Chapter 20: ARFFS Personnel Staffing and Training Requirements

Section 20.1: General

20.1.1 Standard: Staff Qualifications

20.1.1.1 Officers in charge of ARFFS operations at Level 1 aerodromes must be a person who holds the following qualification:

(a) for aerodromes categorised, category 6 and above, a minimum of an ARFFS AFC Advanced Diploma;

(b) for aerodromes categorised, category 5 and below, a minimum of an ARFFS AFC Diploma.

20.1.1.2 Officers in Charge of ARFFS operations at Level 2 aerodromes where established in accordance with Chapter 2 of the MOS must be a person who holds the qualification:

(a) for aerodromes categorised, category 6 and above, a minimum of an ARFFS AFC Advanced Diploma;

(b) for aerodromes categorised, category 5 and below, a minimum of an ARFFS AFC Diploma.

20.1.1.3 A shift supervisor must not exercise responsibility for staff of operational fire fighters or for any activity unless he or she is qualified to do so and holds any required AFC diploma in accordance with the requirements set out in the AFC Training Modules in paragraphs 18.1.1.6 and 18.1.1.10.

20.1.1.4 All operational staff must hold a current/valid CASA Certificate of Competency and a current competency in Aviation Fire Fighting Operations for the skill qualifications required for the operating position in accordance with CASA requirements of the AFC Training Modules.

20.1.2 Staffing Levels Recommendations

20.1.2.1 During promulgated hours of operation and while any other movements of aircraft that require use of a licensed aerodrome are taking place, sufficient trained personnel are to be detailed and readily available to staff the rescue and fire fighting vehicles and to operate the equipment at the discharge rates appropriate to the aerodrome category. These trained personnel must be deployed in a way that ensures the minimum response time can be achieved and that continuous agent application at the appropriate rate can be fully maintained should an aircraft accident or incident occur.

20.1.2.2 Aerodromes meeting Level 1 criteria (see Chapter 2 of this Manual) must ensure that the designated staffing levels are met to provide protection for all aircraft movements and property during each operational shift.

20.1.2.3 At non 24-hour aerodromes the ARFFS must be fully operational 15 minutes prior to and after departure of the nominated aircraft coverage as advertised in ERSA.

20.1.2.4 At aerodromes meeting Level 2 criteria (refer to Chapter 2 of this Manual) the ARFFS fire stations where established must be fully operational for a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the scheduled aircraft arrival and staff must remain on duty and in operational readiness for 15 minutes following the last air transport departure.

20.1.2.5 When formulating staff numbers, consideration must be given to the type of aircraft using the aerodrome and the need for personnel for vehicle operation, to use handlines, ladders, and other rescue and fire fighting operations including command and control of fire ground as the combatant authority.

20.1.2.6 ARFFS staff engaged in extraneous duties must be capable of meeting the response time from those duties. They must not be employed on fuelling duties when forming part of the minimum staff due to the hazard of fuel contaminated clothing and the safety requirements in closing down such an operation.

20.1.2.7 Fire vehicles capable of producing foam or other media through a monitor, must ensure that the role of the monitor operator must not be performed by the driver of that vehicle, other than when the vehicle is stationary.

20.1.2.8 Introduction of new technology that can reduce staffing levels in vehicle operation may be approved subject to the requirements of Chapter 23, Change Management Systems.

20.1.3 ARFFS Training Requirements

20.1.3.1 Processes must be in place to allow supervisory staff who are qualified and competent to perform the tasks required of them to monitor the continuing competency levels of the staff under their control on a periodic basis.

20.1.3.2 Training can be divided into the following categories:

(a) initial training to achieve a new qualification or competency;

(b) training to transfer or upgrade from a current qualification or competency to a new qualification or competency;

(c) special requirements for ‘direct entry’ staff;

(d) local aerodrome ARFFS competencies;

(e) all operational fire fighting staff must be given on-the-job training in accordance with a program to ensure that core competencies applicable to the functional level are maintained and validated regularly with a maximum permissible interval of 90 days.

20.1.3.3 Core competency training for each qualification held is required within the 90‑day period. The core competencies are listed below. This list is not conclusive and may require local ratings, e.g. Water Rescue Service.

(a) application of foam onto a fire by an attack vehicle monitor;

(b) topography;

(c) aircraft familiarisation;

(d) Fire Station Communication Centre;

(e) fire alarms:

(i) indicator panels;

(ii) detection and suppression systems;

(f) driving and operation of vehicles;

(g) don and start-up of BA;

(h) firemanship to include:

(i) hose and branch work;

(ii) knots and lines;

(iii) use of ladders;

(iv) agent application applied through operational branches and use of rescue equipment;

(i) first aid CPR/EAR and injury management;

(j) perform Incident Command System (ICS) skills in simulated operations/or incidents;

(k) pre-incident planning; SOPs, MOAs, AEP and tactical plan.

20.1.3.4 ARFFS staff training can be by either conducting approved in-house training to the levels required or by out sourcing any or all of its training to an establishment approved by CASA.

20.1.3.5 A yearly fire station Training Programme that complements the 90-day validity check must be developed, displayed and retained in accordance with Chapter 28 of the MOS.

20.1.3.6 In-house training must define, document and maintain processes, which address the integrity of staff training compatible with the Australian Fire Competency (AFC) or other qualification accepted and approved by CASA.

20.1.3.7 Where in-house training is conducted the training program for each course must be comprehensive and achieve the goals established in the training, in particular:

(a) training must align with the vehicle requirements for the aerodrome category certification; and