USE OF DISPERSANTS - U.S. National Response Team (NRT)

GENERIC SITE SAFETY PLAN FOR DISPERSANT OPERATIONSATTACHMENT #2AIRCRAFT SAFETYThe acute hazard of aircraft related accident seems to be the major health and safety concern in dispersantobservation. Care must be taken that the observation aircraft will not fly close to the aircraft applying the dispersant.All flight must be well coordinated, and safety distance must be kept at all times.CHOICE OF PLATFORMSHelicopters are often the aircraft of choice during spill response. Fixed wing aircraft may be used, however, asobservation or application platforms. An important consideration for flying aboard any aircraft type is whether or notyou are adequately prepared for emergency landings in the event of equipment problems. Multi-engined aircraft arealways preferred and offer a much higher degree of safety, especially when operating over water. Floats on ahelicopter may be comforting and provide some degree of safety but are often inadequate in rough or rolling seas. Ifsingle engine aircraft are used, operations should be adjusted to account for the possibility of a forced landing. Oneoption is to operate only within a reasonable distance to shore and at an altitude that would allow for an emergencyno power landing. Another option is to operate only in conjunction with vessels equipped with monitoringcommunications and able to affect a quick rescue response. In all cases appropriate safety and flotation equipmentshould be worn. Keep in mind that in time of emergency you will not have time to put on your flotation vest or grabthe emergency locator. You better have it on you at all times while in flight.HELICOPTER SAFETYBEFORE YOU BOARD...Notification: Notify the person in charge (OSC, XO, flight ops, SSC etc.) of the flight purpose, destination, andestimated time of return.Safety brief: Make sure that you and the other passengers get a thorough safety briefing before you fly. It shouldinclude general information about the flight, safety features and how to use them, and emergency procedures. Don'tforget to take a good look at the aircraft. Rusty rotor blades or improvised repairs may be an indication of poormaintenance. If you are not satisfied with what you see or hear, get another aircraft or pilot.Safety gear: Prepare your personal safety gear (NOMEX suit, flotation vest, emergency locator, etc.) and make sureit works. Make sure you wear your safety gear (flotation vest, survival equipment) at all times while in flight. Youwill have no time to put it on in time of emergency.Brief the pilot: The team leader should brief the pilot on mission details: Where you want to fly, preferred altitude,landing site, number of people, the purpose of the mission, route, estimated weight of people and gear, geardeployment if needed, and other pertinent details. If possible tell the pilot you would like to do your observationsthrough an open window, plan your flight path so you minimize the time you will be looking up sun.Equipment: Take appropriate map/charts with you to sketch the extent of the spill you observe; the ability tocommunicate with the pilot during the overflight is important to optimize the overflight observations. Take cameraand/or video for documenting what you see. It is helpful if a second person can do the photography.BOARDINGIt is best to board the helicopter when the rotor is stationary. Often it is not possible. If there is a crew member toassist you, follow his/her instructions. If not, board as follows: