LTL TATM LTL - Vol 1
Issue 1.0
25
5.4 Balloon Operation
OPERATIONS MANUAL REFERENCE:
SECTION 3.4.1 to 3.4.4
This covers:
Passenger briefing
Balloon operations
Balloon ascent
Balloon monitoring
Balloon Descent
Ride stop
Emergency stop
6. Safety
6.1 Rope Safety
There are 32 ropes and 24 ratchet straps used on the HiFlyer, and therefore, there will be times
during operation when ropes and straps are hanging and swinging freely.
For this reason, extra care should be taken when working with or around them.
In breezy conditions, the HiFlyer will tend to sway and this will make the ropes swing around. Do not
try to stop them, as they are attached to the envelope and this creates large amounts of force more
than any person or people can control by hand.
When working with the ropes, leather gloves are advisable, as they will offer protection against rope
burn. Never allow your feet to leave the ground when holding on to a rope. If you feel this may
happen, let go.
Be aware that there will also be ropes on the ground and this has the potential to wrap around feet.
Never wrap the ropes around any part of the body.
When the ropes are being taken from their storage bags, it is important to ensure that they are not left
in a tangle, as this can cause injury if they swing around.
When the first ropes are being attached to the winch drum, there is a risk of crushing a hand as there
is still movement in the envelope and this adds and removes tension on the mooring rope until the
rest of the lines are attached and stabilise the envelope.
Also be aware that when the outer mooring lines are being loosened at the ratchet straps, these
straps are under a lot of tension and as the tension is released, there is a tendency for the rope to
shoot forward toward the HiFlyer so be aware of feet being caught in the ropes.
Be careful not to catch fingers in the karabiners and ratchets when attaching or detaching the ropes.
6.2 High Pressure Gases
This section refers specifically to the use of helium, not any other gases, although some of the
characteristics may be the same.
Helium has no smell, is non-toxic and is much lighter than air. It is inert and will not burn or support
