Utilising staged restrictions where possible (rather than a single on/off or open/closed trigger).

Transcription

1 Marlborough Kaikoura Fire & Emergency NZ Fire Risk Guidelines For Industry Operations Ver 1.7 Nov16 Key aims: Using the New Zealand Fire Danger Rating System (NZFDRS) to provide a more robust scientific basis for industry fire risk activity restrictions as a result of fire risk potential. Fire Weather Index (FWI) activity triggers are as simple as possible, e.g. by using fire danger classes, or as few (fuel/fwi) variables as possible. Limiting the frequency of occurrence of triggers to as few days as practically possible ( exceptional conditions ), whilst still meeting technical requirements (of fire behaviour/fwis, etc.) Utilising staged restrictions where possible (rather than a single on/off or open/closed trigger). Provide user information with online mapping of current and predicted indu stry fire risk activity triggers: Note: These Fire Risk Guidelines for Industry Operations have been developed by the Marlborough Kaikoura and Waimea RFA s as an aid to decision making on fire risk only. They are NOT rules.

2 Below, is the structure diagram for the New Zealand Fire Danger Rating System (NZFDRS), illustrating the linkage to fire management actions (after Fogarty et al. 1998).

3 soon after ignition

4 Suppression could be difficult on the Head Fire but flank and backing fires should be able to be controlled with a timely response Initial Spread Index (ISI) 20 Extreme 15 Very High 10 High Moderate 5 Low Buildup Index (BUI) Suppression could be difficult depending on fuel types but containment should be achieved

5 Forestry Operations Fire Risk Guidelines for (FOFRG) When an area BUI of over 40 exists, the colour code for each of the forest climate areas will be ed to all foresters and contractors on the MKRFA FOFRG mailing list. Online mapping of the FRGFO code levels: Code Level BUI Range Fire Weather Index (FWI) Code Calibration of the BUI Range Green 40 If FWI > 25 Elevated to Code Blue Blue If FWI > 25 Elevated to Code Yellow Yellow If FWI > 25 Elevated to Code Orange Orange If FWI > 25 Elevated to Code Red Red If FWI > 25 Elevated to Code Purple Purple > 120 Onsite Code Escalation Options Recommended Additional Worksite Fire Weather Monitoring The onsite assessment methodology to inform the site-specific potential Code escalation/risk mitigation process should include a number of other factors in addition to wind speed, which would already be partially captured through the use of the additional FWI trigger during the initial Code setting stage Onsite factors to be considered on a work site where crews are working: On steep slopes greater than 20 degrees (35%, or grade of 1 in 3) In high fuel loads especially of dead fine fuels from thinning or harvesting slash, or scrub understory (e.g. gorse or broom) On hotter, drier aspects North or West facing (cf. South or East facing) In dry fine fuels indicated by dead litter on the ground crunching as walked on, elevated dead needles snapping, or dust rising from dirt tracks Under high wind speeds averaging more than km/h, as measured using a handheld meter in a suitably open, exposed location, or indicated by the Beaufort wind scale: Force 2 = Light breeze, 6-11 km/h wind felt on the face, leaves/needles rustle Force 3 = Gentle breeze, km/h leaves/needles and small twigs in constant motion, wind extends light flags Force 4 = Moderate breeze, km/h wind raises dust, small branches are moved Force 5 = Fresh breeze, km/h small trees begin to sway, waves form on open water Due to weather and fuel moisture conditions changing during the day, onsite factors should be reassessed at regular intervals throughout the day; i.e. every few hours, when crews stop for smoko and lunch breaks. Where two or more onsite risk factors are present, the Code Level could be escalated a level onsite and the additional activity restrictions required (e.g. stopping work early), or risk mitigations conducted to reduce the likelihood of activities causing a fire ignition (e.g. fire suppression resources/observers located in areas/with equipment likely to cause sparks, etc.). NB it may be appropriate that you elevate more than one level on-site, whilst a significate fire weather event is occurring i.e. strong wind and or low RH and or high temperatures.

6 Marlborough Kaikoura Rural Fire and Emergency Fire Risk Guidelines For Industry Operations Ver 1.7 Nov16 Code Green: BUI < 40 / FWI < 25 Equipment Requirements Requirements for. Extinguishers Water Knapsacks Handtools Communication Harvesting Crews Tree faller (Manual) Tractor, Skidder, Excavator, Felling Machine 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt each person using chainsaw 1* 9 litre water pressure or 2kg foam 2*20 Litres or 9 litre pressurised water extinguisher on skid. 2*15 litre on site(full) 4 shovels Loader, Hauler, Bell and Waratah Car, Utility or Van 1*0.9 kg Class A, B 1 shovel Truck or Grader 1 shovel Silviculture Crew 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B 1*20 Litres per knapsack or 1 *15litre Per 5 people - 4 carried on belt for each person 9 litre pressurised water (full) total made up of using chainsaw extinguisher shovels, slashers, Activity Requirements Requirements for. Requirements are. Welding / Gas Cutting / Abrasive Wheel Cutting Only on bare earth 1 * 15 litre knapsack (full) or 9 litre pressurised water within 5m of work area. Patrol for 30 minutes after completion Smoking Only on bare mineral earth areas or in huts / vehicles Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code.

7 Code Blue: BUI = / FWI < 25 Equipment Requirements Requirements for. Extinguishers Water Knapsacks Handtools Communication Harvesting Crews 2*20 Litres or 9 litre pressurised water extinguisher on skid. Tree faller (Manual) 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt each person using Tractor, Skidder, Excavator, Felling Machine Loader, Hauler, Bell and chainsaw 1* 9 litre water pressure or 2kg foam 2*15 litre on site(full) 4 shovels Car, Utility or Van 1*0.9 kg Class A, B 1 shovel Truck or Grader 1 shovel Silviculture Crew 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt for each person using chainsaw 1*20 Litres per knapsack or 9 litre pressurised water extinguisher 1 *15litre (full) Per 5 people 4 total made up of shovels, slashers, combi, Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code. Code Blue Activity Requirements Continued on Next Page

8 Activity Requirements Requirements for. Welding / Gas Cutting / Abrasive Wheel Cutting Smoking Daily Inspections and maintenance Weekly inspections and maintenance Chainsaw thinning Requirements are. Only on bare earth 1 * 15 litre knapsack (full) or 9 litre pressurised water within 5m of work area. Patrol for 30 minutes after completion Only on bare mineral earth roads, landings, in huts or vehicles. No Smoking in cutover Check chainsaws and machinery for debris build up near hot working parts such as belly pans and radiators. Check engine bay hydraulic hoses for leaks. Inspect hauler blocks for heat, and ropes for binds, rock strikes. Vegetation around backline blocks cleared of vegetation to mineral earth 1.5m radius. Inspections should be noted in diary. Documented inspection of all fire equipment (including extinguishers) Review site hazards (Undergrowth fuels, aspect, and escape routes). Move chainsaw thinning to areas with lower hazard where possible Fire starts Emergency planning Forest access Notify lookout or PRFO of any fire start regardless of size. Notify lookout of any road closures or weekend work Discuss code blue requirements and preparation for future elevation to code yellow at tailgate meetings Review public access to forest. Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code.

9 Code Yellow BUI = / FWI < 25 Equipment Requirements Requirements for. Extinguishers Water Knapsacks Handtools Communication Harvesting Crews 2*20 Litres or 9 litre pressurised water extinguisher on skid. 2*15 litre on site (full) 4 shovels Tree faller (Manual) Tractor, Skidder, Excavator, Felling Machine Loader, Hauler, Bell and 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt each person using chainsaw 1* 9 litre water pressure or 2kg foam Car, Utility or Van 1*0.9 kg Class A, B 1 shovel Truck or Grader 1 shovel Silviculture Crew 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt for each person using chainsaw 1*20 Litres per knapsack or 9 litre pressurised water extinguisher 1 *15litre (full) Per 5 people 4 total made up of shovels, slashers, combi, puklowski, mcleod Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code. Code Yellow Activity Requirements Continued on Next Page

10 Activity Requirements Requirements for. Welding / Gas Cutting / Abrasive Wheel Cutting Smoking Daily Inspections and maintenance Weekly Inspections and maintenance Requirements are. Fire Permit required which will have reduction and readiness conditions. 1 * 15 litre knapsack (full) or 9 litre pressurised water within 5m of work area. Patrol for 30 minutes after completion. Only on bare mineral earth roads, landings, in huts or vehicles. No Smoking in cutover Check chainsaws and machinery for debris build up near hot working parts such as belly pans and radiators. Check engine bay hydraulic hoses for leaks. Inspect hauler blocks for heat, and ropes for binds, rock strikes. Vegetation around backline blocks cleared of vegetation to mineral earth 1.5m radius. Inspections should be noted in diary. Documented inspection of all fire equipment (including extinguishers) Chainsaw thinning Fire starts Emergency planning Forest access Mowing and slashing (Roadside and ground) Review site hazards (Undergrowth fuels, aspect, and escape routes). Move chainsaw thinning to areas with lower hazard where possible Notify lookout or PRFO of any fire start regardless of size. Notify lookout of any road closures or weekend work Discuss code Yellow requirements and preparation for future elevation to code Orange at tailgate meetings Consider covering in tailgate meetings: escape plans (X2). Restrict public access to forest. Stop road side mowing and slashing Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code.

11 Code Orange: BUI = / FWI < 25 Equipment Requirements Requirements for. Extinguishers Water Knapsacks Handtools Communication Harvesting Crews Tree faller (Manual) Tractor, Skidder, Excavator, Felling Machine Loader, Hauler, Bell and 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt each person using chainsaw 1* 9 litre water pressure or 2kg foam 2*20 Litres or 9 litre pressurised water extinguisher on skid. 1 * 20 litre water at each back block. 1* full knapsack at each back block. 4 Shovels Shovel or fire rake at each back block Car, Utility or Van 1*0.9 kg Class A, B 1 shovel Truck or Grader 1 shovel Silviculture Crew 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt for each person using chainsaw 1*20 Litres per knapsack or 9 litre pressurised water extinguisher 1 *15litre (full) Per 5 people 4 total made up of shovels, slashers, combi, puklowski, Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code. Code Orange Activity Requirements Continued on Next Page

12 Activity Requirements Requirements for. Welding / Gas Cutting / Abrasive Wheel Cutting Smoking Daily Inspections and Maintenance Weekly inspections and maintenance Chainsaw thinning Fire starts Requirements are. Fire Permit required which will have reduction and readiness conditions. 1 * 15 litre knapsack (full) or 9 litre pressurised water within 5m of work area. Only on bare mineral earth roads, landings, in huts or vehicles. No Smoking in cutover Assess daily weather at 11:00am onsite to determine need for elevation of preparedness &/or work restrictions. Check chainsaws and machinery for debris build up near hot working parts such as belly pans and radiators. Check engine bay hydraulic hoses for leaks. Inspect hauler blocks for heat, and ropes for binds, rock strikes. Vegetation around backline blocks cleared of vegetation to mineral earth 1.5m radius. Inspections should be noted in diary. Weekly documented inspection of all fire equipment (including extinguishers) Review site hazards (Undergrowth fuels, aspect, and escape routes). Move chainsaw thinning to areas with lower hazard where possible Notify lookout or PRFO of any fire start regardless of size. Emergency planning Notify lookout of any road closures or weekend work Discuss code Orange requirements and preparation for future elevation to code Red at tailgate meetings Consider covering in tailgate meetings: escape plans (X2). Identify suitable water points (For ground and helicopter) around work areas Forest access Restrict public access to forest. Consider putting up signage at access points warning of fire danger. Restrict all hunting and firewood gathering. Mowing and slashing (Roadside and ground) Machines Stop road side mowing and slashing Stop all machines except backline tractors working on cutover that do not have working inbuilt engine compartment suppression systems at 13:00. Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code.

13 Code Red: BUI = / FWI < 25 Equipment Requirements Requirements for. Extinguishers Water Knapsacks Handtools Communicatio n Harvesting Crews 1000 litre mobile 1* full knapsack 4 shovels pressurised water available with 60m hose on skid. 1 * 20 litre water at each back block. at each back block. Shovel or fire rake at each backblock Tree faller (Manual) 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt each person using Tractor, Skidder, Excavator, Felling Machine Loader, Hauler, Bell and chainsaw 1* 9 litre water pressure or 2kg foam Car, Utility or Van 1*0.9 kg Class A, B 1 shovel Truck or Grader 1 shovel Silviculture Crew 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt for each person using chainsaw 1*20 Litres per knapsack or 9 litre pressurised water extinguisher 1 *15litre (full) Per 5 people 4 total made up of shovels, slashers, combi, puklowski, mcleod Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code. Code Red Activity Requirements Continued on Next Page

14 Activity Requirements Requirements for. Welding / Gas Cutting / Abrasive Wheel Cutting (hotworks) Smoking Daily Inspections and maintenance Weekly Inspections and maintenance Chainsaw thinning Fire starts Emergency planning Forest access Mowing and slashing (Roadside and ground) Harvesting Chainsaws Machines Requirements are. Fire Permit required which will have reduction and readiness conditions. 1 * 15 litre knapsack (full) or 9 litre pressurised water within 5m of work area. Stop all hotworks between 1200hrs -1900hrs. Only on bare mineral earth roads, landings, in huts or vehicles. No Smoking in cutover Assess daily weather at 11:00am onsite to determine need for elevation of preparedness &/or work restrictions. Check chainsaws and machinery for debris build up near hot working parts such as belly pans and radiators. Check engine bay hydraulic hoses for leaks. Vegetation around backline blocks cleared of vegetation to mineral earth 1.5m radius. Inspections should be noted in diary. Weekly documented inspection of all fire equipment (including extinguishers) Weekly cleaning for all machines and chainsaws. Review site hazards (Undergrowth fuels, aspect, and escape routes). Move chainsaw thinning to areas with lower hazard where possible No chainsaw thinning after 1200 hrs Notify lookout or PRFO of any fire start regardless of size. Notify lookout of any road closures or weekend work Discuss code Red requirements and preparation for future elevation to code Purple at tailgate meetings Consider covering in tailgate meetings: escape plans (X2). Identify suitable water points (For ground and helicopter) around work areas. Patrol sites for at least 1 hour after machine shutdown. Consider having 3 person quick response crew with tanker within 10 minutes of each operation. Restrict public access to forest. Consider putting up signage at access points warning of fire danger. Restrict all hunting and firewood gathering Stop road side mowing and slashing. Stop all chainsaw operations in cut over after 1200hrs Stop all machines working on cutover or in vegetation at 1300HRS

15 Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code Code Purple BUI = Equipment Requirements Requirements for. Extinguishers Water Knapsacks Handtools Communication Harvesting Crews 1000 litre mobile 2*15 litre (full & 4 shovels pressurised water available with 60m hose on skid) Full knapsack at each backblock. Shovel or fire rake at each backblock Tree faller (Manual) 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt each person using chainsaw Tractor, Skidder, Excavator, Felling Machine Loader, Hauler, Bell and 1* 9 litre water pressure or 2kg foam Car, Utility or Van 1*0.9 kg Class A, B 1 shovel Truck or Grader 1 shovel Silviculture Crew 1* 350gm capacity Class A, B carried on belt for each person using chainsaw 1*20 Litres per knapsack or 9 litre pressurised water extinguisher 1 *15litre (full) Per 5 people 4 total made up of shovels, slashers, combi, puklowski, mcleod Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code.

16 Activity Requirements Requirements for. Welding / Gas Cutting / Abrasive Wheel Cutting (hotworks) Requirements are. Fire Permit required which will have reduction and readiness conditions. 1 * 15 litre knapsack (full) or 9 litre pressurised water within 5m of work area. Stop all hotworks between 1200hrs -1900hrs. Consider stopping all hotworks. Smoking Only on bare mineral earth roads, landings, in huts or vehicles. No Smoking in cutover Daily Inspections and maintenance Assess daily weather at 11:00am onsite to determine need for elevation of preparedness &/or work restrictions. Check chainsaws and machinery for debris build up near hot working parts such as belly pans and radiators. Check engine bay hydraulic hoses for leaks. Inspect hauler blocks for heat, and ropes for binds, rock strikes. Vegetation around backline blocks cleared of vegetation to mineral earth 1.5m radius. Inspections should be noted in diary. Daily inspection of hydraulic hoses, block bearings, machine belly pans and radiators Weekly Inspections and maintenance Chainsaw thinning Fire starts Weekly documented inspection of all fire equipment (including extinguishers) Weekly cleaning for all machines and chainsaws. Stop all thinning Notify lookout or PRFO of any fire start regardless of size. Emergency planning Notify lookout of any road closures or weekend work Discuss code Purple requirements tailgate meetings and preparation for code Brown Consider covering in tailgate meetings: escape plans (X2). Identify suitable water points (For ground and helicopter) around work areas. Establish 3 person quick response crew with tanker within 10 minutes of each operation. Patrol sites for at least 1 hour after machine shutdown. Consider short response standby helicopter within 10mins of operation. Extensions to working hours on bare earth or processing sites are subject to appropriate readiness and emergency response planning. Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code. Code Purple Activity Requirements Continued on Next Page.

17 Requirements for. Forest access Mowing and slashing (Roadside Harvesting chainsaws Machines Cable Harvesting Slash Raking and Fire Breaking Requirements are. Restrict Public access to forest Consider putting up signage at access points warning of fire danger. Stop all hunting and firewood gathering. Stop road side mowing and slashing. Stop after 1200hrs. Stop all machines working on bare earth or processing sites at 1300HRS Stop all machines working in vegetation or cutover stop at 1300hrs. Consider stopping log truck movement between hrs. Stop moving ropes at 1200hrs. Stop all slash raking and fire breaking. Note: Items highlighted in BOLD are equipment or activity requirements that have been newly introduced from the previous colour code.

18 Marlborough Kaikoura Rural Fire and Emergency Fire Risk Guidelines For Industry Operations Ver 1.7 Nov16 Grass and Scrub Fire Risk Industry Activity Triggers Introduction Online Mapping: Industry activities with grass and scrub fuels fire risk potential: 1. Roadside mowing 2. Rural hot-works (incl. railways) 3. Powerline auto-reclosures Grass Fuels: At low FFMC values, grass fuels are moister so that the likelihood of ignition is low, and fire spread is impeded; At low grass curing values, the proportion of dead grass fuel present is low so there is little fuel to be ignited; potential for fire spread is also low and any fires will only spread slowly, if at all, and with lower fire intensity so that control is more easily achieved; At high FFMC values, grasses are drier so that they are ignited more easily and fire spread is more likely; At high grass curing values, the higher proportion of dead grass fuel present means fires can ignite more easily, and spread faster and with higher intensity so that control is more difficult. Scrub Fuels: Recent NZ fire science that has been used in this methodology: Fire ignition thresholds for different causes in fully-cured grasslands (Wakelin 2010) Fire ignition and spread thresholds for gorse (Anderson 2009) Problems with basing activity triggers on scrub fuel types: High scrub fuel loads produce extreme intensities Go/no go issues - rapid transition from no spread to very rapid spread Below are the Scrub and Grass Fuels fire danger class criteria Note the rapid transition from low fire danger to High Extreme in the scrub fuel model.

19 Hot Work Triggers - Heat and Spark Hazardous Operations Fire Risk Guideline Road-side Mowing and Hot Works: As well as grass mowing in fire risk areas, cutting and grinding activities have a history of starting fires. These typically ignite grass (and scrub) fuels. For railway corridors, the focus is on spark-hazardous hot work activities, but could also be applied to potential for other mechanical faults (brake & wheel bearing failures) and engine exhaust emissions. Grass curing and FFMC are the major factors in determining fire risk potential, although wind speed is also important, especially if fire spread and growth following ignition is being considered. At low FFMC values, grass fuels are moister so that the likelihood of ignition is low, and fire spread is impeded; At low grass curing values, the proportion of dead grass fuel present is low so there is little fuel to be ignited; potential for fire spread is also low and any fires will only spread slowly, if at all, and with lower fire intensity so that control is more easily achieved; At high FFMC values, grasses are drier so that they are ignited more easily and fire spread is more likely; At high grass curing values, the higher proportion of dead grass fuel present means fires can ignite more easily, and spread faster and with higher intensity so that control is more difficult. Refer to the Grass Curing Guide below Examples of risk mitigation actions:

20 Power Line Auto Re-Closure System Triggers - Fire Risk Guidelines Online Mapping: Computer-controlled power restarts after electrical faults have put a line off the grid have the potential to start fires from sparking electrical current if the line is severed and lying on the ground in ignition-receptive fuels. The objective is to minimise the risk of fire starts from the automatic switching of power by using triggers to identify when auto-reclosing should be switched off. Grass is the main fuel type beneath powerlines along roadsides and in adjacent agricultural lands into which fires could spread. Again this is a spark-hazardous activity, and Wakelin et al. s (2010) grass ignition thresholds for metal sparks can be used. Faults often caused by high winds (line arcing, contacts or breakage) Often ignite rank roadside grass beneath lines (mod/high grass fuel load) Ignition is dependent on presence of dead fuels (grass curing) and grass moisture content (from FFMC) Fire spread (and intensity) is also dependent on grass curing and ISI Matrix of FFMC and Grass Curing, with additional Wind Speed trigger retained to capture both wind effects on line breakage potential and fire spread Refer to Grass Curing Guide below Wind Speed is used as an indicator of when power failures are likely to be caused by line breakage (lines snapping directly or being broken by fallen branches in high winds), and therefore to come into contact with the ground and fuels where they could ignite a fire, in high winds (as opposed to other faults or false alarms) Wind Speed also governs the rate of fire spread potential following ignition The Wind Speed trigger has been set at WS <40 km/h (which equates to gusts of km/h) to take account of likely line breakage above this level of wind speed The range of conditions under which the Level 2 Wind Speed condition applies has also been expanded to include lower FFMC levels across all curing levels (up one step in each case). Separating out FFMC and wind speed better reflects the separate fuel moisture and wind speed influences. It also avoids instances where a high wind speed but low FFMC results in a high ISI that might otherwise have triggered higher level auto-reclosure controls, but ignition is highly unlikely (due to wet fuels at the low FFMC). Refer to the Grass Curing Guide below

21 Grass Curing Field Card for On-site Estimation of % Cured Grass in a Pasture Grassland Curing Card As a guide, for 100% Tussock cover do not drop grass curing below 70%

22 Grass Cover Estimation for On-site Estimation of Fuel Loading MK Rural Fire & Emergency- Ph: MKRFA: Website: