Monaro RFS

On Sunday 17th October 2010, we are planning to conduct two "New Vehicle Technology" workshops at two locations on the Monaro.

Session One

Bungarby brigade will be hosting the first session.

The workshop will begin at 9.30 and finish at approximately 11.30am.

The Bungarby ladies have agreed to assist with some refreshments after the training session.

Session Two

Colinton brigade will host the second session.

Their session will begin at 1.30 and finish at approximately 3.30pm.

Colinton brigade will be providing some afternoon tea.

What will we be looking at?

This training will be based upon an updated version of training session that I presented at the 2010 Australasian Rescue Challenge, it is aimed at emergency service workers and will be a "myth busting approach" to help our members make better decisions when working with any motor vehicle that has a high voltage battery (not just hybrid vehicles)

I'm also planning to give my model Hydrogen powered car a run.

How to nominate for this workshop

Please use our standard nominations process (below and on the training calendar) or call a Fire Control Centre for help.

The Safety Induction (SI) Working Group came together for the first time on Monday evening 19th July with a plan to tidy up the SI "face to face" training package and PowerPoint presentation. The goup had a look at the package to remove duplication whilst retaining all of the required outcomes.

As the Learning and Development Officer, I was very impressed with the input from this working group, they all had external OH&S qualifications and were very practical with the development of our training. I am confident that the Monaro Team, Safety Induction training and other safety training events will not only meet the requirements of the service but will be relevant to our needs.

As a result of this working group I have added some new downloads to our web site as follows:

1. Safety Induction (2007) Manual

This manual also serves as a workbook for the Safety Induction (SI) training.

The SI program is designed for new RFS members (both staff and volunteers) to induct them in general occupational health and safety (OH&S) matters relevant to the RFS.

It is designed to enable new staff to operate safely in their office and similar environments, and for volunteers to operate safely in their fire station and similar environments. It does not cover specific OH&S matters relating to firefighting and/or other specialised activities. The latter are covered during relevant firefighting (e.g. Bush Firefighter – BF) or specialist training programs.

The SI training program can be delivered using a numbers of methods:

1. As a self-directed, e-learning activity using a CD-ROM, supplemented with the Safety Induction (2007) Manual. The e-learning component should include a theory assessment event.

2. As a "Face to Face" training activity, course or workshop.

After completing one of the delivery methods (above), the new member must participate in an induction with their supervising officer to familiarise them with the particular features, hazards, precautions, procedures and OH&S consultation arrangements relevant to their specific workplace.

2. Safety Induction PowerPoint Show

Note: This PowerPoint presentation show is a large download (approx 2.6GB)

It was upgraded by the Safety Induction (SI) Working Group after a request was made by the Monaro Team Training Advisory Group (TAG) to run separate Safety Induction workshops for new volunteers.

This PowerPoint is designed to be delivered by an Instructor, Captain or a Training Officer.

Please contact Mick Holton if you need some help with your preparation before delivering this topic.

There are other Safety Induction downloads available on this web site.

I have received a number of questions relating to the upgrading of your licence to drive heavy vehicles and I had to consult both the Road Users Handbook and the Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook to get these answers.

Question 1.

How soon can a new driver upgrade his or her licence to drive a heavy vehicle?

Answer Part 1.

The information below is an extract from the Road User Handbook.

During the term of the P2 licence, you may upgrade to a higher class of licence, to a maximum of a Heavy Rigid (HR), subject to the licence tenure requirements set out in the Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Handbook.

In an effort to increase an awareness of Hybrid Vehicle Technology (HVT) we have added a number of training material links and resources to our web site.

In our downloads section you will find a number of useful safety bulletins including one titled "Disabling the Hybrid System" please read my comments that go with that download because I believe that it is very important for firefighters to understand the technology not simply follow rules and procedures.

We also have two PowerPoint presentations titled "Hybrid Vehicle Technology" and "Potential Hazards of EV" available for download.

Other handy training resources are Emergency Response Guides (ERGs). They are produced by vehicle manufacturers and are distributed to emergency responders and vehicle repairers.

To find an ERG you can simply search the web and a whole range of locations will be presented to you.

A very worthwhile link is http://www.extrication.com/ERG.htm where you will find a comprehensive list with links to various vehicle manufacturers ERGs plus a great Q&A section relating to HVT.