Thursday, November 23, 2006

Fire Training wrap-up

OK, as promised here is a further wrap up of the fire training. Day one was a heap of theory, followed by learning how to use a fire extinguisher most effectively. Then we moved on to confined space entry and rescue, and the next step was learning how to use the breathing apparatus (BA). Putting the BA on for the first time was quite a weird experience, you basically have to think about how to breathe.


Tony checking his BA

The first exercise in the BA gear was to go through a building full of smoke - but it was only "disco" smoke, so if anyone wasn't comfortable in the gear could take it off without actually dying!

Entering the BA trainer

Once everyone made it through the trainer, and everyone was comfortable using their BA, we entered a building with real fire and smoke and had a bit of a wander around to get used to the heat. It was a very interesting day.

The next day (day 4) was back in the classroom, learning about hazardous materials (HAZMAT) procedures. All of this was the lead up to days 5 & 6, which were 2 days of scenarios. The pyros (oops, i meant instructors!) spent all day lighting fires, and we spent all day putting them out.

Day 5 started at 9am, and finished at 10pm, to see how we would go when we all got tired and grumpy, and also when it got dark. In all, we got through 12 scenarios on day 5, which was a record for the Antarctic Division fire teams.


During the early evening, the instructors and our station leader made the decision on who would be the fire chiefs. Glen M was chosen as Fire Chief, and Matt and I were chosen as Deputy Fire Chiefs.

Deputy Fire Chief Matt looking very intelligent

Day 6 was a continuation of the scenarios, and one of these was a HAZMAT incident, which involved one of the team (we all voted for Matt) getting into their BA gear, and then inside a gas-tight suit to contain the chemicals involved. Once the threat was contained, we then had to decontaminate Matt.



That's me hosing Matt down


The last scenario we did ended up being four different fires (two structural, two vehicle) at once. It was quite a challenge, but by then everyone knew what they had to do, so it went relatively smoothly.


Preparing to enter the first fire

Paul running the pump

The end of day 6 and all of day 7 was only for the fire management team, looking at fire investigation and also maintenance and testing of all the gear. In all, the fire training was probably the most interesting - and fun - training that I have done so far.

I am currently at home (Cranbourne) for pre-departure leave, before the ship leaves on (or about) the 5th of December. I fly back to Hobart on Tuesday night, after getting in a little bit of poker!

Monday, November 20, 2006

Pearl Jam Photos Brisbane Night 2






Fire Training & Search and Rescue


Friday, November 17, 2006

I'm still alive!

Sorry that there have been very few posts of late, but I have been flat out. I also haven't been into the Division for a few weeks, so computer access has been very limited. I just tried to add some photos from the internet cafe around the corner from home but no joy. Will definitely add some more pics by Wednesday (when I'm home for a few days).

For those who haven't heard, it looks like the big red taxi is going to be late coming to pick us up. The guys on Voyage 1 have had a bugger of a time with the weather, so it most likely means a delayed departure date for us. If you are interested, have a look on the AAD website and click on "shipping schedule".

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Update

Just a quick one, been pretty busy organizing cargo and working. Search and rescue training was last weekend (photos still to come), Monday and Tuesday was first aid, yesterday was manual handling and today is workplace diversity. Tomorrow is reverse osmosis training - for half the day anyway, because tomorrow is

PEARL JAM IN BRISBANE!!!
Should be some good photos on this page next week

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

I'm a plumber now

Six munce ago I coodunt evan spel plumar, now I are won!

We just have spent the last four days learning how to be plumbers again. We did a few interesting courses on balancing air and water, LPG systems, oil fired boilers, backflow prevention and poly welding. We finished early so headed back to the Division to try and scam some more clothes - but I was only partially successful.

Tomorrow I have a big day planned, shopping with our amenities officer. We will be spending the day buying all the fun gear to help get us through the winter ahead.

This weekend is all booked up with search and rescue training, which should be heaps of fun.