The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

PUAFIR209B Work safely around aircraft

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for winch-exit 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's procedures

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

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required 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

Required Knowledge

winch and related equipment and materials

personal protective and safety equipment

an area to conduct operations

helicopter(s)

briefing reports

appropriate personnel

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

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

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 and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

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

Specific resources for assessment

winch and related equipment and materials

personal protective and safety equipment

an area to conduct operations

helicopter(s)

briefing reports

appropriate personnel

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Winch operations may include

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

This unit contains employability skills.