IAGC LAND GEOPHYSICAL SAFETY MANUAL Edition 9 ... - CGISS

9. AIRCRAFT9.1 Helicopter OperationsHelicopter operations should be organized taking into account the daylight hours, theweather conditions, the area dependent factors and the number of helicopters available.The helicopters should be back to base before sunset, with sufficient time (one half hourto an hour depending on distances to the work site) to organize a man search in case ofan incident.All personnel must receive training in the basic rules for helicopter safety. This briefingshould include the locations of survival equipment and a brief explanation of theemergency locator transmitter.Helicopters have enabled us to work in normally inaccessible areas. Since safetydepends on communication and education, safety meetings should be held frequentlywith all crewmembers. Each new crewmember and visitor must receive a completesafety briefing before beginning any operational work with or around helicopters. It isessential to have a good understanding of possible hazards and to follow safe,consistent practices when using helicopters.There are two rotor assemblies on a helicopter: the main rotor and the tail rotor.The main rotor rotates in an almost horizontal plane. It provides the lift required for flightand, therefore, creates a strong rotorwash on takeoff and landing. On flat ground, themain rotor blades can also ‘droop’ dangerously close to the ground on landing and whenthe helicopter is being shut down. This blast of air can blow hard hats, plywood, sheetmetal or any other lightweight material around a landing area causing injury to peopleand damage to the helicopter. On slopes, the main rotor may come very close to thePage 118 of 136