Over the last few weeks, we’ve been working with FRNSW to find a way through the issues members face in safely performing their jobs during the most recent COVID-19 outbreak.
We were aiming to be able to publish a joint statement which would set out an agreed position around restrictions but unfortunately have not been able to reach such an agreement.
The Code Red issued 26 June 2021 therefore remains in place and Level 4 restrictions apply.
Anyone defined as an affected person by NSW Health can work or relieve in the affected areas. Any non-affected person should not work in the affected areas.
“Affected persons” are those who live, have visited or worked in the lockdown area in the past 14 days. They should continue to report for duty within the lockdown area. All other staff must continue to report for duty outside the lockdown area.
Members facing extenuating circumstances:
If you have extenuating circumstances that need to be considered, please talk to your command and COVID IMT to negotiate an alternative arrangement or call the Union for assistance.
Members who reside interstate:
Members who live interstate are to contact their zone management to discuss alternative work arrangements that may be available. You should also contact the Union for further assistance and advice.
Retained:
The following instructions will now apply to Retained firefighters.
State-wide:
Ensure QR code is scanned every single time anyone visits the station, even if it’s for a fire call.
Masks must be worn inside the station, inside any appliance with more than one person on board, and in any indoor setting with people outside your household.
Anyone with flu-like symptoms is not to attend the station, must immediately inform their station commander, and avoid any contact with any FRNSW personnel.
Clean appliances and common touch points after use.
Maintain social/physical distancing between staff where possible.
Maximum for four firefighters on an appliance; maximum of two staff per car if following on.
Non-lockdown areas (Level 2)
Limit visitors to station.
All forums and meetings to be conducted remotely.
Lockdown areas (Level 4)
No visitors to stations except essential staff and contractors.
No face-to-face community safety activities should be undertaken.
Appliances are not to travel to other stations unless it is for an incident, stand-by or swapping over a SEV.
PAT tests are suspended.
At risk personnel should not attend stations, to mitigate potential exposure.
Fitness drills are suspended.
Drills are capped at 6 staff members per drill session. This number will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
If you have other employment that is high-risk, e.g. working at a quarantine hotel, as a COVID-19 testing nurse, then you must inform your Duty Commander who will assess the risk to the station and determine suitability to continue normal response.
Once four staff are at the station, subsequent staff are to remain inside their personal vehicles unless following on or required by the OIC. They must remain on site until dismissed by the OIC.
Safety is union business, and these measures will help protect you, your families, and the wider community.
If you have any queries please contact your local delegate, SCOM Representative or Union Official.
