Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

What is one recommendation for safety when working in a helicopter landing area?

1. Wearing bright colors

2. Using safety goggles

3. Maintaining silence

4. Staying in groups of three

The correct answer is: Using safety goggles

Wearing safety goggles is a critical recommendation for safety when working in a helicopter landing area because these goggles protect the eyes from potential hazards such as flying debris, dust, and other foreign particles. Helicopters generate significant downdraft and rotor wash, which can dislodge materials on the ground, posing a risk to personnel nearby. By utilizing safety goggles, individuals can safeguard their vision and enhance their overall safety while operating in the vicinity of helicopters. While the other safety considerations may have their own merits in different contexts, they do not specifically address the immediate dangers associated with helicopter operations in the same direct way as wearing goggles does. For example, wearing bright colors might help with visibility but does not provide protection from eye injuries, and maintaining silence can be important for communication but does not mitigate physical safety concerns. Staying in groups could be valuable for enhancing teamwork, but again, it doesn’t specifically counteract the physical threats present in a helicopter landing zone like protective eyewear does.