Helicopter operations: underslung loads

• Safety notice: 5/2005
• Issue date: September 2005

Introduction

1. This notice highlights a recent incident that occurred when a helicopter was lifting an underslung load. It identifies the actions duty holders should take in conjunction with helicopter operators to ensure operations are conducted safely.

Background

2. The incident involved an underslung load operation to change out a generator/alternator set for overhaul onshore. The load was hooked onto the helicopter without proper communication between the helicopter landing officer (HLO) and helicopter pilot. Believing the aircraft was snagged on the platform, the pilot activated the electronic release mechanism and the suspended load was dragged across the pre-erected staging and fell into the sea. The incident had potentially very serious consequences.

Philosophy

3. Duty holders should ensure that:

• a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is carried out with the co-operation of the helicopter operator and should include consultation with the helicopter crew and duty holder personnel involved in planning and managing the operation;
• guidance issued by UKOOA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) referred to in the ‘References’ section of this notice is followed when lifting operations are to be conducted using helicopter underslung loads;
• all personnel involved in the operation are clearly informed of the procedures in place covering communications and control of hook-on;
• all personnel receive adequate training to ensure their competence in managing helicopter underslung load operations.

This approach is in line with the principles of prevention as outlined in the ACOP and guidance to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. In particular, paragraph 30 of the guidance advises duty holders to ‘control risks at source, rather than taking palliative measures’.

Relevant legal requirements

4. The relevant legal requirements are as follows.

• The Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations 1995, regulation 12 – Communication, and regulation 13 – Helicopters.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 3 – Risk assessment.

A suitable Technical Authority should approve these considerations before the repair proceeds.

References

5.

• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) CAP 426 Helicopter External Load Operations
• UKOOA Guidelines for the Management of Offshore Helideck Operations, Issue No. 5 (March 2005)

Further information

Any queries relating to this notice should be addressed to:

Health and Safety Executive
Hazardous Installations Directorate
Offshore Division
Lord Cullen House
Fraser Place
Aberdeen
AB25 3UB
Tel: 01224 252500
Fax: 01224 252615