Operations

Rappel Risk Assessments

System: Rappel, Operations

Sub-System	Hazards	Pre-Mitigation			Mitigation	Post-Mitigation
Sub-System	Hazards	Probability	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation	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
Supervision	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
External Cargo Letdown	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
Internal Cargo Letdown	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
Emergency Procedures	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).

Modified / Reviewed: April 29, 2024

Print PDF

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

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Operations

Rappel Risk Assessments

System: Rappel, Operations

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Operations

Rappel Risk Assessments

System: Rappel, Operations

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group