Human error is without doubt the primary cause of incidents and accidents on the ramp, IATA statistics indicate that more than 90% of incidents can be traced to a lack or failure to follow appropriate procedures. In adequate training and general lack of competence also acts as a major contributor.
The personal injury rate amongst ramp workers is typically higher than many other industries.
Do you know where the Ramp Safety Procedures are located?
Have you been trained and tested on Ramp Safety Procedures?
There is no substitute for basic training including a comprehensive knowledge of procedures and an understanding of appropriate behaviours which should be on display at all times on the ramp.
By some estimates it is believed that airlines lose more than Euro 2.5 billion a year to ramp damage, typically collisions between ground service vehicles and parked aircraft or jet bridges.
But it does not end there accidents also result in cancelled flights, lost  revenue, and other non recoverable charges. Even a small accident can cost in excess of  Euro 150,000.
What can we do to improve the Ramp Safety?
Is the lighting on the Ramp adequate?
Are there work wear procedures in place for the Ramp Environment including Reflective Tabards or Jackets, Safety Shoes and Ear Defenders?
Is a process available to encourage employees to report anything which is believed to be of concern o to have the potential to cause a problem?
Is there a Ramp Safety Bulletin process which is controlled and allows information to be communicated with all concerned persons?
Is there a periodic newsletter with Ramp Safety related information?
Is there an airport wide safety committee with the remit of gathering and disseminating safety related data ?
Ensure that vehicles are also marshalled to approach an aircraft, this becomes doubly important when a vehicle is reversing to an aircraft or when the vehicle drive can not see the vehicle in relation to the aircraft. (For example a high loading vehicle).
To require the management of the competence of persons responsible for marshalling or wing walking.
Ensure the most effective communication process is implemented.
Ensure all persons are fully conversant with the Airport driving rules, and that speed restrictions and appropriate behaviours are maintained at all times on the Ramp.
The responsibility for the safe operation of the aircraft on the ground  rests with the flight crew, however the ground crew including Marshallerâs have a duty of care to provide the flight crew with the correct guidance information
Consider the use of wing walkers when there is the slightest doubt or possibility of an incident occurring.
Sofema Aviation Services offers Ramp Safety Training, Ramp Safety Training for Trainers and Training for Ramp Marshallers. For more information please visit www.sassofia.com or email office@sassofia.com
Tags:
Airport Ramp Safety, Ramp Environment, Ramp Marshallers, Ramp Safety Procedures, Training
