Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) considers the elements involved in assessing the effectiveness of the Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
Introduction – Coordination of Emergency Response Planning
An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) should be established that provides:
- The actions to be taken by the organisation or individuals in an emergency.
The emergency response plan should be integrated into the SMS and reflect:
- The size, nature and complexity of the activities performed by the organisation.
Note – Where organisations, such as aerodromes, are subject to other Emergency Planning and Response requirements these should be adhered to and may be cross-referred to.
ERP Contents – The ERP should ensure:
- An orderly and efficient transition from normal to emergency operations;
- Designation of emergency authority;
- Assignment of emergency responsibilities;
- Authorisation by key personnel for actions contained in the plan;
- Coordination of efforts to resolve the emergency;
- Safe continuation of operations or return to normal operations as soon as practicable.
The ERP Roles & Responsibilities:
The ERP should identify the responsibilities, roles and actions for staff members involved in dealing with emergencies within your organisation and consider any outside agencies or third party contractors affected.
For some organisations there may be regulatory requirements already set for the ERP or contingency planning:
- The ERP should be available and understood by all key staff members and practiced on a regular basis to ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and required actions and are competent to carry out appropriate actions in an emergency.
- Laminated cards or checklists with appropriate contact numbers could be held by key staff members to assist them in the actions required during an emergency.
- It is important to coordinate your ERP with other organisations that you interface with, including the emergency services that may attend an emergency and third party organisations that are contracted to your organisation.
Quick Assessment Checklist
Please answer the following questions in respect of your organisation:
a) Does your Organization have an emergency response/contingency plan appropriate to the size, nature and complexity of the organization?
b) Does the emergency/contingency plan address all possible or likely emergency/crisis scenarios relating to the organization’s aviation product or service deliveries?
c) Does the ERP include procedures for the continuing safe production, delivery, or support of its aviation products or services during such emergencies or contingencies?
d) Is there a plan and record for drills or exercises with respect to the ERP?
e) Does the ERP address the necessary coordination of its emergency response/contingency procedures with the emergency/response contingency procedures of other organizations where applicable?
f) Does your Organization have a process to distribute and communicate the ERP to all relevant personnel, including relevant external organizations?
g) Is there a procedure for periodic review of the ERP to ensure its continuing relevance and effectiveness?
Next Steps
Sofema Aviation Services provides specific support related to ERP Training, Testing & Preparation of Process & Procedures – please see www.sassofia.com or email team@sassofia.com for more details.
Tags:
aviation, Aviation SMS, Crisis Management, Emergency Response Plan, ERP, gap analysis, SAS blogs
