Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers the key aspects of the GACAR Part 5 Safety Management System
Introduction
GACAR Part 5 presents a robust framework for ensuring aviation safety through a systematic approach to:
- Risk management,
- Assurance, and
- Continuous improvement.
Implementation challenges, especially in the areas of hazard identification, safety promotion, and recordkeeping, require thoughtful adaptation to each organization’s size and complexity.
- By employing best practices like strong safety communication, proactive risk assessments, and continuous performance monitoring, organizations can enhance their safety culture and comply with GACA regulations effectively.
GACAR Part 5
Outlines the regulatory requirements for Safety Management Systems (SMS) in aviation operations under the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia.
- It provides a comprehensive framework that includes six key subparts:
>> General Requirements,
>> Safety Policy,
>> Safety Risk Management,
>> Safety Assurance,
>> Safety Promotion, and
>> SMS Documentation & Recordkeeping.
Consider the following challenges and best practices
General Requirements
Applicability:
- GACAR Part 5 applies to a wide array of operations, including commercial air operators, aerodromes, flight training organizations, repair stations, and ground services
SMS Structure:
- The SMS must include a safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, safety promotion, and documentation.
>> It must be appropriate to the size, nature, and complexity of the organization.
Challenges:
- Adapting SMS to fit smaller or less complex organizations might be difficult.
>> Ensuring that the SMS evolves with organizational changes can also pose a challenge.
Safety Policy (Subpart B)
- Key Elements: The policy must define the organization’s commitment to safety, roles and responsibilities and include safety objectives and an emergency response plan
- Challenges: Defining unacceptable behaviour and creating a non-punitive reporting culture can be tricky, as employees may fear repercussions.
- Best Practices: Promote a safety culture that encourages reporting of hazards and incidents without fear of retribution. Clearly communicate the emergency response plan and ensure all personnel are familiar with it.
Considerations: Ensure the accountable executive reviews the safety policy regularly and adjusts it to align with evolving organizational needs. Additionally, safety policies must be signed and communicated throughout the organization to embed safety at every level.
Safety Risk Management (Subpart C)
- Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment: Organizations must conduct a system analysis to identify hazards and evaluate risks. Both proactive and reactive methods should be used
- Challenges: Accurate hazard identification can be complex, especially in larger operations with diverse systems. Additionally, managing the dynamic nature of risk in a changing operational environment can be overwhelming.
- Best Practices: Use a structured hazard identification process that incorporates employee input and real-time operational data. Implement a risk management system that classifies risks based on their severity and likelihood and includes mitigation measures
Considerations: Integrate risk management into routine operations, and ensure there is coordination with other regulatory bodies, especially during major changes or new system implementations.
Safety Assurance (Subpart D)
- Monitoring & Assessment: Continuous safety performance monitoring and assessment is required to detect deficiencies and ensure continuous improvement
- Challenges: Gathering sufficient data to monitor performance across various operational activities can be a resource-intensive task. Additionally, ensuring continuous improvement requires that organizations adapt quickly to changes identified during performance reviews.
- Best Practices: Implement robust data collection systems for ongoing monitoring of safety performance. Periodically review safety controls, evaluate their effectiveness, and adjust as needed to ensure compliance and mitigate risks
Considerations: Employ a systematic approach to manage organizational changes that affect safety, including changes in personnel, equipment, or procedures. Ensure all changes are subject to a risk assessment before implementation.
Safety Promotion (Subpart E)
- Training & Communication: Organizations must ensure that all personnel are trained in SMS responsibilities and that safety information is effectively communicated
- Challenges: Ensuring that training reaches all relevant personnel, including those in remote or subcontracted roles, can be difficult. Consistently engaging employees with safety communication can also be a challenge in larger organizations.
- Best Practices: Use a multi-channel approach for safety communication and ensure that training is tailored to different roles within the organization. Develop a feedback mechanism to assess the effectiveness of training
- Considerations: Periodically update safety training materials to include the latest safety practices and any regulatory changes. Encourage open communication of safety issues, ensuring a continuous loop between reporting and feedback.
SMS Documentation & Recordkeeping (Subpart F)
- Records & Implementation Plan: Maintain documentation of the SMS, including safety policies, risk management processes, and safety assurance outcomes. An SMS implementation plan should be in place
- Challenges: Maintaining comprehensive and up-to-date records can be administratively burdensome, particularly when managing data from multiple sites or departments.
- Best Practices: Utilize digital recordkeeping systems to streamline SMS documentation. Ensure all records are easily accessible and regularly updated. Implement a schedule for record reviews to maintain compliance
- Considerations: Ensure SMS documentation includes not just internal processes but also outlines coordination with external contractors or stakeholders when applicable.
Next Steps
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For more information and training support on SMS within KSA, consider the course GACAR Part 5 – SMS Implementation Review, Development, and Risk Management Processes – 5 Days. For questions and comments, please email team@sassofia.com.
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Risk Assessment, Safety Assurance, Safety Management System, Safety Risk Management, Hazard Identification, SAS blogs, Safety Policy, Safety promotion, Saudi Arabia, GACAR Part 5, SMS Documentation & Recordkeeping, GACA regulations, Civil Aviation (GACA), Training & Communication
