Type 2 Health & Safety Orientation

IntroductionWelcome!

This presentation will outline MNR policies and guidelines you must follow at all times.

These policies and guidelines exist for YOUR SAFETY

Outline1. Duties and Responsibilities

2. Occupational Health and Safety Act Requirements and Regulations

3. Job Hazards

Part I:

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

To safely support fire suppression activitiesPerform duties at various locations

(Headquarter, Project Fires) on short noticeAdhere to policies and guidelines set out in

the orientation packagePerform duties in a manner consistent with

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

PreparednessCrews must have personal bags and camp

gear ready for immediate dispatchFood kit must be adequate for 48 hours or

until next order will arriveEveryone must show up ready for work (i.e.

work boots, Nomex, PPE ready)Ensure that assigned equipment is accounted

for and serviceable prior to dispatch

Briefings You should be briefed and given an Incident Action

Plan (IAP) or briefing package at the start of each day by the SRO, IC or Division Boss

Briefings will contain important information on weather, tactics, fire behaviour, assignments and SAFETY MESSAGES

Pay close attention to briefings and ask questions if anything is unclear

Part II:

Occupational Health and Safety Act Requirements and

Regulations

Occupational Health and Safety Act

Duties of the Worker: Use equipment and protective devices as prescribed

by the employer Comply with the provisions in the Act and

Regulations Report any unsafe acts and hazards to health and

safety Never operate equipment that you are not trained on No horseplay

Occupational Health and Safety Act

Supervisors ensure that:Protective equipment and devices are used

properlyThey advise a worker of the existence of

hazardsThey take every reasonable precaution for

the protection of the worker

Occupational Health and Safety Act

Duties of the Employer:Ensure that equipment and protective

devices are provided and in good conditionProvide the necessary training to protect

health and safety of workerAcquaint a worker or person in authority over

worker with hazards in the workplace

Right to Refuse Unsafe Work

The worker can refuse to work if they have reason to believe that any machine, tool, equipment or condition of the workplace is likely to endanger themselves or another worker.

Right to Refuse Unsafe WorkProper procedure:Worker immediately informs supervisor and

explains the situationSupervisor investigates in the presence of

worker and Health and Safety Committee member (chosen by worker)

If no resolution is found, Ministry of Labour is notified and will inspect the workplace.

Ministry of Labour Enforcement

Ministry of Labour Inspectors are able to issue tickets (on the spot) to supervisors for Health and Safety violations.

Crew bosses can be ticketed if they or their crew is not complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Incident/Accident ReportingDefinitions:

Incident: an undesired event having the potential for physical harm to a person or damage to property.

Accident: an undesired even that results in harm to people, damage to property or loss in process.

Incident/Accident ReportingEveryone is responsible for reporting

incidents and accidents to ensure that hazards are identified, controlled or eliminated.

Notify your supervisor immediately of any near misses, injuries or damage to property.

Ensure that the proper forms are filled out.

Part III:

Hazards

Introduction

Eliminating hazards through engineered controls and procedures is the ideal way of staying safe.

For protection from hazards we cannot eliminate completely, we use personal protective equipment.

Personal Protective EquipmentThe Ministry has a PPE policy which

dictates:Types of equipment requiredWhen they are to be wornMinimum CSA standards that all protective

equipment must meet

Personal Protective EquipmentThe types of equipment required for fireline

work are as follows:Head Protection (Hard Hats)Hearing Protection (Ear plugs or Earmuffs)Eye Protection (Safety glasses)Hand Protection (Gloves)Body Protection (Nomex clothing)Skin Protection (Sunscreen)Foot Protection (Proper boots)

PPE is the last line of defence against

hazardsAttempts to control or

eliminate hazards should come first!

Chainsaw Operations

In order to operate a chainsaw for the Ministry, you must be a certified operator

Proper training involves a three day course and a practical evaluation by a qualified instructor. (if you have not had this training, you cannot use a chainsaw)

Hazards Associated with Chainsaw Use

Damaged ChapsAny break in the nylon shell of the chaps

and/or missing buckles renders chaps defective

Dangerous TreesBe sure to assess every tree you cut

Burned roots? Centre burned? Overhead hazards?

Hazards Associated with Chainsaw Use

Hang-ups If a tree you are cutting becomes hung-up,

consider the following:Your escape routeProper blocking techniqueIf blocking fails, flag the tree with 3 bands of

danger tape. Flag trees in travel ways with 2 bands of tape for 2 tree lengths

Aircraft OperationsHelicopter (Rotary-Wing) Danger Zones:

General RulesNever rush anythingNever walk uphill from a helicopter under

powerNever throw anything around a helicopterNever walk past cargo door of tail boom

toward tail rotorNever straddle the skidsApproach the aircraft only if the pilot has

signalled you to do so

Other Aircraft GuidelinesYou must be briefed by the pilot on every

different aircraft you board

If a warning light comes on during flight, the pilot must land the aircraft immediately

SlingingWhen using slings, ensure that items are

properly bundled and loadedCertain items should not be slung such as:

Personal packsRadio EquipmentLanternsStoves and tent heatersCoolersFood in cardboard boxes Single hand tools

Water Bombing (Air Attack)The Ministry uses two methods of air attack:

1. Fixed-wing aircraft CL-415 Twin Otter

2. Rotary-wing aircraft Heli-buckets

Drop ZonesYou must be clear of the drop zone during

bombing operations.

If you are caught in a drop zone, proceed away from the fire’s edge at a right angle

If you think you are in a drop zone, point your nozzle in the air. This makes you more visible to overhead aircraft.

Fixed-Wing Drop Zone

Rotary-Wing Drop ZoneDownwash from heavier machines can cause flare-ups.

Be aware of this and act accordingly.

Post Air Attack Hazards If foam was used during bombing activities,

the area will be slipperyWatch for tree damage…Keep your eyes up

for overhead hazardsBroken and fallen trees may create

hazardous fuel (trip hazard, extreme fire behaviour)

Fire Line OperationsHazardous Terrain (Steep)Watch for:

Rolling embers and debrisSpot fires igniting downhill from youSlope related fire behaviourAccessibility to safe zones

Fire Line OperationsHazardous Fuels (Blowdown)Considerations:

Dense fuel distribution can contribute to extreme fire behaviour

Never climb over fallen trees. Cut a trail.Ensure your escape routes are accessible

at all times

Fire Line OperationsEnvironmental HazardsHeat Disorders

Heat cramps (mild)Heat exhaustion (moderate)Heat stroke (severe)

Any of these can occur as a result of exertion, high outdoor temperatures, humidity and exposure to sunlight

Preventing Heat Disorders Recognize the symptoms

IrritabilitySluggishnessClumsyNausea/Vomiting/Headache

Watch your co-workers for these signs Take breaks in the shade (as necessary) and

maintain proper nutrition and hydration.

Weather FactorsWeather is absolutely uncontrollableSevere weather events such as

thunderstorms and squall lines are particularly dangerous

Other elements such as heat and humidity also present certain dangers

Weather FactorsThunderstorm Safety

If flashes and thunder are less than 30 seconds apart, you are in the strike zone. Seek shelter immediately!

Consider the possibility of falling trees when seeking shelter

Do not sit next to tall objectsStay away from bodies of waterGet indoors if possible

Weather FactorsHumidex

Humidex is a scale which combines outdoor temperature and humidity

High temperatures combined with high humidity levels can create dangerous working conditions

Heat disorders can materialize quickly when the humidex is elevated

Bear EncountersBlack bears are plentiful across the

province of Ontario.Encounters with bears are inevitable at

times, even when care is taken to avoid them.

Everyone who is sent to the fire line must have the proper training (if you don’t, talk to your supervisor immediately).

Bear Encounters If you cross paths with a bear, remember your

training.Back away slowly in the direction you came fromNever turn your back on the bear and runAct in a dominant fashion (if bear is approaching)Never play dead

It is best to prevent these encounters by:Maintaining a clean campsite and fire lineMaintain your situational awareness at all times

Camp OperationsWhile on fire assignment, your home will

either be a base camp or a line camp

Basecamps generally don’t require much effort for firefighters after hours

Line camps require a great deal of work and planning in order to maintain a healthy space

Camp OperationsThe location of a line camp is the first critical

decision that is made

Ensure that you leave adequate distance (90m) between your camp site and the helipad

Setting up near a water source is also beneficial

Physical HazardsWhen setting up camp:

Examine the area for suitability (flat, rolling, potential for water problems)

Remove all snags and overhead hazardsClear walking paths from tent to tentClearly flag all clothes lines and tent/tarp

lines that are trip hazards or head hazards

Food HandlingWith coolers being the only source of

refrigeration, care must be taken to ensure that meat and dairy products are ALWAYS on ice.

If any food item appears to be spoiled, do not consume it.

WHEN IN DOUBT

THROW IT OUT!

Food HandlingWhen cooking meals, ensure the following:

Your hands are cleanRaw meat is handled and cooked properlyLeftovers are stored in coolers

Ensure that food is stored such that cross contamination will not occur

Camp HygieneOver the course of your stay, ensure the

following duties are performed regularly:

Washing dishes (rinse properly!!)Picking up garbage and bagging it properlyProper disposal of gray waterMaintenance of latrine facilities

Water It is critical that you never run out of clean

bottled water.Order enough water in advance to sustain you

and your crew until the next order

NEVER drink water from your hoseline or water source *

* If you must use water that is not bottled (for dishes or drinking), it must be boiled for 5-7 minutes before use.

Flammable Fuel HandlingTwo most common flammable fuels used on

fire assignment are:

1. Gasoline (Straight, 24:1 mixed)

2. Propane (1 lb, 20 lb cylinders)

Consequences of misuse are serious

Gasoline Vapour and liquid form are extremely

volatile (readily ignite and explode)!! The greater the amount of vapour, the more

volatile the container is Prolonged exposure to sunlight will increase

pressure and vapour inside the container TREAT EMPTY AND PARTIALLY EMPTY

CONTAINERS WITH THE SAME RESPECT AS FULL ONES

Handling Gasoline Eliminate all ignition sources within 3 metres

(10 ft) (this goes for storage as well) Avoid activities that may create sparks or

flames when in proximity to gasoline Wear appropriate PPE (as indicated in

notes) Avoid prolonged exposure to vapours and

contact with skin Store upright in a ventilated area

PropanePropane is commonly used for the following

devices:

Cooking Heating Lighting

Using PropaneProperties and Hazards: Heavier than air (will sink to ground level) Is naturally odourless, but has added scent

for detection purposes (rotten eggs) Prolonged exposure can cause critical

injury or death Propane is very flammable and will ignite

readily

Carbon MonoxideWhen propane is burned to produce heat, italso produces carbon monoxide (CO) gas. CO is colourless and odourless Mixes well with regular air Prolonged exposure can cause critical

injury (brain damage) or death NEVER RUN PROPANE DEVICES WHILE

SLEEPING!!

Using Propane DevicesWhen using cooking, heating and lighting

devices, ensure the following: All propane line joints and connections are

tested properly Cylinders are not near heat sources or

sparks Area is properly ventilated (at least 12”x12”

area open for ventilation)

Questions or Concerns?