Skip to main content

PMS 530-1

Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

Facilities | Hot Loading | Operations | Simultaneous Fueling and Loading


SYSTEM:  Airtanker Base, Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Training Inadequate training for loaders

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Ensure proper training is provided for all positions. Train on all expected aircraft. Only trained and authorized personnel will be allowed on the ramp during SF&L operations. Provide complete in-briefing to all personnel involved prior to SF&L any aircraft; de-brief and implement appropriate suggestions.

Possible

Moderate

Medium

Personnel not trained for role performed during operations

Possible

Critical

High

Ensure all personnel only fill roles for which they are trained. RAMP will oversee all operations to ensure personnel are not multi-tasking. Agency personnel will not perform fueling on any aircraft.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low

Base not approved for SF&L

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Ensure base operations plan includes a supplement for SF&L and Fueling and is approved at the appropriate level.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Equipment Improper placement of equipment can create hazard for personnel and aircraft

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Ensure proper training is provided for all positions and that all personnel understand their role. No dual roles (e.g., loading retardant and assisting with fueling operations). Utilize wing walkers as necessary. Do not allow personnel/equipment to approach aircraft until area is clear and FWPT has authorized movement. Utilize foul lines/boxes when equipment is not in use.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Fuel truck/vehicles running over loading hose

Possible

Critical

High

Ensure separation of operations. Ensure fuelers have a backer. Consider a FWPT assigned to each operation of SF&L. Only trained (non-agency) personnel will operate any equipment near aircraft.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low

Static electric discharge--multiple liquids entering aircraft at same time

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Ensure fuel and retardant loading hoses are non-conductive. Replace any broken hoses. Fuel truck is bonded to aircraft before hose is lifted to aircraft. Discontinue fueling if lightning in area.  Only trained personnel will load retardant or fuel aircraft.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

Fueling Jet fuel combustion

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Ensure fuel truck is bonded to aircraft before hose is lifted to aircraft. No smoking, radio use, cell phone use, or open flame or equipment that could spark (flashlights, electronic cigarettes, etc.) near fueling operations. Only trained personnel will engage in fueling operations.

Possible

Critical

High

Fuel truck rolls during fueling

Possible

Critical

High

Ensure only trained personnel are involved in fueling duties. Truck will be chocked during fueling activities. Position a FWPT nearby to observe fueling activity.

Rare

Moderate

Medium

Over-filling fuel tank

Possible

Critical

High

Aircrew member will always remain at controls in cockpit during SF&L operations. Aircrew will complete load calculation to determine amount of fuel needed and communicate to fuelers. Minimize distraction and multiple duties during fueling operations. If aircraft is over-filled with fuel, drain overfill from fuel tank(s). Contain spills and make notifications as necessary per base plan.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Human Factors Personnel filling more than one role

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Ensure only trained personnel are performing individual duties. No dual roles (e.g., loading retardant and assisting with fueling operations). Minimize distractions. Order additional staff as needed.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Fatigue of ground personnel

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Request additional staffing during times of high fire activity. Take breaks often, stay hydrated, ensure adequate rest facilities are available for all ground personnel. Ensure adequate rest between shifts.

Possible

Moderate

Medium

Heat stress

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Utilize additional loaders/FWPTs during high activity. Recognize signs of heat stress at all levels and take action immediately. Stay hydrated, especially prior to beginning shift. Ensure adequate rest between shifts.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Acceptance of high-risk activities as normal

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Emphasize importance of situational awareness as a  means to recognizing risk. Provide risk management training for all personnel. Ensure thorough briefings/debriefings with special attention to risk management and preventing future accidents. Utilize risk assessments, JHAs, SMS, GARs etc. to assist in mitigating risk.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High

Distracted personnel (aircrew, loaders, FWPT/RAMP)

Possible

Critical

High

Focus on task and identified role while SF&L.  Maintain situational awareness at all times. Do not distract others from their assigned task. Ensure communications are occurring at all phases of SF&L; use hand signals.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

 

Download the word version (docm) of this information to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet macro.

 

 

Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505