New training program prepares firefighters working at heights
13th October 2009Ministerial media release
NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) firefighters are now better prepared for working at heights, thanks to a new training program being rolled out across the state, Minister for Emergency Services Steve Whan said today.
The new nationally-accredited Safe Working on Roofs program teaches firefighters to look after their own safety, as well as that of their crew, while working on roofs.
"Increasingly, our firefighters are called upon by the community and other emergency services to assist in a wide range of emergencies, including storm recovery operations, like those seen in Western Sydney in December 2007 and January 2008,' Mr Whan said.
"While the SES remains the State's lead agency to combat storm damage, the NSW Fire Brigades take part in this training to be ready when called upon.
"Upon completing this program, firefighters have the skills to work safely on roofs while carrying out their core fire fighting role as well as being able to assist with other task such as securing tarps on roofs following major storm activity.
"This program demonstrates the important and diverse role of the modern firefighter, which extends well beyond responding to fires and rescue incidents.
By mid-November, all permanent firefighters in the greater Sydney area will have completed the training. It will then be rolled out to full-time and part-time firefighters in regional NSW and will be incorporated into the Recruit Training Program.
"The NSW Government and the NSWFB take the safety of firefighters very seriously and this program is just one part of the extensive training program that NSWFB firefighters undertake throughout their careers," Mr Whan said.
"The Safe Working on Roofs program will become part of the core training for all firefighters, and be added to the regular skills maintenance program to ensure that their skills are maintained and updated regularly."
New training program prepares firefighters working at heights (PDF 32KB)