Working on water Flashcards
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Working on water
What are the 4 health issues associated with water related incidents?
- Drowning
- Waterborne infections
- Hypothermia
- Cold water reflex
Working on water
What PPE must be worn at waterside incidents ?
- boots
- fire tunic
- leggings
- gloves
- PFD
- helmet (after risk assessment , helmet should be removed when wearing PFD , if worn , undo chin strap)
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How long is a safety line?
50m
Working on water
How long is a throw line ?
25M
Working on water
What is the PDA for an incident on an urban waterway ?
- 3x pumping appliances
- 1x SM (informed)
- 1x ambulance (if called to water incident or request of IC)
Working on water
What our the initial actions at working on or near water?
- gather information using DMM
- conduct a risk assessment
- assess/request resources Send appropriate message
- establish a 3m restricted zone
- ensure the number of personnel within the restricted zone are kept to a minimum and rigged appropriately
- assess the need to wear a fire helmet when working near water.
- consider the need for lighting
- be aware of overhead electrical hazards
- be aware that during abnormal flooding conditions power supplies may still be live
- take care when walking in areas covered by floodwater as there may be underwater hazards present e.g. displaced inspection covers.
Working on water
When should a firefighter enter water?
Firefighters may only be committed to water to carry out a rescue, as a very last resort, when the situation is so critical that to await the arrival of further resources is likely to result in the loss of life.
Working on water
If a firefighter has to enter water In such exceptional circumstances the IC must put into place the following safe systems of work?
- appoint a firefighter who is considered competent and capable of performing the rescue
- appoint a floating safety line officer
- anyone entering the water must be rigged correctly with a floating safety line attached
- enter water slowly to minimise cold water shock
- use a means to gauge the depth (e.g. ceiling hook)
- The following priority message is to be sent: “Firefighter entering water – implement water operations procedure, level 2, Tactical Mode Oscar”
Working on water
Inland water can be broadly defined under what two headings?
- Still water – is a body of water that is usually contained and has no visible movement.
- Moving water – is a body of water which, in either its normal state or in its heightened state, has noticeable surface movement
Working on water
What should the IC considers when undertaking a risk assessment of the incident?
- surface movement.
- strength of current/flow
- presence of undercurrents or eddies, whirlpools, weirs, stoppers
- depth of water
- size of the body of water
- temperature of water/air
- water clarity (due to mud silt, rocks etc)
- pollution/contamination/biological risks
- entrapment in or under the water (due to, trees, fencing, cars, roots, weeds and rocks etc)
- moving vessels and debris in the water
- drain covers and other surfaces becoming dislodged in flooding incidents
- unexpected change in flow
- sluice gates.
Working on water
What are hazards associated with water rescues and operations near water?
- noise and compromised communication
- poor access, steep banks
- slippery surfaces and trip hazards
- electrical hazards (overhead power lines, live power supplies in flooded basements etc)
- manual handling injuries caused by over-reaching, pulling and lifting
- inadequate levels of light
- panicking casualties causing difficulties for the rescuer/s
- bystander pressure This should be alleviated by crews demonstrating maximum activity when exercising the hierarchy of rescue to the limit of training and equipment until further resources arrive.
Working on water
To assist with the formulation of clear objectives and an operational plan what information could be sought from witnesses on arrival?
- The number of people involved
- Where the casualty was last seen
- Whether the casualty was wearing a life jacket
- What clothing the casualty was dressed in
- Information on hazards that may pose a threat to crews entering water e.g. undercurrents, downstream weirs, and subsurface debris.
Working on water
When conducting a rescue under ‘Level 1’ conditions what rescue methods are availble to FF?
- Talk (self rescue)
- Reach
- Throw
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Before a firefighter (non SRT) enters the water to affect a rescue the incident must be escalated to what level water ?
Level 2
Working on water
What does “SRT” stand for?
Swift-water Rescue Technician
