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PMS 530-1

Equipment

Rappel Risk Assessments

Aircraft | Equipment | Operations



System:  Rappel, Equipment

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Common Factors Misuse/mistreatment

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Education, supervision for following equipment use standards. When in doubt about equipment's usage, retire it.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Use of non-standard equipment

Possible

Critical

High

Maintain current equipment standards for rappel equipment, only utilize approved rappelling equipment, random peer inspections.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Improper inspections

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Education, supervision for following equipment inspection standards.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Improper rigging

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Proper training.  Standardization. Maintain currency, proficiency, checks and balances. Place photos of correct model specific rigging on national rappel website.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Inconsistent documentation

Possible

Critical

Extremely High

Education, supervision for following equipment documentation standards, random inspections.  Utilize rap records database.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Not following established procedures/policy

Possible

Critical

High

Peer monitoring, annual base reviews, accountability at all levels for compliance, follow-up of action items. Mandatory attendance of spotters to biennial rappel workshop or rappel academy.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Spotter Tether / Gunner Strap Improper adjustment

Possible

Critical

High

Initial set-up of gunner straps and spotter tethers for specific model aircraft, pre-mission check. Post photos of correct adjustments on national rappel website.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Research and Development Improper use of newly approved equipment or during testing phase

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Education, training, documentation, thorough field testing in multiple platforms and obtain feedback from field users. If one component of the system gets changed, the entire system needs to be re-evaluated.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Cargo Delivery System No standard configuration

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

Identify and establish model specific configuration and procedures.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Use of unapproved containers

Possible

Moderate

Medium

Supervisors, managers ensure only approved containers are properly utilized. All approved equipment is posted on the NTDP website.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Improper cargo restraint straps/cargo compartment netting (internal only)

Possible

Critical

High

Establish minimum standard for cargo restraint straps and protective netting.

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).

 

 

Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

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