Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:59 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Undertake helicopter winch operations

Undertake helicopter winch operations

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR211B
State Code
WG137
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
09/02/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/03/2013
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
20/03/2013
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit applies to personnel engaged in entering and exiting a helicopter via a winch.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for winch-exit operations
  • 1.1 Appropriate clothing and equipment is selected and worn
  • 1.2 Winch-exit operations are undertaken in accordance with the organisation's safe work practices and aircraft capabilities
  • 1.3 Pre-flight aircraft safety and winch briefings are obtained and are acted upon
  • 1.4 The necessary firefighting equipment, as advised from workplace instructions, is assembled
  • 1.5 The aircraft is loaded in accordance with workplace instructions
  • 1.6 Seatbelts are secured in accordance with workplace instructions
2. Winch-exit from helicopter
  • 2.1 Winching equipment is donned and attached to winch cable
  • 2.2 Seatbelts are unsecured following clearance to commence movement within the helicopter
  • 2.3 Movement towards the helicopter door and assumption of the winching position is undertaken in accordance with workplace instructions
  • 2.4 Actions are undertaken to minimise uncommanded movement, spinning, or swaying during descent to the ground
  • 2.5 Correct landing techniques are selected and used in consideration of ground and weather conditions
  • 2.6 Winch equipment is detached, all clear signal communicated and the assembly point for individual and equipment is identified and reached in accordance with the organisation's procedures
3. Winch on board helicopter
  • 3.1 Individuals and equipment are located at the nominated assembly point, winching equipment is donned and attached to winch cable and all clear signal is communicated to the crew person in accordance with the organisation's procedures
  • 3.2 Actions to minimise uncommanded movement, spinning or swaying during ascent to the helicopter are undertaken in accordance with the organisation's procedures
  • 3.3 Movement on board the helicopter and towards the seat is undertaken in accordance with workplace instructions
  • 3.4 Seatbelts are secured and remain so until the helicopter has landed and clearance is obtained to commence movement within the helicopter
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Winch operations may include
helicopter crew
firefighting crew
individual
Winch operations may include equipment such as
various harness types
couplings and attachments
cabling systems
personal protective equipment
communications equipment
chain saws
rake-hoes
axes
other hand tools
personal rucksacks
food and drink containers
Winch operations may be conducted from
a variety of helicopter types and from either the right or left side of a helicopter
The pre-flight aircraft safety briefing will be given by
the pilot, crew person or the airbase/helibase manager
The pre-flight winch briefing may be given by
either the pilot or the crew person
Aircraft loading may be
under the guidance of either the pilot or the crew person
If personnel are already on the ground
briefings may occur by radio
EVIDENCE GUIDE



Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in:
conduct of winch operations in accordance with OH&S procedures, legislative and operational guidelines
preparation, carriage and stowing of equipment prior to, during and following exiting from the helicopter
following instructions and procedures within the helicopter
application of correct procedures for entering, exiting, ascending and descending from the helicopter
application of the appropriate communication processes with crew persons

Consistency in performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments
Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:
codes of practice
hazard policy and procedures
briefing procedures and work instructions
procedures relating to safe use of equipment
following workplace procedures
action taken promptly - accidents and incidents reported within regulatory and agency requirements
work completed systematically in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise risk of injury to self, others or damage to equipment

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Assessment will take place in a simulated environment followed by assessment by an accredited operator on the job
Specific resources for assessment
winch and related equipment and materials
personal protective and safety equipment
an area to conduct operations
helicopter(s)
briefing reports
appropriate personnel

Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WG115 PUAFIR217 Undertake helicopter winch operations Unit of competency
No information