The CFA unveiled five new props for its Victorian training centres at an event in Ballan last week, aiming to enhance the safety of its firefighters while working at heights.
On Thursday, September 4, CFA acting deputy chief officer of operational doctrine and training David Maxwell joined other dignitaries to officially handover the five new props at The Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) at Central Highlands, Ballan.
The $8 million project included the construction of Safe Work at Heights props at CFA’s VEMTCs at Sunraysia, West Sale, Longerenong, Penshurst and Central Highlands.
The existing prop at Hunty VEMTC has also been upgraded and plans are underway for Bangholme VEMTC to receive the new prop soon.
“Safe Work at Heights training allows CFA members to safely access roofs that aren’t already fire affected,” Mr Maxwell said.
“The prop involves the use of a harness, ropes and anchoring to create a safe system for our members to access areas above two metres high … it allows the rigging of the system in a controlled environment under supervision, preparing our members for real-life scenarios,“ he said.
“The training also closely aligns with other emergency services, allowing for cross agency support in multi-agency situations … this not only improves our safety and capability at incidents in Victoria, it also allows us to further support our interstate partners by deploying our members to emergencies interstate when required.“
The training prop also has the ability to conduct low voltage fuse removal training, enabling members to disconnect overhead mains power to a structure at an emergency with specialist equipment.
CFA’s VEMTC sites and props are also widely used by other emergency services and agencies.
