This procedure describes the decisions and arrangements made at the University to eliminate or reduce, as far as reasonably practicable, the risks to people, the environment and property arising from bushfires.
This procedure applies to all University premises, all University activities, and all members of the University community unless specifically indicated. It recognizes that the various premises of FedUni face different fire risks and some have special requirements or community obligations.
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)
- Emergency Management Act 1986 (Vic)
- CFA Act 1958 (Vic)
- Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW)
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)
- Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 (Queensland 18 June 2021)
- Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008 (Qld June 2022)
A complete list of definitions relevant to this procedure is contained within the Health and Safety Management Procedure.
ACTIVITY | RESPONSIBILITY | STEPS | |
A. | Reducing bushfire risks on University premises as far as reasonably practicable | Director, Property and Infrastructure |
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Project Officer - Nanya |
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All members of the University community |
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B. | If a 'Code Red' Day is declared in advance in the Central fire district of Victoria | Crisis Management Team Leader |
Note 1: Essential Activities and Essential Staff Senior Managers must identify the activities that need to continue in their portfolio at the Mt Helen Campus on 'Code Red' days due to overriding practical, legal, contractual or other reasons (essential activities). In consultation with the relevant staff, Senior Managers must identify by name, job title and Institute/Directorate/College/Centre the individual members of staff in their portfolio who are required to report on the Mt Helen Campus to allow essential activities to continue (essential staff). In doing so, Senior Managers must fulfil their legal obligations toward staff, especially as specified under OHS legislation. The list of essential activities and essential staff must be submitted to the Crisis Management Team (CMT) and the Mt Helen Campus Warden. The CMT/Campus Warden may refuse to grant any activity or staff member the "essential" status. After approval by the CMT and the Mt Helen Campus Warden, each Senior Manager must inform the relevant staff of their essential status and expectations regarding work attendance on 'Code Red' days. |
C. | If a 'Code Red' Day is declared in advance in any fire district other than the Central district of Victoria | Crisis Management Team Leader |
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Executive Deans/Directors or Heads of Campus |
1. Review the need to restrict, modify or cancel any University activity (including any work-related travel and off-campus activity) that is under your control and is planned to take place within the district(s) affected by the 'Code Red'. In doing so, refer to any review conducted under the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC) Procedure and to applicable Fire Restrictions and Total Fire Bans. 2. Consider that some staff may not be able to report to work. |
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D. | On days of 'Extreme Fire Danger' | Executive Deans/Directors or Heads of Campus |
1. Review the need to restrict, modify or cancel any University activity (including any work-related travel and off-campus activity) under your control. In doing so, refer to any review conducted under the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC) Procedure and to applicable Fire Restrictions and Total Fire Bans. 2. Consider that some staff may not be able to report to work. |
D. | Managing evacuations from buildings or from entire University premises | Campus Wardens, or Area Wardens for smaller premises or locations |
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E. | Dealing with a bushfire impacting on University premises | Campus Wardens, or Area Wardens for smaller premises or locations |
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F. | Reducing the risks arising from bushfires in off-campus University activities as far as reasonably practicable | Any University employee planning or supervising off-campus University activities |
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Executive Deans/Directors and Head of Campus |
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G. | Managing communications to the University Community in relation to bushfires and bushfire risk | CMT Leader |
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Director - People and Culture |
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Chief Learner Experience Officer |
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Executive Deans/Directors |
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H. | Managing requests from Emergency Services or Municipal Authorities for accommodation or other services for firefighters or evacuees. | CMT Leader /Heads of Campus/Executive Deans/Directors |
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- Operations Governance Policy
- Health and Safety Management Procedure
- Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Procedure
- Incident and Emergency Management Procedure
- Crisis Management Plan (restricted circulation)
- Records Management Procedure
- The Chief Operating Officer, as the Approval Authority, is responsible for monitoring the implementation, outcomes and scheduled review of this procedure.
- The Head - Health, Safety and Wellbeing, as the Document Owner, is responsible for maintaining the content of this procedure as delegated by the approval Authority.
The Bushfire Planning Procedure will be communicated throughout the University community in the form of an Announcement Notice via FedNews website and on the ‘Recently Approved Documents’ page on the ‘Policies, Procedures and Forms @ the University’ website.
The Bushfire Planning Procedure will be implemented throughout the University in the form of an Announcement Notice via FedNews website and on the ‘Recently Approved Documents’ page on the ‘Policies, Procedures and Forms @ the University’ website.
The following must be captured in the records management system of the University, in accordance with the Records Management Procedure:
- decisions and communications made in relation to Code Red days,
- annual programs of bushfire prevention activities, and
- bushfire management plans for the Nanya Research Station.