HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit 4Attachment C
Concessionaire's Safety Plan
:449225-5
Safety Plan
Concessionaire's safety procedures may consist of the following and remain subject to change:
1. Careful selection of personnel
3. Comprehensive training of personnel for operations and emergencies
3. Security guard on site
4. Accessibility of First Aid materials
5. Accessibility of fire prevention equipment
6. Regular safety inspections cfthe equipment
7. Alarm system and security cameras on site
3. Daily equipment inspections of the balloon and winch equipment
Selection of Personnel
Concessionaire will:
• Request a resume and references of every person applying for a position.
• Use the services of a security company to have background checks performed on every
person hired.
• Establishment, implementation, and strict adherence to a comprehensive drug free
workplace program in accordance with Florida Statutes §440.102. and administrative rules
38F-9.001 through 33F-9.014 of the Department of Labor and Employment Security,
Division of Workers Compensation, which shall include drug testing for all new hires.
Training of Personnel for Operations and Emergencies
Comprehensive training plays an important role in the prevention of accidents involving
employees and/or customers. Unsafe conditions such as broken fixtures, paper or plastic on
the floor, spills. empty cartons. blocked aisles, sharp points or edges on fixtures and loose
carpeting or tiling will not be allowed. Any such condition or event shall be reported to a
supervisor and will be corrected immediately.
If an accident occurs to either an employee or a customer, the injured person is to be kept
comfortable until help arrives. Only an employee who has been trained in First Aid/CPR
may administer first aid. Employees will be encouraged to take First Aid courses and the
Concessionaire will carry the cost.
In the event of an accident, reports will be documented by the appropriate personnel and
reported to the supervisor or manager as outlined in an employee handbook. Employees
shall receive a list of emergency telephone numbers. which will include all numbers for the
Concessionaire or any other Concession Manager or superior, as well as the numbers of the
City's police department and fire rescue.
Security Guard Services
Concessionaire may utilize a security guard to provide security to the Concession Area
during non -operational hours.
Accessibility of First Aid Materials
Concessionaire shall place First Aid kits in the main sections of the Concession Area and
make them easily accessible to all employees. These areas shall include the gondola. the
ticket booth and the winch equipment room. Any additional buildings in the Concession
Area shall be appropriately equipped with First Aid kits as well.
Accessibility of Fire Prevention Equipment
Concessionaire shall place fire extinguishers in the main sections of the Concession Area
and make them easily accessible to all employees. These shall include the gondola, the
ticket booth and the winch equipment room. Any additional buildings in the Concession
Area shall be appropriately equipped with fire extinguishers as well: Concessionaire shall
apply for an assembly permit from the Office of Fire Prevention as per Section No. 19-3 of
the Code of the City of Miami, if applicable,
Inspections
The manufacturer of the Hi -Flyer balloon, Lindstrand Technologies Ltd., will send an
engineer from England at least once a year for a thorough inspection of the equipment.
Afterwards, Concessionaire will receive a report and shall furnish the Executive Director
with a copy of such report within seven (7) business days.
SLH shall arrange for two additional inspections per year by a qualified inspector. to be
performed in 4-month intervals.
Alarm system and security cameras
Concessionaire may install an alarm system and security cameras to monitor the
Concession Area at all times.
Daily inspections of the balloon and winch equipment
Concessionaire staff shall adhere to the manufacturer's maintenance and safety procedures.
Lindstrand Safety and Maintenance Manual
SECTION 1 - NORMAL PROCEDURES
I. Daily Balloon Inspection
The balloon must be inspected daily prior to the test ride and passenger operation. The inspection follows
the procedure itemized in the 'Daily Balloon Inspection Form' LBL-TA?. When the inspection is
completed torrn LBL-TA3 must be completed, signed and tiled.
1.2 Daily Winch Inspection
The winch must be inspected daily prior to the test ride and passenger operation. The inspection follows the
procedure itemized in the `Daily Winch Inspection Form' LBL-TA3. When the inspection is completed the
form LBL-TA3 must be completed, signed and tiled.
1.3 Defects
Any defects found in the Balloon or Winch Inspections must be recorded in the 'Defect Report Form' LBL-
TAS and signed, The defects must be reported to the site supervisor and action taken to correct or repair,
before the balloon is operated. Serious defects should be reported to Lindstrand Balloons Limited.
1.4 Daily Test Ride
Prior to embarking passengers a proving ride must be conducted with operator only in order to fully test all
the sub -systems and to establish the operational limitations for the prevailing weather conditions. Power is
introduced to the winch by turning the isolator switch to the on position (clockwise direction). The control
system will then run a 30 second test sequence during which, time system information will be displayed on
the control screen. Atter this time, the display will revert to the normal readings. At the completion of the
test, the winch remains in the emergency stop condition. The system must be reset by pressing either of the
re -set buttons on the main panel or the auxiliary control panel.
1.5 Pre -Flight Checks
a) Charger lead disconnected and removed
b) Operator on -board
c) Two-way radios present and operational
d) Door closed and locked
e) Unladen Free lift within limits
t') Correct ride height set on main winch control panel
g) Ground operator on station with a two-way radio
h) Daily inspections completed
i) Power to the winch is switched on
j) Security switch turned to `UNLOCKED'
k) Ground control unit set to 'REMOTE'
2.1 Balloon Ascent
The balloon is elevated using the remote control button. The ascend button is pressed once and released.
There will be a 5 second delay before the winch begins to move while the brakes are being removed. The
first 3 m of motion is at a reduced speed. Once this point has passed, the winch will accelerate up to full
speed. 10 m before the pre-set height, the winch will slow down until stopped. Approximately 10 seconds
after motion has stopped, the main hydraulic brakes will apply. The ground operator should then contact
the balloon operator to inform him that the %cinch has stopped.
Record the required data on the Technical Log Sheet. The rile duration should
minutes to ensure an accurate :issessinent is made or the preyaiiin!t seal: wind sT eds. Wind seeeJ and
elevated free lift with operator only is required to calculate the allowable passenger load.
2.2 Balloon Descent
Once all observations have been completed, the descend button is pressed. It will latch -on immediately and
the winch will accelerate up to its' maximum speed. When the balloon is 3 m from the platform he winch
slows down, finally coming to a halt 1 m above from the platform. From this safety point, descent is
continued by pressing and holding the descend button. If the button is released, the winch will stop
immediately. This allows the balloon operator to pause the descent until the wind conditions are the most
favorable for a smooth landing, lithe descent button is not pressed for 8 seconds, then the hydraulic brakes
will apply, If this occurs, then the next time the descend button is pressed, there will be a 5 second delay
while the brakes are removed before the winch continues, It is recommended that the button should be
pressed every 4 seconds or so during the landing phase. In order to test the functions of the auxiliary
ground control panel, it is recommended that this unit is used to control the balloon during the daily test
ride, once a week.
2.3 Technical Loa Sheet
The Technical Log Sheet LBL-TAI contains a record of all the prevailing conditions of the balloon system
and weather at the start of a day's operation. All sections must be completed after the test ride and signed
off prior to commencing passenger rides. The following information should be recorded:
a) Wind Speed Peak and Average
The peak wind speeds are used to establish the maximum passenger loads in accordance with Appendix 3
b) Ambient Temperature
This is recorded from the indication on the control panel.
c) Helium Pressure
The Helium pressure is recorded at the top of the ride. If the pressure is close to 40 rum (1.57") WO when
the ambient temperature in the morning is cold then the pressure should be monitored carefully as the
temperature increases during the day. If it is necessary to vent Helium, this should be done when the
balloon is on the ground with no passengers on board.
d) Free Lift
The Unladen Free Lift, with the gondola grounded and the cables slack, must be recorded. This value
gives a good indication of the Helium fill in the balloon and is used to track Helium loss rate and Helium
top -up requirement.
The Elevated Free Lift must be recorded on the test ride with the balloon at maximum ride height, with
only the operator on -board. This value is used in conjunction with wind speed and operating free lift to
determine passenger capacity.
The Operating Free Lift is the free lift indicated at maximum ride height with passengers aboard and must
not fall below the minimum stipulated.
The operating free lift is not recorded in the Tech Log, but should be noted along with the number of
passengers for each ride.
3.1 Normal Balloon Procedures
Once the daily start up procedures are completed and the Tech Log flied out and signed then passengers
may be embarked.
The maximum number of passengers to be carried is controlled by limitation 2.19 and is to be
determined from the tables in Appendix 3.
Embarkation is normally achieved through one door in the gondola to simplify counting of passengers.
Once all the passengers are embarked the doors must be closed and latched. This is achieved by pushing
the door closed against the doorstop. Slide the handle aver so that the bolt engazes within the pillar. The
handle is situated halfway up the door on the hinge side. Once the bolt is correctly engaged rotate the
handle downwards so that horizontal motion of the bolt is prevented. When both doors are closed, they
should be locked by swinging the metal bar into the horizontal position. Check the warning light on the
control panel has gone out.
3.2 Passenger Briefing
A short passenger briefing should be conducted prior to the start ot'the ride. It may be conducted prior to
embarkation if this is more convenient. It should cover the following points as a minimum:
a) Spread -evenly around gondola during the ride. Avoid bunching to one side,
b) Do not throw anything from the gondola.
c) if you feel concern for your well-being or feel uncomfortable then inform the operator. He
will terminate the ride.
d) Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the gondola.
e) Hold onto the handrails on the inner and outer faces of the gondola during take off and landing.
f) Follow any further safety instructions given by the operator.
3.3 Balloon Operations
During normal operations the winch is controlled by the onboard operator. The ascent is started by pressing
the 'ASCEND' or 'Up' button on the gondola remote control. The button is pressed once and released.
There will be a 5 second delay before the winch begins to move while the brakes are removed. The first 3
m of motion is at a reduced speed, Once this point has passed, the winch will accelerate up to full speed.
l0 m before the pre-set height, the winch will slow down until stopped. Approximately 10 seconds after
motion has stopped. the main hydraulic brakes will apply. The ground operator should then contact the
balloon operator to inform hint that the winch .has stopped. Et is important to ensure that when the gondola
is grounded. the disc situated at the upper end of the cable is within 500 mm of the sensors mounted on the
gimbaled sheave. This process resets the tie height to zero after each ride to ensure that accumulative
measurement errors are not introduced into the drive program.
3.4, Ride Stop
if, for any reason the ride has to be stopped before it reaches the normal ride height the stop button should
be pressed unless there is an emergency (see following section). Depressing the stop button will override
the programmed ride profile and initial an immediate controlled deceleration and stop.
3.5 Emergency Ston
The emergency stop button may be pressed at either of the two control panel locations and this will over-
ride all other ride programs. It is intended for use only when to continue winch motion would cause a
hazardous situation for any person or if structural damage is imminent. All system braking is used to bring
the winch and also the balloon to a halt, as quickly as possible. This will produce a noticeable jolt in the
gondola, which may cause passenger discomfort. If possible, in the available time the passengers should be
warned to hold onto the handrails firmly and to brace themselves, Once the emergency stop has been used
the button must be pulled fully out and the emergency reset button must be pressed on either the main or
ground control panels, in order to reset the system. The system cannot be reset from the gondola remote
control.
3.6 Setting Helium Valve Pressure Limits
The Helium valve pressure limit is factory set. Lindstrand Balloons Ltd must be consulted prior to any
alteration of these settings. Unauthorized adjusunent could cause envelope failure.
3.7 Setting -Marra Pressure
This pressure level may be changed to accommodate any speci tic requirements the operator may have for
advanced warning of the valve opening. However it is recommended that no changes be made to this Level
until the system has been operating for at least I month on site, to fully establish the necessity for change
and the most effective new pressure level for the alarms within the local operating microclimate. Similarly
the factory must be consulted prior to changing the alarm pressure level.
3.3 Ground Control Panel Operations
If the "remote" gondola control fails, it will be necessary to recover the balloon using the "local" ground
control panel. The ground operator must first inform the balloon operator of the transfer of control. Then
the key is inserted into the switch marked LOCALE REMOTE and turned to LOCAL. This disables the
remote control completely. The remainder of the controls on the '`local" ground control panel have
identical functions as those described for the remote control. Control of the balloon is returned to the
"remote" control by turning the key switch back to the REMOTE setting.
SECTION 4 - EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If any fault occurs whilst the balloon is on the landing platform, then operations must cease immediately
until the fault is investigated and rectified. If a system fails whilst the balloon is operating, descend
immediately and moor the balloon. System failures cannot be resolved with the balloon elevated.
4.1 Balloon System Failures
4.t.l Gondola Power Failure
Indication: Low or no volts at voltmeter
Actions:
Check battery pack connection.
Switch emergency power "On- at control panel.
Winch balloon down using gondola or ground controller.
Switch ballonet fan''Oft''.'
Offload passengers. •
Change aver battery pack for recharged unit
Switch emergency power 'OFF'.
Check volts in operating range.
Switch ballonet fan "On".
Check control panel readout is normal.
Continue operations.
4.1.2 Helium Valve Open
Indications: Valve open indicator lamp "On".
Free lift readout - drops.
Helium pressure - drops.
Winch cable - slackens.
Fictions:
fr balloon is elevated - Descend
This v.ill:
Reduce cable weight
Reduce Helium pressure
Get passengers to safety
During descent:
Check Helium valve switches are to "Auto" and "Closed" with switch guards down. Ensure the security
switch is in the 'UNLOCKED' position
Switch off ballonet tan to reduce pressure
Advise ground crew to prepare for mooring
Monitor Helium pressure and temperature
With gondola landed:
Unload passengers
High moor balloon (ground crew)
Check Helium valve status (it may have closed).
Check ballonet. fan "Ott"
Check Helium pressure
Helium Pressure: 40 rnm WG or over
' Allow venting to continue.
When pressure falls below 40 mm. the valve should dose automatically
Valve closes automatically.- investigate causes for venting:
Gas cell overfilled - ballonet bottoming out
Helium temperature abnormally high - ballonet bottoming out
Valve does not close and Helium pressure falls below 38 mm WC:
Switch Helium valve to "Manual" and "Closed"
If valve does not dose
Cycle manual switch "On" and -Off"
Check loom and connector intact
Confirm Helium pressure and free lift failing
Valve stuck open:
Conduct `Emergency Valve Closure' — see Section 4. I.3
Low moor balloon
Clear decks and cover platform
Access valve, inspect and rectify
Repair valve or operating system
4.1,3 Ballonet Fan Failure
Indication: Fan does not run when ballonet pressure drops below 6 mm WG
Actions:
Check fan switched to "Auto"
Switch fan to "On"
• It `an does net pin
Check battery power on voltmeter
Check electrical connection to loom
• If balloon is elevated, terminate ride, land gondola and unload passengers
• Low moor balloon and tit ground fan while fault is investigated and rectified
• If tan is faulty. repair or replace unit
Note: Access to fan is possible through Velcro access flap into ballonet
4.1.4 Pressure Relief Valve f PR"') Failure
Indications: PRV does not open when ballonet pressure exceeds 14 mm WG and continues to rise. Helium
pressure rises in unison. These conditions will normally occur when Helium temperature is rising.
Actions:
Winch balloon down and offload passengers
Check ballonet and Helium pressure
Low moor balloon
Tie cord to valve cap ring and pull open
If valve is stuck, free and repair
If opening pressure is incorrect. adjust springs
Note: Access to PRV is possible through Velcro access flap into ballonet
4.1.5 Helium Pressure Exceeds Limit
Indications: He pressure warning triggered at 38 mmWG — check to see if this is due to
superheat
He pressure exceeds automatic valve opening limit of 40 mmWG
He 'Indicated Pressure' continues to rise above 40 mm WO
Actions:
Winch balloon down
Unload passengers
Switch ballonet fan 'Off
Check He `Valve Open' indicator light.
If light is 'On' (lit)
Helium valve has automatically opened
Monitor He pressure
If pressure falls below 38 mm
Switch He valve to `MANUAL.' and 'CLOSE'
Confirm 'Valve Open' light goes out, indicating valve closed
If 'Valve open' light stays 'ON' proceed with 'Emergency Valve Closure' as detailed in 4.1.8
If light is 'OFF' (unlit)
Valve is closed
Vent Helium as detailed in 4.1.8
4.1.6 Rapid Freelift Loss
Free lift is the difference between Helium gas lift and balloon weight. The balloon depends on free lift to keep it
aloft. The free lift is restrained by tension in the winch cable, which provides the free lift display readout. [f
Helium is continua�l`11est�nta�Q11 be softened by [helift
reductionfall
to zero in cable we weight on thzthe
way down�ll slacken and the
balloon descend. T
Indications:
Free lift display readout falls
Helium pressure falls
Batlonet fan comes on
Winch cable slackens
Actions:
Alert ground crew
Winch down
Check He valve is closed (indicator 'OFF')
Switch He valve to 'Manual' and 'Close'
Switch ballonet fan -OFF'
Scan envelope for damage
Land gondola and unload passengers
Moor balloon
Investigate source of helium loss
4.1.7 Onboard Fire
a) Move the passengers away from the source of the fire.
b) Winch down and alert the ground crew.
c) Use the tire extinguisher on source of fire.
d) Evacuate the gondola after landing.
e) Make good all damage before recommencing operations. Record incident on Tech Log.
4.1.8 Helium Overfill
If the envelope Helium gas cell is overfilled, the ballonet can 'bottom out' leading to envelope
overpressure. See 3.4,11.1. The Helium valve will vent automatically with the alarm sounding at 38 mm
WG and the valve opening at 40 mm WG until the pressure falls below 33 mm WG. The excess Helium can
also be vented manually by the Helium valve. See 1.2.4.3.4
Do not operate the valve when the balloon is elevated
Helium Overfill Indications:
low ballonet
high free lift
high Helium temperature
high Helium pressure
Before venting
• Measure ballonet height and record (with balloon in low moored position)
• Unmoor balloon in calm conditions
• Connect battery charger to maintain power
• Record unladen free lift, temperatures and pressures
• Turn panel key to 'UNLOCK'
• Ballonet fan.switch to `AUTO'
Manual Helium Valve Operation
• OBSERVER TO COUNTDOWN 'OPEN' TIME AND !MONITOR FREELIFT
• OPERATOR. TO CONTROL HELIUM VALVE SWITCHES
• PRESS TO TEST HELIUM VALVE INDICATOR LIGHTS
• L.f[. HELIUM SWITCH UP TO `MANUAL'
• R.H. HELIUM SWITCH LP To •OPEN'
• RED INDICATOR LIGHT 'ON'
• COUNTDOWN — -I SECONDS
• R.H. HELIUM SWITCH DOWN TO 'CLOSE'
• RED INDICATOR 'OFF' AFTER 4 SECONDS TRAVEL TfME
• L.1{. HELIUM SWITCH TO 'AUTO'
• RECORD OPEN TIME (INDICATOR 'ON' TO `OFF') IN SECONDS
• RECORD NEW (REDUCED) FREELIFT
• WAIT FOR FAN TO FILL BALLONET
• REPEAT VENTING PROCEDURE UNTIL TARGET FREELIFT ACHIEVED
• LOW MOOR BALLOON
• MEASURE (INCREASED) BALLONET HEIGHT AND RECORD
• EMERGENCY VALVE CLOSURE
• IF VALVE DOES NOT CLOSE:
• RED INDICATOR REMAINS 'ON'
• ARM EMERGENCY BOX ON TOP OF CONTROL BOX
• SWITCH ARMING SWITCH UPTO'ON'
• PUSH RED CLOSE BUTTON FOR A MAXIMUM OF FIFTEEN SECONDS
This bypasses the control box systems
CONFIRM RED VALVE OPEN INDICATOR `OFF'
4.2 Winch System Failures
Refer to:
David Brown — Balloon Winch System 'Operations & Maintenance Manual' Section 5
HiFlyer Operations Manual
4.2.1 Remote Gondola Control Failure
The 'remote' winch control unit is mounted on the gondola control panel. Signals from the remote
control modern antenna in the gondola are relayed to the winch via a ground antenna. In case of remote
control failure:
1. Inform ground operator by radio
2. Switch ground control unit from `REMOTE' to 'LOCAL'.
3. This transfers control authority from gondola to ground.
4. Operate the balloon from the ground station.
5. Identity and repair fault as soon as balloon is out of operation.
4.2? Power Supply Failure
4.2.2.1 Main Power Failure
The winch will stop leaving the balloon stranded. Use the auxiliary generator and motor to recover the
balloon.
For recovery procedure see:
David Brown Balloon Winch System 'Operation and Maintenance Manual' section 5.7
If the winch cable disc is inadvertently winched down onto the 'E' stop trigger switches — see Section
4,2.2.2 'E' Stop Locked .ay Cable disc
During emergency recovery the winch has to be manually stopped at the correct level normally triggered by
the 'photo eye' proximity switches. If the stop is left too late the cable disc will descend onto the telescopic
'ear' switches on the gimbal sheave triggering an `E' Stop, which will then remain locked on by the disc.
The indications of an 'E' Stop lock are:
1. Cable disc contacting trigger switches
2. Disc over travel l activated
Disc over travel 2 activated
Safety relay activated
3. Winch 'NOT ENABLED' on display panel
4. Winch will not 'RESET'
Procedure to release `lock'
1. Mark position of disc on cable with tape
2. Unscrew disc clamping screws
3. Slide disc up cable to clear trigger switches
4. 'RESET' winch
5. Winch cable up approximately one meter
6. Stop
7. Slide disc down cable to marked position
8. Reclamp disc
9. Press descend button on ground station
10, Make unmanned test ride
NOTE! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIFT DISC OFF TRIGGER SWITCHES BY RELEASING BRAKES
4.2 2.3. Mains and Generator Power Failure
This is a very unlikely combination of events.. A manual recovery is long and laborious, avoid it if possible.
The generator should be started every morning and the battery charged regularly. Get help to get the
generator working before attempting a manual recovery. If the battery is flat, change it. Find out when
mains power will be reconnected. If the fault is in the site mains connecting station call in electrical
engineers to fix it. Call in service agents to work on the generator during the manual recovery. They may
get it working to take over the recovery. Call in the full ground crew to take shifts. Call in supplies of
snacks and drinks to be reeled up to the passengers in the gondola. Keep the balloon operator informed of
events by radio,
Operators
A minimum crew of three will be required;
one to operate hydraulic brake
one to operate motor brake
one to crank winch handle
The crew should take turns at operations without releasing the crank handle during changeover. The
hydraulic brake operator should be ready to open the relief valve at a moment's notice to apply the disc
brake.
Equipment
Disc Brake — can be operated by hand. Turn the selector valve to `Hand' position and pump handle to
release brake. Open vent valve (anticlock) to apply brake. Motor brake — can be operated by hand. Screw
in handle if not already in place and push away from auxiliary motor to release brake. Let go of handle to
apply brake.
Auxiliary motor coupling — connects auxiliary motor to winch drive transmission. Turn the auxiliary motor
handle until the 'teeth' align. Slide the coupling long its shaft until the 'teeth' are fully engaged.
Manual hand crank — locates over the hexagon head drive bolt at the top end of the auxiliary motor.
Turning the handle (clockwise) will turn the motor shaft, and drive the main transmission through the
auxiliary coupling. The gearing is extremely low and descends very slow.
Procedure
l . Switch winch mains power 'OFF'
2. Engage auxiliary motor coupling
3. Fit hand crank lever and hold securely
4. Turn hydraulic selector to 'HAND' pump
5. Release disc brake with hand pump until it just clears disc
6. Ease motor brake 'OFF' with handle.
7. Take strain on hand crank
NOTEt If cable starts to pay out (balloon ascends):
RELEASE brake handle immediately to.apply motor brake
OPEN hydraulic vent immediately to apply disc brake
8. Hand crank down balloon until gondola is landed
9. Open hydraulic vent — apply disc brake
10. Release brake handle — apply motor brake
11. Ensure Toad is ot'f crank, then release
12. Disembark passengers
13. Moor balloon
4.2.3 Winch Control Inoperative
The winch will not respond to gondola or ground controls. Display screen is blank and PLC disabled.
The balloon can be recovered using the main motor on mains power, at reduced speed.
For recovery procedure see:
David Brown Balloon winch system —Operation and Maintenance manual section 5.5. page 21
If the winch cable disc is inadvertently winched down onto the'E' stop trigger switches --see 4.2.2.2
4.2.4 Main Drive Motor Failure
The balloon can be recovered using the auxiliary motor on mains power.
For recovery procedure see:
David Brown Balloon winch system — Operation and Maintenance Manual section 5.6 page 22
If the winch cable disc is inadvertently winch down onto the 'E' Stop trigger switches see 4.2.2.2
4.2.5 Winch Transmission Gear Failure
If the main winch transmission fails it will be necessary to recover the balloon without reeling in the cable.
An emergency descent can be made by 'venting helium' to descend the balloon or pulling it down with
snatch blocks and a vehicle.
4.2.5.1 Valvins Helium
The balloon can be descended by venting helium to reduce lift. -The loss of gas will reduce envelope
pressure and increase wind drag. The landing area could be up to 120 metres downwind from the platform
centre.
Ensure the landing area is clear or obstructions before proceeding. If the area is not clear use the snatch
blocks recovery (see 4.2.5.2). Control of operation with balloon operator.
Preparations
1. Confirm actions with the ground crew (by radio)
Inform Emergency services
3. Arrange for heavy (4 tons or more) recovery vehicle at landing site,
Proced u re
I. Switch winch mains power 'OFF'
?. Leave Ballonet fan on 'AUTOMATIC'
3. Helium valve to 'MANUAL'
4. Helium valve 'OPEN' and 'CLOSE' in 10-second increments until FREEL[FT reduces to ZERO.
5. Continue opening the valve in increments as balloon descends to counteract lost cable weight.
6. When balloon lands secure to a heavy vehicle or fixed structure via the load ring shackles.
7. Offload passengers one at a time as helium is venting, otherwise balloon will lift again.
8. 'CLOSE' Helium valve when all passengers are disembarked.
4.2.5.2 Snatch Block Recovery
This technique will land the gondola back on the platform. The operation can be undertaken in moderate
wind. Control of operation with ground crew.
Preparations:
1. Confirm actions with balloon operator (by radio)
Establish all equipment is available and serviceable
3. Inform Emergency services
4. Arrange heavy commercial recovery vehicle, with hydraulic or power take off driven winch.
Minimum winch pull of 10 tons is required.
S. The recovery vehicle will need a clear path of 60 meters from the platform.
Procedure:
1. Switch winch mains power to 'OFF'
1. Open the two snatch blocks
3. Locate blocks one above the other over the main winch cable. above the gimbal sheave
4. Close both the snatch block cheek plates, over the cable, secure finger nuts, and lock with 'R' clips.
5. Shackle the upper snatch block to the dedicated chain tether attached to the winch or gimbal frame,
with 10-ton shackles.
6. Select a chain link approximately one meter above the platform deck.
7. Station the recovery vehicle with a clear path of at least 60 meters.
8. Shackle the lower snatch block to the winch cable or tow hook of the recovery vehicle.
9. Tighten all shackle nuts and fit split pins.
10. instruct gondola operator to vent helium. Manually `OPEN' and 'CLOSE' Helium valve in [0-
second increments until free lift reduces to 0.3 to 0.5 tons.
1 1 . Winch or tow the lower snatch block away from the platform approximately two meters to take up
slack. Check that the winch cable is flowing smooth through the blocks and there are no snags
12. Winch or tow lower block away from platform slowly and steadily to descend balloon, until
gondola is landed on platform
13. Connect inner and outer mooring lines
14. Disembark passengers
1 S . Moor balloon
; 2,6 Winch Pit Fire
Prevention
• Familiarize local Fire Services ‘vith winch installation
• No oil, paint, rags, paper or flammable material to be left in the winch pit
• No smoking or naked lights
• Clean up any oil spills or debris immediately
Protection
• Smoke detectors with alarms should be fitted in winch pit and inside electrical control cabinet
• CO, fire extinguishers — one in pit and one outside platform
• Disc and motor brakes applied 'on' if fire disrupts hydraulic or electric supply (fail safe)
Potential Fire Risk
• Ignition source — mains electric power to electronic control cabinet
• The sealed metal cabinet has low combustible content and limited oxygen
• Flammable material — oil in fully enclosed gearboxes and hydraulic system
• Negligible vapours
• The platform decking is fire rated to Class 3 Surface Spread of Flame to BS 476 Part 7: 1987
Fire Warning
The winch pit is not manned during balloon operation, so the first indications of are will be:
Fire alarms triggered by smoke detectors
Winch stops without operator control
Smoke from winch pit