Operations
System: Rappel, Operations
Sub-System | Hazards | Pre-Mitigation | Mitigation | Post-Mitigation | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Probability |
Severity |
Risk Level |
Probability |
Severity |
Risk Level |
|||
Training | Non standard/inconsistent |
Almost Certain |
Moderate |
High |
Utilize joint training. Train the trainer to one standard. |
Possible |
Moderate |
Medium |
Supervision | Not properly qualified for firefighting mission |
Unlikely |
Catastrophic |
High |
Ensure Spotter and firefighters adhere to existing qualifications. |
Rare |
Catastrophic |
Medium |
Escape routes and safety zones not identified |
Possible |
Catastrophic |
Extremely High |
Ensure Spotter and ALL firefighters have knowledge and location of safety zones, and escape routes prior to fast rope deployment. |
Unlikely |
Catastrophic |
High |
|
Rappel Procedure | Non-standard procedures / policy deviation |
Possible |
Catastrophic |
Extremely High |
Frequent unscheduled inspections by HOS/check spotter/peers/SME, suspend operations until corrections are made. Violations will result in program suspension. Utilize joint training when practical. Check spotters from other bases and regions will conduct combined training. Attendance of National or Regional Rappel Spotter Workshop is mandatory every two years. |
Unlikely |
Catastrophic |
High |
Non-standard verbiage, direction, and interaction between spotter and pilot during rappel operations |
Almost Certain |
Critical |
High |
Increase simulation training, mock-ups, and proficiency (especially with relief pilots). Ensure proper briefing for new/relief personnel. Develop Challenge and Response criteria between spotter and pilot. Develop CRM training specific to pilot-spotter relationship to be included in PMS 310-1. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
|
Deviation from intended mission with limited information |
Almost Certain |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Obtain necessary information prior to accepting mission, obtain frequencies, contacts, coordinates, additional aircraft, known hazards, deconflict airspace, follow all FTA procedures. Ensure crew is re-briefed on new mission. |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
|
Exposure to off-site landing |
Almost Certain |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Follow standard procedures (high-low recon, power checks, verify load calculations as valid, etc.) Follow risk management process. Site selection needs to be mutually agreed upon by pilot and spotter. Respond to the incident configured to rappel when appropriate. |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
|
Rappel Site Selection | Poor site selection |
Possible |
Catastrophic |
Extremely High |
Spotter training, develop national standard Spotter Training Handbook, CRM, depth of fire experience, minimal redcard qualification of single resource boss with ICT4 being preferred. |
Unlikely |
Catastrophic |
High |
External Cargo Letdown | Rappelers on board helicopter during delivery of cargo which translates to longer exposure to personnel during high power settings in hover |
Almost Certain |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Follow standard procedures (high-low recon, power checks, verify load calculations as valid, etc.) Follow risk management process. Site selection needs to be mutually agreed upon by pilot and spotter. Respond to the incident configured to rappel when appropriate. |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Overflying highways, major population area, personnel |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Establish and brief on proper flight paths, update maps, see and avoid, find other means for mission. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
|
Internal Cargo Letdown | Security of Cargo without appropriate or approved hardware |
Almost Certain |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Establish minimum standard for cargo restraint straps and protective netting. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
Exposure to rappelers during internal load operations due to additional weight on board the aircraft and denied living space |
Almost Certain |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Consider performing cargo operation separately. Ensure that method of securing cargo is adequate for the size and weight of the cargo in the event of an accident. When possible secure the cargo outside of the passenger compartment. Limit internal cargo weight. Require DOT approved containers for hazardous materials. |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
|
Emergency Procedures | Lack of adequate training / proficiency |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Increase simulation training, utilize tower/elevated platform to increase rappeler/spotter emergency procedure proficiency, develop training which includes pilot, spotter and rappeler. Improve/update spotter/rappeler training syllabus. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
Non standard verbiage for mission critical / non-critical situations (Emergency vs. Non-Emergency in hover during rappel ops) |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Increase simulation training, fund and utilize current simulators at McClellan, develop challenge/response criteria between spotter and pilot. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
Download the Word version (docx) of this information and the Risk Assessment Matrix (pdf) to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet (docx).