Author Topic: HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?  (Read 9224 times)

Offline JamesGar

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HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« on: March 08, 2005, 07:36:48 AM »
Just wondering your opinions as to whether the CFS has enough trained and equiped briagdes to deal with a large HAZMAT incident?

In current system with CBR or large HAZMAT incident in metro Adelaide MFS is committed to scene and CFS is committed to supplying Decon at Major Metro Hospitals (FMC and RAH).

I know some of the more recent HAZMAT incidents have ended up with brigades coming from large distances to assist, ie I think a Sodium Peroxide Spill on freeway last year or year before ended with Yankalilla sending a crew.

I know we don't have that many HAZMAT incidents annually, but can we cope with a big one?
James Gardiner
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Offline kat

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HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2005, 08:15:42 PM »
Our Group doesn't have a Hazmat response and the neighbouring groups have a constant battle to keep operator numbers up. It's one I personally really wish all CABA operators could get training in if they wished. Then Hazmat Brigades would have a bigger pool of operators to draw from.

My opinions only, yada, yada.
There's a difference between genius and stupidity -- genius has it's limits.

Offline CFS_Firey

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HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2005, 04:44:07 PM »
That’s right… The CFS doesn’t have the resources to cope with a large-scale HAZMAT incident, especially a mass casualty incident.

The Hazmat course is easy enough that any CABA operator should be able to do it… and that would not only make Hazmat operators easier to find, but also make it easier for non Hazmat brigades to identify Hazmat incidents…

That is, if a non Hazmat brigade is responding to an explosion in a local shopping mall, they would probably approach uphill/upwind, and be able to tell other appliances wind direction etc, before they arrive. (I’m not saying that non-Hazmat brigades wouldn’t already do this)…

strikeathird

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HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2005, 09:55:21 PM »
I have done a training night on C.B.R - Note, it was the most BORING 4 hours of my life!!

Offline Mike

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HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2005, 07:56:08 AM »
Quote
I have done a training night on C.B.R - Note, it was the most BORING 4 hours of my life!!


I can understand that  :)  Just remember what may be boring for you could be highly enlightening to someone else...... Personally I found it to be quite interesting, lots of wierd and wonderful info to be heard. albeit a little long.....

The days of keeping specialised training to specific brigades is becoming numbered. With it becoming harder to find people willing to partake in these things, it makes sense for the help to be outsourced. Would really help inter-brigade/group relationships as well.

Offline CFS_Firey

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HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2005, 11:59:25 AM »
Quote from: strikeathird
I have done a training night on C.B.R - Note, it was the most BORING 4 hours of my life!!

Did they make you watch that ghastly Video taken from a QLD fire CDROM? If that’s the case, I sympathise with you… its horrible… :sleepy3:

Offline Firefrog

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HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2005, 12:11:59 PM »
I know the video you mention, less than ideal quality but very important content. :wink:

strikeathird

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HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2005, 03:26:44 PM »
Quote from: CFS_firey
Quote from: strikeathird
I have done a training night on C.B.R - Note, it was the most BORING 4 hours of my life!!

Did they make you watch that ghastly Video taken from a QLD fire CDROM? If that’s the case, I sympathise with you… its horrible… :sleepy3:


Yes, that was the one!  HAHA..  Absoloutly shocking...

The drop down menu appear... (2 from bottom... )  you think!!  YES, NEARLY DONE!! (this is at 10.30pm)  - from that second to bottom menu, drops another 8 , which of those, 3 of each drop down!!!   I then realised it would be a LLL OO NN GG  night!!!

hehehe..... But granted, educational, just shockingly boring and out dated!

Offline oz fire

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Re: HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #8 on: May 20, 2005, 03:30:11 PM »
I am guessing that Hazmat operators are like many other 'specialist operators' becoming harder to find. Kat states her neighbouring groups have problems finding operators, I suspect she is not alone as its something that isn't often used.

This is a problem when it comes to training too! If you don't use the skill and don't train in it very often, how do you keep your competencies.

Hazmat adds an extra layer or three of complexity onto BA and fire fighting - namely you need to be competent in those two skills first then in Hazmat. Now the practical normalisation (clean up) at a hazmat is not rocket science, however the knowledge of how too, what to use, what reacts with what, what neutralises what and how to apply, remove or contain is a little more complex. Then there is the issue of dressing and undressing of operators. Unfortunately this is usually the problem area - it's a step by step process - but often in hast short cuts are taken - another training issue.

Im guessing the long and short of it is training, on-going training and maintaining competence.

Then theres the little issue of costs for a basic hazmat kit!

For those who have the time and are keen then the effort is great, however with so many things being put on people with specialist skills - these areas are suffering and people aren't reaccrediting or undertaking the initial training like they once did!
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to control it.

strikeathird

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Re: HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #9 on: May 22, 2005, 08:02:20 PM »
^^  Thats right.  Too often at jobs there is too much "hurry" in people. 

You have to remember, slow down - Take a deep breath, gather your thoughts, and then proceed.  You will find that things happen quicker in the end with those few seconds of pre-planning.

Especially when it is in reference to Hazmat etc.  Particularly dressing / dressing down.  Done in-correctly, not only takes longer to complete, but can prove to be VERY dangerous!!

Stop, take a second to think..... it can make all the difference.

Offline Mike

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Re: HAZMAT/CBR Do we have enough?
« Reply #10 on: May 23, 2005, 10:15:09 AM »
The problem is Hazmat jobs are happening more and more as time goes on. A Hazmat job in real teams is never likely to be "quick". After all by the time resources are gathered, assessments made, information on containment and normalisation recieved..... and then you get around to doing something!!! (slightly exagerated i know)
The key to solving our issues is that Hazmat training can no longer afford to be confined to Hazmat brigades. The more people that are available, means less strain on current operators, and more eyes looking at the safety of whats being done!

 

anything