Tasmania Fire Service
Training Services
Version 5.0
2005
Effective Date: 1 December 2004Version 5.0
Review Date: November 2005Page 1
Index to coursesPage No
FIREFIGHTER- CORE UNITS
Basic Skills Induction (Basic Firefighting)9
Prevent Injury11
Prepare, Maintain & Test Response Equipment12
Operate Communication Systems & Equipment13
Respond to Wildfire14
Operate Pumps15
Navigate in Urban & Rural Environments16
ELECTIVE UNITS
Respond to Isolated/Remote Structure Fire18
Respond to Urban Fire19
Operate Breathing Apparatus20
Provide Emergency Care22
Trim & Crosscut Felled Trees23
Train Small Groups24
Administer Oxygen in an Emergency Situation25
Drive Vehicles Under Operational Conditions26
Introduction to Hazmat28
BRIGADE OFFICER & LEADING FIREFIGHTER
CORE & ELECTIVE UNITS
Lead, Manage & Develop Teams30
Introduction to Incident Control System31
Supervise Response 32
Suppress Wildfire34
Suppress Urban Fire35
Conduct Prescribed Burning36
Protect & Preserve Incident Scene37
COMPETENCY MAINTENANCE
Operate Breathing Apparatus Refresher39
Provide Emergency Care Refresher40
Administer Oxygen in an Emergency Situation Refresher41
APPENDIX
Facial Seal of Respirators42
Note: Other training is available (not listed here) upon request through District staff. Your District Officer will also identify training that they believe is appropriate and needed for Brigades and arrange it for you.
Your Brigade Chief/First Officer is responsible for your training, however; training for volunteer firefighters is delivered in a variety of ways. This book provides information about the courses available to you. Some of these courses may be run locally. It is then the responsibility of your District Officer or Volunteer Training Instructor to inform you of times, venues, meals etc.
This guide will be updated regularly and amendments distributed from time to time. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with its layout and contents.
Training Services Course Guidelines
Age requirement:
All participants must be at least 17 years of age, unless individual courses state otherwise.Junior and Cadet members may be able to participate in certain courses at the discretion of Training Services. Arrangements should be made through the Junior/Cadets co-ordinator. At no time will Juniors/Cadets displace an adult member from attending a course.
Travel Arrangements:
Participants using their own transport are entitled to mileage reimbursement through their District. The Training Officer conducting the course will provide the appropriate forms. If more than one participant is coming from the same area it is preferred to make reimbursement for one vehicle only, therefore, please ensure co-operation between participants travelling together, or utilise brigade or group vehicles.
Venues:
Your District Officer will inform you of the venue for each course that has been programmed.
Accommodation:
Some courses are conducted for periods longer than one day. Participants will be notified of arrangements before the course dates if overnight accommodation is to be supplied. If overnight accommodation is required, please contact your District Officer.
Non-Attendance:
Once nominated for a course you are expected to fulfil that commitment, not to do so causes a great deal of difficulty for many people. Often we have to plan these training activities for you months in advance. If you really are unable to attend, it is a must that you contact your District Officer or Training Services as soon as possible. At least one weeks notice is needed for Training Services to arrange a replacement for your position on the course.
Maximum Numbers and Pre-requisites:
Where maximum numbers and/or pre-requisites are specified they will be strictly adhered to, unless prior agreement has been made with Training Services.
Attendance Information:
Courses are often conducted over one or two days or evenings. Although day courses have been mostly conducted on weekends, all courses are available on weekdays upon request.
Evening Courses:
Course Times: Courses always start at7pm sharp and finish around 10pm unless otherwise stated or arranged in advance.
This is the case for both evenings if the course is conducted over two nights.
Dress: Neat casual clothing or clean fire service work dress.
Full Day Courses:
Course Times:Courses always start at 8.30am and finish around 5pmunless otherwise stated or arranged in advance.
Dress: Neat casual clothing or clean fire service work dress.
On no account should synthetic clothing be worn.
You should also bring with you: -
-Appropriate PPE for course attending
-Vegetation PPE – coat, trousers, boots, helmet, goggles, gloves.
-Structural PPE – coat, trousers, boots, helmet, gloves
-Towel (shower facilities may be available).
Note: Refer to the Tasmania Fire Service Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines.
Duration of Courses:
Times are a guide and training may be extended to enable successful completion to required assessment level.
Meals:
Morning, afternoon tea and lunch will be provided for day courses.
If you have any special dietary requirements please notify Training Services at least one week prior to the course date.
Facial Hair Breathing Apparatus users:
For safety reasons the Standards Association of Australia has recommended facial hair guidelines. The Tasmania Fire Service has adopted and will enforce this Standard (See AS/NZS 1715:1994 Appendix A – Page 42).
Standard Operating Procedures:
All trainers will ensure compliance with relevant Standard Operating Procedures.
Assessment of Accredited Courses:
Arrangement can be made for assessment to be conducted verbally upon request.
Because of the nature of some of the courses, training and assessment may be
on-going in order to give the candidates time to practice newly acquired skills.
Initial assessment will be conducted during the course through either written and/or practical demonstration. The collection of evidence over a period of time under a range of conditions that determines competence in a unit is recorded in a Skills Development Record Book. This booklet is issued to each person at the end of the formal training course. The period of time for gathering evidence should not exceed 6 months. If you are having difficulty gathering enough evidence during that period an extension may be granted by Training Services. Evidence or record of skills practiced must be obtained after the course and cannot be backdated.
Evidence gathered must be sufficient, valid, reliable and demonstrate consistency of performance.
Appeals Procedure:
Course participants who wish to appeal against an assessment conducted are requested in the first instance to discuss the issue with the course trainers/assessors. If not resolved a formal appeal can be made as detailed in the “Training and Assessment Appeals Process” documented in the TFS Training Code of Practice
Recognition:
Volunteer firefighters who believe they have relevant prior learning for course may apply formally for recognition. This process is detailed in the “TFS Recognition Policyand Procedures” document. With a recognition application, the onus is on the applicant to demonstrate competence against the performance criteria of a unit of competence.
Recognition of Current Competence of new lateral entry firefighters from other agencies can be arranged by contacting your District Officer.
Public Safety Courses
‘Training’ once meant listening to your teacher, studying a set curriculum, working studiously, passing exams and eventually (hopefully) getting a qualification to prove it. The reality is that Australians become work competent in an amazing variety of ways, lots of them not involving formal training at all. Training Packages recognise this, by putting the emphasis on ‘what you can do’, not on ‘how you learned to do it’ (ANTA 1998).
The Public Safety Training Package has been developed through extensive consultation with personnel from Public Safety organisations in each state and territory. While it has the same layout as Training Packages for other industries, it provides specific information about the skills and knowledge necessary for safe, effective and efficient operations within the Public Safety industry.
The Public Safety Training Package:
-includes the competency standards that people working in Public Safety organisations have identified to describe the key features of the work that they do, the performance expected and any underpinning knowledge and skills needed.
-identifies the group of competencies required for nationally recognised qualifications ranging from entry level to management in the Public Safety industry.
-provides guidelines for assessing a person’s competence to ensure consistency and credibility in the assessment process.
-provides a range of other material to support organisations and participants in the delivery of quality training and assessment.
Competency Maintenance
Having been assessed as competent and acquired a qualification, you must now demonstrate that you can maintain that qualification by consistently and competently performing the skills at any time in your work place under any conditions i.e. training exercises or operational incidents.
This is called Competency Maintenance and it is simply your supervisor recording that you have competently carried out a task or tasks in your workplace. There will no longer be a “shelf life” on courses, as long as you are able to demonstrate consistent and competent performance you will have your qualification.Some courses/skills are determined to be of a high risk low use nature. Therefore refresher training is offered for breathing apparatus, oxygen therapy & resuscitation and emergency care to ensure quality competency maintenance is maintained.
The evidence gathered to show consistent and competent performance must be sufficient, valid and reliable. It will be randomly checked by District Staff or Training Services.
You will be provided with a competency maintenance log book for recording the information and it will not be an onerous task or another big impost on your time, what it will do is ensure that you have adequately trained personnel who can consistently perform their tasks under any conditions. This will result in safer and more effective fireground operations.
The big advantage of this is that the Brigade officers have a major say in determining the on going competency of their personnel.
Functions of a Firefighter
The role of a firefighter may involve the person working under the following conditions; the content of some training courses may reflect these conditions.
-Operate both as a member of a team and independently.
-Outside exposed to the elements.
-Extreme fluctuations in temperatures.
-Slippery, potentially hazardous surfaces such as roofs or on ladders.
-Poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights and in enclosed and confined spaces.
-Use manual/power tools in the performance of these duties.
-Wear personal protective equipment that weighs approx. 20kgs while performing these tasks.
It is an inherent requirement of the role that the individual can perform their duties without placing themselves or their workmates at risk due to a medical or physical condition.
All trainers will ensure compliance with relevant SOP’s.
Further information on course content refer to the individual course instructions.
The following are courses that provide the skills generally needed in Brigades.
Brigade Chiefs/First Officers need to ensure that sufficient numbers of appropriately skilled personnel exist in their Brigade to adequately address the fire risk (i.e. predominantly bush or structural) in their area at all times. This does not mean everybody needs to be trained in everything, rather that an adequate skills mix exist to ensure a responding crew will be able to efficiently operate brigade appliances and equipment.
The Volunteer Firefighting Skills Matrix is a guide for the Brigade Chief/First Officer to determine the qualifications of the brigade members to reach an adequate skills mix.
For further information, please contact a Training Officer in your Region.
6214 8810Cambridge / 6336 5633
Youngtown / 6434 6700
Burnie
Firefighter
Core Units
Basic Skills Induction
This course is not a Public Safety Training Package unit of competence. The subjects taught on this course are included as an induction for firefighting personnel and provide underpinning knowledge for many of the firefighter units.
Aim:
To provide brigade recruits with basic skills and knowledge to enable them to work safely at incidents in an active role under supervision.
Nature of Course:
Practical and theory sessions delivered at your station by brigade members. The course is conducted over a number of weeks until trainees have completed all the subjects listed in their personal basic firefighting work book. The ‘Basic Skills Induction Manual’ is available at all fire stations or from Training Services and incorporates all learning materials required. If Brigades are unable to facilitate the course assistance can be readily accessed through District staff.
Objectives:
-Introduction to the Fire Service- Basic structure & key personnel of the TFS
-Standards of Safety- Outlines safety in the workplace & hazards found on the fireground
-Hose Care and Maintenance - Knowledge and skills to care for and maintain firefighting hoses.
-Hose handling - Competently bowl, roll, couple and safely hold fire hoses
-Extinguishers - To be able to correctly identify and operate selected extinguishers for appropriate fires. Where applicable firefighters may be trained in recharging procedures.
-Knots - Will be able to tie and apply various knots as used in Fire Service.
-Branches and nozzles - Correctly select and operate a range of branches.
-Hydrants & Standpipes - Safe use and maintenance of standpipe.
-Ladders - Safely carry, erect and climb ladders and operate safely from them.
-Hose Drills - Skills required to work efficiently with hose lines.
-Map Reading - Be able to recognise conventional signs, use scale to measure distances accurately, pinpoint positions accurately with a six figure grid reference, and describe the shape of the ground from the contours.
-Radio Procedures- Basic understanding of radio operation
-Fire Service Appliances- Overview of appliance types in the TFS
Duration: Conducted over several evenings, or two full days.
Course Pre-requisites:Nil.
No. required per brigade:
All Fire Service personnel should be qualified in this topic. It is a must before undertaking an operational role and the foundation for other training.
No. of Students: Ratio of 1 Instructor to 5 Participants.
Assessment:
Written. Short written assessment at the end of each section. (Arrangements can be made for verbal assessment prior to the course).
Practical. Students will be required to demonstrate skills and use of equipment. Explanations may be required of the participants.
Certification: Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Attendance Instructions:
Course times.Courses are arranged and conducted locally as and when required.
Dress:For this course participants should wear neat casual clothing or clean fire service work dress. Boots (high top, lace up bushfire), helmets, gloves (leather riggers type) and probane treated bushfire overalls (1 or 2 piece) are also required.
Course Content:
In order to meet the course objectives for Basic Firefighting Training you will be required to:-
-Carry and bowl out coiled hose weighing approx. 17kg.
-Carry and operate various extinguishers weighing up to 9kg.
-Hold a charged hose and operate a branch while delivering water at pressure.
-Carry out hose drills as a member of a crew and as laid down in the Tasmania Fire Service drill book.
-Develop an awareness of fireground procedures and hazards and use this knowledge to operate safely.
-Wear P.P.E. as directed by the instructor.
-Use a rope to haul aloft various items of equipment weighing up to 20kg.
-Carry, erect and climb a ladder.
-Roll up lengths of hose in a “Dutch roll” this involves bending and kneeling.
Prevent Injury PUAFIR201A
This is a nationally recognised unit of competence from the Public Safety Training Package.This is the ‘formal’ induction course into the workplace for all TFS personnel.
Aim:
This unit covers the competency associated with the identification, avoidance, review and evaluation of workplace risks and hazards, maintenance of personal safety and the reporting to supervisors and team members.
Nature of Course:
Theory session
Objectives:
-Hazards-hazard identification procedures are implemented in the workplace
-PPE- selection of correct PPE
-OH&S – understanding of OH&S procedures and responsibilities of employees and employer.
Duration:one evening(3 hours)
Course pre-requisites:Nil
Maximum No. of Students:16
Assessment:
Assessment is conducted at the end of the session.
Certification:
Participants who successfully complete the assessment will receive a Statement of Attainment.
Course Content:
In order to meet the objectives you will be required to participate in a workplace inspection and present findings as part of a syndicate group.
Prepare, Maintain & Test Response Equipment PUAEQU001A
Aim:
This unit covers the competency to inspect, maintain and test a range of equipment that is in use in the TFS
Nature of Course:Theory and practical session
Objectives:
Inspect equipment that is stowed on Tasmania Fire Service appliances.
-Test response equipment.
-Clean, maintain and restow equipment.
Duration:One evening (3 hours).
Course pre-requisites: PUAFIR201A Prevent Injury.
Maximum No. of Students:12
Assessment:
Assessment is conducted during the course practically and at the end of the session a short theory assessment is conducted.
Certification:
Participants who successfully complete the assessment will receive a Statement of Attainment.
Course Content:
In order to meet the objectives you will be required to:
-Identify and explain the use of the response equipment
-Test & maintain the equipment (using appropriate cleaning products)
-Restow equipment ready for operational use.
Operate Communications Systems & EquipmentPUAOPE002A
Aim:
This unit covers the competency to transmit and receive communications in routine and operational situations using the organisations communication’s systems and equipment.
Nature of Course:Theory & practical sessions.
Objectives:
-SOP’s – Gain an understanding of relevant SOP’s and Acts and Regulations.
-Radio Network – understanding of the TFS network.
-Sending & receiving messages – using radio terminology.