ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare operational dispatch equipment

1.1 Specialistrappel and dispatchequipment is selected and prepared in accordance with organisational safe work practices.

1.2 Appropriate rappel and dispatch equipment is donned in accordance with organisational requirements.

1.3 Personal equipment pre-flight check is conducted in accordance with organisational requirements.

1.4 Rappel and cargo ropes are loaded into the helicopter and secured.

1.5 Equipment faults are reported to relevant supervisor for rectification or replacement.

2. Conduct helicopter pre-flight check and preparation

2.1 Helicopter cabin area is prepared in accordance with organisational requirements.

2.2 Aircraft emergency equipment is located and checked.

2.3 Rappel rope attachment points are inspected and operational status confirmed.

2.4 Rappel ropes are attached to rope attachment points.

2.5 Helicopter communications system is tested and operational status confirmed.

2.6 Helicopter equipment faults are reported to pilot.

2.7 Pre-mission brief details are confirmed with appropriate personnel.

3. Load rappellers and equipment into helicopter

3.1 Weight of rappel personnel, rappel and firefighting equipment is obtained.

3.2 Equipment is secured in helicopter according to weight and balance requirements.

3.3 Rappellers are appropriately secured in seats.

3.4 Personal attachment to helicopter is confirmed.

3.5 Pre-flight operational checks and briefs are undertaken in accordance with organisational requirements.

4. Conduct rappel site inspection

4.1 Overfly of prospective rappel site is undertaken in accordance with organisational requirements.

4.2 Hazard assessment of proposed dispatch site is undertaken.

4.3 Pilot and rappel crew leader are informed as to site suitability.

4.4 Possible escape routes from fire are identified and conveyed to rappel crew.

5. Dispatch rappel crew and their equipment

5.1 Pre-dispatch checks of rappellers, attachment to rappel ropes, and equipment are conducted in accordance with organisational requirements.

5.2 Pilot is directed to maintain helicopter over rappel site in accordance with organisational requirements.

5.3 Pilot’s approval to conduct a rappel is obtained.

5.4 Rappel rope is attached and checked prior to commencing the dispatch.

5.5 Rappellers are directed to helicopter skids using relevant hand signals in accordance with organisational requirements.

5.6 Rappeller and equipment descent and landing are monitored.

5.7 Communication is maintained with rappellers, pilot and control organisation.

5.8 Emergency procedures are invoked as required in accordance with organisational requirements.

6. Retrieve personnel and equipment

6.1 Appropriate ropes and equipment for the retrieval of rappellers are prepared.

6.2 Pre-retrieval checks of rappellers, attachment to rappel ropes, and equipment are conducted in accordance with organisational requirements.

6.3 Pilot is briefed on proposed retrieval operation.

6.4 Equipment and personnel extraction is conducted in accordance with organisational requirements.

6.5 Personnel extraction is conducted in accordance with organisational requirements.

7. Complete rappel operations

7.1 Debrief of rappellers and pilot is conducted in accordance with organisational requirements.

7.2 Relevant helicopter equipment is inspected and stowed and identified helicopter equipment faults are reported to pilot.

7.3 Rappel equipment and rope attachment points are inspected in accordance with organisational requirements.

7.4 Damage to rappel equipment is reported to appropriate personnel for assessment and/or repair/replacement or disposal in accordance with organisational procedures and practices.

7.5 Reports on operations are completed in accordance with organisational requirements.

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

Required Skills

communicate effectively with colleagues and other personnel

implement lowering and retrieving (including static extraction) rappelling techniques

operate rappel equipment

use hand signals appropriately

Required Knowledge

aircraft conning procedures

emergency procedures

helicopter environment awareness

helicopter safety

key roles and relevant responsibilities of helicopter crew

organisational operational rappel policy

organisational rappel policy

organisational requirements and relevant Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations with which rappel and safety equipment must comply

weight distribution principles and effects on aircraft

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

undertake operations in accordance with work health and safety procedures, legislative and operational guidelines

prepare and stow/seat equipment and rappellers prior to, during and following rappelling from the helicopter

apply correct procedures and techniques for sequencing and controlling rappelling operations

apply appropriate communication processes with crew and rappellers

implement inspection and maintenance procedures

plan and implement briefing and debriefing procedures

apply relevant workplace procedures including codes of practice, hazard policy and emergency procedures, flight instructions, procedures relating to safe use of equipment, housekeeping procedures

take action promptly – report accidents and incidents within regulatory and organisational requirements

complete work systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in a simulated environment followed by assessment by a certified operator on-the-job encompassing a number of scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

rappelling equipment and materials

personal protective and safety equipment

area to conduct operations

helicopter/s

briefing reports and organisational procedural documentation

appropriate personnel

emergency information

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

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.

Specialist rappel and dispatch equipment may include:

communications helmet

fire equipment packs

rappel harness

hook knives

protective overalls

descent device

protective gloves

static rappel ropes

karabiner or other attachment device

emergency release device

wander harness

Aircraft emergency equipment will include:

emergency exits

emergency location beacon

fire extinguishers

first aid kit

life vests

survival kit

Communications systems may include:

aeronautical radio

intercom system

organisation radio

Site suitability will be determined by:

canopy height

fire location

hazards

pilot ability

slope

vegetation type and density

weather conditions

Procedures and practices may include:

civil aviation legislation

helicopter company operations manual and supplements

organisational operations manual and supplements

Reports must include:

flight following

crew safety

crew progress

search and rescue