Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers the need for FOD Maintenance procedures, best practices, and Cautions.
Maintenance Procedures Overview
Important Note
The goal of a FOD prevention program is not just to detect and remove FOD but to prevent its occurrence in the first place.
For effective oversight, it is recommended to have a FOD manager responsible for the FOD prevention program.
- The manager will oversee the entire program, monitor its effectiveness, and provide updates to upper management.
- The FOD prevention program should be continuously reviewed and improved based on feedback and performance data.
- Best practices should be developed and shared across the organization.
- All employees must be made aware of the potential hazards caused by FOD.
- Comprehensive training should include the potential impacts of FOD, how to recognize FOD and the proper procedures for removal and disposal.
- Regular inspections and cleanings should be performed.
o This includes the maintenance facility and aircraft.
o All tools and equipment should be accounted for at the end of any maintenance task to prevent them from becoming FOD.
- Regular FOD walks and inspections should be conducted, especially in areas where FOD is most likely to occur.
- Tools should be controlled and accounted for at all times.
o This can be achieved using shadow boards, tool control foam, or
o electronic tool control systems.
- Materials should be properly stored and handled to prevent them from becoming FOD.
o This includes proper containment and disposal of waste materials.
- A reporting system should be implemented to encourage employees to report FOD.
- Feedback should be provided to the employees based on these reports to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
FOD Cautions to be aware of:
- The most significant threat to any safety program is complacency. Regular refresher training and reminders about the importance of FOD prevention can help combat this.
- Employees may fail to report FOD because they are afraid of being blamed for its occurrence. A just culture, where employees are encouraged to report safety issues without fear of retribution, should be fostered.
- FOD prevention programs require a certain level of resource commitment. This includes time for inspections and walks, equipment for detection and removal, and training resources.
- FOD prevention is a team effort and requires effective communication.
o Any breakdown in this communication could result in unreported or unaddressed FOD.
- Even with stringent procedures, the absence of proper disposal facilities can lead to FOD being left behind in the operational area.
Next Steps
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Please see the following course Aviation Production & Overhaul – Foreign Object Damage Awareness Training (FOD) Initial – 1 Day .For comments & questions please email team@sassofia.com
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Maintenance, Just Culture, FOD, SAS blog, SAS Library, potential hazards, training resources, prevention program
