CFA's Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires
New guidelines have been released for operators
of private equipment at fires.
Background…
The responsibility for individuals to fight fire on their
own land has always been a part of Victoria’s fire
fighting suppression management. In fact, CFA was founded
from such beginnings.
Part of CFA’s commitment to working with these operators
of private equipment is to ensure that safety is at the front
of everyone’s mind. Guidelines for Operating Private
Equipment at Fires were developed to ensure both CFA members
and operators of private equipment work in co-operation when
fighting fires. The guidelines aim to ensure safer and more
effective operations and to help both parties understand
their responsibilities at fires.
Download the Guidelines
for Operating Private Equipment at Fires
Answers to some common questions
Why develop guidelines?
CFA recognises that in many parts of Victoria private equipment is an essential
part of the community’s response to fire. A key principle of this community
response is that it be done with safety as number one priority. Safety of private
equipment operators at fires is their own responsibility and the guidelines
highlight this. However, CFA is committed to working with private equipment
operators to ensure that safety is everyone’s top priority at fires.
The guidelines also provide a basis establishing and maintaining a consistent
approach in the use of private equipment at fires across Victoria.
But private equipment has always played a part in firefighting over the years.
Have circumstances changed?
It is very true that private equipment has always played a part in firefighting
over the years. In fact, CFA was founded on such beginnings. However, it has
been recognized that a key principle of this community response is that it
be done with safety as number one priority. To ensure a safe firefight for
everyone, landholders who assist during fires need be aware of both how fires
behave and how they can provide the safest and most effective help. The Guidelines
provide advice on these topics.
How much private equipment is available across the Victoria for firefighting?
It has been estimated that there are more than 4500 “wet” firefighting
units available during the fire danger period. This includes purpose built
fire units as well as those rigged-up for the period. As well, there is a large
variety of farm implements and earth moving machinery with dry fire fighting
capability.
Who are the guidelines for?
The guidelines have been developed to help operators of private equipment understand
their responsibilities when fighting fires on or near their land. They will
also help improve communication between operators and CFA to ensure better
co-operation between the two.
What are the guidelines all about?
The guidelines promote safe, efficient, effective and cooperative involvement
of operators of private equipment with CFA to control a fire in the shortest
time possible. They provide operators information to help them to make informed
decisions and take responsibility for their actions, and to help them prepare
before they even attend a fire.
Who do the guidelines apply to?
The guidelines apply to operators of private equipment at fires on private
land, including burn off activities managed by CFA. The guidelines do not apply
to individuals defending their homes using fixed or portable firefighting equipment.
What is private equipment?
"Private equipment" means equipment or machinery (including tankers)
owned or operated by a private individual or body that may be used to help contain,
suppress or reduce the effects of a fire. It does not include:
- equipment or machinery used for the private defence of
domestic dwellings in a wildfire; or
- equipment or machinery contracted by the fire control
agency.
Where did the content of the guidelines come from?
The guidelines are founded on 11 principles including the principle that everyone
at the fire has responsibility for safety. A full list of the principles is
located within the guidelines.
Were other organisations involved in developing the guidelines?
Yes, CFA worked in collaboration with many organisations including the Department
of Sustainability and Environment, Workcover, and the Victorian Farmers Federation.
Are there any legal implications associated with the guidelines?
The guidelines are not legally binding. Operators of private equipment have
to comply with road laws and any OH&S laws that apply. CFA also has to
comply with its OH&S duties at fires.
Are the requirements of the guidelines compulsory and will they be enforced?
The guidelines will apply to the operation of private equipment at fires on
private land, including burn-off activities managed by CFA. CFA personnel will,
where possible, try to work cooperatively with private equipment operators
to ensure safer and more effective operations as described in the guidelines.
However, where private equipment operators are impeding operations or working
unsafely, CFA personnel may ask that the equipment be deployed to another task
or to require that person to leave the area.
Would CFA prefer private equipment not be used at fires?
No. CFA values the involvement of private equipment at fires providing it is
operated safely and effectively. Early intervention by operators of private
equipment has brought many fires under control before the arrival of the fire
brigade. Private equipment also significantly assists in blacking out and patrol
after fire.
So why has CFA produced “Guidelines” rather than seeking legislative
change to regulate the involvement of private equipment at fires?
Through the consultative process CFA found that legislative change was not
an acceptable approach, as by taking this approach the spirit of community
involvement and relationship that prevails in times of emergency would seriously
erode.
CFA believes that well-informed communities provide significant
input into successful outcomes through mutual cooperation
by working together with community resources. The guidelines
promote this spirit along with safe, efficient, effective
and cooperative involvement of operators of private equipment.
Are private equipment operators able to receive compensation if they suffer
injury or property loss at CFA fires?
Yes, in some circumstances as provided in the CFA Act 1958. Also, the Emergency
Management Act 1986 provides for compensation for volunteer emergency workers
while engaged in emergency activity (details can be found on the Office of
the Emergency Services Commissioner page on the Department of Justice website
(www.justice.vic.gov.au)
What is contained in the guidelines?
The publication is presented in four sections:
- Section 1 provides the context and background
- Section 2 focuses on the principles in terms of what
is expected of private equipment operators engaged in firefighting
- Section 3 is aimed at heightening the awareness of the
private equipment operator in fire behaviour, suppression
activities and fire hazards; and
- Section 4 contains useful checklists
Also contained in the guidelines is:
- Information about wildfire behaviour, wildfire suppression
strategies, hazards related to wildfires, health hazards,
and taking refuge.
- Checklists to help with preparing personnel and equipment
to ensure safe choices are made.
Why don’t the guidelines contain detailed technical specifications and
performance criteria?
The guidelines are founded on principles to help individuals operate private
equipment safely and efficiently at fires. There is a wide range and diversity
of equipment already in the field and available in the market place, which
is suitable to comply with these principles. Stringent specifications and performance
criteria would inhibit the flexibility of private operators to choose the most
appropriate equipment for their needs and diminish their taking responsibility
for their equipment in line with the principles.
Are the guidelines likely to change in the future?
CFA will monitor the effectiveness of the guidelines. They will be reviewed
within five years of their approval, or sooner if necessary, to consider any
relevant field experience, technological change, legislative change, management
policy or community expectation. Feedback is encouraged at any time to operations-feedback@cfa.vic.gov.au
Where can I obtain a copy of the guidelines?
Contact your local CFA Fire Brigade, CFA Regional
Office or download a copy from
this website
Are the guidelines free?
Yes, there is no charge.
|
