BA Operators

[fire03rescue]

Brenton Keen was on the radio talking about the new turnout gear.
He mentioned that the CFS has 1400 trained structural firefighters.
Does this mean that we have only 1400 BA operators
 

[MCFSFF]

Yes i heard that too ... also said 15 had just passed the last course!
1400 sounds a bit low dosent it but then we only have 8 I think in our station? ie more just FF than BA

[Good times]

No I have heard that figure before, there isn't many brigades that have BA.

[corocfs]

what did he have to say about the new gear?

[CFS_Firey]

The CFS only allows a certain number of Trained personell per brigade... (ie, no more than a certain number of BA, RCR, HAZMAT, etc)
Or brigade has been trying to get more BA people trained, but have been told that there are already too many active members trained in BA (I think we have around 12)

[strikeathird]

This is one area that could possibly be improved... How often do you hear people screaming for one more B.A Operator before the truck goes... (Or sometimes just wanting at least 2 to start with!)

I have heard of some brigades having more B.A sets than trained BA members....  

[rescue5271]

We try always on our pumper to get a CABA CREW  but its getting harder during the daywe still roll with two CABA members and hope and pray that the 34 has 2 on it other wise CABA support is 30 mins away.

[strikeathird]

How are your day time responses in general mate?


And how are ajoining brigades if the B.A support is required...

EG  -  Do they normally back you up with support crews?

[firefighter_sa]

Hi there all - again top web site.

I would like to document my opinion regarding BA Operators.

We have a shortage of BA operators  - but I dont believe they have every yet been used in anger and hope they never are.  When I first joined the brigade 3 years ago I had the only set of level 3 PPE? (Not much has improved over time)

Who checks this - is there an audit process - we have one of the three brigades within our group whom are demmed BA brigade.  Dont have any current BA members -  under a duty of care should  these sets temporary relocated to the next closest BA brigade until BA qualifications for the brigade are met? (Just a question I will throw into the forum)

Thanks

Wayne

[strikeathird]

I think group.. Region - What ever, should pay for u to get sum BA operators.....The day u guys are at a cranking fire without BA operators, is the day the "BA Brigade"  wont have a crew...

[Firefrog]

If your brigade has a BA requirement according to SFEC (check with region) then you are entitled to have members allocated on a BA course, you should call your regional training officer for a chat.
As for level 3 PPE it is a brigade/group responsibilty to purchase gear, just check with region as the new Lion gear will soon be in vogue.

[firefighter_sa]

Hi there again.

How true - its a Group responsibility to suply PPE - With limited funds we are still getting our heads above the level 1 PPE equipment requirements.

The main objective: I was possing a question for the forum - should the BA sets be left of an appliance if the brigade has NO BA members?

Wayne

[Good times]

Well I guess the question is, what else are they going to do with them, I guess they could put them in storage, but you may as well keep them and push to get guys trained up in them, in regrads to the PPE if any operator entered in Level 1 or 2 there could be major issues if you were to be injured, and when people say they have no money I struggle to buy that arguement anymore, the most strapped for cash brigade in my group was the first to kit the whole brigade out in that level 3 gear and they have actually made savings as the NOMEX is such hard wearing that after 7 years its still in perfect condition, so it comes back to how the funds are managed, which can be an issue in some area's.

Further to not having any operators for the sets, if its going to be a long term issue then perhaps the brigade should be deregistered for BA and sent back to just rural?

[rescue5271]

All our operators have just been fitted for the new level 3 gear as has the 4 other members of rural brigades in our group,we are also in the process of going over to NOMEX as it has a longer lasting life but also does provide a better form of protection than proban. Sure it cost alot more but how much do you put on a persons life???

[firefighter_sa]

Hi there all again.

Well I would hate to burst your bubble - there are still brigades within our state whom are still struggling with money issues.

I also take into consideration - this could be also due to poor managment of finances in the past.  

I will agree with the statement Brigades are far better of with the current finance situation - but it will take time.

Thanks

Wayne

[Mike]

Its an interesting dilema to have sets but no operators, one which im sure is getting harder to avoid as time goes on. There is a responsability as you work up through the chain of people to ensure that the brigades training requirements are satisfied to cover the standards.

Are there many people from that brigade that actually want to do BA Training?
I guess if there are then this obligation has been failed to be met.

Dont know if de-registering them as BA is the way to go..... it would depend on how long they have been without operators, and what the capabilities of the other brigades in the area to cover.

GT is right, there is no excusses for not providing PPE anymore. We all have a right to PPE that will best protect us when we need it, and should the day come that something goes wrong, then Im sure OH&S will have a field day......

[Steveg]

Hi all. does anybody know what the minimun requirements are to do BA training? time in the service, other qualifications, etc?

[kat]

Well, it used to be eighteen years of age, level one and 12 months service with a BA Brigade. I gather it is now BFF1. Even if you have the old level one I believe you now require module 3 from BFF1 - Prevent Injury.

I hope you get to do the BA course. Most new firies really enjoy it.

[CyberCitizen]

I Would Love To BA.

I am Currently Waiting To My Level 2 (Hopefully In July).  After That I Will Then Look At Doing BA.

Does Anyone Have Any Tips/Pointers Before Doing The Course.

[Steveg]

If this is the case, can i do the 1 module from BFF1 at any time, or do i need to wait until there is a course being run nearby?
i have heard that people who have the old level 1 will need to do different BFF modules for differrent courses, like rescue and now BA.

[Mike]

Assuming the trainers have the 'train small groups' and preferably 'workplace assessor' there are no problems with running specific modules at brigade level (I think you need to notify your region if looking at getting national competancy recognised). Our group ran a series of "update" sessions, where level 1 trained crew could update to current national standards...... it worked quite well really, and solved the problem of people needing prevent injury - for specialised courses.

[corocfs]

hehehehe  afro guy.

SteveG:

When i did my BA training last november, the BFF1 module "Prevent Injury" was actually a component covered in the course and i got that as a second accreditation with my BA

CyberCitizen:

The BA course is good fun, but make sure you do actually get plenty of sleep, its excellent to  socialise heaps with members from other brigades/areas, but the second day and especially the third day are killers. You do HEAPS of practical work, and its pretty tiring.

[Steveg]

Relieved to hear about the BFF1 can be done at brigade level.
just have to be patient now and wait for our TO to get me onto a course

[Mike]

The BA course is good fun, but make sure you do actually get plenty of sleep, its excellent to socialise heaps with members from other brigades/areas, but the second day and especially the third day are killers. You do HEAPS of practical work, and its pretty tiring.

You can say that again Coro..... have seen many a person have a "few social drinks"  on the saturday night and live to really regret it.... The other hint would be that you shouldn't eat toooo much for sunday lunch, the hard work after has been known not to tread people that nicely!

[CyberCitizen]

You do HEAPS of practical work, and its pretty tiring.

Are Practical, I Love Practical.  Some Of The Stuff In My Lvl1 Was Boring, To Much Talking About Stuff, However I Do Guess That You Need To Know That Stuff As Well.