Description

Pre-requisites

• PUAFIR209B Work safely around aircraft

Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for winchexit operations

1.1. Appropriate clothing and equipment is selected and worn
1.2. Winch-exit operations are undertaken in accordance with the organisation’s safe work practices and aircraft capabilities
1.3. Pre-flight aircraft safety and winch briefings are obtained and
are acted upon
1.4. The necessary firefighting equipment, as advised from workplace instructions, is assembled
1.5. The aircraft is loaded in accordance with workplace instructions
1.6. Seatbelts are secured in accordance with workplace instructions

2. Winch-exit from helicopter

2.1. Winching equipment is donned and attached to winch cable
2.2. Seatbelts are unsecured following clearance to commence movement within the helicopter
2.3. Movement towards the helicopter door and assumption of the winching position is undertaken in accordance with workplace instructions
2.4. Actions are undertaken to minimise uncommanded movement, spinning, or swaying during descent to the ground
2.5. Correct landing techniques are selected and used in consideration of ground and weather conditions
2.6. Winch equipment is detached, all clear signal communicated and the assembly point for individual and equipment is identified and reached in accordance with the organisation’sprocedures

3. Winch on board helicopter

3.1. Individuals and equipment are located at the nominated assembly point, winching equipment is donned and attached to winch cable and all clear signal is communicated to the crew person in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
3.2. Actions to minimise uncommanded movement, spinning or swaying during ascent to the helicopter are undertaken in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
3.3. Movement on board the helicopter and towards the seat is undertaken in accordance with workplace instructions
3.4. 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

Winch operations may involve

• helicopter crew
• firefighting crew
• individual

Winch operations may include equipment such as

• various harness types
• couplings and attachments
• cabling systems
• personal protective equipment
• communications equipment
• chain saws
• rake-hoes
• axes
• other hand tools
• personal rucksacks
• food and drink containers

Winch operations may be conducted from

• a variety of helicopter types and from either the right or left side of a helicopter

The pre-flight aircraft safety briefing will be given by

• the pilot, crew person or the airbase/helibase manager

The pre-flight winch briefing may be given by

• either the pilot or the crew person

Aircraft loading may 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:

• conduct of winch operations in accordance with OH&S procedures, legislative and operational guidelines
• preparation, carriage and stowing of equipment prior to, during and following exiting from the helicopter
• following instructions and procedures within the helicopter
• application of correct procedures for entering, exiting, ascending and descending from the helicopter
• application of the appropriate communication processes with crew persons

Underpinning Knowledge

• signals to be used in winch operations
• knowledge of deployment and use of winch-specific equipment
• safety and emergency procedures
• types of landing techniques

Underpinning Skills

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

Resource implications

• winch and related 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

• Assessment will take place in a simulated environment followed by assessment by an accredited operator on the job