Bushfires a burning issue

01 Dec 2010

Summertime in many parts of Australia means bushfire season. To ensure minimal disruption to broadcast services, the fire-threat to transmission sites must be mitigated where possible. Equally, plans to support the emergency services during natural disasters must be up-to-date and ready to be implemented.

Broadcast and transmission infrastructure is often situated in remote and elevated locations in order to optimise propagation of transmission signals. The exposed terrain surrounding such sites often poses challenges when it comes to protecting them from extreme weather conditions and natural phenomena.

 According to Mark Lilburne, Field Services Regional Manager, many transmission sites on isolated peaks and remote high ground across Australia are at risk from bushfire damage. “Prior to the commencement of the bushfire season, we undertake a range of activities to make sure our sites are protected as much as possible,” he said.

 Safety first

The Field Services group is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure at all Broadcast Australia sites, including the grounds, buildings and equipment. “Each site has regular visual inspections to highlight potential fire risks,” said Mark. “Any unnecessary flammable material is removed, and all fire breaks are cleared.”

 Areas particularly at risk are guy compounds. These enclosures—where the wires supporting the transmission towers are anchored—are often located further into the bush. These must be cleared of excess vegetation to minimise the risk of fire weakening the guy wires and causing the towers to collapse.

 “We check that all aspects of the fire safety equipment—including extinguishers, water pumps, hydrants and water tanks—are serviceable and functioning correctly,” said Mark. “Moreover, ventilation inspections are carried out on buildings in order to seal off entry point for embers. All backup diesel generators are also checked to make sure they are serviceable and have sufficient fuel available.”

 Keeping the customer on-air

Preparation for the bushfire season further includes ensuring that broadcast services continue with as little disruption as possible. “While we must prepare and protect our own facilities, we must also be ready to support our customers and all the emergency services in performing their job in the aftermath of a natural disaster,” said Mark. “We do everything we can to assist the ABC in their role as the emergency broadcaster.”

 Field Services can despatch portable temporary transmission facilities, which permit the receiving and retransmitting of services from nearby sites. “These can act as an all-in-one self-contained mini studio with on-board transmitter, anywhere in the country within 24 hours,” said Mark. “It is our on-going task to ensure the transmission infrastructure is available, so that the ABC can assist the emergency services in broadcasting important safety information and hazard warnings to the people in affected areas.”

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