Helicopter Lift

Briefing: Prior to operation, a briefing shall be conducted. This briefing (by the pilot and his ground crew) shall set forth the plan of operation.

Operator (pilot) responsibility: The helicopter operator shall be responsible for size, weight, and manner in which loads are connected to the helicopter. If, for any reason, the helicopter operator believes the lift cannot be made safely, the lift shall not be made.

Approach distance:   No unauthorized person(s) or vehicle(s) shall be allowed to approach the secured access zone before, during, or after the lifting operation. When the lifting operation is complete, the helicopter has taken off and has safely cleared the work site, only then, will the secured access zone be reopened.

Approaching helicopter: Whenever approaching or leaving a helicopter with blades rotating, all employees shall remain in full view of the pilot. Employees shall avoid the area from the cockpit or cabin rearward unless authorized by the helicopter pilot or crew member(s) to work there.

Secured access zone:   Shall be barricaded in such a manner as to prevent any unauthorized personal or vehicles from entering.

No smoking within 100ft. of the helicopter.

Hooking and unhooking loads:   When employees are required to perform work under hovering craft, a safe means of access shall be provided for employees to reach the hoist line hook and engage or disengage cargo sling. Employees shall not perform work under hovering craft except when necessary to hook or unhook loads.

Building evacuated:   Total evacuation of the building must be maintained prior to and throughout the lifting operation.

Visibility: When visibility is reduced by dust or other conditions, ground personal shall exercise special caution to keep clear of main and stabilizing rotors. Precautions shall also be taken to eliminate as far as practical reduced visibility.

Personal: Sufficient ground personal shall be provided when required for safe helicopter loading and unloading operations.

Personal Protective Equipment:    1. Safety glasses.    2. Hard hats (secured with chinstraps).   3. Gloves (optional) with lose fit cuffs, shall be taped down to wrist or arm.   4. Loose-fitting clothing likely to flap in the downwash, and thus be snagged on hoist line, shall not be worn.

Housekeeping:   Good housekeeping shall be maintained in all helicopter loading and unloading areas. Every practical precaution shall be taken to provide for the protection for all workers from flying objects in the rotor downwash. All loose material and trash, in and around the worksite, shall be cleared or secured. Place of lifting the load, depositing the load, and all other areas susceptible to rotor downwash, shall be secured or removed.

Safety Monitoring System:   A safety monitoring system will be implemented for the sole purpose of SAFETY FIRST! Before work begins, one or more safety monitor(s) will be selected, depending on the number of workers to be monitored. Each safety monitor will give a "Safety Talk" on "Safety monitoring system". Only those employees who have been given this safety talk on Safety Monitoring System will be allowed to have access to , and work on , the roof. There will be no exceptions.

Leading edge:   Employees must maintain a distance of 10ft. from leading edge of roof when it is not actively under scope of work.

Roof opening(s) and skylight(s):   Employees must maintain a distance of 10ft. from edge of roof opening (curb) when it is not actively being worked on.

Helicopter Company Checklist: A copy of the pre-lift checklist form the helicopter company will be given to the general contractor prior to lift operations.

                                                                                                                   Contributed by Mr. James Tabor