Introduction presented by Steven Bentley MD of Sofema Aviation Services – considering the Top 5 Aerodrome Safety Management System facts. www.sassofia.com
1. What is a safety management system (SMS)?
A Safety Management System (SMS) is a systematic approach to managing safety, utilizing including the necessary organizational structures, accountabilities, policies and procedures. Employing organization-wide processes which enable an effective risk-based decision-making mechanism throughout your business. Since Jan 2009 it is an ICAO requirement that service providers are responsible for establishing an SMS, which is accepted and overseen by their State.
2. What does the SMS focus on?
SMS focuses on maximizing opportunities to continuously improve the overall safety of the aviation system. A SMS provides a proactive, systematic, and integrated method of managing safety for airport operators. Addresses safety risks proactively, Manage and support strategic regulatory and infrastructure developments,
3. What are the key processes of an SMS?
Safety Risk Management (SRM) and Safety Assurance (SA) are the key processes of the SMS. Delivering formal safety risk management procedures which provide for risk analysis and assessment. Hazard Identification is the initial observation of a potential hazard –means something with the potential to cause harm in some way to the business equipment or individual. Risk Management is the method whereby we analyse the risk using organisational tools, to determine the level of exposure then take appropriate mitigation action.
4. What are the roles and responsibilities within the SMS?
We should understand that SMS is not the responsibility of a single individual in fact it is the responsibility of everyone within the company.
Senior managers are responsible for establishing and maintaining the SMS including the need to establish – real safety performance goals that will both deliver an enhanced level of safety as well as drive organisational improvements. Business area managers should Implementing safety programs and ensure staff receive adequate safety training.
Ultimately it is the employee acceptance of the SMS and safety programs together with the willingness to report which is essential for success of the Safety Management System
5. What’s the difference between SMS and quality management systems (QMS)?
SMS focuses on the safety aspects of the organization.
QMS focuses on the services and products of the organization.
While QMS focuses on conformity, SMS focuses on hazards. And the understanding of the associated risks “One of the purposes of an SMS is to improve the safety performance, and therefore reduce the exposure to risk of having an accident
Both non-conformities and hazards can impact safety. Both systems enhance safety and are essential and complimentary management tools. You cannot have an effective SMS without applying quality management principles.
There are many aviation companies that have extremely good safety records, but are operating with risky behaviour or inadequate organizational structures, and have just not had an accident yet. A good safety record, just like a good quality record, does not guarantee safety.”
EASA Airports Regulatory Compliance, SMS & Security 3 Day Seminar and Conference
Starting from Tuesday 5th April 2016 to Thursday 7th April 2016 at Premier Inn Hotel Heathrow Airport (Bath Road).
email office@sassofia.com
