Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers key aspects of Airside Management of Health and Safety. Effective management of health and safety airside requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates strong leadership, clear communication, ongoing training, and continuous monitoring
- By implementing best practices and focusing on competency management, organizations can reduce risks and ensure a safe working environment for all personnel involved in airside operations.
- This proactive approach not only meets regulatory requirements but also enhances operational efficiency and protects organizational reputation.
Introduction Managing health and safety in the airside environment of an airport is a complex and multifaceted task. The primary goal is to ensure the safety of both personnel and aircraft while meeting legal and moral obligations.
- Failure to effectively manage health and safety can lead to significant consequences, including accidents, injuries, loss of revenue, and reputational damage.
Here we consider key features, best practices, and the management of competence, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of effective airside safety management.
Key Features of Airside Safety Management Systems
A robust Safety Management System (SMS) is the foundation for managing health and safety at the airport. EASA Compliant Aerodromes shall have an SMS implementation, and it should include:
- Safety policy and objectives: Clear goals and objectives that guide safety initiatives.
- Safety risk management: Identifying hazards and mitigating risks associated with airside operations.
- Safety assurance: Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of safety controls.
- Safety promotion: Ensuring that all personnel are aware of safety policies and practices.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment – Regular risk assessments are essential for identifying potential hazards. These include:
- Vehicle and aircraft interactions: Ensuring safe movement of vehicles and aircraft on the apron.
- Foreign Object Debris (FOD): Implementing FOD control programs to prevent damage to aircraft.
- Passenger safety: Protecting passengers on the apron from hazards such as moving vehicles and aircraft engines.
- Environmental hazards: Managing risks posed by weather conditions, noise, and lighting.
Collaboration and Coordination – Collaboration between different stakeholders, including airport operators, airlines, ground handling agencies, and contractors, is critical.
- Establishing safety committees or working groups can help ensure consistent standards and practices across all airside activities.
Best Practices in Airside Safety Management
- Clear Communication and Documentation – Clear communication channels and comprehensive documentation are vital. This includes:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Documenting processes to ensure consistency in operations.
- Incident reporting systems – Encouraging a culture of reporting and learning from safety incidents.
- Coordination plans – Establish turnaround plans and other operational documents that outline roles and responsibilities.
Training and Competence – Competency management is a cornerstone of safety. Best practices include:
- Regular training programs – Ensuring all airside personnel receive initial and refresher training tailored to their roles.
- Competency assessments – Regular evaluations to confirm that personnel can perform their duties safely.
- Emergency response drills – Conducting regular exercises to ensure preparedness for emergencies.
Proactive Monitoring and Auditing – Regular monitoring and auditing help ensure that safety measures are effective. This includes:
- Performance monitoring: Assessing safety performance metrics such as incident rates and compliance with safety protocols.
- Audits and inspections: Conducting regular audits of airside operations to identify areas for improvement.
- Continuous improvement: Using audit findings to refine and enhance safety practices.
Managing Competence in Airside Operations
- Defining Competence – Competence in airside operations involves having the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform tasks safely. It includes understanding both the operational requirements and the safety implications of one’s actions.
- Competence Framework – Developing a competence framework helps standardize the skills and knowledge required for different roles. This framework should:
>> Identify required competencies – Define the competencies needed for each role in airside operations.
>> Create training programs – Develop targeted training to address any gaps in skills or knowledge.
>> Assess competency levels – Use practical assessments and evaluations to verify competence.
- Maintaining Competence – Maintaining competence is an ongoing process. Strategies include:
>> Refresher training – Regular updates on new safety regulations and best practices.
>> On-the-job assessments – Continuous observation and feedback to ensure skills are maintained.
>> Mentorship programs – Pairing less experienced workers with seasoned professionals to provide guidance and support.
Addressing Challenges in Airside Safety Management
- Balancing Operational Efficiency with Safety – Airside operations are time-sensitive, and there can be pressure to prioritize efficiency over safety. To address this challenge:
- Integrate safety into operational goals: Ensure that safety is not viewed as a separate activity but as integral to achieving operational efficiency.
- Time management training: Provide training on how to maintain safety standards while meeting tight schedules.
Managing Multiple Contractors – The use of multiple contractors can create challenges in maintaining consistent safety standards. To mitigate this consider the following:
- Pre-qualification of contractors: Ensure that contractors meet safety standards before engagement.
- Contractor oversight: Implement strict oversight and regular audits of contractor performance.
- Joint risk assessments: Involve contractors in risk assessments to ensure alignment on safety priorities.
Next Steps
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Sofema Aviation Services Provides Regulatory Training covering Airside Safety. For questions and comments, please email team@sassofia.com.
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Passenger safety, Coordination, continuous monitoring, clear communication, Safety Airside, Management of Health, General Principles, Discussion Document, Aviation Collaboration, Aviation Safety Management System (SMS), EASA, Foreign Object Debris (FOD), SAS blogs, Aviation Leadership, Health and Safety, Hazard Identification, Training, Risk Assessment, EASA Environment
