Working Around a Helicopter

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Safety Talk OverviewSafety Talks are a method to refresh an employee’s knowledge and skills, maintain their interest in safety and illustrate the organization’s commitment to creating a healthy & safe work environment. Safety Talks can be performed on a weekly basis or before the start of a new scope of work and should be about 15 minutes in duration. Generally, these Safety Talk meetings are led by a supervisor and should be mandatory for all crew members to attend. The content should be centred on a single topic (e.g. a safety rule, safe job procedures, recent incident, Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) meeting minutes, inspection results, etc.).

Topic Overview: Safety begins on the ground – so before any flight as a passenger, or if you’re working near or around helicopters, here are some safe work practices and guidelines that all employees should be aware of.

Demonstration and Discussion Topics Discuss the hazards associated with working around helicopters.

Tour the work area with workers pointing out where the accidents can occur.

Distribute the “Do’s & Don’ts” section of this handout.

Use the “Instructor Guide” section of the handout as your discussion guide and the “Safety Talk Record” to document the meeting.

Discuss how accidents can happen.

Remind employees that they are required to wear adequate personal protective equipment.

Explain what can be done to minimize the risk of accidents (do’s & don’ts in handout)

Emphasize that following safe work procedures is mandatory.

Make it real by telling at least two true stories of injuries from your experience.

Discuss the attitude of “it won’t happen to me”. Remind them that an injury can and will happen if they take shortcuts or are careless.

Answer any questions or concerns they might have.

Set a good example by working safely at all times.

Working Around a Helicopter

SAFETY TALK RECORDDiscussion Leader: Date:

Department: Time:

Attendees (Please print your name and sign beside it. If you are a contractor, also include your company name):

Near Miss/Incidents and Investigations Reviewed: (None this month )(Industry alerts can be discussed here as well)

Safety Topic Discussed:Title: Date:

Any questions or concerns from workers?

Action Needed: Person responsible: Due Date: Completed Date:

Reviewed By:

Supervisor/Manager Print Name & Sign: Date:

Working Around a Helicopter

Working with helicopters presents some very unique health and safety challenges. Rotor blades, because of their size, mass, and rotational speed, are difficult to see from different angles and lighting conditions. Rotor-wash – which can generate winds of up to 190 Km/h, flammable or combustible liquids, electric static charge, exhaust heat, and engine noise which is often in excess of 140 dBA. With all these hazards present, it is important for the employer to properly train, and orientate the workers to proper guidelines, and safety practices to mitigate the risk to these hazards.

How do you approach? If operating a vehicle (e.g. snowmobile), all vehicles must be at least 30 meters from the helicopter

when running, taking off, or landing. Take it slowly; there’s no need to rush. Ensure you’ve made eye contact and acknowledgement with the pilot before you approach (wait until

the pilot gives you the okay before moving towards or exiting the helicopter). Always approach, in a crouched position, as a group, from the front left or right angle of the helicopter

Never the rear. Pay attention to the slope, always enter from and exit to downhill. Know where the rotors are. Ensure all ignition sources are extinguished prior to approaching the helicopter (this includes

cigarettes!). Check with your pilot prior to loading ignition sources or pressurized containers (including bear spray, ammunition and flares!) Ensure they are in the rear cargo hold or basket.

Make sure your cargo and equipment are secure. Always carry equipment below your waist. Know how to use seatbelts, doors and the ELT (emergency location transmitter) before you finish the

Pre-Flight Briefing or get into the helicopter. Protect your ears! Wear hearing protection when working around loud machinery. Make sure you keep

your eyes open and are aware of your surroundings.

Entry and exitAlways secure clothing & other items prior to approaching a helicopter!

Prior to boarding or exiting, ensure you have the okay from the pilot. Always use controlled, deliberate movements near and on the helicopters.

One person should open and hold the door (so it doesn't fly open) until all people are seated. This person will enter, and firmly close and secure the door.

Fasten your seatbelt and put on the headset. Double check that the door is closed properly and let the pilot know when you are ready.

Working Around a Helicopter

Communication

Direct the pilot using the 12-hour clock. Always tell the pilot where you are in relation to the nose of the helicopter. For example, the helicopter is straight in front of you, the nose pointed towards you — you are at 12 o'clock. If the nose was facing away from you, you would be at 6 o'clock.

Limit radio chatter on the frequency used for communicating with the pilot.

Planning Plan for all types of weather, and ensure you have the proper equipment and supplies Ask your supervisor what you will do in an emergency; ask them about survival kits and who is

responsible for bringing them along. Check in - know the procedure and stick to it! Who knows when you are coming back? Will they know

what to do if you don't arrive on time? Know where you are going! What is your destination? Know which frequency you will communicate with the pilot on. Test it before you take off. Emergency Response Procedures/Plan – know what they are; ensure they are specific to the trip. Discuss with your supervisor what the plan is, where it's written down, what gear you will need, how

much it can weigh, how long you will be gone for and what you should generally expect.

Safety briefingThe briefing should include instructions related to:

the aircraft; area of travel; effect of your movement on the aircraft; and, emergency procedures.

Working Around a Helicopter

The pilot should identify: the call sign of the aircraft how many passengers are onboard off-limit areas and potential hazards such as rotors, slippery surfaces, ignition sources, etc.

Make sure you know where the safety equipment is and how to use it! Know where to find the ELT (emergency location transmitter) and how to use it know where the first aid kit and fire extinguisher are

RulesThe pilot has full authority with regards to safety procedures and helicopter travel:

Listen to the pilot’s directions. If your pilot says it’s time to go - stop what you are doing and head to the landing site. Most pilots and helicopters are not equipped to fly in the dark.

Landing sites: Have your pilot point out a good pick up spot prior to being dropped off. Landing sites should be at least 30m X 30m, maybe more depending on the wind, size, and power of

the helicopter. Pilots generally fly into the wind, consider this when determining the location of a landing site and

where to wait for the helicopter at the landing site (don’t be waiting where the pilot needs to put the tail).

Rotor wash can be extreme! Ensure that the landing site is clear of debris or materials that are not weighed down. Wear eye protection. Be prepared for uncomfortable conditions - in extreme cold, ”wash” may take your breath away;

powdery snow or dust may cause visibility restrictions.

If you don’t know – ask!