On March 3, 1999, a 42 -year-old logger died when he was struck by a log at a helicopter logging landing site. The victim was assisting the loader operator by bucking and limbing logs at the log loading area, which was adjacent to the drop zone, when a turn of logs was brought into the landing by a helicopter. The victim left the log loading area and ran towards the drop zone to help with the turn. When the helicopter released the logs from its suspended hook, a tagged out choker hung up on one side of the double hook. Within seconds after it had hung up, the choker released, dropping a large Douglas fir log, which struck the ground, then the victim on the head. First aid and CPR were given to the victim immediately. The victim was airlifted to a local medical facility but he died in flight. To prevent future similar occurrences, the Washington Fatality Assessment & Control Evaluation (FACE) Investigative team concluded that persons working in the logging and helicopter logging industry should follow these guidelines and requirements: (1) All ground personnel need to be in a safe zone when a helicopter approaches with a turn, until the chokers have been released from the remote controlled hook and the helicopter has left the landings drop zone; (2) After a turn has been dropped, chasers and other personnel must wait for the logs to settle before entering the drop zone; (3) Consider using an audible and/or visual alarm system to establish an all clear signal to notify ground personnel that it is safe to enter the drop zone; (4) Landings should be constructed to ensure that there are safe distances between people and support operations taking place near the drop zone; (5) Consider conducting a research or engineering study on possible hook failure mechanisms; (6) Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) needs to be worn by all ground crew personnel.


    Zugriff

    Zugriff über TIB

    Verfügbarkeit in meiner Bibliothek prüfen


    Exportieren, teilen und zitieren



    Titel :

    Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Washington State: Logger Killed by Log during Helicopter Logging Operation


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2003


    Format / Umfang :

    19 pages


    Medientyp :

    Report


    Format :

    Keine Angabe


    Sprache :

    Englisch