Chapter 14: ARFFS Protective Clothing

Section 14.1: General

14.1.1 Standard: Protective Clothing

14.1.1.1 Sufficient personal issue of protective clothing must be provided to enable operational rescue and fire fighting staff to perform their function safely and effectively. Protective fire fighting equipment must conform to Australian Standards (AS) or in the lack of AS, accepted International Standards must apply.

14.1.2 Personal Issue

14.1.2.1 All rescue and fire fighting personnel must be provided with a personal issue of at least the following:

(a) helmet and visor;

(b) protective coat;

(c) protective over-trousers and braces;

(d) gloves/fire fighting/general/first aid;

(e) boots;

(f) pocket line.

14.1.3 Hazchem Protective Clothing

14.1.3.1 At locations where transportation of hazardous freight is known to be undertaken:

(a) the ARFFS personnel must be provided with suitable protective clothing, including breathing apparatus, to enable them to deal safely with any incident or accident that may occur; and

(b) hazardous freight should be identified as per the requirements of CHAPTER 10: SAFETY HAZARD AND RISK MANAGEMENT; and

(c) ARFFS staff must have the necessary qualifications as per the requirements of CHAPTER 18: COMPETENCY LEVELS.

14.1.3.2 Where a response to hazardous freight is not performed by ARFFS, arrangements must be in place as per Chapter 11 of this Manual and noted in the AEP accordingly.

14.1.4 Clothing for Water Operations

14.1.4.1 At locations where inshore rescue boats are provided operational staff must be issued with appropriate safety equipment and clothing for the environment in which they operate, including:

(a) wetsuits;

(b) drysuits where applicable;

(c) personal flotation devices;

(d) goggles.

14.1.4.2 Personal Issue

(a) body suits;

(b) rubber boots.