Safe Work Australia has published a Guide to provide practical information to operators of major hazard facilities (MHFs) in the preparation, implementation and testing of an emergency plan that will meet the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Regulations.

 

To download a copy click here.

 

A better understanding of Building Code of Australia requirements is necessary to ensure dangerous fire emergencies, such as last week’s office fire in Melbourne’s CBD, are avoided.

The fire, which occurred on the seventh floor of the St James Building at 121 William Street on March 5, is believed to have been sparked by welding work as part of scheduled renovations.

Alarmingly, firefighters attending the scene were unable to access water from the building’s hydrant system as water supply had been shut off for the refurbishment work.

The Building Code of Australia prescribes minimum fire precautions during building construction to satisfy suitable means for firefighting by the fire brigade and allow initial attack by construction workers. Buildings under construction should have:

Appropriate portable fire extinguishers at all times on each storey; and when construction has reached 12 metres in effective height, the building must also have:

(1) Operational fire hose reels

(2) Operational fire hydrants at every storey covered by a roof or floor above except for the two uppermost storeys; and

(3) Required hydrant booster connections (installed and operational)

CEO of Fire Protection Association Australia Scott Williams said these regulations were in place to avoid exactly the kind of situation that occurred last week.

“It is very disappointing to see the rules being ignored in this way,” he said.

“These requirements exist to save lives and protect property and it is lucky no one was seriously injured or killed as a result of this incident.

“The job of fire crews is tough enough without the added difficulty having no water available on-site to suppress the fire as quickly as possible.”

Mr Williams said the incident highlighted the need for building management, in consultation with their fire protection provider or contractor, to closely examine their obligations under the building regulations.

“These minimum requirements must be observed, even if the building is empty due to construction, renovation or refurbishment as there are still risks to construction workers and adjoining property.”

Tass Georgas, Senior Fire Safety Engineer at Melbourne’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade said firefighting crews often faced extra unnecessary challenges due to negligence or ignorance regarding the relevant regulatory requirements.

“Only in very rare circumstances should firefighting crews be unable to access water at a property of this size in a metropolitan area,” he said.

“From time to time there may be a necessity for water to be completely switched off during construction work. In these instances appropriate isolation procedures should be implemented in consultation with the jurisdictional fire authority, so that fire stations in the immediate turn-out area can be notified of such an occurrence.

“Having this advanced warning is critical, because in a fire emergency every minute counts.

“This communication allows us to better plan for the kind of emergency situation that took place last week and ensures our crews are properly prepared before they arrive at the scene.”

Copies of the National Construction Code Series Building Code of Australia 2011: Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings, can be purchased from the Australian Building Codes Board at www.abcb.gov.au or by phone on 1300 134 631.

The Fire Protection Association Australia is Australia’s major technical and educational fire safety organisation aiming to achieve continual improvement in fire safety through active membership and a range of activities.

Risk Response + Rescue is an affiliate member of the association. We have “Code Compliant Status" and proudly embrace the organisations code of practice providing excellence in education and representation in fire safety matters for life, assets and the environment.

 

Safe Work Australia today released a fact sheet to provide general guidance for preparing and maintaining general emergency plans. This is intended for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers in fixed workplaces under regulation 43 of the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations

 

To download a copy click here.

'Raw' was created by Mark Brightwell & Cohen Banfield.
Mark is a valued member of the RR+R team and has captured many of our marine based experiences and produced many quality videos for our clients .
With a Bachelor Degree in Communications, majoring in DTV, Mark has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Digital TV Management & Production.
As is evident in 'Raw', Mark has experience, passion and talent for the extreme marine environments RR+R is renowned for centralized around the ocean and surfing.

As evident in the video, RR+R have the back up to gain access to the best and most extreme locations in the world.

RR+R have a team of Extreme Environmental Specialists, including Mark and many more. Together we have the experience, capability and resources to capture your life's experiences and passion or any high risk activity you participate in, with high quality service.
We also offer a wide scope of Nationally recognized accreditation, including surfing , deep sea fishing and marine safety and rescue activities. RR+R can also provide you with a wide variety of quality marine equipment to suit your needs.

Watch Raw

RR+R now has a Facebook page. Please be sure to 'Like' us to keep updated with all things high risk.

The latest on courses, equipment and industry info for land, alpine, underground, aviation, and maritime.

Risk Response + Rescue Facebook Page

The Sales & Logisitics Team is proud to announce the addition of LEATHERMAN, LED LENSER and SPYDERCO to our online store.

 

Leatherman is a company of campers, hunters, fishing fanatics, spelunkers, mountain bikers, boaters, skiers, snow shoers, and participants in pretty much anything that's fun to do outside. And, in keeping with their individualistic spirit, they are also avid do-it-yourselfers.

As a result, Leatherman's products aren't merely tested in the QC department. They're tested by employees on bike trails, in hunting stands and campsites, on the face of nearby Mt. Hood, and in any number of circumstances within their own homes.

Since 1983, Leatherman has been making tools that can endure just about anything and come back to work tomorrow.

 

With hundreds of petents and design awards, LED Lenser has revolutionised the world of handheld torches and headlamps. State-of-the-art technology is at the heart of every LED Lenser.

Unlike other single piece torches, LED Lenser modular system means fewer point of contact overall and fewer chances for system failure. It also facilitates easier cleaning after extreme use, and easier replacement of components should your torch require service. Other advantages include:

• Better Illumination- White not Yellow Light
• Incredible Energy Efficiency
• No Filament to Break- Tougher
• Last Longer- More Cost Effective

The name Spyderco is synonymous with quality. Every knife or sharpener we make is designed and manufactured with a single goal in mind, Reliable High Performance™.

When you hold a Spyderco in your hand you know you are holding quality. It is backed by 30 years of research and development.

Spyderco is in business to manufacture and offer the highest grade and quality of cutlery available. For 30 years they have extended thier best effort to conduct business in an honest, fair and proper manner.

 

The sales and logistics team is proud to anounce the addition of GO PRO Products to our online store.

GoPro Cameras are the world's smallest waterproof, wearable digital cameras for sports. Shoot SD and HD video with sound or 5 megapixel photos automatically for over an hour.  The GoPro Hero range is waterproof to 100 feet/30 meters and comes with a choice of a standard or a 170º ultra wide angle lens, both with a high-resolution 5 megapixel sensor. The GoPro HD Hero is the world’s only 1080p HD on-board video and still photo camera. Professional quality 1080p / 960p / 720p HD resolutions record at 30 and 60 frames per second (60 fps in 720p). Also available is the HD HERO 960, an entry level version of the original 1080p HD HERO, sharing the same cutting edge video and audio capture technology but with resolutions on the HD HERO 960 limited to 960p (1280 x 960) and 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second, and WVGA (848 x 480) at 60 frames per second.

 

 

 

 

Search our Store for the kit that suits your needs or Contact our Sales & Logisitics Team.

 

RR+R are proud to continue their support towards the success of the 2011 Cobar Mine Rescue Challenge This years event will be conducted in Cobar from the 8th to the 11th September 2011.

The RR+R team have been hard at work putting the finishing touches to the Leadership and Endurance Event. The Leadership and Endurance event incorporates core competencies, skills and equipment required by a mine rescue / emergency response team in a series of physically and mentally challenging tasks and scenarios. The scenarios are designed to challenge the teams leadership, communication, fitness, endurance and knowledge of equipment and protocols.

The event is also intended to provide and entertaining forum for family, friends and supporters to see techniques and equipment used by the teams.

A unique aspect of the Cobar Challenge is the open forum intended to provide participating teams with an opportunity showcase their skills. Teams are encouraged to watch teams from other mining operations participate and to openly share ideas, experiences and equipment. To promote and encourage this, Risk Response + Rescue have proudly been the foundation sponsor and supporter of the Challenge Espirt de corp Reward. Voted by the participating teams, the team that wins the vote for enthusiasm, devotion and displaying the positive spirit of the challenge by assisting and inspiring others to reach or exceed their potential earns the reward. Past winners have been CSA Mine in 2006 and Bengalla Mine in 2008.

RR+R look forward to meeting all the participating teams and wish them every success at the Challenge.

A Bengalla team member 'cashing in' on the 2008 Espirit de corp Reward

 

The Australian Resuscitation Council has released current Guidelines for asthma, snake bite, pressure immobilisation, poisoning, legal issues and precordial thump.

Specifically the guidelines are…

9.2.5 First Aid for Asthma

9.4.1 Australian Snake Bite Guideline

9.4.8 Pressure Immobilisation Technique Guideline

9.5.1 Emergency Management of a Victim who has been Poisoned

10.5 Legal and Ethical Issues related to Resuscitation

11.3 Precordial Thump & Fist Pacing

Risk Response + Rescue are reviewing our learning and assessment strategies to reflect the content of the current guidelines.

 

Risk Response + Rescue are proud to add the suite of compact GoPro High Definition camera’s to our range of equipment for Military, Police and Marine Operational Environments.

 

The GoPro’s range of camera’s have an unprecedented reputation for capturing amazing high quality - high definition video and still photographs for their size and portability.

 

Developed for professional use, but at a consumer price, the HD HERO line of wearable cameras capture full HD video rivalling cameras costing 10x the price and are suited to the harsh and rugged treatment operational environments present..

 

 

GoPro’s HD Helmet HERO is the world’s highest performance wearable 1080p HD video and still photo camera allowing professional quality 1080p / 960p / 720p HD resolutions  to record at 30 and 60 frames per second (60 fps in 720p). It is possible to record up to 2.5 hours on a single charge and up to 9 hours HD video on a 32GB SD card.

 

In addition to HD video, this camera’s also shoot 5MP still photographs at 2/5/10/30 or 60 second intervals of poster-print quality POV photos.

 

Contact our sales and logistic team to set you up with the right system for your operational environment.

 

A new national VET regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), commenced operations today, 1 July 2011. With the exception of Victoria and Western Australia, the State Regulatory bodies have been or will shortly be replaced by the ASQA.  This will allow for a more nationally consistent approach to the VET industry.

 

This change is intended to provide greater national consistency and increased focus on the way Registered Training Providers (RTO’s) are registered, courses are accredited, and how the quality of the system is monitored.

 

The establishment of a National VET Regulator is intended to provide a clear line of accountability and responsibility for the quality of vocational education and training throughout Australia and provide a streamlined and coordinated response to emerging quality issues.

 

ASQA will now be responsible for all regulatory requirements including, accreditation of courses, additions to scope, accreditation and re-accreditation of RTOs, auditing and compliance of the VET industry and governance of the VET Quality Frameworks systems.

 

After 21 years of operation the Vocational Training and Accreditation Board (VETAB) ceased operations on the 30th June 2011. At the same time the Board itself was abolished. Risk Response + Rescue is now regulated by the ASQA.

From the top of the world to the oceans depths. Mount Everest at an elevation of 8,848m above sea level all the way down to the bottom of the Mariana Trench 10,916m below sea level.

 

 

The 20011 winter snow season has kicked off in the Australian Alp’s and is shaping up as one of the best starts for both resort and backcountry skiing in years. In the lead up to the official opening for the June long weekend, temperatures have plummeted below  -15 degrees Celsius and 30cm of fresh dry snow as fallen across the mountains.

 

Conditions have been near perfect for snow making and all major resorts are expected to have the chairs and T-bars swinging this weekend.

 

RR+R have one of the most diverse and experienced alpine teams in the Snowy Mountains and are looking forward to another year of winter adventure and learning activities.

 

"The training was fantastic. Paul Shrubb made everyone feel comfortable (especially me being the only female in the group). I would recommend this training to all OHS officers, like me, as I now have a real appreciation for the risks/hazards in confined spaces"

 

Jane Minton

OH&S + Risk Management Officer

Snowy River Shire Council

 

The battle for the 2011 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series was conducted in Sydney on the 10^th April 2011. Risk Response + Rescue teamed with Life Guarding Services to provide water safety, first response and shark spotting for the swim legs on Australia’s famous Sydney harbour.

 

Over the course of the day thousands of competitors competed in various events including the Dextro Energy Triathlon in which almost all of the top 20 triathletes in the world lined up on the starting grid.

 

Lifeguarding Services  provided water safety with a fleet of inflatable rubber boats (IRB’s) supported by RR+R’s Rescue Jetski. During all vents the competitors were under the watchful eyes of the team and those who required assistance were attended to professionally and expediently.

 

The event organisers, competitors and spectators couldn’t have asked for a better day or more suitable conditions as Sydney turned on the a beautiful autumn day and calm conditions on the harbour.

 

The Australian Resuscitation Council has released new guidelines dated December 2010 relating to basic life support and CPR. There are significant changes to the traditional DRABCD which has now been replaced with DRSABCD. A key change is the prompt to send for help and the commencement of compressions before providing two rescue breaths to a non-responsive/non-breathing casualty.

A major review has been undertaken of Priorities in an Emergency, Unconsciousness, Breathing and the commencement of Compressions.

Steps in resuscitation are now referred to as' DRS ABCD' - check for Danger - check for Response - ‘S’ has been added for Send for help - ‘A’ directs rescuers to open the Airway - ‘B’ directs rescuers to check Breathing but no need to deliver two rescue breaths - ‘C’ directs rescuers to perform 30 Compressions to victims who are unresponsive and not breathing normally, followed by 2 breaths - ‘D’ directs rescuers to attach an AED as soon as it is available • The major change is that in the victim who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR commences with chest compressions rather than rescue breaths. • If unwilling / unable to perform rescue breathing, then perform compression only.

 

The new ARC Basic Life Support Flowchart

 

Risk Response + Rescue has been monitoring the changes closely and will be amending training, assessment and life support protocols to reflect the new guidelines.

 

A summary of the major changes to Basic Life Support Guidelines dated December 2010 are;

GUIDELINE 2 - Priorities in an Emergency • Focus changed to cover a range of emergency situations not just cardiac arrest and includes collapsed and injured victims.

GUIDELINE 3 - Unconsciousness • Focus now on the breathing unconscious victim (the non breathing unconscious victim will now call under Guideline 8: CPR)

GUIDELINE 4 - Airway • Minor error in FBAO flowchart corrected

GUIDELINE 5 - Breathing • References to signs of life removed as these are open to interpretation and feedback from member organisations suggests that the term ‘signs of life’ is confusing. • Focus on unresponsive and not breathing normally as the indicators for resuscitation.

GUIDELINE 6 - Compressions • References to signs of life removed as these are open to interpretation and feedback from member organisations suggests that the term ‘signs of life’ is confusing. • Focus on unresponsive and not breathing normally as the indicators for resuscitation. • If unwilling / unable to perform rescue breathing, then perform compression only CPR. • Pulse check downgraded for health care professionals as it is an unreliable indicator of the need for resuscitation. • New focus on maintenance of CPR quality including recommendations to change rescuers every 2 minutes to decrease rescuer fatigue and maintain depth and rate of compressions. • New section on use of prompt devices in clinical use as a part of an overall strategy to improve quality of CPR. NEW GUIDELINE

GUIDELINE 7 - AED Use In BLS • This is a new guideline recognising the role of AEDs as part of BLS in both out of hospital and in hospital environments. • Clear recommendations that training in AED use should be part of BLS education.

GUIDELINE 8 - CPR Changes as per airway, breathing, compressions and AED guidelines • Increase emphasis on bystander CPR as life saving intervention. • Compression: rescue breathing ratio remains at 30:2 • Steps in resuscitation are now DRS ABCD - check for Danger - check for Response - ‘S’ has been added for Send for help - ‘A’ directs rescuers to open the Airway - ‘B’ directs rescuers to check Breathing but no need to deliver two rescue breaths - ‘C’ directs rescuers to perform 30 Compressions to victims who are unresponsive and not breathing normally, followed by 2 breaths - ‘D’ directs rescuers to attach an AED as soon as it is available • The major change is that in the victim who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR commences with chest compressions rather than rescue breaths. • If unwilling / unable to perform rescue breathing, then perform compression only

CPR. BLS FLOWCHART • Highlights ‘Send for help’ • Enables compression only CPR if unwilling / unable to perform rescue breathing. • in victims who are unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR commences with chest compressions rather than rescue breaths.

GUIDELINE 10.1 - CPR Training • Regardless of the recency of CPR training or re-training, any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt and should be encouraged • Duration of CPR courses has not been determined. • Prompt / feedback devices can be used in training as an overall strategy to improve quality of CPR. • The optimal interval for retraining has not been established, but need for refresher training for individuals who are not performing resuscitation on a regular basis is recognised. • Recommendation that individuals trained in CPR should refresh their CPR skills at least annually (opposed to undertake assessment annually).

GUIDELINE 10.2 - CPR Instructor Competencies

DELETE GUIDELINE 10.3 - Cross Infection Risks & Manikin Disinfection • No major changes

GUIDELINE 10.5 - Legal And Ethical Issues • Is undergoing a major re-write and will be released in 2011.

The majority of Guidelines in Sections 11 - Adult Advanced Life Support, 12 - Paediatric Advanced Life Support , and 13 - Neonatal Guidelines have been updated to December 2010.

To promote safe and responsible use of  jetski's or personal water craft (PWC), NSW Maritime developed the 'Ride Right' safety package– including a DVD, a mobile phone pouch, a new behaviour sticker that is compulsory to attach to all PWC's, a flier, a booklet outlining safety requirements, and a website page aimed to promote safe and responsible use of jetskis.

 

Two-time world surfing champion Tom Carroll and five-time world PWC champion Kylie Ellmers are safety ambassadors for Ride Right.

 

Tom is a professional waterman and uses a PWC's with his Storm Surfers team to tow onto massive waves in some of the most remote places on earth, while Kylie is at the pinnacle of the sport winning her fifth PWC title recently in the USA.

 

Tom Carroll said:"PWC's are awesome craft and make it possible to catch waves we have never ridden before but you need to know what you are doing and ride right."

 

Kylie Ellmers said:"PWC are not just another toy ... they are a powerboat, just smaller, and you need to know the rules for safe use."

 

The Ride Right safety education package was made with the support of the Boating Industry Association and other stakeholders in a bid to improve the culture of safe behaviour on NSW waterways.

 

Risk Response + Rescue offer a range of Nationally Accredited  water and marine safety and rescue competencies including the safe and responsible use of personal watercraft. The company also provides support services and training in the use ofpersonal rescue craft.

 

NSW Maritime PWC-Handbook.pdf

RR+R have recently been successful in their Renewal of Registration as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) including a significant Extension to the Company’s Scope of Accreditation.  This involved an Audit of RR+R’s compliance as an RTO against the Australian Quality Training Framework - Essential Standards for Registration.

 

RR+R was formed in 1998 and since that time the Company has worked closely with various industry sectors and organisations with unique operational risk exposures to attain one of Australia’s most comprehensive scopes of accreditation specialising in competencies and skill sets for high risk operational environments.

 

RR+R’s scope of accreditation now contains over 750 specialised Units of Competency from 16 independent training packages to meet the demands of their clients and specialised industries.

 

The extension of scope will compliment the full range of services currently offered for land, alpine, mining, aviation and marine sectors.

 

Several of Risk Response + Rescue's VET Partners will be rolling out the new competencies from their respective industry training package in training and assessment programs in the near future including; Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (Aviation Training Package), Australian Defence Force - Special Operations Group (Public Safety Training Package),  Newcrest (Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package), Australian Lifeguarding Services (Public Safety Training Package), and Marine Rescue New South Wales (Maritime Training Package).

The National Quality Council (NQC) has endorsed a new design and structure for Training Packages as part of the VET Products for the 21st Century project.

 

The Streamlined Training Packages are the culmination of more than two years of research and consultation by the NQC. The New Training packages will be accompanied by ‘Companion Volumes’ to provide guidance to RTO’s. It is intended the new format will be more user‐friendly and easier to use.

 

In summary;

• The Streamlined Training Packages will be written in simplified language, shortened, and contain appropriately segmented content.
• There will be a greater focus on assessment, knowledge and foundation skills
• Units of Competency will be simplified to be an expression of performance standards only - explicitly listing foundation skills.
• Assessment requirements are to be strengthened and given their own section.
• Required skills will be expressed in Elements and Performance Criteria.
• The range statement is to be renamed RANGE OF CONDITIONS and will reflect context and operating conditions only.

 

The NQC has agreed to a transition period until the end of 2012 for Industry Skills Councils to update all Training Packages.

Work Safe Australia has released the draft model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and model Codes of Practice for public comment.

Safe Work Australia is currently developing a National OH&S model for Australia intended to result in the harmonisation of all occupation health and safety laws towards a national and effective OH&S system.

The consultation period is open until Monday 4 April 2011 and can be viewed at http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/Legislation/PublicComment/Pages/PublicComment.aspx

 

The events that have unfolded in NZ over recent weeks have been a tragedy that no-one would ever want to re-live... unfortunately these events have occurred in the past, and it is likely they will occur again in the future.
 
Coal dust explosions are extremely violent events that statistically, for the families, offer no closure for those who do not escape by their own means.
 
The most tragic of these events in Australia have occurred in our own region here in the Illawarra... the Bulli mine explosion occurred in the escarpment above the green bridge passing over the Princes Highway at Bulli. 81 men and boys in teen's died in the first deadly blast in the region. An unconscious boy was blown out of the tunnel mouth with blast debris by the force of the explosion... miraculously he lived - he was the only survivor. The eighty one bodies were recovered and are buried at Bulli and Fairy Meadow.
 
At Mt. Kembla Colliery 96 men and boys died in the now famous 'Kembla Mine Disaster'. The sound of the explosion was reported to be herd in Wollongong and Thirroul – over 15 kilometres away. This remains Australia’s largest single loss of life in peace time, and the largest loss of life in an Australian industrial accident.
 
At Appin another underground explosion resulted in the death of 14 employees in 1979.
 
As history repeats itself today and the mining communities around the world mourn those lost at Pike River, there is an extract from the Sydney Morning Herald dated 9th August 1994 below to remind us of the heartache felt by the townsfolk of Moura - the eleven miners who perished in Moura were never recovered.
 
Of note, when these events have occurred the 'rescue' statistics are sobering... to my knowledge following a coal dust explosion, in NSW no-one has ever been rescued. In Queensland, Mine Rescue Teams have successfully rescued two miners - since the implementation of the mines rescue Acts in Queensland in 1925 and NSW in 1926 we have never lost any mine rescue team members attempting rescue in NSW. Since the same Act was enacted in Queensland 24 rescuers have lost their lives re-entering mines to save lives or to extinguish fires.
 
There are countless other explosions that have resulted in many lives lost in other Australian mining communities and literally hundreds of thousands of miners that have perished in these events internationally.
 
Today, at 2PM New Zealand time (Midday NSW summertime), 29 tables will be set with miners cap lamps and 2 minutes silence will be held for the loved ones lost at Pike River - today is their day. During the 2 minutes silence we should also remember those who have suffered the same fate in the past and the loved ones who survive them and hope that events of this nature never occur again.

Those honoured today…

New Zealanders:  Joseph Dunbar - 17, Benjamin Rockhouse - 21, Zen Drew - 21, Michael Hanmer Monk - 23, Samuel Mackie - 26, Brendan  Palmer - 27, Blair Sims-  28, Riki Keane - 28, Stuart Mudge - 31, Christopher Duggan - 31, Andrew  Hurren - 32, Kane Nieper - 33, David Hoggart - 33, Glen Cruse - 35, Daniel Herk -  36, Terry Kitchin - 41, Francis Marden -  41, Richard Holling - 41, Conrad Adams - 43, John Hale -  45, Milton Osborne -  54, Peter O'Neill -  55, Allan Dixon -  59, Keith Valli – 62

Australians:  Joshua Ufer  - 25, William Joynson -  49

UK - England: Peter Rodger - 40

UK - Scotland: Malcolm Campbell - 25

South Africa:  Jacobus Jonker - 47

 

The entire team at Risk Response + Rescue extend their sincere condolences to the families and friends of those affected by this  tragedy.

 

Paul Shrubb

Managing Director RR+R

 
Entombed: Moura Mourns Its Dead
Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday August 9, 1994
By JOHN HUXLEY

 

Some wore stubbies and thongs, others flannelette shirts and Wranglers. Some sported broad-brimmed Akubras, others, peaked baseball caps carrying the Moura Mine logo. Some sobbed, most simply stood granite-grim in the bitter southerly wind.
Coalminers and cattle workers, townsfolk and countryfolk, men and women, young and old, they came, united by shock and a shared sense of personal tragedy to Moura's Rotary Park yesterday to learn the latest news of attempts to rescue 11 men trapped underground in the central Queensland mine since Sunday.

 

This was no time, no place for a show of emotion. Still less for histrionics. A handshake here. A nod there. Just a few words of introduction from the district vice-president of the United Mine Workers Union, Jim Lambley, which urged the community to "stick together more than ever" and as far as possible to ignore the madding media, whom he described as a necessary evil in the present crisis.

Then, with the help of sketches drawn on a whiteboard unloaded from the back of a ute, Mr Lambley and his colleagues, Pat Heumiller and Bill Allison, gave a remarkably dispassionate account of the state of the rescue attempt. They explained it remained stalled as rescue crews stood by, still waiting for the dangerous concentration of gases in the gallery where the men were trapped to clear."I know there are men here who are prepared to risk their lives to save the lives of those trapped, but we have to be realistic," said Mr Heumiller.

The union officials, shouting to be heard above the whistling wind that sent red dust swirling in all directions, did not seek to disguise the gravity of the crisis. The crowd wanted and was given hard technical details of the limited options left open to the rescuers. Afterwards there were few questions. Almost as quickly as they had assembled the crowd dispersed, returning to the proper privacy of their homes, leaving the streets of Moura deserted, as they have been since Sunday night's accident.

TV cameramen, warned earlier by police to keep away because of the"volatility of the people", were pushed angrily away.
Within an hour there was a flurry of activity on the streets as people rushed fearfully from their homes, shops and offices to find out the cause of a loud explosion. Way to the south-east of the town, black smoke quickly smudged the brilliant blue sky. There had been another blast in the mine.
It was sickening. As Paul Marks, a Moura miner for 19 of his 37 years, said: "Absolutely nothing can prepare you for something like this." Within hours his worst fears were confirmed, when after telling the relatives of the 11 men, union and BHP officials announced that the rescue attempt was to be abandoned. The mine was to be sealed, the trapped miners entombed.

 

The explosion came as rescue teams were desperately drilling bore holes to lower extra gas detection equipment into the mine and preparing to despatch a Numbat remote-control vehicle down the mine to better assess the chances of safely sending in rescue teams.
The general manager of the BHP Australia Coal group, Mr Bob Flew, said the second blast "led the company and mining unions to the inescapable conclusion there was no longer any hope of survival for the 11 men".

Mr Marks, president of the Moura branch of the union, was on holiday with his family in Yeppoon when he was woken in his hotel at 1 am on Monday with news of the first explosion. He returned to Moura immediately to help with rescue operations and community liaison.
"We're all brothers here," he explained. "We feel for each other."

He added: "Even before the final decision, the mood in the community was one of deep shock. Obviously everyone is absolutely devastated."
The Prime Minister, Mr Keating, extended his deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the 11 men. "I am sure that the thoughts of Australians everywhere will be with those affected by this tragedy," he said.

 

The Federal Opposition Leader, Mr Downer, also extended his sympathies.
There has been speculation that the ill-fated mine will close permanently with a loss of 150 jobs, dealing the town a further blow.
Mr Marks says some men will now almost certainly decide to quit the coal industry or at least seek a transfer to the open-cut operations. And privately BHP officials are questioning whether it will be possible ever to resume underground operations, especially as the reserves are becoming increasingly uneconomic.
But reports of Moura's and the mine's demise are premature. Underground operations produce only a quarter of the mine's annual output of 4.1 million tonnes.
Meanwhile local support groups have begun mobilising to help the many bereaved families and friends. As one local businesswoman said, "this is the bush, everyone is affected in some way".

 

The dead men are: John Robert Dullahide of Moura, 44; Darrell William Hogarth, Moura, 46; David Brian King, Banana, 24; Geoffrey Mazzer, Biloela, 45; Mark Reginald Nelson, Moura, 36; Robert Allan Newton, Banana, 39; Robert Parker, Newcastle, 39; Christopher Robert Ritchie, Moura, 27; Michael Edward Ryan, Moura, 31; Michael Edward Shaw, Moura, 27; Terry Gordon Vivian, Moura, 49.

Rescue services will be significantly boosted on the NSW South Coast after Westpac announced additional funding for a dedicated Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service.

The specifically designed rescue helicopter to will provide specialist aero medical and rescue support from Shoalhaven Heads down to the Victorian border for the 2010 / 2011 summer season.

The BK-117 twin engine helicopter will carry a crew of three comprising a pilot, an air crew officer and a rescue swimmer and will be on call and based at Moruya Airport to respond between 9.00 am to 7.00 pm until 28th February, 2011.

The Helicopter is capable of responding to marine and land incidents, especially those in remote or difficult locations and will provide a free service for the rescue of persons from accident scenes and transporting critically ill patients to hospital. It will also provide police and other emergency services with a rapid and responsive rescue helicopter to assist them in search and rescue operations. The service will commence from the start of December 2010.

 

The final draft for the Case for Endorsement of Version 8 of PUA00 Public Safety Training Package has been submitted to all State Training Authorities for endorsement.

 

Version 8 incorporates qualifications, units of competency and Skill Sets developed for the Defence, State and Territory Emergency Services and Police sectors as well as industry wide material. Fire sector qualifications have also been revised.

 

Many of the Units of Competency in the Public Safety Package relate to competency in high risk and changing environments and/or situations with increased threats or exposure to safety, which may be the result of an incident, emergency or operation.

Risk Response + Rescue have a significant number of Public Safety Units of Competency on scope and deliver these across all sectors.

 

Endorsement of and final release is expected in the near future.

 

Hi RR+R,
Thank you for the very professional way that you managed our Marine First Aid course. Your courtesy, and prompt response gave me the confidence that we were working with professionals. The trainers were of exceptional expertise in their profession. The course successfully fulfills the Marine aspect of what may be encountered by our Marine Rescuers on our recreational and ocean waters.

 

Kylie [Fountain] was terrific and typical of your organisation. Her softly-softly approach worked really well and there was no feeling of a takeover or forced delivery.

Ron Lighton

Marine Rescue NSW

4 X 4 Outback Challenge

Problem:
The event challenged vehicles, drivers and navigators to some of the most high risk and challenging 4 X 4 conditions in the world. The stages took their toll on the machines… and the teams.

Solution:
Risk Response + Rescue provided specialist support to an area spanning 100's of square kilometres surrounding Broken Hill.

During the event RR+R personnel attended several incidents.

A RR+R medic was quoted as saying ‘the drivers treat their bodies the same as the vehicles... pushing them to the limit and breaking point.

Outcome:

The week was not without incident and the services of RR+R were greatly appreciated. Several roll-overs, a number of end-over-enders, snapped winch cables - vehicles, drivers and navigators pushed to breaking point!

Aviation Review

Problem:

Remote, fly in – fly out mining operation required an evaluation of their emergency response capability to deal with aircraft accidents or incidents.

Solution:

Risk Response + Rescue provided a team of aviation specialists to visit the mine to conduct an evaluation of emergency equipment available and assess the type of capacity building required to deliver an effective emergency response solution.

Outcome:

A timely assessment was made of the emergency equipment and Emergency Response Group capability. Recommendations were made for competency and resource requirements to develop the required emergency response capacity.

At its meeting on 2 August 2010, the NSW Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB) endorsed the new Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration and the new AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration (the new AQTF).

 

The new AQTF will be implemented in NSW as from 1 September 2010. All applications for Initial Registration as an RTO in NSW which are received by VETAB on or after 1 September 2010 will be audited against the new AQTF  Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration.

Copies of the new AQTF and the User’s Guide to the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration and the User’s Guide to the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration and are available from: www.training.com.au

The ARC Guideline 8.9.6 Envenomation – Jellyfish Strings has been revised. This guideline focuses predominantly on tropical envenomation by the box jellyfish and other jellyfish that may cause Irukandji syndrome.

 

The new guideline highlights that because of the differences in jellyfish species around Australi recognition and management of jellyfish envenomation may vary, however, if the species causing the sting cannot be clearly identified as harmless or due to a bluebottle, the casualty should be treated with a diluted solution of 4-6% vinegar.

 

The Australian Resuscitation Council continually reviews and updates guidelines by consultation with member bodies and other experts and aims to promote uniformity and standardisation of resuscitation and first aid recognition and management in Australia.

A question and answer fact sheet on the use of ski helmets by Safe Kids Canada has been released at an appropriate time for the Australian winter ski season. It is the result of an international review which concluded that head injuries are the most common cause of death among skiers and snowboarders and recommends the mandatory use of suitable helmets when participating in snow sport activities.

Paul Shrubb, RR+R’s Managing Director commented “Risk Response + Rescue have a highly experienced alpine team. All our team members wear (their) helmets for any downhill snowsport activity or when operating over-snow vehicles such as skidoo and ATV’s”.  Asked his personal opinion he commented “As a rule of thumb, in any land or alpine activity – if your body is going to travel faster than you can run - you should either be retrained, wear a helmet or both. I encourage my family and my staff to wear them”.

Whilst the answers to the questions relate to Canada, the answers are also relevant to Australian skiing conditions.

Are skiers and snowboarders at risk of head injury?
An international review which included Canada concluded that head injuries are the most common cause of death among skiers and snowboarders. Traumatic brain injuries account for 50-88 per cent of the fatalities at ski resorts1 and 67 per cent of skier deaths in children.2  Head injuries comprise 3 -15 per cent of all injuries suffered by skiers and snowboarders.   

Novice skiers and snowboarders are most susceptible to injury; however novice snowboarders in particular are more likely to suffer severe head injuries.3  Children and adolescents experience more head and neck injuries than adults, which may be due to a number of factors unique to children.  Children have immature muscles and bones that could result in more falls and they tire more quickly from physical activity. In addition they often wear ill-fitting ski equipment due to their continued growth from one ski season to the next.4

What kind of head injuries can occur?
Overall head and spinal cord injuries are increasing.5  The majority of head injuries (83 per cent) are concussions.6  Concussions represent 9.6 per cent of injuries in skiers, 14.7 per cent of injuries in snowboarders and 5.7 per cent of injuries in snowbladers. For both skiers and snowboarders, traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death. It is estimated that between 50 and 88 per cent of deaths can be related to traumatic brain injury.7

Does wearing a helmet effectively protect a skier or snowboarder?
Several studies have demonstrated that ski and snow board helmets are effective at preventing head injuries.8  It is estimated that for every 10 people who wear a helmet, up to five may avoid head injuries.9   Studies also show that even at a speed of 19km/h, a ski helmet can minimize brain damage.10  Helmets may prove to offer even greater protection, as many individuals wear them incorrectly.11   Current evidence is limited on the relationship between helmet use and neck injury.12

Do helmets make skiers take more risks?
A 2007 study demonstrated that skiers and snowboarders who wore helmets actually traveled at slower speeds and challenged themselves less than non-helmet wearers.13   Similar studies concerning cyclists and hockey players indicate that using a helmet or safety equipment does not lead to increased risk- taking.14 15

How many people in Canada have serious injuries from skiing and snowboarding?
Nearly 1,800 people were hospitalized with serious injuries from skiing and snowboarding in 2005.16

How many children in Canada are injured from skiing and snowboarding?
In 2005, 1,629 children under the age of 15 visited emergency departments and 375 children were hospitalized for serious injuries from skiing and snowboarding.17   

Is helmet fit important?
In order for helmets to protect adults and children properly, they must be correctly fitted and secured. Ski and snowboard helmets should rest two fingers width above the eyebrow and the helmet should be snug and comfortable, with only one finger width under the chinstrap. The helmet pads should touch the cheeks and the forehead, and the helmet back should not touch the nape of the neck. If wearing goggles, there should be little or no gap between the top of the goggles and the helmet. Most helmets come with fitting instructions.

When should a ski or snowboard helmet be replaced?
If a helmet has been dropped or the wearer has been in a fall or collision while wearing the helmet, a new one should be purchased, even if it appears undamaged.

Is it safe to use a second-hand helmet?
Using a second-hand helmet is not recommended. The accident history and the age of the helmet cannot be assured if the helmet had been previously used.  A helmet that has been in a crash, or is over five years of age, should be replaced. Helmet plastics do not retain their integrity over time, and lose the ability to protect properly, even if they appear intact. In addition, older helmets may not meet current safety standards, or they may have missing or broken parts.

What current helmets standards are available in Canada?
Helmets for sale in Canada should have certification from CE, Snell or ASTM. These are designed as single-impact helmets. In 2008 the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) released a new standard for a multi-impact ski and snowboard helmet. However, there are no helmets available with the CSA seal because no helmet currently meets the CSA standard.

Which helmets are recommended for tobogganing?
Experts recommend a ski/snowboarding helmet for tobogganing. Since the activity of going downhill is a similar mechanism of injury for tobogganing, a ski/snowboarding helmet is an appropriate choice. Certification from CSA, CE, Snell or ASTM is important when selecting a helmet.

Would mandatory helmet use for alpine sports discourage participation in these activities?
Individuals who are motivated to participate in a particular activity do not appear to be deterred because of safety equipment requirements. Canadian research regarding mandatory bike helmet legislation demonstrates that children have not reduced their cycling activities as a result of helmet laws.18  Recreational hockey also requires helmet use, and continues to be a popular Canadian winter sport.

Why does Safe Kids Canada support legislation for mandatory helmet use?
Head injury is the leading cause of death for skiers and snowboarders, and it has been clearly demonstrated that legislation requiring cyclists to wear helmets has been effective in reducing head injuries. Safe Kids Canada is working with relevant stakeholders in the ski and snowboard industry to find an effective, feasible approach that can reduce injury within the sport.

Would it be difficult to enforce mandatory helmet wear on alpine hills?
Developing mandatory helmet legislation, involves a collaborative approach between ski hill operators and the government. A number of strategies could be developed. For example, chair lift use on alpine hills could become contingent on helmet use. Ski hill operators across Canada could implement a "no helmet; no lift ticket" policy.  This could encourage wearing helmets on the hill to become standard practice.

 

Endnotes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 3 5 6 7 8 10 12 Ackery A, Hagel BE, Provvidenza C, Tator CH. An international review of head and spinal cord injuries in alpine skiing and snowboarding. Injury Prevention. 2007;13:368-375.
2 Smith GA, Stallones L, Xiang H. Downhill skiing injury fatalities among children. Injury Prevention. 2004;10:99-102.
4 Higggins W, Laurent C, Meyers M, Shelly W. Downhill ski injuries in children and adolescents. Sports Medicine. 2001;37(6):486-499.
9 Russell K, Christie J, Hagel BE. The effect of helmets on the risk of head and neck injuries among skiers and snowboarders: a meta-analysis. Canadian Medical Association Journal 2010.
11 Goulet C, Hagel BE, Platt W, Pless IB, Robitalle Y.  Effectiveness of helmets in skiers and snowboarders: case control and case crossover study. British Medical Journal. 2005.
13 Andersen PA, Butler DB, Cutter GR, Dignan MB, Scott MD, Voeks JH, et al. Testing the risk compensation hypothesis for safety helmets in alpine skiing and snowboarding. Injury Prevention. 2007;13:173-177.
14 Bueno-Cavanillas A, de Dios Luna-del-Castillo J, Gálvez-Vargas R, García-Martín MA,  Lardelli-Claret P, Jiménez-Moleón JJ. Risk compensation theory and voluntary helmet use by cyclists in Spain. Injury Prevention. 2003;9:128-132.
15 Benson BW, Mohtadi NG, Meeuwisse WH, Nicholas G, Rose MS. Head and neck injuries among ice hockey players wearing full face shields vs half face shields. JAMA. 1999;282(24):2328-2332.
16 17 Public Health Agency of Canada. 2005 unpublished data.
18 Macpherson AK, Parkin PC, To TM. Mandatory helmet legislation and children's exposure to cycling. Injury Prevention. 2001;7:228-230.

 

RR+R has a good man in Wyn Jenkins. He did a fantastic job on Saturday with the Marine Fire Fighting Assessment. With his knowledge and delivery methods we all had a good time.

Please thank him again from all of us at Lake Macquarie.

Cheers Bob D.
Marine Rescue NSW - Lake Macquarie Division

Standards Australia has released a new edition of AS/NZS 1891.4:2009, Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices - Selection, use and maintenance

This Standard specifies requirements and sets out recommendations for the selection, safe use and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices based on the use of safety harnesses, horizontal life lines and rails, fall-arrest devices, and associated lanyards, connectors, anchorages and fittings.
 
The standard provides guidance where fall-arrest systems are placed within the hierarchy of control for fall protection.
 
Principal changes from the previous edition are:
(a) Removal of ‘total restraint’ from the scope of the Standard as equipment provided solely for restraint purposes is not dealt with in the AS/NZS 1891 series of Standards.
(b) Minimum allowable anchorage strength to be 12 kN or 15 kN depending on fall distance.
(c) New terminology for harnesses (full or lower body) and positioning of fall-arrest attachment points.
(d) Inclusion of twin-tail lanyards.
(e) In-service values for the extension of personal energy absorbers in fall situations.
(f) Lower body harness use restricted to limited free fall and restrained fall.
(g) Updated requirements for operator training and assessment.
(h) The term ‘suspension trauma’ has been changed to ‘suspension intolerance (trauma)’.
(i) A belt or waist strap alone in lieu of a harness is no longer permitted for any of the applications in this Standard to protect against a potential fall.
 
Risk Response + Rescues staff are able to assist with compliance with this new standard and many others applicable to areas of our expertise

The 2009 Edition for confined spaces has been released. The revised standard has a significant reformat to the structure, layout and content of the preeding 2001 edition.

Of note, is a change to the title of the standard to Australian Standard 2865 2009 - Confined Spaces. The standard is no longer a joint AS/NZ standard. The primary objective which previously read 'to eliminate or minimise the need to enter a confined’ in 2001, in summary reads ‘reducing the risks to health and safety of those working in or near confined spaces, by prescribing techniques and procedures covering entry to, and working in or on a confined space.' in the 2009 edition.

The wording of the definition of a confined space has changed with guidance diagrams included for clarification. There are options for "alternative means" in relation to the role of a standby person and an expansion of training and competency requirements.

 

In relation to confined space compliance, it is important to check first with your relevant State authority such as WorkCover or WorkSafe as applicable. The newly released standard is only one source in a spectrum of applicable references and in certain jurisdictions the legal requirements of OH&S Regulations exceed the recommendations in the revised standard.

 

Confined spaces are an area in which National OHS Commission (NOHSC) and Safe Work Australia provide clear guidance. In 1995 Australian Standards (now SIA Global) and the NOHSC declared Safe Working in a Confined Space (AS2865-1995) a 'joint standard'. This remains the only recognised ‘joint standard’ to date.

Whilst SAI Global revised the Australian Standard in 2001 and has revised it again with the newly released 2009 edition, these Standards were not 'declared' by NOHSC or Safe Work Australia and therefore AS2865-1995 remains the declared National Standard.

This Standard sets out the principles of respiratory protection, requirements and recommendations for the selection, use and maintenance of personal respiratory protective equipment in the workplace.
 

The main changes to this edition of the Standard are an increased, formalised emphasis of the risk management approach and systems management.

 
This Standard does not deal with military, diving, underwater, aviation, life support respirators or resuscitation applications for respiratory protective equipment or apparatus.

New Fire Danger Rating and public warnings have been introduced in NSW to help save lives in bush fires.

The revised fire danger rating and warning systems are aligned to the nationally-agreed Fire Danger Rating and warning systems being introduced around Australia in the wake of the Victorian 2009 bushfires.

 

A key change is a new top level category - Catastrophic (Code Red) incorporated into the Fire Danger Rating system. The Fire Danger Rating warns of the level of bush fire threat on any given day, based on the forecast weather conditions. It is an early indicator of the potential danger, should a bush fire start.

The new Catastrophic (Code Red) level indicates that when there is a forecast of Catastrophic conditions, there is a very real likelihood of major loss of life and property.

The new category will be added to the Fire Danger Meter signs strategically positioned in bushfire prone communities around the State.

The following bush fire alert messages, ranked on a sliding scale depending on the threat, have been included for public warnings.

Advice
a fire has started - there is no immediate danger;
general information to keep up to date with developments.

Watch and Act
represents a heightened level of threat.

Conditions are changing; you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

Emergency Warning
you are in danger and need to take action immediately.
You will be impacted by fire.

Emergency Warning is the highest and most urgent warning which will be used when there is a major risk of people being killed in a bush fire.  This message will usually be preceded by an emergency warning signal (a siren sound played on the radio or TV).

New Fire Danger Rating and public warnings have been introduced in NSW to help save lives in bush fires.

The revised fire danger rating and warning systems are aligned to the nationally-agreed Fire Danger Rating and warning systems being introduced around Australia in the wake of the Victorian 2009 bushfires.

A key change is a new Fire Danger Rating system with a new top level category - Catastrophic (Code Red) to recognise conditions with a very real likelihood of major loss of life and property.

The Fire Danger Rating warns of the level of bush fire threat on any given day, based on the forecast weather conditions. It is an early indicator of the potential danger, should a bush fire start.

The Catastrophic (Code Red) level indicates that if there is a forecast of Catastrophic conditions, there is a very real likelihood of major loss of life and property

The new category will be added to the Fire Danger Meter signs strategically positioned in bushfire prone communities around the State.

The following bush fire alert messages which are ranked on a sliding scale depending on the threat have been adopted.

Advice
a fire has started - there is no immediate danger;
general information to keep up to date with developments.

Watch and Act
represents a heightened level of threat.

Conditions are changing; you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

Emergency Warning
you are in danger and need to take action immediately.
You will be impacted by fire.

Emergency Warning is the highest and most urgent warning which will be used when there is a major risk of people being killed in a bush fire.  This message will usually be preceded by an emergency warning signal (a siren sound played on the radio or TV).

 

RR+R. I just thought I would inform you of the feedback I received from our guys who attended the Working at Height course run at our facility in Vineyard.

Comments like… “it was really an eye opener”……. “that guy knew his stuff”………, “I’ve been in the industry 25 years and I never imagined it was that simple to ensure our safety” were just a few.

As Safety Manager this is music to my ears. In my experience, some training providers just go through the motion, but the trainer in this instance (Philippe Lahore) had passion and commitment to his class.

Thanks again, and Kind Regards

Tim Crosse
NSW Safety Manager
Austress Freyssinet Pty Ltd

A new and revised edition of the 1993 Safe Work on Roofs – Part 1: Commercial and Industrial Buildings has been released to reflect current legislation and industry practices undertaken on roofs.

This Code provides guidance to all tiers of the responsible persons with practical advice on preventing injury to persons engaged in work on roofs.

The scope of the Code applies to the planning, preparation and conduct of safe work on roofs including installation, maintenance and  removal of roof coverings, and the movement of those working on roofs on commercial and industrial buildings.

The code does not apply to emergency work carried out by emergency service personnel as part of emergency procedures.

The code contains excellent guidance information drawn form a spectrum of references including WorkCover NSW, Safe Work Australia, and Australian Standards and will be a valuable reference document for both construction and maintenance organisations and emergency services alike.

The Code takes effect on 1 October 2009.

Click here to view the new and revised Code of Practice

The Australian, State, Territory and New Zealand Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC) has agreed to a framework for uniform OHS laws that will lead to enhanced safety protections for Australian employees and greater certainty for employers.

Every year in Australia, over 200 people die as a direct result of workplace accidents and it is estimated that the number of workplace related deaths exceeds twice the national road toll. This is despite the existing occupational health and safety (OHS) laws currently in place across the Commonwealth, States and Territories.  

The model OHS Act will include enhanced duty of care provisions, an emphasis on consultation, and maintain that breaches of duty of care are criminal offences to reflect the seriousness of non-compliance.

Currently all States and Territories are responsible for making and enforcing their own OHS laws. Safe Work Australia will act as an independent body to develop national model OHS legislation that will require each State and Territory to adopt suitable OHS laws by 2011.

 

Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC Governor-General officially launched Marineweather.net.au The new  website will provide boat owners, fishermen, sailors, boat enthusiasts and surfers with the latest and most comprehensive marine weather forecasts and reports available Australia wide.

 

Published by The Weather Company, Marineweather.net.au, will provide specific marine weather information including:

• Official Bureau of Meteorology marine and severe weather warnings
• Seven day wind and swell forecasts and graphs for major coastal locations nationally
• Sea temperature maps for all coastal districts
• Detailed tide graphs for major ports nationally
• Sun and moon times for coastal locations nationally
• 24 hour history graphs of wind readings – updated every 10 minutes
• Four day surf forecasts and wave of the day photos

 

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today announced the Government will enhance the Incident Response Regiment within Special Operations Command.

“The Incident Response Regiment will receive advanced equipment and training to enable them to effectively detect and respond to chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological and explosive threats,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The Incident Response Regiment is able to undertake high-risk search, access and disablement functions in a range of complex environments. The Government will provide additional funding to enable the Incident
Response Regiment to develop a rapidly deployable chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear explosive capability in support of deployed forces. The

Incident Response Regiment will be able to interdact and recover Weapons of Mass Destruction components.
“This project will build upon existing capabilities to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s capacity to respond to emerging threats. It is part of a continuous improvement program that enhances Australia's Special Operations capabilities through regular technology and capability enhancements,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The proposal will include individual and collective training in a combined arms environment, an increased capacity for Science & Technology Operational Support, command and control enhancements, and new capabilities that support countering a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear explosive threat.”

Source Press release by The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP Minister for Defence
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT 2 May 2009

Risk Response + Rescue are proudly partnered to provide specialist training to the Incident Response Regiment.

The regulation commenced on 1 July 2008 and the 2009 reprint includes transitional provisions for certain new requirements.

The primary purpose of the regulation is to:

• ensure that persons can evacuate from buildings safely in the event of a fire
• ensure that fire safety features and equipment in buildings continue to perform to the same standard and to provide the same level of safety as originally intended
• prescribe fees to be paid for the assessment and inspection of special fire services and the assessment of fire engineering design briefs

Of note, Part 4 Evacuation planning, instruction and practice, Subdivision 2, stipulates the requirements for the appointment of Fire Safety Advisers for high occupancy buildings.

The Fire Safety Adviser has a responsibility to :

• be familiar with all aspects of building fire safety
• provide advice to the occupier to ensure that appropriate emergency planning has taken place
• provide advice to the occupier to ensure that appropriate instruction is carried out at the prescribed times and intervals.

The qualification is based on existing competencies in Workplace Emergency Response within the Australian Quality Training Framework.

Fire Safety Adviser accreditation is gained after successful completion of the training by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Refresher training is required every 3 years to maintain the Fire Safety Adviser accreditation.

Risk Response + Rescue can assist with compliance by providing the training and assessment services or partnering with organisations allowing them to provide the services autonomously.

The ARC has released updated versions dated November 2008 for the following guidelines:
3.3 Positioning an Unconscious Victim
8.1 Principles of Control of Bleeding for First Aiders
8.5 Burns
8.10 First aid Management of a Seizure
8.15 First Aid for Asthma
8.16 Heat Induced Illness (Hyperthermia): First Aid Management
8.18 Management of Suspected Spinal Injury
8.19 The First Aid Management of Hyperventilation Syndrome
10.1.2 The Use of Oxygen in Emergencies

The update also included amendments to the Glossary of Terms with several additions and omissions from the February 2006 version.

Changes of note to the guidelines include

3.3 Positioning an Unconscious Victim.
The rewording of management of an unconscious victim to read ‘every effort made to avoid twisting or forward movement’ as opposed to ‘no twisting… etc’.

8.1 Principles of Control of Bleeding for First Aiders.
A reintroduction of the term ‘tourniquet’ as opposed to ‘constrictive bandage’ as a last resort option in the principles for the control of bleeding.

8.5 Burns.
A significant expansion of the definition of a burn.

8.10 First aid Management of a Seizure
Includes reference to research in relation to seizures in children between 6 months and 6 years of age.

8.15 First Aid for Asthma
Includes reference to the 'triggers' of asthma and alignment to recommendations of the National Asthma Council. The new guideline states “No harm is likely to result from giving a ‘reliever’ puffer to someone without asthma”.

8.16 Heat Induced Illness (Hyperthermia): First Aid Management
The heat induced illness guideline now references only heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat related convulsions, syncope and cramps are no longer referenced.

8.18 Management of Suspected Spinal Injury
Specific mention is made under the management of an unconscious victim with a spinal injury that “It is acceptable to gently move the head into a neutral position to obtain a clear airway’.

8.19 The First Aid Management of Hyperventilation Syndrome
The 1993 guideline for the first aid management of hyperventilation was reviewed. No significant changes, however reiteration of the correct principles of management with an emphasis placed on “Do not use any bag for re-breathing”.

10.1.2 The Use of Oxygen in Emergencies
The 1993 guideline for the use of oxygen in emergencies was updated. Equipment and management was revised. References to training was removed.

The Queensland Department of Mines and Energy (DME) has issued a safety alert to mines and quarries advising them to ensure procedures for adverse weather events are current and reflect site specific conditions.

The alert relates to a recent incident in which two mine workers suffered serious injuries and two others were trapped in a crib hut when the hut turned over and the exit door ended up face down preventing exit.

Adverse weather procedures should address significant and extended events such as cyclones or spontaneous and rapid events such as willy willy's, cock eyed bob's, dust devils and electrical storms. These weather conditions have been the cause of serious injuries at mine sites in recent times. Mine operators should ensure they have specific procedures for adverse weather that are reviewed regularly to ensure adequate controls for inherent risks localised to the operation.

As a rule of thumb, any moth of the year containing an ‘r’ can be considered to have the potential for adverse weather. i.e between September to April.

The New South Wales Health Minister John Della Bosca says he accepts the decision handed down by the NSW State Rescue Board (SRB) to transfer the role of the NSW Ambulance Rescue Unit's to the NSW Fire Brigade, but remains disappointed with the decision and will continue looking for ways to expand the role of the state's paramedics.

Seven of the eight-members of the SRB board voted to uphold the decision.

The principal function of the NSW SRB is to ensure the maintenance of efficient and effective rescue services throughout New South Wales The members consitist of representatives of the following.

• the State Emergency Operations Controller;
• the Director General of the State Emergency Service;
• a member of the Police Senior Executive Service nominated by the Commissioner of Police;
• the Commissioner of the New South Wales Fire Brigades;
• the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service;
• the State Superintendent of the Ambulance Service of New South Wales;
• the President of the Volunteer Rescue Association of New South Wales;
• the Chairperson of the Volunteer Marine Rescue Council of New South Wales;   and
• the heads of any other volunteer rescue agencies approved at the time by the Minister.

The State Rescue Board is required to:

• develop policies to promote the provision of comprehensive, balanced and coordinated rescue services throughout the State;
• make recommendations to the Minister on policy matters relating to the provision of rescue services within the State;
• review planning for single incident rescues within the State;
• review and disseminate to relevant agencies technical information relating to rescue operations;
• ensure proper liaison and coordination with Federal and other State organisations in connection with rescue services;
• provide advice and recommendations on the compatibility of rescue equipment, including communications equipment;
• make recommendations to the Minister on the accreditation of rescue units (both permanent and volunteer) for participation in rescue operations;
• make recommendations to the Minister on levels of Government support (including financial assistance under section 60) to volunteer organisations providing rescue services;
• assist in the conduct of training exercises in rescue operations involving the various agencies concerned;
• monitor the training standards of the permanent and volunteer services in rescue;
• review proposals for amendment of legislation relating to rescue and make recommendations to the Minister;  and
• make reports or recommendations to the Minister on any matter referred to the Board by the Minister.

The Rees Government will establish a new volunteer marine rescue organisation to be called NSW Marine Rescue following a joint announcement by Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi, and the Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Kelly.

The formation of the new body was the conclusion of the John Price Report into the volunteer marine rescue movement and will see the amalgamation of the state's three existing marine rescue organisations; the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.

“NSW currently has three voluntary marine rescue organisations, with an assortment of vessels, operational bases and hundreds of wonderful volunteers,” Mr Tripodi said.

“The Price Report considered their structures, adequacy and sustainability and recommended the establishment of a new rescue group, with membership to be invited from the existing three volunteer organisations.”

The transitional period will be two years, in keeping with Price Report recommendations.

The NSW State Government will provide $3 million towards establishing the new organisation and will also maintain NSW Maritime’s annual funding of $1.35 million during the transition period.

Mr Kelly said the new service would eliminate duplication of existing resources, with the aim to standardise vessels, equipment and training.

Risk Response + Rescue is pleased to announce a newly-approved addition to our scope of registration from the nationally-recognised TDM07 Maritime training package.

The unit, TDMMB4507A - Monitor condition and seaworthiness of a small vessel up to 24 metres, is available immediately, and is a valued component of the RR+R services framework for our maritime clients.

RR+R regularly reviews it's training portfolio in anticipation of client needs.

Petzl have issued a safety alert relating to MYOseries headlamps headlamps.

This safety alert applies to all Petzl MYOseries headlamps manufactured before the end of June 2008. For these headlamps, only alkaline batteries should be used. Rechargeable AA/LR6 batteries must not be used.

There is a low risk of fault if the headlamp is used with AA/LR6 rechargeable batteries.  If a short-circuit was to occur in the cable connecting the battery case to the lamp, the cable could spark, melt, or catch fire. This may present a burn hazard to the user.

The risk of occurrence is considered low, but worthy of notice.

See more at

http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesNews?News=222

Legislation has been introduced into the Federal Parliament to establish a new national independent body to lead and improve OH&S and workers’ compensation in Australia, to be know as ‘Safe Work Australia’.

It is intended that Safe Work Australia will standardise and improve OH&S outcomes and workers’ compensation arrangements.

Safe Work Australia will be an independent statutory authority with an independent chair and will comprise representatives of the Commonwealth, each state and territory, employers and unions.

One of Safe Work Australia’s key functions will be to develop model OH&S legislation for adoption by all jurisdictions, delivering on the Australian Government’s commitment to working cooperatively with states and territories to harmonise OH&S laws.

The announcement of the new body follows the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), historic signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety, on 3 July 2008

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) has unanimously approved the layout and design for a universal sign indicating the presence of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
 

The AED sign is intended to indicate the presence of an AED for public use or to indicate the direction to move in  order to reach an AED. It should assist in rapidly identifying the AED in a public  place for immediate use in a victim of cardiac arrest.

 

It is ILCOR’s intention that this sign is adopted worldwide by the national councils that  together form each ILCOR member council. The sign should also be adopted by all AED manufacturers for use with their products and by  manufacturers of signage.

 

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) was founded in 1992 and currently includes representatives from the American Heart Association (AHA), the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC), the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR), Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa (RCSA), the Inter-American Heart Foundation (IAHF), and the Resuscitation Council of Asia (RCA). Its mission is to identify and review international science and knowledge relevant to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) and when there is consensus to offer treatment recommendations.

 

 

Australian risk management practices have been recognised as international with significant inclusion and reference to AS/NZS 4360:2004 in the draft "ISO31000 Risk Management - Principles and Guidelines on Implementation".

In 2005, ISO initiated a New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) to look at developing a guidance standard on Risk Management. All ISO members approved this NWIP and an ISO working group was established with nominated experts from Member Bodies. Work commenced on the standard in 2006 and the document had now progressed to a Committee Draft: ISO CD31000.

Section 3 of ISO31000 is based on AS/NZS 4360:2004, to the extent that even the same diagram will be used as appears in 4360.

ISO 31000 is a generic standard intended to provide a common approach in support of standards dealing with specific risks and/or sectors and is intended to compliment as opposed to replace standards such as AS/NZS 4360:2004.

Following the review period ISO31000 is expected to be released early to mid 2009.

High levels of methane gas migrated from a closed landfill into a neighbouring housing estate at Cranbourne, south-east of Melbourne.

Dangerous levels of gas were detected in separate homes in confined areas such a wall cavity and under a kitchen sink. Concentrations of methane were also detected in confined spaces such as pipes and stormwater pits surrounding the estate.

C.F.A. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Stephen Warrington warned of a "very real risk" of explosion. Warrington was quoted as saying the situation was “quite unique for Australia and most of the world. We don't know the ramifications of it".

Some residents claimed they experienced headaches after entering their homes without ventilating the area continuously.

Whilst the gas has been reported as methane, workers and residents in the effected area would be well advised to check for contamination from volatile organic compounds, (VOC’S). Methane, whilst flammable and explosive, is a colourless odourless, non toxic gas. VOC’s on the other hand, can be flammable and explosive, toxic in extremely low concentrations, and more likely to produce the signs and symptoms experienced by residents such as headaches etc. VOC's are not typically detected by the common monitoring systems on the market.

In addition to the health and safety risks concerning residents, this event highlights the importance for workers in confined spaces to be diligent and to never drop their guard to the risks of gases. It also highlights the importance of correct environmental monitoring practices - even in passive areas such as storm water drains or pits.

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs launched the Fire Protection Association Australia’s (FPA Australia) new Code of Practice for the fire protection industry on 28 August 2008.

This Code underscores the aims of FPA Australia and effects all Corporate Members through excellence in education and representation, to promote the protection of life, assets and the environment from fire and other emergencies.

The Code of Practice has been developed to foster professional relations with
clients and the community and provide a benchmark for the delivery of services provided by FPA Australia members.

RR+R is a Corporate Member of FPA Australia and strives to achieve continual improvement in fire safety and education and welcomes the new Code.

“FIRST AID FOR JELLYFISH STINGS”

An article recently published in the journal Emergency Medicine Australasia recommended hot water for all jellyfish stings. 1 This was accompanied by a press release from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.

The ARC was concerned about the content and accuracy of the information contained in the article and has responded accordingly.

The Editor

Emergency Medicine Australia

I write in response to the article published by Little in the February issue of Emergency Medicine Australasia regarding the first aid management of jellyfish stings 1. Also concerning the subsequent press release from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM), as both are misleading, contain inaccurate information and are critical of the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC). The ARC revised and re-issued its guideline for jellyfish stings in July 2007 2.

This was following a systematic review of the published data and extensive consultation with member organisations of the ARC, which included ACEM. This process was consistent with the NHMRC’s recommendation for developing clinical practice guidelines. The revised guideline now recommends the use of hot water for Physalia sp. (Bluebottle), which is consistent with the evidence and has been available on the ARC website (www.resus.org.au) 2.

Accordingly, we are somewhat surprised that neither the article’s author, nor reviewers were aware of the release of this updated ARC guideline, as there had been extensive consultation nationally. The article by Little presents no new information, and is opinion-based on a narrative review of published and unpublished data 1. Furthermore, we suggest that the author may now have even added to this confusion by referring to studies on Box jellyfish in the same paragraph as the Loten study, which was solely on Bluebottle stings. The press release issued by ACEM has generated considerable interest from the media as the spectre of controversy is raised. The ARC encourages ongoing research by the author and others in this area, but is of the opinion that the information published in journals or by professional organisations needs to be contemporaneous and accurate.

Associate Professor Ian Jacobs

National Chairman

References

1/. Little M. First aid for jellyfish stings: Do we really know what we are doing? Emerg. Med. Australas. 2008;20:78-80.

2/. Australian Resuscitation Council. Guideline 8.9.6 Envenomation – Jellyfish Stings. July 2007, pp 1-5. www.resus.org.au/

On 1 August 2008 the NSW State Government announced that a single Volunteer Marine Rescue Organisation will be established in NSW.

Following extensive consultation with key stakeholders the Hon John Price has recommended the merger of existing volunteer marine rescue organisations (VMROs) – Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and the Volunteer Rescue Association.

This will combine the expertise and immense pool of skills of the three different rescue groups into a single, unified marine rescue organisation.

The true beneficiaries of this will be the NSW boating community.

The draft standard to replace Australian / New Zealand Standard Industrial fall-arrest system and devices AS/NZS 1891.4:2000 has been released for public comment. This draft has been prepared following the recent publication of AS/NZS 1891.1, Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices, Part 1: Harnesses and ancillary equipment, with a primary aim of bringing it up-to-date with that Standard.

 The principal changes from the previous edition are:

(a) Division of the work method ‘restraint’ into total restraint and restraint technique, the latter requiring the user always to wear full-body harness, the former requiring at least a lower body harness and both methods requiring use of fall-arrest rated equipment at all times.

(b) Minimum allowable anchorage strength to be 12 kN or 15 kN depending on fall distance.

(c) New terminology for harnesses (full or lower body) and positioning of fall-arrest attachment points.

(d) Inclusion of twin-tail lanyards.

(e) In-service values for the extension of personal energy absorbers in fall situations.

(f) Lower body harness use restricted to limited free fall and restrained fall.

(g) Updated requirements for operator training and assessment.

Copies can be obtained from Standards Australia. Comments close 21 May 2008.

From the 1st September 2008 the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 (OH&S Regulation) and 21 Codes of Practice made under the OH&S Act 2000 will apply to protect persons at work within the states mining industry.

Risk Response + Rescue are well poised to assist mining companies with compliance. RR+R has a proven track record of safety compliance with both the mining sector and the application of the Regulations and relevant Codes of Practice. Our current mining programs have been aligned to meet and comply with these requirements since their inception.

Safer workplaces resulting in fewer traumatic injuries, fewer industrial diseases and reduced costs to are the objectives of the reforms.

AUSTRALIAN RESUSCITATION COUNCIL

ADVISORY STATEMENT COMPRESSION ONLY CPR

The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines for CPR currently recommend:

• 2 ventilations followed by 30 chest compressions when performing CPR. Chest compressions should be delivered at a rate of 100 per minute ensuring adequate depth of compression and minimal interruption to compressions.
• Where a rescuer is either untrained or unwilling to perform CPR they should deliver continuous uninterrupted chest compressions only at a rate of 100 per minute.
• Untrained rescuers who seek basic life support instructions from Emergency Medical Services by telephone are advised to deliver continuous uninterrupted chest compressions only at a rate of 100 per minute.
• Any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt.

These recommendations were developed from an extensive international review of the resuscitation science undertaken under the auspices of the International Liaison Committee of Resuscitation (ILCOR) and published in November 2005.1 Since then, a number of studies have been published which suggest that providing ventilations during CPR has no added benefit in terms of survival than providing chest compressions alone. These studies have received considerable coverage in the media with calls to change the guidelines to recommend compression only CPR.2-4

In March 2008 the American Heart Association issued a statement recommending that bystanders, trained or untrained in CPR, should at a minimum provide compression-only CPR. If the rescuer is trained and confident in performing CPR, then they should provide conventional CPR at a compression-ventilation ratio of 30:2. This statement also recognised the previously well documented reluctance of bystanders to perform any CPR and the poor survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.5

The ARC has extensively reviewed the recently published evidence and does not consider it to be of sufficient magnitude to warrant a change in the current guidelines. In making this decision the ARC considered the following issues:

• The recently published studies are observational. Such studies are widely accepted as being insufficient to determine if any CPR method is equivalent or superior to others.
• The reported survival rate in these studies were no better that what is being achieved with conventional CPR with the base survival rate being lower.
• The data reported in these studies were collected before 2003. This is prior to the 2005 guideline changes recommending a compression / ventilation ratio of 30:2 and reducing interruptions to compressions.
• There have been no studies which compare the current CPR recommendations (ie 30:2) with compression-only CPR.
• Ventilation remains important in a significant proportion of cardiac arrests. These include cardiac arrests in children, those due to drowning or airway obstruction, in-hospital cardiac arrests and resuscitation attempts beyond the first 3 to 4 minutes. Compression-only CPR is insufficient in these circumstances.

Accordingly the ARC recommends no change to the current CPR guidelines. The ARC and other national resuscitation authorities will continue to evaluate new scientific data as it becomes available and issue guidelines supported by such evidence. The recommendations outlined in this advisory statement are consistent with those of the European Resuscitation Council.

In summary, the ARC recommends:

• A compression-ventilation ratio of 30:2 should be given when providing CPR.
• Compression-only CPR should be administered only if the rescuer is unable or unwilling to provide conventional CPR
• Any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt.

Ian Jacobs

Chairman
2nd April 2008

References

1. International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. Consensus on Science and Treatment Recommendations. Resuscitation 2005;67:181-314.
2. Iwami T, Kawamura T, Hiraide A, et al. Effectiveness of bystander initiated cardiac only resuscitation for patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest. Circulation 2007;116:2900-7.
3. Nagao KK, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation by bystanders with chest compression only (SOS-KANTO): An observational study. Lancet 2007;369:920-6.
4. Bohm K, Rosenqvist M, Herlitz J, Hollenburg J, Svensson l. Survival is similar after standard treatment and chest compressions only in out of hospital bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Circulation 2007;116:2908-12.
5. http//circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/circulationaha.107.189380

A landmark publication outlining the latest legal developments on coastal safety has been released by Surf Life Saving Australia, Queensland Law Society and Queensland University of Technology.

This book presents an expert assessment of current legal issues related to beach safety in Australia. Prominent judges and leading legal practitioners examined case law, statutory regulations and legal trends affecting:

• Local government
• Tourism operators and accommodation providers
• Emergency services, and
• The general public by way of duties of care owed to them by those in charge of beaches, and also their personal responsibility to safely enjoy the beach.

Some of the major conclusions from the summit were:

• The responsibilities of local government, surf lifesaving volunteers, tourism operators or police and emergency services personnel is to take reasonable care to protect beach users from risks. In discharging this reasonable care constant attention must be given to regular review of obligations and systems in place for beach safety.
• The law has long recognised the hazards and potential dangers involved with surfing and beach use. A ‘Good Samaritan’ response to help someone else at the beach, however, is now largely protected by legislation and this extends to volunteers such as surf lifesavers who are serving the community and acting in good faith.
• Under Australian civil liability legislation beach users must largely take personal responsibility for ‘obvious’ risks. However, a person’s age and general knowledge are relevant in deciding if they should have recognised an obvious risk.
• A consistently repeated observation by the experts was that tourists are an ‘at risk’ group requiring special attention. Risks may not be obvious to them due to a lack of local knowledge about beach conditions, poor swimming ability and language barriers.
• Recognising the vulnerability of tourists, the experts recommended that tourism operators take steps to train their staff in beach safety and to educate their clients about swimming between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches.
• Beach safety across the nation would be greatly enhanced by standardised guidelines and signage, consistent safety messages and by improved coordination between volunteer surf lifesavers, salaried lifeguards and government emergency services.
• Civil liability legislation in all Australian jurisdictions is relatively new. Provisions relating to ‘obvious risks’ and ‘dangerous recreational activities’ were examined for the first time in relation to surfing and beach recreation.

More information: Beach Safety and the Law: Australian evidence is available for purchase at www.shop.creata.com/wcsstore/CreataCatalogueAUS/surftrade_index.html

Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) has realeased an Advisory Statement dated 8th April 2008 in response to considerable coverage in the media with calls to change the guidelines to recommend compression only CPR. The ARC has conducted extensive international review of the resuscitation science undertaken under the auspices of the International Liaison Committee of Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the American Heart Association in relation to compression only resuscitation.

 

The ARC has extensively reviewed the recently published evidence and does not consider it to be of sufficient magnitude to warrant a change in the current guidelines.

 

Accordingly the ARC recommends no change to the current CPR guidelines. The ARC and other national resuscitation authorities will continue to evaluate new scientific data as it becomes available and issue guidelines supported by such evidence. The recommendations outlined in this advisory statement are consistent with those of the European Resuscitation Council.

In summary, the ARC recommends:

• A compression-ventilation ratio of 30:2 should be given when providing CPR.
• Compression-only CPR should be administered only if the rescuer is unable or unwilling to provide conventional CPR
• Any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt.

 

The Australian Resuscitation Council continually reviews and updates guidelines by consultation with member bodies and other experts and aims to promote uniformity and standardisation of resuscitation and first aid recognition and management in Australia.

The NSW State Rescue Board (NSW-SRB) has imposed minimum training requirements on all accredited rescue organisations within NSW, including the VRA. To comply, the VRA has chosen to partner with Risk Response + Rescue (RR+R). This option was adopted such that training and assessment conducted by the VRA is recognised by RR+R, then subsequently by the NSW-SRB  so that nationally recognised Statements of Attainment (SOA) can be issued. Competency Based Training (CBT) is often misunderstood with many myths surrounding it.

What is Competency Based Training?

Competency refers to the skills, knowledge and attitude required to perform a particular job. CBT refers to the learning and assessment systems established to ensure members are developing competency against recognised standards.

In Australia, since the mid 1990’s, competencies have been developed for a myriad of industries and grouped together in Training Packages. These competencies, when endorsed, are nationally recognised and can be transported throughout Australia and across industry sectors.

The competencies required by members of the VRA have mainly been selected from the Public Safety Training Package. However, other training packages are used for specialist units such as the TM07 Maritime Package which is used for Marine Rescue Units.
 
What competencies are required?

Induction units are common for all VRA members and are a pre-requisite to all other roles. Each job consists of a grouping of competencies.

How do you learn?

Learning may occur on the job, through formal training courses, or through self-learning in your own time. How you learn or attain the skills to be deemed competent may vary, however, the most important thing is to question “can I do the job?”.

The VRA offers a range of learning opportunities by providing resources, trainers, mentors, experiences, and courses to assist. Many members have either had many years already doing the job or may have a rescue background. In these instances, there will likely be no requirement for further learning and your existing competency will be recognised in a formal assessment process.

It is important to note that CBT will not replace the existing training system within the VRA, however supports it to meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework.

How does assessment work?

Assessment has been done within the VRA since inception. It is a process whereby a decision can be made as to whether a member is capable of doing their job or not. Assessment in the CBT system is about showing evidence that you can do a job to the specified standard. It is not about examinations or training for trainings sake. Where possible, VRA assessments are being grouped together so that multiple competencies or co-requisites can be assessed by performing a single task.

Assessors should possess Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (or its equivalent) and be competent in the competencies being assessed. In some instances, for certain competencies, “Assessment Teams” with subject matter experts (SME’s) will be convened due to the technical and specialised nature of the competency.

Upon successful assessment, competent members will receive a Statement of Attainment. As competency may degrades over time, it will be each member’s responsibility, with the support of the VRA, to ensure their competency is maintained to an acceptable standard.