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Using Equipment at Fires

Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires

Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires

CFA has produced guidelines for people planning to operate private equipment at fires.

View or download the guidelines below - choose the full document or view a section of your choice. If you would prefer to have a hard copy mailed to you, simply contact your local CFA Area headquarters

See also: Questions and Answers about these Guidelines

Download Complete Guidelines (note - large file! 1.5Mb)

OR, view by section:
  		 
 

Section 1: Background (pdf 425kb)
Section 1 - Background
  • Background
  • Purpose of the Guidelines
  • Application of the Guidelines
  • Content of this publication
  • Why guidelines?
  • Monitoring and Review of the Guidelines
  • Read / Download this section
 

Section 2: Guidelines (pdf 221kb)
Section 2 - Guidelines
  • Principles
  • Safety at fires
  • Accept responsibility
  • Making your presence known
  • Working cooperatively
  • Team up with others
  • Look for hazards and assess the risk
  • Wear appropriate clothing
  • Know your limits and capabilities
  • Your equipment
  • Your tasks
  • Communications
  • Read / Download this section
 

Section 3: Fire Awareness (pdf 857kb)
Section 3 - Fire Awareness
  • Types of wildfire
  • Factors that affect wildfire behaviour
  • General health hazards
  • Wildfire suppression activities
  • Taking refuge
  • Wildfire hazards
  • Safe work practices around aircraft
  • Read / Download this section
 

Section 4: Checklists (pdf 223kb)
Section 4 - Checklists
  • Ten standard fire orders
  • WATCHOUT on the fireline
  • Is your vehicle ready?
  • Do you have the correct personal protective clothing and equipment?
  • Are you ready to deploy?
  • Read / Download this section

About these guidelines

CFA published Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires in October 2004, and an extensive distribution and marketing program has been undertaken since. Various aspects of the project are currently under review to ensure that the guidelines have met the initial CFA requirements, and are being effectively promoted to private equipment operators.

A project summary that outlines the background for the project, development of guidelines, promotional activities, and internal CFA advice has been included.

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