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PMS 530-1

Aircraft

Helicopter Operations Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Facilities | Operations | Personnel Contractors | Personnel Government | Technology


SYSTEM:  Helicopter Operations, Aircraft

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Capabilities High DA will over gross the aircraft

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Use appropriate aircraft for mission.  Conduct thorough pre-mission planning, load calculations, etc.  Reinforce HHH Training.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Aircraft not appropriate for mission.  ICS Typing

Possible

Critical

High

Ensure appropriate aircraft is ordered and utilized.  Conduct thorough pre-mission planning, load calculations, etc.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Mechanical failure - flight component

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Follow NSHO, Ch 14, Scheduled Maintenance, Pre and Post Flight, etc.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Equipment not well maintained and operational

Possible

Critical

High

Follow NSHO, Ch 9.  Ensure personnel receive adequate basic training.

Possible

Moderate

Medium

Visibility Lack of Hi Vis Aircraft Markings

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Identify paint schemes that are NOT highly visible and add that to the contract as NOT approved.

Rare

Catastrophic

Medium

Inspection Lack of standardization of government inspectors

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

Recommend development and implement of interagency standardized inspection process. If one agency does not approve an aircraft or contractor for operation other agencies should follow and accept that decision.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Level of Training for HMGBs on inspection process is inadequate

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

Develop training for HMGB on MEL, maintenance buzz words (Watch Outs). Act on opportunity for HMGB to attend inspections.

Possible

Moderate

Medium

Equipment Personnel not proficient with equipment

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

Inspectors ensure Contractors (Pilots) are adequately trained and skilled with equipment provided. Ensure contract language requires equipment to be commensurate with current technology.

Possible

Moderate

Medium

Maintenance Maintenance in the field

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

Fly aircraft to shop/hanger for maintenance whenever possible. Allow adequate time for mechanics to work in field.  Provide light/power/water if possible.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Lack of thorough documentation

Possible

Critical

High

Develop training for HMGB on MEL, Maintenance buzz words (Watch Outs). Enhance awareness through training for HMGB on when to call MI for assistance with Contractor and maintaining equipment.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Poor Communications between all parties (Contractor, GACC, CO, ACO, COR, PI, MI, HMGB)

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

Enhance and integrate tracking of maintenance records AND Contract Evaluations of the aircraft over the duration of the contract period in order to recognize issues-CWN and Ex Use. Hire additional Maintenance Inspectors to keep up with this increased workload.

Possible

Critical

High

 

Download the Word version (docx) of this information and the Risk Assessment Matrix (pdf) to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet (docx).

 

 

Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

VIDEO: Protecting Wildfire Personnel from Smoke - How Incident Management Teams Address Smokes Risks

VIDEO: Smoke, Knowing the Risks