Airtanker Base Risk Assessments
Facilities | Hot Loading | Operations | Simultaneous Fueling and Loading
Sub-System | Hazards | Pre-Mitigation | Mitigation | Post-Mitigation | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Probability |
Severity |
Risk Level |
Probability |
Severity |
Risk Level |
|||
Training | Not all mixers and loaders are adequately trained and qualified |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Ensure that all personnel who will be loading aircraft are trained in hot loading procedures, with refresher each year. Provide simulation training for all mixers and loaders (agency and contractor) together throughout the season. Provide adequate briefings for all personnel prior to hot loading any aircraft. |
Unlikely |
Moderate |
Medium |
Base not approved for hot loading |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Ensure base operations plan includes a supplement for hot loading of retardant and is approved at the appropriate level, refer to SABO. Ensure all personnel are trained on hot loading procedures. |
Unlikely |
Moderate |
Medium |
|
Unfamiliar with aircraft to be loaded |
Likely |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Specific type of aircraft will shut down prior to the first load at a new base each year. All personnel involved in the loading of aircraft will receive an orientation briefing for that aircraft to include proper hand signal use, and aircraft loading port valve connection and operation. |
Possible |
Negligible |
Low |
|
Aircraft | Dangers of walking into turning propellers, or too close to jet engines |
Likely |
Catastrophic |
Extremely High |
Never walk through a propeller arc, even when engine is shut down. Do not walk under the wing at any time. Operate within the safety area around engines. Only load retardant on the side of the aircraft with non-running engines. Stay behind the wings of SEATs and S2s at all times. FWPT will be posted at front of aircraft where they can see all running engines, loaders, and aircrew. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
High noise levels working near running engines |
Almost Certain |
Moderate |
High |
Only load aircraft on the side opposite running engines. All personnel should wear noise cancelling hearing protection while hot loading retardant. Only essential personnel allowed on the ramp during hot loading operations. Train on proper hand signals to be used during hot loading operations. Take breaks away from noise. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
|
Velocity of exhaust/prop wash from running engines (thrust required for breakaway) |
Likely |
Moderate |
High |
Wear approved eye protection. Clear area before pilot takes engine out of ground idle. Ensure no one is behind engines when aircraft starts to move. Ensure Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walks occur on regular basis, so debris is not blown at personnel when aircraft starts moving. Secure loose objects within vicinity. |
Unlikely |
Negligible |
Low |
|
Aircraft can jump chocks while under ground idle |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Pilot will remain at controls at all times during hot loading operations. FWPT will be positioned at front of aircraft during loading operations and maintain visual communication with both loaders and pilot. |
Rare |
Moderate |
Medium |
|
Heat from running engine(s) |
Likely |
Critical |
High |
Only load aircraft on the side opposite running engines. Only essential personnel on the ramp during hot loading operations. Train on proper hand signals to be used during hot loading operations. Operate within the safety area around engines. Take breaks away from heat. |
Unlikely |
Moderate |
Medium |
|
Human Factors | Fatigue of ground personnel |
Likely |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Request additional staffing during times of high fire activity. Take breaks often, stay hydrated, ensure adequate rest facilities are available for all ground personnel. Ensure adequate rest between shifts. |
Possible |
Moderate |
Medium |
Heat stress |
Likely |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Utilize additional loaders/FWPTs during high activity. Recognize signs of heat stress at all levels and take action immediately. Stay hydrated, especially prior to beginning shift. Ensure adequate rest between shifts. |
Unlikely |
Moderate |
Medium |
|
Acceptance of high-risk activities as normal |
Likely |
Catastrophic |
Extremely High |
Emphasize importance of situational awareness as a means to recognizing risk. Provide risk management training for all personnel. Ensure thorough briefings/debriefings with special attention to risk management and preventing future accidents. Utilize risk assessments, JHAs, SMS, GARs etc. to assist in mitigating risk. |
Unlikely |
Catastrophic |
High |
|
Distracted personnel (aircrew, loaders, FWPT/RAMP) |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Focus on task and identified role while hot loading. Maintain situational awareness at all times. Do not distract others from their assigned task. Ensure communications are occurring at all phases of hot loading; use hand signals. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
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