Description

Pre-requisites

• PUAFIR209B Work safely around aircraft

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for hoverexit operations

1.1. Appropriate clothing and equipment is worn
1.2. Hover-exit operations are undertaken in accordance with occupational health and safety requirements
1.3. The necessary firefighting equipment, as advised from workplace instructions, is assembled
1.4. Pre-flight aircraft safety briefing is obtained
1.5. The aircraft is loaded in accordance with workplace instructions
1.6. Personnel are secured in seatbelts in accordance with workplace instructions

2. Hover-exit from helicopter

2.1. Seatbelts are unsecured following clearance to commence movement within the helicopter and resecured behind the wearer
2.2. Movement towards the helicopter doorway is undertaken in accordance with workplace instructions
2.3. Individual and equipment are transferred between the helicopter and the ground in accordance with workplace instructions
2.4. Actions are undertaken to minimise uncommanded movement of the helicopter during transfer to the ground in accordance with workplace instructions
2.5. Appropriate landing technique is selected and used in accordance with ground and safety conditions
2.6. The all clear signal is communicated to the pilot or crew person when landing activity is complete
2.7. Assembly point for individual and equipment is identified and reached

3. Hover-entry to helicopter

3.1. Individual and equipment are located at the nominated assembly point in preparation for hover entry
3.2. Movement towards and into the helicopter is undertaken in accordance with workplace instructions
3.3. Actions to minimise uncommanded movement of the helicopter during transfer from the ground to the helicopter are undertaken in accordance with workplace instructions
3.4. Seatbelts are secured unil clearance is obtained to commence movement within the helicopter in accordance with the organisation’s safe work practices
3.5. Movement on board the helicopter and toward the helicopter seat is undertaken in accordance with workplace instructions
3.6. Seatbelts are secured and remain so until the helicopter has landed and clearance is obtained to commence movement within the helicopter

Key Competencies

Communicating ideas and information

• Communicate ideas and information to reporting procedures (verbal and written) 

Collecting analysing and organising information

• Collect, organise and understand information related to recognising and reporting situations

 Planning and organising activities 

• Plan and organise activities which implement and follow standard procedures 

Working with others and in teams

• Work with others and in a team by assisting and cooperating with team members 

Using mathematical ideas and techniques 

• Use mathematical ideas and techniques to document and report numbers for emergency procedures

Solving problems 

• Establish diagnostic processes which recommend improvements for OH&S issues

Using technology 

• Use workplace technology related to the use of technology to assist with safe work practices

Range Statement

Hover-exit operations may or may not include

• helicopter
• firefighting crew
• individual
• assistance from a helicopter crew person

Hover-exit operations may include equipment such as

• chain saws
• rake-hoes
• axes
• other hand tools
• personal rucksacks
• food and drink containers

Hover-exit operations may be conducted from either

• helicopter types approved by the organisation
• the right or left side of a helicopter

Pre-flight safety briefings will be conducted by

• the pilot, crew person or airbase/helibase manager

The pre-flight hover-exit briefing will be given by either

• the pilot or the crew person

Aircraft loading will be under the guidance of either

• the pilot or the crew person

If personnel are already on the ground

• briefings may occur by radio

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in:

• undertaking operations in accordance with OH&S procedures, legislative and operational guidelines
• preparation, inspection, carriage and stowing of equipment prior to, during and following exiting from the helicopter
• following instructions and procedures within the helicopter
• correct procedures for entering and exiting from the helicopter including correct sequencing of activities
• demonstration of hover-exit procedures for exiting from different heights and from different helicopters

Underpinning Knowledge

• correct method of carrying various types of equipment
• safety and emergency procedures
• types of landing techniques
• site selection for hover-exits

Underpinning Skills

• ability to work as part of a team in the transfer of personnel and equipment between helicopter and the ground
• actions to minimise movement during ascent and descent from helicopter

Resource implications

• equipment and materials
• personal protective and safety equipment
• an area to conduct operations
• helicopter(s)
• briefing reports
• appropriate personnel

Consistency in performance

• Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
• Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
  • codes of practice
  • hazard policy and procedures
  • briefing procedures and work instructions
  • procedures relating to safe use of equipment
  • following workplace procedures
• action taken promptly – accidents and incidents reported within regulatory and agency requirements
• work completed systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment

Context of assessment

• On the job or in a range of simulated hover-exit or entry activities