MELBOURNE, VIC. — On previous Total Fire Ban (TFBs) days this summer, VicNews has sighted eight tradespeople using power tools, which are banned on TFBs.
In three cases, VicNews sighted tradesmen on building sites using angle grinders with sparks flying for through the air and no fire suppression equipment, such as knapsack sprays on site.
In another four cases, we sited various ‘garden maintenance’ contractors, including one from the “Jim’s Mowing” franchise, using lawn mowers without the proper fire suppression equipment on hand.
The CFA makes it clear that: “A chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower must comply with the following when used in vegetation that is not green (that is dry vegetation):
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- free from faults and mechanical defects that could cause an outbreak of fire, and
- fitted with an efficient spark arrester, and
- have an area of at least 3 metres around the machine cleared of flammable material.
- Also, a person must be in attendance at all times the machine is being used, and must carry at least one of the following fire suppression equipment items:
- one knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres, or
- one water (stored pressure) fire extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water and maintained at the correct pressure, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres.
Note that the spark arrester, the knapsack spray pump and the water fire extinguisher referred to above must comply with the applicable Australian Standards.
Every Victorian should familiarise themselves with “Can I or Can’t I” regarding the law on Total Fire Ban days.
In all cases, when VicNews approached those breaking the law, the tradesmen would claim that “they didn’t know” or that “no one told them.”
Ignorance of the law is no excuse in a court of law, and anyone who sights a breach of the law regarding a Total Fire Ban should immediately report it to Triple Zero (000) and ask for police or fire.
After continually calling police and CFA/FRV for blatant breaches of Total Fire Bans, VicNews wishes to make it clear that we will no longer be tying up valuable police and fire resources on a TFB day and will instead gather your vehicle(s) registration, company name, ABN and (if they have one) website and contact details and your company will be exposed publicly, with all details in full.
Breach a TFB, expect your company name, personal details and car registration to be plastered all over the internet.
Lives and homes are more important than your need to use an angle grinder when you could just use a bloody hacksaw instead.
There is no excuse, such as “I didn’t know” or “no one told me,” for breaking the law and putting homes and lives at risk.
Anybody who sees anyone breaching a TFB can also contact us at editor@victoriannews.com.au, and we will publish all the details once verified.
