During the sector safety risk profile (SSRP) workshop in June 2023, operators participating outlined challenges in standardising operating procedures in the sector.
What can aerial firefighting operators do
The group noted on how critical it is to have consistent procedures across the states, particularly as they share more resources.
Through working groups with other agencies, we are working to identify where there is a variation and what are the most suitable options for standardisation.
The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) Strategic Committee’s priority is assist in the developing a standard that is nationally consistent in aerial firefighting.
This includes:
- operational procedures
- contractual requirements
- organisational process
- safety and risk management requirements.
We encourage operators to engage with the NAFC Strategic Committee. This ensures you can raise relevant issues to the committee for them to consider.
What we are doing and already delivered
We encourage and support ongoing communication between operators and regional fire services to improve operating procedures and increase the safety benefits to aviation.
We have and will continue discussions with industry to promote the outcomes of:
- effective safety management systems
- best practice
- regulatory requirements.
This includes:
- The National Fire Agency Forum meets monthly before and during the fire season. They provide an opportunity for state firefighting authorities to exchange information with the Office of Airspace Regulations on upcoming and anticipated activities. This includes sharing information about the impact they believe these activities will have on the surrounding airspace environment. The forum also spreads awareness around Temporary Danger and Restricted Areas within the aerial firefighting community. This helps with coming up with solutions in firefighting operations
- Strategic committees to provide guidance on regulations, safety management systems and share safety data with:
- Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC)
- NAFC
- operators
- other agencies.
Sector Safety Risk Profiles. The most recent SSRP brought together operators and agencies to go over issues and risks. It also included addressing and reviewing available safety and sector and performance data. We expect to review each sector every 12 to 18 months.