Operators participating in the sector safety risk profile (SSRP) workshop in June 2023 raised concerns around best practice when it came to promoting safety.
What can aerial firefighting operators do
Operators said there was a greater need for the reporting of hazards, not just reports required as per the ATSB Transport Safety Investigation Regulations. The sector safety performance analysis also showed lower reporting rates for this sector.
The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) have committed to the national sharing of safety information relating to aerial firefighting.
We encourage personnel at all levels across the organisation to identify and report hazards and other safety issues. A safety reporting system is effective when workers have readily access to these systems.
Building a positive safety culture relies on both management and employees through their:
- commitment to safety
- ability to learn from past experiences
- awareness of aviation risks within the ogranisation
- clear distinction between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
What we are doing and already delivered
The Transport Safety Investigation Regulations defines those safety occurrences (accidents and serious incidents) you must report to the ATSB. We have access to a deidentified version of ATSB’s safety reports for the purpose of data and trend analysis.
We conduct data analysis of safety trends across all sectors based on available data sources. We conduct in depth analysis and reporting as required for significant issues and trends including for aerial firefighting when required.
We require 138 operators, and encourages 137 operators, to implement a safety management system that includes a safety risk management process. This supports operators with the collection of their own safety data. They can also contribute to any future national safety reporting for aerial firefighting operators. This process includes the need for effective hazard identification such as safety reporting.
We have resources to support operators establish a safety management system. These include:
- AC 119-01. This helps organisations implement SMS requirements and provides examples of SMS processes. While not specific to aerial firefighting operators, this resource is useful for any organisation seeking to implement an SMS
- Safety Management System Resource kits. These are structed on ICAO’s safety management principles of safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, safety assurance and safety promotion. They also include human factors integration and have a booklet that assists operators scale their SMS for the size and complexity of their activities
- Safety Management Systems guidance. This provides additional guidance and information on how organisations can develop an SMS, supporting operators put SMS into practice. It also has guidance on other areas more specific to you operation such aerodrome safety, hazards and fatigue management
- Aviation Safety Advisors. Our advisors assist organisations in meeting their safety requirements. The team also offer safety education and advice through on site visits and seminars. Advisors can tailor seminars to meet the specific risks or issues that are of concern. Advisors have visited aerial firefighting organisations in Bumbury and Victoria in the past. During visits they discuss safety issues in the vicinity of fire zones and during aerial firefighting activities.