN 124)
3. notify _Heysen Duty Officer_ when mobile on _12__8_ (Heysen Duty Officer does not see K codes)
4. upon _arrival_, send Heysen Duty Officer initial sitrep on 128 as:
1. Echunga 34 arrived incident number..
2. the _incident name_ is....
3. the _incident commander_ is...
4. the initial SITREP is....
5. when _complete_, send 'ECHUNGA 34 clear incident xx' on _128_
6. Use K Codes to notify Adel Fire when leaving scene and back on.
46
CFS PRIORITY ONE\* DRIVING RULES
* Don't exceed speed limits by \>20 kmh
* Stop before disobeying a RED light
* Don't disobey train signals unless directed by a rail worker
* You must use BOTH Lights & Sirens at all times
* Don't exceed 60kmh on the freeway downtrack
*\* P1 = Emergency driving, P2 = normal*
47
ECHUNGA PRIMARY SCHOOL FIRE SYSTEM
* Echunga Primary School has no fixed alarms or sprinklers, but it does have 4 'mains pressure' water points:
* 2 _hydrants_, one at each end of the main school carpark
* 2x _36m reels_, one on the external wall midway between the hydrants, and another inside the same building
* These are _fed at 600kPa_ from 2x 60,000L tanks and an autostart\* diesel pump adjacent the school crossing. A _booster cabinet_ alongside the pumphouse allows the system to be pressurised by an appliance in the event of pump failure.
* _Initial actions upon arrival_
1. Locate 34 in the main carpark and commence work using 64mm layflats direct from each hydrant
2. Establish BA Entry control point
## Footnote
*\*but not autostop: shut down via buttons in the booster cabinet or pumphouse.*
48
BEST EXTINGUISHER FOR GUARD DOGS?
* CO2, sprayed directly on the nose through the fence at initial contact
49
ELECTRIC CAR INCIDENTS AND FIRES
* Electric vehicles currently lack a universal 'number plate flag' and may need to be identified by type and proprietary badges
* EVs have 2 battery systems:
* A conventional _12V battery_ which runs the traditional accessories
* A larger, _high voltage battery_ which powers the electric motor.
* In case of _crash_:
* EVs have crash sensors which should disconnect the high voltage battery, but ensure this by _disconnecting the 12V battery leads_ and pulling the _'first responder plug'_ if present (usually in engine bay)
* Identify the _ORANGE high voltage cables_ and avoid cutting during rescue
* Treat high voltage battery leak as caustic
* In case of High voltage battery _fire_:
* SCBA mandatory
* use high volumes of water (\>20,000l) to extinguish and cool
* _quarantine for 48h_: can reignite later*\**
50
TYRE PRESSURE IN SAND
* As a general guide, begin by halving the normal pressures, but can go lower
