Bushfire Prepare practical workshop to be held in the Bunyip area.  Location to be provided to participants following registration.

The Bushfire Prepare workshop provides participants with the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge from the online learning in a practical workshop.

The first ten registrations will receive a special gift (one per household).

Online learning

We strongly recommend that all participants have completed all online modules prior to the workshop.  Due to limited time and a full schedule, the facilitator will be unable to spend time on explaining concepts or topics covered in the online learning.

If you have questions about what you have seen in the online learning, feel free to ask them during the workshop.

The workshop

The workshop will be held outdoors and (if conditions are suitable) a demonstration burn will be lit.  As the location of the workshop will simulate an actual planned burn site, participants will need to wear suitable clothing and familiarise themselves with the site safety instructions.

Workshop outcomes

Participants will:

• Understand the safety considerations relevant to undertaking a planned burn.
• Be able to apply their knowledge from the foundation online/face-to-face learning sessions in preparing a burn plan and understand the legal requirements.
• Become familiar with common planned burning and firefighting equipment.
• Be familiar with the fuel assessment process.
• Demonstrate how to prepare control lines using a rakehoe.
• Demonstrate identifying assets of value and potential hazards.
• Demonstrate the safe use and maintenance of rakehoes and drip torches.
• Where possible, undertake a small, controlled burn to demonstrate fire behaviour for test burn observation and demonstration of lighting patterns.
• Undertake mop up of the site and ensure all fuels are safe.

Workshop structure

1. Safety overview/briefing
2. Site assessment
3. Equipment familiarisation
4. Fuel assessment
5. Preparing site
6. Skills drills, hand tools and drip torch
7. Demonstration of a low-intensity burn
8. Extinguishment and overhaul

What to wear/bring

• Long pants
• Long sleeved shirt
• Sturdy boots
• Hat (preferably wide-brimmed); hard hat or helmet if desired.
• Leather gloves.
• Water bottle
• Any relevant equipment that you may use on your property.

Biosecurity

Depending on the location of the workshop, biosecurity measures may be in place.  These may require washing of boots and other equipment upon entry or exit to the site.

Safety Considerations

Safety is our ultimate focus, and we expect that all participants will abide by the site safety rules.  As the workshop will be held in a natural environment, you should be aware of certain safety risks. These may include:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Bites and stings
• Heat/cold exposure
• Heat illness
• Fatigue
• Situational awareness
• Lack of communication
• Dangerous goods
• Injury from equipment
• Smoke inhalation
• Burns
• Tree hazards

Prior to the workshop, a safety briefing will be conducted and any issues on the site will be advised. A copy of the safe working method statement will be provided to you before the session. A qualified first aider will be on site at all times.

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