Purpose
This instruction outlines the required fire precautions for field work.
When performing work where there is a risk of starting a fire, it is mandatory to comply with the requirements described in this instruction. Record in the job risk assessment the controls that are required to eliminate or reduce the risk of damage or harm.
Responsibilities of the person in charge
• Assess the conditions to ensure that the work can be done without the risk of starting a fire.
• Complete a job risk assessment for the task.
• Ensure that the correct fire-fighting equipment for the conditions and location is on-site.
• Ensure that all fire fighting equipment is working correctly.
• Ensure that all people who are required to operate fire fighting equipment have been trained in the use of the equipment.
• An emergency escape plan is discussed with the total work team and documented in the risk assessment.
General
• Those vehicles which have their primary function as construction and/or maintenance of the distribution network and are likely to travel off-road in a fire risk area must be fitted with at least one of the following, or a combination of the following, as a minimum:
o 2 x nine (9) litre pressurised water fire extinguisher o 2 x sixteen (16) litre knapsack spray
o a 2.3 kg dry chemical powder fire extinguisher (recommended for light passenger vehicles only)
• All other vehicles travelling off-road in a fire risk area must be fitted with at least one of the following as a minimum:
o a nine (9) litre pressurised water fire extinguisher
o a sixteen (16) litre knapsack spray
o a 2.3 kg dry chemical powder fire extinguisher (recommended for light passenger vehicles only).
• Where practicable, before attempting to extinguish a fire that is likely to become out of control, immediately telephone 000 or the local shire council.
For more on this, see Appendix 4 (Emergency contact information) in this manual.
• Any person who starts, and then extinguishes a fire, must advise the local shire council for the district in which the work is being done (see Appendix 4
(Emergency contact information)). The shire will monitor the area in case of a flare up.
• Western Power has been a smoke-free workplace since 2009, which means that smoking is prohibited on all sites/depots, including car parks and other outdoor areas.
Note:
Smoking on Western Power sites/depots presents a fire hazard and the disposal of used cigarette butts and paraphernalia on the ground is an environmental issue.
• Do not use open flames or spark producing tools and equipment in areas that contain combustible materials, unless proper precautions are taken.
Fire Seasons
Non-fire season – March to October (this period can be changed by FESA)
• Weather conditions are not as severe; therefore, the lighting of fires does not require a permit.
• Always take care when conducting activities that can cause a fire to start.
Fire season – October to March (this period can be changed by FESA)
• Weather conditions can be severe; therefore, the lighting of fires requires a permit.
• Before leaving any formed road, inspect the vehicle’s exhaust system to ensure that it is in a sound condition. Remove any grass caught in/under the vehicle.
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• Operators of vehicles equipped with a diesel particulate diffuser (DPD) must perform a manual regeneration (check the vehicles operating manual for the correct procedure) before entering a worksite where there is a fire risk.
• During manual regeneration of the DPD, the muffler and exhaust pipe become extremely hot while the engine is running. Any dry grass, paper waste or other flammable material that is near the vehicle could catch fire.
• Exercise care when operating vehicles and plant in areas with dry grass or other combustible materials. Never leave the vehicle unattended with the motor running.
• Vehicles and plant must be parked in an area away from flammable materials.
• Do not use open flames or spark producing tools in areas with dry grass or other combustible materials, unless proper precautions are taken.
Total vehicle movement ban in paddocks
• The local shire fire control officers issue the ‘Total vehicle movement ban’.
• Generally, these are in conjunction with a FESA total fire ban but may also be issued in isolation.
• Any planned work off-road, or on or near a road verge, must be cancelled;
unless permission and specific conditions have been obtained from the local shire where the work is to be undertaken.
• Contact the local shire fire control officer for approval (not FESA). For contact details, see Appendix 4 (Emergency contact information).
• In fault situations where lives and property are at risk, only the following work can be done:
o isolate supply to make safe
o undertake repairs on fallen poles and power lines o remove vegetation touching overhead lines o restore power supply
• If it is essential to perform this work, a fire fighting unit (minimum of 400 litres) must be on-site. If a suppression unit is not available, assistance may be sought by contacting the property owner or local shire.
• If high voltage (HV) fuses or pole top switches need to be operated on load, and the above fire fighting unit is not onsite, the operation must be done under no load conditions (opening of the feeder breaker).
• If a HV pole top fuse(s) has/have operated, the cause for the fuse(s) blowing needs to be ascertained before the fuse is replaced and closed. If required, a line patrol must be conducted on the affected section of the feeder.
• Where possible, contact the property owner prior to the movement of vehicles in paddocks or bush land.
Total fire ban
When a total fire ban has been issued, planned work must be postponed to a time with safer weather conditions. Team leaders need to assess weather conditions and heed warnings, limiting all activities to those which can be undertaken safely.
However, there will be situations where the location and the nature of the work will not create a risk of starting a fire, e.g. in a built-up area with sealed roads and free of combustible materials. In all instances, the required fire extinguishers must be on site (see the General section, above).
Notification
If work is to be conducted during a total fire ban the following need to be notified of the intended work:
• Within the metropolitan area – FESA State Hazards Operation Officer (Ph: (08) 9323 9813)
• Outside of the metropolitan area – Nearest fire and emergency services authority (FESA) Regional Office.
Rural/Semi-rural areas
When the worksite is within a rural or semi-rural area and there is combustible material around, there is the possibility that a spark from vehicles or tools may occur, resulting in a fire.
Given this scenario and in order to undertake work, the following must be onsite:
• An area of five (5) metres radius, immediately around the worksite must be free of all flammable materials. If it is not possible to remove the flammable
materials, the area must be thoroughly wetted down before work commences.
• A minimum of two nine (9) litre pressurised water fire extinguishers or two sixteen (16) litre knapsack spay units must be onsite.
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• If the above conditions cannot be met then:
o A fire suppression unit must be onsite comprising of a minimum of 400 litres of water (with an operational pump, and 20 metres of 19 mm diameter hose (minimum) capable of delivering water through an adjustable nozzle).
• If during a total fire ban work has to be carried out within 30 metres of any bush or grassland, and there is no reticulated water supply available within 1 km of the worksite, a water supply tanker (minimum 5,000 litres) must be present at the worksite
• At least two (2) able-bodied people must remain at the worksite for at least 15 minutes after the works have been completed, to ensure that the site remains safe. The site must be fully inspected for any potential fire activity prior to their departure.
• Every endeavour must be made to prevent sparks from falling outside the immediate work area.
• When using spark/flame producing tools or equipment, including chainsaws, drilling machines, generators, LPG or tools, the following must be adhered to:
o Establish an area of five (5) metres radius around the work area which is free of flammable materials. If this cannot be established then the area must be wetted down.
o If the above cannot be achieved, then a fire suppression unit comprising of a minimum of 400 litres water (with a pump and 20 metres of 19 mm hose and an adjustable nozzle) must be used.
o At least one (1) able-bodied person, who is trained in the use of fire extinguishers, must be dedicated solely to the detection and suppression of any fire.
• When using flame producing equipment, including welding apparatus, LPG gas equipment and oxy-acetylene equipment the following must be adhered to:
o Establish an area of five (5) metres radius around the work area which is free of flammable materials. If this cannot be established then the area must be wetted down.
o If this cannot be achieved, a fire suppression unit comprising of a minimum of 400 litres water (with a pump and 20 metres of 19 mm hose and a adjustable nozzle) must be used.
o At least one (1) able-bodied person, who is trained in the use of fire extinguishers, must be dedicated solely to the detection and suppression of any fire.
o Welding screens are required to reduce possible spark ignition around the immediate worksite.
Fire weather warning information contacts
• Obtain information on fire and weather warnings from:
o NOCC: Ph 9427 0636.
o SOCC: Ph 9427 4287.
o The local shire councils (see Appendix 4 (Emergency contact information) for contact details)
o Regional radio stations.
o Bureau of Meteorology website (http://www.bom.gov.au/)
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