Aug 22, 2023
The use of helicopters in construction projects has increased over the years due to their ability to access rugged terrains and perform complex tasks efficiently. However, this convenience has unique risks and hazards that must be mitigated effectively. In this blog post, we'll delve into the common hazards associated with construction helicopter use and explore the best safety practices in the industry.
Inexperience in Rough Terrain Construction: Working in rough terrains can pose significant challenges for contractors with experience in such environments. Contractors must acquaint themselves with the terrain, familiarize themselves with the local landscape, and plan for potential emergencies.
Helicopters often operate in low visibility conditions due to the nature of their flight path. This limits pilots’ ability to observe their surroundings accurately and can lead to dangerous situations if not managed properly.
Objects Falling from Height: Unsecured objects, such as tools or equipment, can potentially fall from the helicopter or the landing pad, mainly when these pads are on top of tall buildings. This poses a significant risk to people below and highlights the critical need for proper safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries. Therefore, ensuring that all objects are securely fastened and implementing rigorous safety protocols is crucial in mitigating potential hazards.
Helicopter Rotor Downwash: The downwash from helicopter rotors, characterized by the powerful downward airflow generated, can cause excessive wind, potentially posing risks to individuals in the vicinity and the structural integrity of nearby buildings. Awareness of and mitigating these effects is essential to ensure safety and minimize adverse impacts.
Maintenance and Inspection Risks: Maintenance and inspection have been identified as significant causes of helicopter accidents. Ensuring regular and thorough maintenance checks and comprehensive inspections are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with helicopter operations. By implementing stringent maintenance protocols and adhering to rigorous inspection procedures, we can enhance the safety and reliability of helicopters, ultimately reducing accidents.
Conduct Risk Assessments: Before any operation, conducting a comprehensive risk assessment and safety briefing with the ground crew and the pilot is crucial. This vital step allows for a thorough discussion regarding any known safety hazards, ensuring the highest level of safety and preparedness for the task at hand. By addressing potential risks and establishing clear protocols, the team can effectively mitigate hazards and maintain a safe working environment.
Secure Objects: To ensure the safety of everyone, it is crucial to secure all objects properly to prevent any unfortunate incidents of them falling from heights. This necessary precaution can create a secure environment and minimize the risk of accidents or damages caused by falling objects. Let's prioritize safety and take the extra step to secure our surroundings effectively.
Follow Proper Operational Procedures: To ensure safety and minimize the risk of burns, it is crucial to adhere to all operational procedures diligently. By strictly following these procedures, we can create a secure environment and protect ourselves and others from potential harm.
Manage Rotor Downwash: To ensure safety and minimize the impact on the surrounding environment, appropriate measures should be carefully implemented to manage and control the downwash generated by helicopter rotors effectively. This includes utilizing specialized techniques, such as using ground-based devices or modifying the design of the rotor blades, to mitigate the effects of downwash on personnel, structures, and vegetation in the vicinity. Proactively addressing this issue can enhance operational efficiency and maintain a harmonious coexistence between helicopters and their surroundings.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection: Regular maintenance and thorough inspection of the helicopter, including checks on the engine, rotor system, avionics, and other crucial components, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. By diligently following maintenance protocols and promptly addressing potential issues, helicopter operators can ensure optimal safety and enhance overall operational reliability.
Use of Aerial Surveying: Construction hazard assessments conducted through helicopter aerial surveying have proven highly effective in identifying potential risks and hazards on construction sites. This innovative approach allows for a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of the project area, enabling proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all personnel involved. By leveraging the advantages of aerial surveying, construction companies can significantly enhance their risk management strategies and mitigate potential dangers before they become significant issues.
By understanding these risks and implementing the appropriate safety measures, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents in construction helicopter operations.
Helicopter Express is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in all our operations. Let's work together to ensure safety during construction helicopter operations. Take the next step with us - contact Helicopter Express today and discover how we're flying above the rest in safety and service.
Our highly skilled pilots have the experience and equipment needed to rise to any challenge. When you need experts you can trust, give us a call.