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SAFETY 1st
SMS DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
November 2013 © Safety 1st i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Forward… ..................................................................................................................... v
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE ............................................................................1
CHAPTER OVERVIEW .............................................................................................. 2
General Introduction to the Safety 1st Development Guide .................................. 2
Chapter 1: Introduction ......................................................................................... 2
Chapter 2: Safety Organization ............................................................................ 2
Chapter 3: Hazard Identification & Safety Reporting .......................................... 2
Chapter 4: Accident Prevention Program & Root Cause Analysis....................... 3
Chapter 5: Safety Risk Management (SRM) ........................................................ 3
Chapter 6: Human Factors .................................................................................... 3
Chapter 7: Safety Assurance ................................................................................. 3
Chapter 8: Emergency Preparedness .................................................................... 4
Your Customized Manual ..................................................................................... 4
Acronyms, Abbreviations, Definitions & Terminology ....................................... 5
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ....................................................................13
1. General Introduction ............................................................................................... 14
2. Core Components of a Safety Management System ............................................... 15
Safety Policy ....................................................................................................... 15
Safety Risk Management (SRM) ........................................................................ 16
Safety Assurance ................................................................................................ 17
Safety Promotion ................................................................................................ 18
3. SMS Development and Implementation ................................................................. 19
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4. The FAA and System Safety .................................................................................. 21
5. Summary ................................................................................................................. 22
6. The Dirty Dozen ..................................................................................................... 22
7. Document Revision and Control ............................................................................. 23
CHAPTER 2: SAFETY ORGANIZATION ....................................................25
1. Safety Management Organization........................................................................... 26
2. Roles & Responsibilities ......................................................................................... 28
Safety Manager / Director of Safety ................................................................... 28
3. Gap Analysis ........................................................................................................... 30
4. Safety Management Plan ........................................................................................ 31
5. SMS Documentation ............................................................................................... 33
6. Safety Training ....................................................................................................... 33
Management Safety Awareness and Training .................................................... 34
Safety Orientation ............................................................................................... 35
Recurrent Safety Training................................................................................... 36
CHAPTER 3: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION & SAFETY REPORTING .....37
Contents: ............................................................................................................. 37
1. Hazard Identification Process ................................................................................. 38
Hazard Identification and Controls ..................................................................... 39
2. Non-Punitive Hazard Reporting ............................................................................. 44
3. Accident / Incident Reporting ................................................................................. 45
4. Investigation............................................................................................................ 48
5. Safety Committee ................................................................................................... 49
6. Safety Communications .......................................................................................... 50
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CHAPTER 4: ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM & ROOT CAUSE
ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................53
1. Accident Prevention Program ................................................................................. 54
2. Safety Data management ........................................................................................ 55
3. Root Cause Analysis ............................................................................................... 55
CHAPTER 5: SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT ...........................................56
The Safety Risk Management Process ........................................................................ 57
General................................................................................................................ 57
SRM Principles ................................................................................................... 58
Six Steps for SRM .............................................................................................. 59
Implementing the SRM Process ......................................................................... 60
Types of Risk Defined ........................................................................................ 61
Risk Identification .............................................................................................. 62
Acceptability of Risk .......................................................................................... 65
CHAPTER 6: HUMAN FACTORS ................................................................66
1. Human Factors - Overview ..................................................................................... 67
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 67
The Meaning of Human Factors ......................................................................... 67
The Aim of Human Factors in Aviation ............................................................. 68
Safety and Efficiency .......................................................................................... 69
Factors Affecting Workplace Performance ........................................................ 70
Personality vs. Attitude ....................................................................................... 72
Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Maintenance Resource Management
(MRM) ................................................................................................................ 73
2. Safety Culture ......................................................................................................... 75
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CHAPTER 7: SAFETY ASSURANCE ..........................................................77
1. Safety Oversight ..................................................................................................... 78
Reactive Process ................................................................................................. 79
Proactive Safety Assessment .............................................................................. 79
2. Safety Assurance Process ....................................................................................... 80
Safety Assessment .............................................................................................. 81
3. Safety Program Internal Review ............................................................................. 82
4. External Audit Procedures ...................................................................................... 83
5. Environmental Compliance .................................................................................... 86
CHAPTER 8: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ..........................................87
1. Emergency Preparedness ........................................................................................ 88
General................................................................................................................ 88
What impact would an accident have on your company? .................................. 88
Role of Senior Management ............................................................................... 89
Coordination and Communications .................................................................... 90
Policies................................................................................................................ 90
Other Organizations and Individuals .................................................................. 91
Major Components of an Emergency Response Plan ......................................... 92
REFERENCES ................................................................................................97
Additional References ................................................................................................ 98
November 2013 © Safety 1st v
FORWARD
This guide has been adapted from material developed by: the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA); Global Aviation Information Network (GAIN); Transport
Canada; and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) addressing the
fundamentals of safety management system structure and content. This guide
provides a means for each company to customize this program to company-
specific safety goals and objectives.
The “Participant Advisories” in the borders of this guide are for guidance
purposes only.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 1
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
The Safety 1st SMS Development Guide provides guidance and instruction for the
creation, implementation and use of a safety management system (SMS). This guide
reflects enhancements to the traditional SMS for the benefit of participating
companies, and addresses the activities commonly performed within air operator,
FBO and maintenance organizations.
This guide can be used to either develop and implement your own company-specific
safety management system; or enhance your current safety program with advanced
industry best practices.
For ease of use, this guide is organized into eight chapters that allow your safety
manager to develop your own customized SMS manual.
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CHAPTER OVERVIEW
General Introduction to the Safety 1st SMS Development Guide
A safety management system is comprised of three main components: 1) The overall
management system, to include policies, procedures, duties, authorities, interfaces,
controls, measures, and responsibilities; 2) The training that will be provided to your
employees who must perform specific tasks using required (by regulation) and
industry accepted practices; and 3) a performance standard that describes how each
task will be performed. All three components comprise the elements that will provide
a quality standard for participating companies.
The following list is an overview of each chapter in this guide.
Chapter 1: Introduction
General Introduction
Core Components of a Safety Management System
SMS Development and Implementation
The FAA and System Safety
The Dirty Dozen
Chapter 2: Safety Organization
Safety Management Organization
Roles and Responsibilities
Gap Analysis
Safety Management Plan
SMS Documentation
Safety Training
Chapter 3: Hazard Identification & Safety Reporting
Hazard Identification Process
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Accident/Incident Reporting
Non-Punitive Hazard Reporting
Investigation
Safety Committee
Safety Communications
Chapter 4: Accident Prevention Program & Root Cause Analysis
Accident Prevention Program
Safety Data Management
Root Cause Analysis
Chapter 5: Safety Risk Management (SRM)
Safety Risk Management Process
o SRM Principles
o Six Steps for SRM
o Implementing the SRM Process
o Types of Risk Defined
o Risk Identification
o Acceptability of Risk
Chapter 6: Human Factors
Human Factors Overview
Safety Culture
Chapter 7: Safety Assurance
Safety Oversight
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Safety Assurance Process
Safety Program Internal Review
External Audit Procedures
Environmental Compliance
Chapter 8: Emergency Preparedness
What impact would an accident have on your company?
Role of Senior Management
Coordination and Communications
Policies
Other Organizations and Individuals
Major Components of an Emergency Response Plan
Your Customized Manual
Using the Safety 1st SMS Development Guide to create your company-
specific document.
o The Safety 1st guide as your quality standard for conducting all
technical functions associated with air, ground and maintenance
operations (as applicable).
o Developing your internal controlled manual system to assess
distribution, ensure timely revisions and track implementation.
o Incorporating updates from Safety 1st and the aviation industry,
and ensuring conformance.
o Establishing an internal quality assurance assessment of your
system‟s effectiveness.
o Audits.
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Acronyms, Abbreviations, Definitions & Terminology
A
Accident (ICAO Annex 13): “An occurrence associated with the operation of an
aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the
intention of flight until such time as all such persons have disembarked, in which:
a. “A person is fatally or seriously injured as a result of:
Being in the aircraft, or
Direct contact with any part of an aircraft, including parts which have
become detached from the aircraft, or
Direct exposure to jet blast, except when the injuries are from natural causes,
self-inflicted or inflicted by other persons, or when the injuries are to
stowaways hiding outside the areas normally available to the passengers and
crew; or
b. “The aircraft sustains damage or structural failure which:
Adversely affect the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics
of the aircraft, and
Would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected
component, except for engine failure or damage, when the damage is limited
to the engine, its cowlings or accessories; or for damage limited to propellers,
wing tips, antennas, tires, brakes, fairings, small dents or puncture holes in
the aircraft skin; or
c. “An aircraft is missing, completely damaged, or inaccessible.”
Note: An injury resulting in death within 30 days of the accident is classified as fatal.
Accountability: The obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for the
execution or performance of an assigned function, duty, task or action; implies being
answerable (i.e., accountable) to a higher authority for ensuring such responsibility is
executed or performed.
Accountable Executive: Single, identifiable person who: (1) Is the final authority
over operations authorized to be conducted under the certificate holder‟s
certificate(s); (2) Controls the financial resources required for the operations to be
conducted under the certificate holder‟s certificate(s); (3) Controls the human
resources required for the operations authorized to be conducted under the certificate
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holder‟s certificate(s); (4) Retains ultimate responsibility for the safety performance
of the operations conducted under the certificate holder‟s certificate.
Aircraft Accident (49 CFR Part 830): “An occurrence associated with the operation
of an aircraft, which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with
the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, and in which any
person suffers death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial
damage.” (Also see “Substantial Damage.”)
Aircraft Operation: Operation of an aircraft with the intent of flight.
Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP): A reporting program that allows
employees of participating air carriers and repair station certificate holders to identify
and report safety issues to management and to the FAA for resolution, without fear
that the FAA will use reports accepted under the program to take legal enforcement
action against them, or that companies will use such information to take disciplinary
action.
Assumptions: Characteristics or requirements of a system or system state that are not
verified.
Audit: The structured and objective assessment used to determine the level of
conformity to your company‟s operating manuals, safety program, technical
guidance, regulations, etc.
Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS): A voluntary program administered by
NASA that receives, processes, and analyzes reports of unsafe occurrences and
hazardous situations that are voluntarily submitted by pilots, air traffic controllers,
and others. Information collected by the ASRS is used to identify hazards and safety
discrepancies in the National Airspace System. It is also used to formulate policy and
to strengthen the foundation of aviation human factors safety research.
B
Best Practice: A strategy, process, approach, method, tool or technique that is
generally recognized as being effective in helping an operator achieve operational
objectives.
C
Causes: Actions, omissions, events, conditions, or a combination thereof, which led
to an accident or incident. Causes can occur by themselves or in combinations.
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Control: Anything that mitigates the risk of a hazard‟s effects. A control can be a
key procedure, responsibility, or decision-making position within the organization,
department or functional area. (Note: Comprehensive evaluations focus on verifying
and testing the controls within flight, ground and maintenance operations.)
Comprehensive Evaluations: Periodic reviews of company operations performed by
the Safety Manager. The independence of these reviews is intended to improve the
ability of your company to verify that systems are effectively evolving with company
growth and to ensure that technical issues are adequately considered in strategic
decisions.
Comprehensive Fix: A fix in which all corrective measures have been completed to
the satisfaction of the company.
Concern: A conclusion by the auditor, supported by objective evidence, that does
not demonstrate a finding, but rather a condition that could become a finding.
Corrective Action: The action(s) taken to eliminate or mitigate the cause of or to
reduce the effects of a detected non-conformity or other undesirable situation.
Corrective Action Plan (CAP): The total plan to close all Findings through
implementation of comprehensive and permanent corrective action(s).
Corrective Action Record (CAR): A document that identifies the need for
corrective action based on a Finding, and provides a history of implementation and
verification of the corrective action.
D
Documented: A specification published in a company operating manual, handbook,
or other official company medium. It is distinct from records because it is the written
description of policies, processes, procedures, objectives, requirements, authorities,
responsibilities, or work instructions.
E
Effect: The potential outcome or harm of the hazard if it occurs in the defined system
state.
F
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Finding: A condition, supported by objective evidence that demonstrates
nonconformance with a specific standard.
Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA): The voluntary collection, analysis,
and sharing of routine flight operation data, obtained by analysis of flight data
recorder information.
G
Ground Incident: An occurrence not associated with the operation of an aircraft,
causing injury that does not require professional medical attention, or minor damage
to an aircraft or other equipment.
Ground Operations: The department, company or vendor responsible for all ground
(ramp) operations.
H
Hazard: Any real or potential condition that can cause injury, illness, or death to
people; damage to or loss of a system, equipment, or property; or damage to the
operating environment. A hazard is a condition that is a prerequisite to an accident or
incident.
Human Factors: Human factors involves gathering information about human
abilities, limitations, and other characteristics and applying it to tools, machines,
systems, tasks, jobs, and environments to produce safe, comfortable, and effective
human use. In aviation, human factors is the study and application to better
understand how humans can most safely and efficiently be integrated with the
technology. That understanding is then translated into design, training, policies, or
procedures to help humans perform better.
I
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization): A specialized agency of the
United Nations that sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety,
security, efficiency and regularity, and aviation environmental protection. The
Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among
its Member States.
ICAO Annex 6: Standards and recommended practices for the international
operation of aircraft. Annex 6, Part I is applicable to commercial air transport in
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 9
airplanes; Part II is applicable to general aviation operations in airplanes; and Part III
is applicable to both commercial air transport and general aviation operations in
helicopters.
ICAO Annex 13: The international recommended standard for aircraft accident and
incident investigation.
Incident (49 CFR Part 830): “An occurrence other than an accident, associated with
the operation of an aircraft, which affects or could affect the safety of operations.”
Investigation: A process conducted for the purpose of accident prevention, which
includes the gathering and analysis of information, the drawing of conclusions,
including the determination of causes and, when appropriate, the making of safety
recommendations.
Investigator-in-charge: A person, commission or other body charged, on the basis
of his/her/their qualifications, with the responsibility for the organization, conduct
and control of an investigation.
L
Likelihood: The estimated probability or frequency, in quantitative or qualitative
terms, of an occurrence related to a hazard. (Also see “Hazard.”)
N
Near Miss (Serious Incident): An incident involving circumstances indicating that
an accident nearly occurred. The difference between an accident and a serious
incident lies only in the result.
Non-Conformity: Non-fulfillment of specifications contained in the applied standard
as determined by the auditor in terms of having been documented and/or
implemented by the company.
O
Objective Evidence: Information, which can be proved to be true, based on facts
obtained through observation, measurement, test or other means.
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Occupational Injury: An injury sustained by an employee on your payroll whether
they are labor, executive, hourly, salary, part-time, seasonal or migrant worker and
who sustain the work related injury, illness or death.
OSHA: Occupational Safety & Health Administration
OSHA 1910: That portion of the Occupational Safety and Health Act that pertains to
general industry regulations.
OSHA 300 Log: The OSHA-required form for maintaining occupational injury and
illness records.
P
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Equipment for protecting the eyes, face,
head, ears, extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices and protective shields.
Q
Quality: The degree to which a system consistently meets specified requirements,
satisfies stated needs, or produces desired outcomes.
Quality Assurance: All those planned and systematic actions necessary to provide
adequate confidence that a product or service will satisfy given requirements for
quality.
Quality System: The organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures and
resources for implementing and maintaining the quality policy and objectives.
R
Recommended Best Practice: A strategy, process, approach, method, tool or
technique that is generally recognized as being effective in helping an operator to
achieve operational objectives.
Risk: The composite of predicted severity and likelihood of the potential effect of a
hazard in the worst credible system state. Types of risk include:
a. Identified risk: That risk that has been determined to exist using analytical
tools. The time and costs of analysis efforts, the quality of the risk management
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program, and the state of the technology involved affect the amount of risk that
can be identified
b. Unidentified risk: That risk that has not yet been identified. Some risk is
not identifiable or measurable, but is no less important. Mishap investigations
may reveal some previously unidentified risks.
c. Total risk: The sum of identified and unidentified risk. Ideally, identified
risk will comprise the larger portion of the two.
d. Acceptable risk: The part of identified risk that is allowed to persist after
controls are applied. Risk can be determined acceptable when further efforts to
reduce it would cause degradation of the probability of success of the
operation, or when a point of diminishing returns has been reached.
e. Unacceptable risk: The portion of identified risk that cannot be tolerated,
but must be either eliminated or controlled.
f. Residual risk: The remaining safety risk that exists after all control
techniques have been implemented or exhausted, and all controls have been
verified. Only verified controls can be used for the assessment of residual
safety risk.
Root Cause Analysis: A systematic approach to identifying, investigating,
categorizing, and eliminating the root causes of safety related incidents.
S
Safety: A condition in which the risk of harm or damage is limited to an acceptable
level.
Safety Management System (SMS): A formal, top-down business-like approach to
managing safety risk. It includes systematic procedures, practices and policies for the
management of safety. It also includes safety risk management, safety policy, safety
assurance, and safety promotion. NOTE: The extent of the SMS documentation can
differ from one organization to another due to the size of the organization and type of
activities. The documentation can be in any form or type of medium.
Severity: The consequence or impact of a hazard in terms of degree of loss or harm.
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Substantial Damage (49 CFR Part 830): “Damage or failure which adversely affects
the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which
would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component.
Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged,
bent fairings or cowling, dented skin, small punctured holes in the skin or fabric,
ground damage to rotor or propeller blades, and damage to landing gear, wheels,
tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wingtips are not considered „substantial
damage‟ for the purpose of this Part.”
System: An integrated set of constituent elements that are combined in an
operational or support environment to accomplish a defined objective. These
elements include people, equipment, information, procedures, facilities, software, and
support services.
System Safety: The application of special technical and managerial skills in a
systematic, forward-looking manner to identify and control hazards throughout the
life cycle of a project, program, or activity.
System State: An expression of the various conditions, characterized by quantities or
qualities, in which a system can exist.
T
Top Management: The person or group of people who direct and control an
organization (ref: ISO 9000-2005 definition 3.2.7).
V
Validated: The act of determining factual evidence for a certain condition or
situation.
Verified: The ability to prove that something exists or is true, or to make certain that
something is correct.
W
Work Related Injury or Illness: An injury or illness that is caused by an event or
exposure in the work environment that either caused or contributed to the resulting
condition or significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury or illness. Work-
relatedness is presumed for injuries and illnesses resulting from events or exposures
occurring in the work environment.
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Contents:
1. General Introduction
2. Core Components of a Safety Management System
Safety Policy
Safety Risk Management
Safety Assurance
Safety Promotion
3. SMS Development & Implementation
Level 1: Planning and Organization
Level 2: Reactive Processes
Level 3: Proactive and Predictive Processes
Level 4: Safety Assurance and Continuous Improvement
4. The FAA and System Safety
5. Summary
6. The Dirty Dozen
7. Document Revision and Control
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1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION
This guide outlines the foundation of SMS, and provides guidance on tailoring SMS
to your company‟s operations. To ensure this program works as effectively as
possible in your organization, every employee must be empowered to achieve the
highest levels of safety. Every employee must be responsible and appropriately
accountable for safety during aircraft flight, ground and maintenance operations.
This guide will define all the applicable components of a Safety Management System
(SMS). The SMS components outlined in this guide serve as an operational guide for
the daily management of all safety activities.
SMS is a systematic, comprehensive process for the management of safety risks that
integrates operations and technical systems with financial and human resource
management, for all activities related to flight, ground and maintenance operations.
SMS is a data driven, business-like approach to safety management. In common with
all other management systems, the SMS provides for goal setting, planning, and
performance measurement. It concerns itself with organizational safety, rather than
conventional health and safety issues at work. The SMS defines how your company
intends the management of safety to be conducted as an integral part of its business
management activities.
As with many aspects of managing a company, the approach and strategy for the
SMS is based on the “3 P” model illustrated below. Each part of your strategy must
connect and rely on each other to ensure the model will always be strong.
In the “3 P” model of safety management:
Participant Advisory:
SMS can be adapted to both
large and small organizations.
Managers that desire to make
a positive impact on their
safety performance will find
SMS achieves results, by
raising awareness at every
level of the organization,
building in responsibility and
providing a logical, data
driven approach to managing
risk.
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There is a Policy approved and supported at the highest level.
Processes that make up the safety management system are documented,
implemented and used to manage the company‟s activities.
People (staff) managing and running the business have been trained on the
SMS and are expected to follow approved policy and processes.
The elements of the SMS outlined in this guide conform to FAA Advisory Circular
(AC) 120-92A, Safety Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers, and the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) SMS Framework.
The information in this guide outlines the principles of safety management and its
application to flight, maintenance and ground operations.
The documented elements contained in this guide are the individual building blocks
of the system, and should be introduced in a well thought out, managed process
supported by top management.
The implementation of the SMS and its components should be phased to ensure the
success of each element. Aspects of some of the elements may already be in place in
your company, but might need to be modified in order to conform to the requirements
of the safety management system your company ultimately develops.
2. CORE COMPONENTS OF A SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
SMS is an integrated collection of processes, procedures and programs that ensure a
formal and proactive approach to system safety through risk management. The
following describes the four main components of an SMS:
Safety Policy
All management systems must define policies, procedures and organizational
structures to accomplish their goals.
Under Safety Policy, the following activities take place:
Top management defines the organization‟s safety policy and conveys its
expectations, objectives, commitments and accountabilities to its
employees.
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The organization defines documents and communicates the safety roles,
responsibilities and authorities throughout its organization.
The organization appoints a management representative to manage,
monitor and coordinate the SMS processes.
The organization develops and implements procedures that it will follow in
the event of an accident or incident or operational emergency to mitigate
the effects of these events.
The organization establishes documented safety policies, objectives,
procedures, a document/record management process and a safety
management plan that meet organizational safety expectations and
objectives.
Safety Risk Management (SRM)
A formal system of hazard identification and safety risk management (SRM) is
essential to controlling risk to acceptable levels. Under Safety Risk Management,
the organization:
Develops and maintains a process that ensures that hazards in operations
are identified. Hazards are identified from the analysis of critical design
and performance factors, processes and activities in sufficient detail to
determine associated level of risk and risk acceptability.
Analyzes its systems, operations and operational environment to gain an
understanding of critical design and performance factors, processes and
activities to identify hazards.
Identifies and documents the hazards in its operations that are likely to
cause death, serious physical harm, or damage to equipment or property in
sufficient detail to determine associated level of risk and risk acceptability.
Develops and maintains a process that ensures analysis, assessment and
control of the safety risks in system operations.
Determines and analyzes the severity and likelihood of potential events
associated with identified hazards, and will identify risk factors associated
with unacceptable levels of severity or likelihood.
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Assesses risk associated with each identified hazard and defines risk
acceptance procedures and levels of management that can make safety risk
acceptance decisions.
Designs and implements a risk control for each identified hazard for which
there is unacceptable risk, to reduce risk to acceptable levels. The potential
for residual risk and substitute risk is analyzed before implementing any
risk controls.
Safety Assurance
Once SRM controls are identified and operational, the company must ensure the
controls continue to be effective in a changing environment. The safety assurance
(SA) function provides for this, using system safety and quality management
concepts and processes.
Under Safety Assurance, the organization:
Monitors, measures, and evaluates the performance and effectiveness of risk
controls.
Develops and maintains a means to monitor, measure and verify the safety
performance of the organization, and to validate the effectiveness of safety
risk controls.
Continuously monitors operational data, including products and services
received from contractors, to identify hazards, measure the effectiveness of
safety risk controls, and assess system performance.
Performs regularly scheduled internal audits of its operational processes,
including those performed by contractors, to verify safety performance and
evaluate the effectiveness of safety risk controls.
Conducts internal evaluations of the SMS and operational processes at
planned intervals, to determine that the SMS conforms to its objectives and
expectations.
Includes the results of assessments performed by oversight (FAA) and other
organizations in its analysis of data.
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Establishes procedures to collect data and investigate incidents, accidents,
and instances of potential regulatory noncompliance to identify potential new
hazards and risk control failures.
Establishes and maintains a confidential employee safety reporting and
feedback system. Data obtained from this system is monitored to identify
emerging hazards and to assess performance of risk controls in the
operational systems.
Analyzes the data collected in this Section to assess the performance and
effectiveness of risk controls in the organization‟s operational processes and
the SMS, and to identify root causes of non-conformances and potential new
hazards.
Performs an assessment of the safety performance and effectiveness of risk
controls, conformance to SMS expectations and the objectives of the safety
policy.
Develops and maintains a process to identify changes within the organization
or its operational environment that may affect established processes and
services and to describe the arrangements to assure safety performance
before implementing changes.
Develops and maintains a process to identify the causes of sub-standard
safety performance, determine the implications of sub-standard safety
performance and eliminate or mitigate such causes.
Takes corrective and preventive action to eliminate the causes, or potential
causes of nonconformance identified during analysis, to prevent recurrence.
Conducts regular reviews of the SMS to assess the performance and
effectiveness of the organization‟s operational processes and the need for
improvements.
Safety Promotion
The company must promote safety as a core value with processes that support a
sound safety culture. Under Safety Promotion, the organization:
Promotes the growth of a positive safety culture and communicates it
throughout the organization.
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Ensures that personnel are trained and competent to perform the SMS duties.
The scope of safety training is commensurate with the individual‟s
involvement in the SMS.
Documents competency requirements for safety-related positions and key
safety personnel and ensures those requirements are met.
Develops, documents, delivers and regularly evaluates training necessary to
meet competency requirements.
Communicates the outputs of its SMS to all employees, and provides its
oversight organization access to SMS outputs in accordance with established
agreements and disclosure programs.
3. SMS DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
There are four levels of SMS implementation, which provide for a progressive
system development:
Level 1: Planning and Organization;
Level 2: Reactive Processes;
Level 3: Proactive and Predictive Processes;
Level 4: Safety Assurance and Continuous Improvement.
Each level involves the following activities:
Level 1: Planning and Organization
The organization will:
Establish a statement of commitment, signed by the CEO / Accountable
Executive, to the development and implementation of the SMS.
Designate a management official responsible for SMS implementation.
Define safety-related positions for those who will participate in SMS
development and implementation.
Conduct a documented gap analysis between the organization‟s existing
system and SMS guidelines.
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Develop a comprehensive SMS implementation plan for the entire
organization based on the results of the gap analysis.
Develop an SMS training plan for all employees.
Level 2: Reactive Processes
The organization will:
Document and implement a voluntary non-punitive employee reporting
program.
Document policies and procedures to conduct a reactive analysis and
assessment of hazards, and to implement corrective actions to mitigate future
risk.
Apply SMS processes and procedures to at least one existing hazard, and
initiate the risk mitigation process.
Conduct SMS training for the staff directly involved in the SMS on reactive
processes.
Update the SMS implementation and training plans for the entire
organization.
Level 3: Proactive and Predictive Processes
During Level 3, the organization will demonstrate that, in addition to the components
already developed and implemented during Level 2, it also has a process for the
proactive identification of hazards and associated methods of collecting, storing and
distributing data and a risk management process. The organization will:
Document all processes and procedures for operating the SMS, from
information gathering through Safety Risk Management and mitigation.
Conduct hazard analyses on all current operating processes.
As appropriate, revise documented SMS implementation plan for the entire
organization.
As appropriate, revise documented policies and procedures.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 21
Level 4: Safety Assurance and Continuous Improvement
During Level 4, the organization will demonstrate that, in addition to the components
developed and implemented during Levels 2 and 3, it has also developed and
implemented processes for:
Recurrent training
Quality management
Emergency preparedness
As appropriate, revise documented safety management plan
As appropriate, revise documented policies and procedures
The safety assurance process should include a method for validation of control,
evaluation of results, and development of any necessary changes to the SMS.
A safety management system is progressive in its development. The expectation is to
strive for, and realize, continuous improvement.
4. THE FAA AND SYSTEM SAFETY
In 2006, the FAA issued Order 8000.1, which established a policy of managing
safety through a process-oriented system or “system safety process.” This process
applies to all FAA management activities and its safety oversight relationship with
the aviation industry.
In October 2010, the FAA released Advisory Circular (AC) 120-92A, “Safety
Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers.” The purpose of the AC is to
encourage any organization providing aviation services, e.g., airlines, air charter
operators, corporate flight departments, maintenance repair organizations, pilot
schools, repair stations, etc., to develop and implement an SMS. The material in this
guide conforms to the requirements of AC120-92A and the ICAO standards for SMS.
Safety Risk Management (SRM) and Safety Assurance (SA) Processes
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 22
5. SUMMARY
The following is a summary of the benefits that SMS provides for your company:
A comprehensive, systematic approach to the management of flight, ground
and maintenance safety, including the interfaces between the company,
customers, and vendors.
A focus on flight, ground and maintenance operations; hazard identification,
management and the effects on activities critical to safety.
The full integration of flight, ground and maintenance safety considerations,
via the application of management controls to all aspects of operations
critical to safety.
The use of active monitoring and audit processes to validate that the controls
identified in the hazard management process are in place, and to ensure an
active commitment to safety.
The use of quality management principles, including improvement and
feedback mechanisms.
6. THE DIRTY DOZEN
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 23
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified 12 main causes of human
error leading or contributing to accidents, often referred to as “the dirty dozen:”
Lack of Communication;
Complacency;
Lack of Knowledge;
Distraction;
Lack of Teamwork;
Fatigue;
Lack of Resources,
Pressure;
Lack of Assertiveness;
Stress;
Lack of Situational Awareness; and
Norms (behavior that is not required, but expected at the workplace).
Your company, in cooperation with the Safety 1st Team, strives to eliminate these
causal contributors by aggressively supporting the principles outlined in this industry
specific safety management system.
The organizational structures and activities that make up your company‟s SMS are
designed to enhance safety throughout the organization.
Every employee in every department contributes to the safety of the organization.
The system must be integrated into a safety culture or “the way things are done”
throughout the company. This will be achieved by the implementation and continuing
support of a documented safety program based on a coherent policy, which leads to
well designed and maintained procedures.
7. DOCUMENT REVISION AND CONTROL
The SMS documentation that your company develops as part of this program shall
have a method of revision and control, to provide accurate and timely updates to all
employees. The revision status shall be identified by the revision date on each page
of your SMS documentation.
No revision service for this guide is provided. The most current version of the guide
will be maintained on the Safety 1st
Website.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 24
This guide is not a regulatory-approved document and does not supersede any
requirements mandated by local, state or federal authorities, nor does it
supersede or amend any manufacturer's guidance, manuals, or any other
approved documentation. This document is provided for guidance purposes
only. Safety 1st
does not accept any liability for incidents arising from the use
of the guidance materials contained in this document.
November 2013 © Safety 1
st Management System Page 25
CHAPTER 2: SAFETY
ORGANIZATION
Contents:
1. Safety Management Organization
2. Duties & Responsibilities
3. Safety 1st Shared Responsibilities
4. Gap Analysis
5. Safety Management Plan
6. SMS Documentation
7. Training
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 26
1. SAFETY MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION
SafetyManager
SafetyCommittee
FlightOperations
MaintenanceDepartment
LineService
Scheduling &Flight Following
Accountable Executive / Top Managment
Safety Organization: To be effective, the Safety Manager should report directly
to the highest level within the management structure.
While this section outlines individual roles and responsibilities, it‟s important to
emphasize that everyone has a responsibility for safety.
By implementing SMS, your company is committing to achieving and maintaining
the highest levels of safety within the aviation services industry and to providing the
resources necessary to ensure that all strategic safety objectives established in this
guide are achieved.
The authority and responsibility to implement SMS in your company rests with Top
Management.
Note: Top Management is defined as, “the person or group of people who direct or
control an organization.” Top management makes decisions that affect everyone in
the organization, and is held responsible for the success or failure of the company. In
large organizations, this can be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), president or
board of directors. In smaller organizations, it might be the company owner.
The responsibility for maintaining the SMS normally rests with the Safety Manager.
However, every employee has specific accountabilities. After orientation and safety
training, all employees will be assigned duties and responsibilities to ensure your
company‟s safety management system is as effective as possible.
Participant Advisory:
Whether your organization is a
one-location operation or has a
highly centralized corporate
structure with numerous
outlying facilities, it‟s
important to ensure that the
safety communication
structure touches all facilities
and operations.
Safety is not a “corporate
only” function, but one that
must be visible in the field on
a daily basis.
Safety is not the sole
responsibility of the Safety
Manager, but the responsibility
of managers, supervisors, and
every employee.
The Safety Manager must be
empowered by your company
to facilitate, assist and guide
your company to establish and
maintain a robust safety
program.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 27
The following list of activities demonstrates top management‟s active commitment to
the SMS:
Including safety matters on the agenda of meetings from the Board of
Directors level down
Being actively involved in safety activities and reviews at both home office
and base locations (as applicable)
Allocating the necessary resources, such as time and funding, to safety
matters
Setting personal examples in day-to-day work
Receiving and acting on safety reports submitted by employees
Promoting safety topics in company publications
“Walk the Walk – Talk the Talk” - Safety First.
The Accountable Executive is responsible: to ensure the company achieves
its business and quality objectives, for the safety and efficiency of company
operations, and for authorizing budgets accordingly.
The Accountable Executive will assess safety resource needs requested by
the Safety Manager.
The Accountable Executive is responsible for managing all components of
the SMS. The Accountable Executive may direct the Safety Manager to
produce an annual aviation safety report that will be authorized by the
Accountable Executive.
The Accountable Executive will act, or appoint a management representative,
as Chair of the Safety Committee.
The Safety Manager reports to the Accountable Executive and is responsible
for proposing safety policy, monitoring its implementation and providing an
independent overview of company activities in so far as they affect safety;
maintenance, review and revision of the safety program; timely advice and
assistance on safety matters to managers at all levels; and a reporting system
for hazards.
All managers are committed to support the safety management system, and
share the overall commitment to safety as expressed by the Accountable
Executive.
Participant Advisory:
The Safety Manager‟s
reporting structure:
Industry best practice
recommends that the Safety
Manager position report to the
highest level in the
organization, such as the
CEO/President.
The Safety Manager should
not report directly to
“Operations,” as this reporting
relationship can be hindered
by the need to “get the job
done” at the expense of doing
it safely.
It‟s vital to the effectiveness of
this program that safety
communication is not hindered
in any way.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 28
2. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Your organization shall document and define the roles and responsibilities of all
personnel in the safety management system, especially the following positions (as
applicable): Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, Chief Pilot, and
operational employee groups such as pilots, dispatchers/schedulers, mechanics, line
service and customer service representatives. This should include a statement that
everyone is both responsible and accountable for safety.
Top management‟s dedication and involvement to safety should be clearly visible.
It‟s important that top management is viewed as providing strong and active
leadership in the safety management system. This includes a commitment to provide
the resources necessary to attain strategic safety objectives established by the
organization.
Safety Manager / Director of Safety
The Safety Manager is responsible for ensuring that the safety and health
management process is established, communicated, implemented, audited, measured
and continuously improved for your company and its customers. This should be
accomplished in the following duties and responsibilities:
Prepare and maintaining your company‟s SMS.
Serve as a safety and health (if applicable) resource for operational
departments and employees.
Assist in the organization/development of documented workplace safety
business plans.
Assist in the operational and safety planning processes, e.g., safety
performance goals.
Maintain company safety management information data.
Provide human factors guidance and program development.
Provide guidance or secure guidance on regulatory compliance issues.
Provide regular safety communication through various means.
Provide or make available industrial hygiene services (if applicable).
Establish and maintain the chemical safety management process (MSDS) (if
applicable).
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 29
Support continuous safety improvement programs and abide by Company
SMS audit policies and procedures.
Conduct hazard assessments and audits, and perform frequent observations
of all aspects of employee and technical operations.
Provide hazard control recommendations to top management for review.
Report safety resource management needs to top management.
Conduct and/or coordinate all safety training and ensure all applicable
employees train in accordance with your SMS.
Facilitate environmental compliance (if applicable).
Conduct and/or coordinate emergency response exercises.
Review reports of safety-related events.
Represent the company with government agencies and professional
associations on safety and environmental matters.
Serve as recorder of safety committee meetings.
Provide emergency management tools and services.
To enhance the level of safety professionalism and effectiveness at your company,
the safety manager can be more effective by participating in formal safety education.
Participation in industry safety meetings, conferences or schools is an essential part
of the continuing education of the safety manager.
Training should include areas such as:
Corporate Safety Culture
Safety/Internal Evaluation Philosophy
Safety/Internal Data Collection and Analysis Programs
Operational Risk Management
Root Cause Analysis
Incident/Accident Prevention and Investigation
Human Factors
The safety manager should have extensive operational experience and professional
qualifications in aviation. This would include knowledge and understanding of:
Aviation Safety/Audit Programs
Aviation Safety Standards
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 30
Safe Aviation Operating Practices
OSHA Regulations (as applicable)
The Safety Manager should also receive advanced training in safety management by
attending an accredited safety management course. A list of institutions offering
these courses is provided in the “References” section of this guide.
Documentation of Roles and Responsibilities of Other Key SMS Personnel
The following highlight the areas that should be documented for key SMS personnel:
The safety responsibilities for each position and task.
The competencies required for each position.
The line of responsibility for ensuring all staff are competent and trained for
their duties, and for ensuring that training takes place.
The responsibilities of the manager responsible for externally supplied
services, such as training, maintenance, etc. All contracting companies
should meet the SMS standards equivalent to those established by your
company.
3. GAP ANALYSIS
The next step in the SMS process is to develop an implementation plan for the entire
organization. But, where do you begin? A good place to start is a comparison of your
current safety program with the four SMS components. This comparison or “gap
analysis” helps identify areas of your safety program that need further development
in order to have a fully operational SMS in your company.
Safety 1st provides two separate gap analysis tools. The first is the FAA Air Carrier
Detailed Gap Analysis Tool (to download click here), designed for FAR 135 air
charter operators, and reviews the following activities (as applicable):
Flight operations
Dispatch/flight following
Maintenance and inspection
Cabin safety
Ground handling and servicing
Cargo handling
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 31
Training
The second tool is the SMS Gap Analysis Survey (to download click here), and is
designed for FBOs. Both gap analysis tools review a company‟s adherence to the
SMS components outlined in FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 120-92A.
4. SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN
In order for your company to implement an effective SMS, it‟s important to define
the organization‟s safety objectives, what form the safety system will take and who
will assume responsibility for the safety system. This involves defining the
organization‟s overall approach to integrating safety as a primary business function.
The Safety 1st SMS contains three principle objectives:
Define a clear corporate safety policy.
Define roles, responsibilities, and organizational reporting structures for all
personnel involved in safety.
A description of the SMS components.
Your company‟s safety policy should clearly state the company‟s intentions,
management system, and objectives to achieve continuous improvements in safety.
This can be accomplished through documented policies describing what
organizational processes and structures it will use to achieve the SMS. This should
also contain a statement outlining the company‟s objectives and the outcomes it
hopes to achieve through its SMS. Other elements should include:
Establishing safety as a core value.
Setting safety goals that will be revised annually based on performance.
Measuring safety performance.
An effective safety policy must clearly communicate top management‟s commitment.
This commitment should explain how the company will devote appropriate time,
resources, and attention to organizational safety. (A sample company safety
commitment policy can be accessed by clicking here.)
Top management‟s commitment should be documented in a manner that expresses
clear direction. The safety policy should allocate responsibilities and hold employees
accountable for meeting safety performance goals.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 32
The safety policy should include top management‟s commitment to:
Implement and maintain the SMS.
Continuously improve the level of safety.
Manage safety risk.
Comply with applicable regulatory requirements.
Encourage employees to report safety issues without reprisal.
The safety policy should:
Establish clear standards for acceptable behavior for all employees.
Provide management guidance for setting safety objectives.
Be documented.
Be communicated with visible management endorsement to all employees
and responsible parties.
Be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and appropriate to the
organization.
Identify responsibility and accountability of management and employees
with respect to safety performance
The table below is an example of how to develop safety objectives.
OBJECTIVE SAFETY PERFORMANCE
MEASURES
Business Objectives:
Reduce Costs
Reduction in insurance rates
Safety Objectives:
Decrease the number and
severity of hangar rash incidents
Your company‟s specific
objectives
Total number of events
Number of damage-only events
Number of near-miss accidents
Lessons learned from event
analyses
Number of corrective action
plans developed and
implemented.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 33
5. SMS DOCUMENTATION
The SMS that your company ultimately develops must document the following
program elements:
Company Safety Policy and Objectives
Duties and Responsibilities
Safety Focal Point
Hazard Identification
Accident/Incident Reporting
Self-Disclosure
Safety Investigation
Safety Committee
Safety Communications
Accident Prevention
Safety Data Management
Quality System Oversight
Each SMS program element should address the following three documentation
requirements:
The identification of applicable health and safety and industry regulations,
standards, and accepted practices.
Consolidated documentation describing the systems for each component of
the SMS.
The implementation of changes required by changes to health, safety,
industry regulations, standards, and recommended practices.
Note: A sample SMS implementation timeline can be accessed by clicking here.
6. SAFETY TRAINING
Training is fundamental to effective job performance. Effective performance means
compliance with the requirements of safety, profitability and quality.
To meet this training need, it‟s important to establish a program that ensures:
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 34
A systematic analysis, to identify the training needs of each job function
The establishment of training plans to meet the identified needs
The training is assessed and is effective, in that each training session has
been understood and the training program is relevant
Training involves the review of all occupations; analysis and observation of critical
activities, accident and incident analysis and statutory requirements. The objective of
all training is to provide employees with the skills and knowledge to carry out their
duties safely and effectively.
All appropriate training methods including the additional training provided for Safety
1st participants should be used. Additionally, there is no substitute for practical on-
the-job instruction in some occupations. Whatever training techniques are adopted,
it‟s important that the effectiveness of the training is assessed and that training
records are maintained. Periodic reviews of the training program are required to
ensure that it remains relevant and effective.
Management Safety Awareness and Training
For the successful operation of any management system, it‟s essential that the
management team understand the principles on which the system is based. Effective
training of management ensures this objective. Training should provide everyone
with supervisory responsibility the necessary skills to implement and maintain the
SMS.
The training of managers and supervisors should include:
Initial training, soon after appointment to a supervisory position, to acquaint
new managers and supervisors with the principles of the SMS, their
responsibilities and accountability for safety and statutory requirements.
Detailed training in the SMS, to include the background and rationale behind
each element.
Skills training in relevant areas such as communications and safety auditing.
Conducting group meetings.
Learning how to focus on safety - no matter what the task.
Regular update and refresher training as applicable.
Training courses should be tailored to ensure that managers and supervisors are
familiar with the principles of your company‟s SMS and their responsibilities and
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 35
accountabilities for safety. On-site training ensures that all staff are acquainted with
the relevant information appropriate to their function.
For successful SMS implementation, it‟s also important that the safety manager
receive training early-on. The safety manager needs to understand the details of the
SMS, and techniques for implementing its elements. As the focal point for the
system, the safety manager should be thoroughly conversant with the program and
safety management principles.
Safety Orientation
Safety orientation in the work place begins on the first day of employment or job
reassignment. The plan for conducting initial safety orientation of an employee
should include:
A thorough review of your company‟s SMS.
The employee‟s supervisor should assist the employee regarding the general
content of the safety program. Emphasis should be placed on employee
specific rules, policies and procedures that will directly affect the employee
in the performance of his/her duties.
Each employee should be advised by his/her direct supervisor that
compliance with rules and policies of the SMS is a condition of employment.
Every employee will have job-specific training and trained by his/her supervisor on
the proper performance of his/her duties to ensure these duties are carried out in a
safe and proper manner.
Job-specific training can be accomplished by computer-based, and/or on-the-
job training.
The safety manager should, based on job hazard analyses of the employee‟s
job, determine and schedule required safety training.
The following steps should be completed before releasing an employee to carry out a
specific job function unsupervised:
The supervisor should carefully review with the employee all general and
specific rules, policies, and procedures to ensure the safety of company
operations and compliance with appropriate labor statutes.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 36
Employees should be given verbal instruction and specific directions on the
proper performance of work practices.
As required, employees should be given a demonstration of job tasks.
Employees should be observed performing actual work previously
demonstrated. As necessary, remedial instruction will be provided to correct
training deficiencies prior to final release of an employee to perform
unsupervised work.
Employees and supervisors should be given safe operating instructions, if
available, from an authorized equipment vendor prior to the use and
operation of new equipment or processes.
Supervisors should review safe work practice options with employees prior
to permitting any new, non-routine, or specialized procedures in the
workplace.
Recurrent Safety Training
The Safety 1st SMS Guide
Applicable continuing education
Local operational safety issues
Seasonal or event safety issues
Industry trends and best practices
Lessons learned
Locally developed training should be included in the employee-training record, to
include course contents, and a syllabus should be maintained at each location or
accessible on your company‟s network.
In order for employees to comply with all safety requirements, they need the
appropriate information, skills, and training. The training should include initial,
recurrent and any updates specific to the SMS.
Employee participation in recurrent safety training should be documented in their
permanent employee training record.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 37
CHAPTER 3: HAZARD
IDENTIFICATION & SAFETY
REPORTING
Contents:
1. Hazard Identification Process
2. Non-Punitive Hazard Reporting
3. Accident/Incident Reporting
4. Investigation
5. Safety Committee
6. Safety Communication
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 38
1. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
This section provides guidance to develop your company‟s hazard identification
process.
A hazard is any real or potential condition that can cause injury, illness, or death to
people; damage to or loss of a system, equipment, or property; or damage to the
operating environment.
The safety manager should involve all operational and technical departments, such as
flight operations, maintenance, dispatch, line service and customer service, and any
other departments as appropriate (e.g., risk management, human resources) in the
hazard identification process. Involving these groups or personnel will help minimize
errors and omissions, ensure a quality analysis, and encourage employee “buy in” to
the process.
The hazard identification process consists of four steps:
Step One: Review the company‟s incident/accident history with all operational and
applicable administrative departments, e.g., risk management, human resources, etc.
The review should focus on indicators of existing hazards and associated controls (if
any) and determine whether the hazards were correctly identified and/or the
associated controls were adequate.
Step Two: Conduct a preliminary job assessment, such as a job hazard analysis (see
page 40). The safety manager should review with all operational employees the
hazards they know currently exist in each work area, job assignment, and within the
airport environment. Brainstorming should be encouraged during these discussions to
foster new ideas to either eliminate or control hazards.
It‟s important to understand all the steps or tasks associated with each job. One
method of understanding job tasks is to observe employees performing the job and
list each step as it‟s accomplished. Record enough information without making it too
lengthy. Obtain input from the employee performing the job. Review the recorded
job steps or tasks with the employee to ensure nothing important is omitted.
Note: Reassure the employee being observed that the intent of this exercise is to
evaluate the job itself, not the employee‟s performance.
If any hazards are identified that pose an immediate danger to employees, customers,
aircraft, equipment or facilities, the safety manager should take immediate preventive
action. Do not wait to complete a job hazard analysis.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 39
Step Three: List, rank, and set priorities for the identified hazards. List jobs with
hazards that present unacceptable risks, based on those most likely to occur and with
the most severe consequences.
Step Four: Identify effective controls to reduce or better manage the hazards
associated with the task or job.
Hazard Identification and Controls
There are many ways of identifying hazards and quantifying risks, but success
requires thinking by people who are unencumbered by past ideas and experiences.
Some hazards might be obvious, such as a lack of training, or they might be subtle,
such as the insidious effects of long-term fatigue from long duty or work days.
Depending on the size and complexity of your operation, there are several useful
methods of identifying hazards:
Brainstorming - small discussion groups meet to generate ideas in a non-
judgmental way.
Formal review of standards, procedures and systems.
Staff surveys or questionnaires.
One person standing back from the operation and critically observing.
Internally or externally conducted safety assessments.
Confidential reporting systems.
An effective tool for identifying hazards is the job hazard analysis. A job hazard
analysis (JHA) is an exercise in safety detective work. The safety manager should
provide the following guidance to all operational and technical departments and
affected employees in identifying hazards to allow them to better complete a JHA.
The goal is to identify hazards by asking:
What can go wrong?
What are the consequences?
How could it arise?
How likely is it that the hazard will occur?
Documenting the answers to the previous questions in a consistent manner will help
identify hazards and implement hazard controls.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 40
A good hazard scenario describes:
Where it is happening (environment)?
Who or what it is happening to (exposure)?
What precipitates the hazard (trigger)?
The outcome that would result should it occur (consequence)?
Any other contributing factors?
Note: Rarely is a hazard a simple case of one singular cause resulting in one singular
effect. Often, many contributing factors line up a certain way to create the hazard.
Job Hazard Analysis
Date:
Job Title/Task: Aircraft Fueling
Department: Line Service
JHA No.: Line Service 1
Personal Protective Equipment: Vest, Eye & Hearing Protection, Gloves
Basic Job Steps Hazards Hazard Control
1. Drive fuel truck to aircraft. 1. Truck unsafe to operate.
Consequences:
Damage to property
Injuries
Fuel Spill
1. Inspect the truck at the
start of each shift.
2. Train each driver on
inspection procedures.
3. Perform scheduled
maintenance/inspections.
4. Remove truck from
service if unsafe to use.
Audited By / Date: Approved By:
NOTE: A sample Job Hazard Analysis form can be accessed by clicking here.
Alternative Hazard Identification Techniques
One example of a system to proactively identify hazards is to establish groups to
identify safety hazards by the following steps:
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 41
Identify potential operational hazards that could threaten the safety of
employees, customers, passengers, company facilities, company assets, or
customer property
Rank the severity of the hazards
Identify current defenses
Evaluate the effectiveness of each defense
Identify additional defenses.
Assess the Hazards
The next step in the process is to critically assess the hazards and rank risks. Factors
to consider are: the likelihood of the occurrence and the severity of the consequences.
For example, an in-flight fire might be a rare occurrence, but could be catastrophic. It
would rank above a bird strike which, although much more likely to occur, is
normally less severe. There are various ways of conducting this assessment. Further
information is provided in Chapter 5, Safety Risk Management.
Identify the Defenses
Once the hazards are identified and their risks approximately ranked, defenses
(controls) to protect against the hazards should be identified. Examples include:
Ensuring that operating procedures are properly documented and
implemented. For example, a defense against an unoccupied vehicle rolling
into an aircraft would be a policy requiring that all vehicles be “chocked,”
with the parking brake set and in “park.”
Implementing automated caution and warning systems.
Installing protective guards and shields.
Requiring the use of personal protective equipment.
Assess the Defenses (Hazard Controls)
The appropriateness of hazard controls should be assessed. How effective are the
hazard controls? Would they prevent the occurrence (i.e., do they remove the hazard
and eliminate or minimize the risk), or do they minimize the likelihood or the
consequences? If the controls minimize the hazard and likelihood of occurrence, how
effective are they? An example of determining the effectiveness of a hazard control is
to ask questions. For example, are employees trained on the use of the fire
extinguishers, and are the extinguishers inspected and maintained?
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 42
Identify the Need for Hazard Elimination and Avoidance, or for Further
Defenses
Each hazard and its control should be critically examined to determine whether the
risk is appropriately managed or controlled. If the risk is properly managed or
controlled, the operation can continue. If not, steps should be taken to either improve
the hazard control or to remove/avoid the hazard. For example, the company provides
recurrent training for all employees in the correct use of fire extinguishers.
In some instances, a range of solutions to a risk may be available. Some are typically
engineering solutions (e.g., redesign), which are generally the most effective, but
may be expensive. Others involve control (e.g., operating procedures) and personnel
(e.g., training) and may be less costly. In practice, a balance needs to be found
between the cost and practicality of the various solutions.
The safety manager should recommend change or action to top management.
Whether or not the recommendation is acted upon needs to be monitored, and a
further cycle of risk management performed.
System Risks
A system is defined as “an integrated set of constituent elements that are combined in
an operational or support environment to accomplish a specific mission or objective.”
System elements can include people, hardware, software, procedures, facilities,
services, etc.
Systems can have extensive human interaction, complicated machines and
environmental exposures. Humans must monitor systems (e.g., pilot, aircraft, etc.),
and conduct design, maintenance, assembly and installation efforts. The automation
can be comprised of extensive hardware, software and firmware. If automation is not
appropriately designed, potentially unacceptable system risks or system accidents can
result. Environmental considerations can be extreme: harsh climates, noise, radiation,
etc.
Hazard Prevention
In order to prevent hazards, information obtained from a JHA can be used to
implement hazard control measures recommended in the analysis for each job. The
safety manager should provide recommendations for hazard control to top
management for review. Except for hazards requiring immediate attention, top
management should provide feedback to the safety manager within five business days
after initial receipt of the recommendations.
The following is the order of precedence and effectiveness when implementing
hazard controls:
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 43
Engineering Control
Administrative Control
Personal Protective Equipment
1. Engineering controls include:
Eliminate/minimize the hazard: Design the facility, equipment, or process to
remove the hazard, or substitute processes, equipment, materials or other
factors to reduce the hazard.
Enclose the hazard, such as enclosures for noisy equipment.
Isolate the hazard with inter-locks, guards or other means.
Remove or redirect the hazard, such as with local and exhaust ventilation/jet
blast.
2. Administrative controls include:
Documented standard operating procedures and safe work practices.
Exposure time limitations.
Monitoring the use of hazardous materials.
Alarms, signs, whistles, and warnings.
Buddy system
Training
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes items, such as respirators, hearing
protection, protective clothing, reflective clothing and safety glasses. These may be
acceptable as a control method in the following circumstances:
When engineering controls are not feasible or do not totally eliminate the
hazard.
While engineering controls are being developed.
When safe work practices do not provide sufficient additional protection.
During emergencies when engineering controls may not be feasible.
The use of one hazard control method over another higher in the control precedence
may be appropriate for providing interim protection until the hazard is either
minimized or eliminated permanently. If the hazard cannot be eliminated entirely, the
adopted control measures will likely be a combination of all three items instituted
simultaneously.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 44
2. NON-PUNITIVE HAZARD REPORTING
History has shown that successful companies in safety-critical industries have
implemented an SMS to produce significant and permanent improvements in safety.
Your company recognizes that, to ensure safety awareness remains constant, the
safety culture must encourage openness and trust between management and
employees. Everyone should feel free to report incidents and events without the fear
of retribution. Reporting situations, events and practices that compromise safety
should be a priority for all employees.
A near miss that goes unreported due to the fear of retribution could lead to a serious
accident.
For your SMS to be effective, the organization must have a positive safety culture.
Maintaining the safety of flight, ground, and maintenance operations are your
company‟s most important commitment. To ensure that commitment, it‟s imperative
that you have uninhibited reporting of all incidents and occurrences that compromise
the safety of your operations.
Each employee should accept the responsibility to communicate any information that
may affect the integrity of company safety. Employees must be assured that this
communication will never result in reprisal, thus allowing a timely, uninhibited flow
of information to occur.
All employees should be advised that your company will not initiate disciplinary
actions against an employee who discloses an incident or occurrence involving
safety. This policy cannot apply to criminal or willful infractions. (A sample non-
punitive reporting policy can be accessed by clicking here.)
The Hazard Reporting Form should be used by all employees for reporting
information concerning company safety. The forms are designed to protect the
identity of the employee providing the information, and should be readily available in
all work areas. All employees should be encouraged to use this program to help your
company provide your customers and employees with the highest level of safety. The
Hazard Reporting Form can be accessed by clicking here.
Hazard Report Processing Procedures
All hazard reports should be forwarded to the safety manager for initial
processing.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 45
The safety manager should notify the individual submitting the report,
usually by email, and inform them that the report was received.
The safety manager should enter the report information into a confidential
database.
After reviewing the report, the safety manager should task the responsible
department(s) to address the issue(s) identified, usually within 15 days. (This
can be accomplished either by a corrective action to correct the issue, or by a
corrective action plan with a timeline on when the issue will be corrected.)
Depending on the nature of the problem, and with the approval of top management,
more time can be allotted. If a corrective action plan is provided, and the issues are
not time critical, the follow-up date can be adjusted to reflect the completion date of
the corrective action plan.
The safety manager should enter the report information into its tracking system and:
Track the report as open. The safety manager monitors the progress of the
report to ensure the report is answered in the time allotted.
Enter all corrective actions in the tracking system and close the report.
Notify the report submitter of the report status if the follow-up date is
changed and of the corrective action taken when the report is closed.
3. ACCIDENT / INCIDENT REPORTING
All accidents and incidents involving any employee or asset should be immediately
reported to the safety manager or designated senior manager. The safety manager or
designated senior manager should be reachable on a 24-hour basis via an emergency
communication listing provided by your company. A written account of the accident
or incident should be submitted as soon as possible, normally within 24 hours after
the occurrence.
To officially report an accident as required by Part 830 of the National Transportation
Safety Board‟s Regulations, NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident
Report should be completed and can be accessed by clicking here.
A plain document can be used if the recommended form is not available. All reports
should be faxed or emailed to the appropriate personnel within your organization.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 46
The appropriate supervisor/manager should forward the report to the safety manager
and all other applicable departments.
Pictures and witness statements should be taken immediately, if possible.
To the extent possible, the following information should be included in the initial
report of an accident or incident, as applicable:
Description of the occurrence (include weather conditions, etc.)
Time of occurrence
Location of the occurrence
Number of persons involved
Number and description of injuries (all persons)
If an aircraft is involved:
a. Type, nationality, and registration of the aircraft;
b. Name of the owner, and operator of the aircraft;
c. Name of the Pilot in Command;
d. Date and time of the accident;
e. Last point of departure and point of intended landing of the aircraft;
f. Position of the aircraft with reference to some easily defined
geographical point;
g. Number of persons onboard, number fatally injured, and number
seriously injured;
h. Nature of the accident, the weather and the extent of damage to the
aircraft, so far as is known;
i. A description of any explosives, radioactive materials, or other
dangerous articles carried.
Other property or equipment damage
Description of hazardous material/restricted articles that may be involved
Employee names and names of others involved
Description of actions taken to secure damaged equipment and cargo
Details of any investigation performed by the airport authority, or other
agency
Name and phone number of the person reporting the occurrence
Name and phone number of witnesses
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 47
Name of hospital and doctors treating the injured
Accident/Incident Investigation Process
All accident/incident and injury reports should be submitted to the safety manager.
This should be accomplished within 24 hours of the occurrence.
The safety manager, based on the severity of the accident/incident and all other
factors will determine the appropriate category of accident/incident (i.e., hangar,
ramp, equipment, etc.) in order to facilitate the data collection process.
Safety 1st provides two reporting forms that can be used by your company: an
Air Safety Report that can be accessed by clicking here, and a Ground Event
Reporting Form that can be accessed by clicking here.
Upon receipt of report conclusions, the safety manager will report to the
safety committee, which will recommend corrective action(s) and the safety
manager will monitor the corrective action plan.
The safety manager will notify the individual that originally submitted the
report of the corrective action taken in response to the report.
If there is any doubt, a report should be filed for any of the following:
Inadvertent violation of FARs, company policies and/or procedures.
System defect occurs that adversely affects the handling characteristics of
ground support equipment or aircraft and renders it unfit for the intended use
An emergency is declared
Safety equipment or procedures are defective or inadequate
Deficiencies exist in operating procedures, manuals or instructions
Incorrect loading of fuel, cargo or dangerous goods
Ground damage occurs
A runway or taxiway excursion/incursion occurs
Significant handling difficulties are experienced
Communications fail or are impaired
Serious loss of braking, aircraft or ground equipment
Any part of an aircraft or ground equipment is sabotaged or vandalized
Security procedures are breached
Foreign Object Damage (FOD) occurs
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 48
A co-worker improperly performs their job or puts personnel and/or
equipment at risk
Equipment abuse
Any other event considered to have serious safety implications
The aim is to reveal problems and shortcomings that could lead to accidents.
Typically such shortcomings can be inadequate equipment or procedures, lack of
effective training, or the use of inappropriate materials. The outcome should be
action to reduce and control risks.
4. INVESTIGATION
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT INVESTIGATION PROCESS
If an event or occurrence is determined to be an accident (see definitions section), the
procedures listed in the Accident/Incident Investigation Process (Appendix D) and/or
your company procedures should be followed.
Incident investigations are to be initially performed by the safety manager as soon as
possible after an occurrence classified as an incident or accident. The location and
details of an occurrence should be carefully analyzed, and all witnesses interviewed,
to identify potential contributing factors. This must be accomplished as soon as
possible so that corrective measures can be quickly implemented to prevent similar
situations from reoccurring.
The safety manager should investigate all employee incidents and file an
accident/incident or injury report to top management that specifies the corrective
action(s) or interim measures taken to prevent a recurrence. If recommendations are
included with the report, top management or the safety manager should consider
immediate action on those recommendations. When applicable, the safety manager
should perform a root cause analysis. A Root Cause Tutorial can be viewed by
clicking here.
Applicable occurrences resulting in lost time must also be reported to the Human
Resources Department who will, in turn, report the occurrence to the Department of
Labor (DOL) on the applicable DOL form. Any accident resulting in the death of a
worker must be reported immediately to the Human Resources and Safety
Departments.
Safety 1st has provided an Accident Investigation Process guide that can be accessed
by clicking here.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 49
5. SAFETY COMMITTEE
The safety committee should meet at least quarterly, and should accomplish the
following:
Review status of current accidents and incidents and corrective action(s)
Review status of hazard reports and corrective action(s)
Review safety audit reports and corrective action(s)
Review and resolution of any safety matters brought before the committee.
Duties and Responsibilities
The safety committee serves as liaison between all company employees and
top management.
The safety committee approves, rejects or recommends action on any safety
related matter brought before them.
The safety committee chair signs the meeting minutes, thereby allowing the
minutes to be implemented.
The safety committee monitors the company‟s safety training and awareness
programs.
It is recommended that the CEO or a designated manager serve as chair of the safety
committee. The chair will appoint the committee membership. The safety manager
will serve as recorder and will prepare meeting agendas and minutes.
Safety Committee Management
Safety committee management is a function of the safety manager. The following
outlines safety committee management protocols:
Safety committee meeting schedules should be provided to membership at
least one week prior to meeting.
The safety committee meeting agenda should be developed and completed
prior to publishing meeting schedules.
The safety committee meeting agenda should be distributed to each member
in conjunction with the meeting schedule.
Every effort should be made to resolve each agenda item.
After the conclusion of the safety meeting, a draft of the meeting minutes
should be prepared and distributed to attendees with a request for revisions,
additions or clarifications.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 50
Final safety committee meeting minutes should be signed by the committee
chair.
The final meeting minutes should then be distributed to all committee
members for implementation.
Follow up on any open item(s) to ensure corrective actions are in compliance
with the action(s) required and within the time period allotted.
Safety Committee Chair Responsibilities
The following describes the safety committee chair‟s responsibilities:
Obtain group consensus on all issues discussed.
Ensure adherence to meeting schedule.
Dispute resolution and control of the committee.
Safety committee records should be maintained by the safety manager. Agendas and
minutes should be retained for a minimum of two years or as prescribed by your
company‟s document retention policy.
6. SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
Safety communications should heighten safety awareness among all employees. They
include the following:
1. The safety manager should distribute, at a minimum, company safety updates
to all operational personnel. The updates should include, but not be limited
to, the following topics:
a. Safety 1st
information
b. NATA and NATA Safety 1st newsletters
c. Safety Committee meeting highlights
d. Company memos from top management addressing safety
e. Incidents and lessons learned
f. Workers‟ Compensation data
g. Airport provided safety alerts and information
h. Industry specific information
i. OEM/equipment manufacturer recommendations
Participant Advisory:
Especially in small companies
where the Safety Manager
position is out of necessity an
additional duty, it may be
advisable to enlist the aid of one
or more other employees to
assist in the generation and
dissemination of Safety
Communications.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 51
j. Other safety-related trends as may be provided by your insurance
company or insurance broker
k. FAA recommendations, ASRS Callback, FOQA Program (if
applicable)
l. Company originating “Safety Alerts” (items reported by fellow
employees)
m. Other safety related trends as may be provided by your insurance
company or broker.
2. The frequency of communication is crucial to keeping safety fresh and on the
minds of all employees. Monthly safety communications, where the safety
manager supplies the above information to all employees, regardless of shift
or location is recommended. You can also stagger your communications to
be distributed on a monthly and a quarterly basis. It‟s important to a constant
flow of communication, and to focus on the critical issues.
Note: Safety newsletters become ineffective when they fail to focus on the
big topics. Yes, you can mention the employee barbeque, however; keep
safety as the main theme.
Directing safety communications only to specific personnel prevents you
from taking advantage of the multiple sets of eyes you have available. All
employees should get the message. They could have additional ideas to share
on how to solve problems. Take advantage of all of the resources you have
available.
3. The safety manager should also maintain a safety page on the company
website or on the company‟s safety bulletin board that lists pertinent safety-
related information.
EMPLOYEE – MANAGEMENT INTERNAL COMMUNICATION
Employees are encouraged to express their concerns or ideas to the safety
manager. Concerns or ideas can be submitted either verbally or in writing.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 52
However, having the ideas documented creates a record that can be tracked
and filed. A verbal comment can lose its impact in translation over time.
Written correspondence should include employee names and contact
information in the event additional information is required and/or to provide
feedback.
o Feedback is important, as the employees will provide suggestions
willingly if they know that they are being taken seriously and that
their input matters to top management. Provide frequent feedback to
the employee on the progress of the idea or suggestion. Be truthful: if
the idea or suggestion won‟t work, provide an explanation. They‟ll
appreciate being in the loop.
Employee generated concerns or suggestions should be shared with appropriate
technical departments.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 53
CHAPTER 4: ACCIDENT
PREVENTION PROGRAM & ROOT
CAUSE ANALYSIS
Contents:
1. Accident Prevention Program
2. Safety Data Management
3. Root Cause Analysis
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 54
1. ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM
GENERAL
The accident prevention program is intended to minimize the accident threat to
employees, aircraft, and equipment. This program takes an integrated view of all
functions to provide people with a safe and productive environment for the
accomplishment of required tasks. It provides for the reporting of unsafe conditions
and practices that could result in personal injury or equipment damage. It requires the
thorough investigation and resolution of reported or observed conditions that are
considered to be a threat to personnel or property.
Accident prevention involves every facet of your company‟s operations and
management. Ground personnel should be observant of every phase of line
operations and, if they believe unsafe or emergency conditions could arise for which
there are no established procedures, they are encouraged to submit a hazard report.
The following list of responsibilities provide for rapid communication and resolution
of safety matters. The safety manager will:
Act as the focal point for all reports, audits, accident prevention matters, and
accident/incident reporting/investigation.
Coordinate directly with other departments to develop recommendations for
interdepartmental safety matters.
Investigate accidents and incidents involving flight and ground operations,
and develop recommendations to eliminate any identified hazards.
Act as liaison with outside agencies concerning accident prevention and
investigation.
Maintain an active safety training program and have all employees
participate in the SMS training.
Compile accident and incident data to determine trends requiring preventive
actions and provide feedback within flight and ground operations on accident
and incident investigations.
Conduct audits to determine accident potential involving flight and ground
operations personnel, procedures, and equipment and make appropriate
recommendations to top management.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 55
2. SAFETY DATA MANAGEMENT
SAFETY DATABASE
All safety data collected by the safety manager should be entered into a company
database for tracking, analysis and trending.
3. ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
BENEFITS
Root Cause Analysis is utilized to eliminate the most basic reason for an undesirable
condition or problem. The root cause analysis process is useful because it helps in
getting to the real causal factors that lead to an adverse event or undesirable outcome,
and provides insight into how an organization can proactively minimize future risks.
Root cause analysis can:
Identify barriers and the causes of problems, so that permanent solutions can
be found.
Develop a logical, systematic approach to problem solving.
Assist in solving problems with data that already exists.
Identify organizational improvement opportunities.
Establish repeatable, step-by-step processes, in which one process can
confirm the results of another.
Root cause analysis focuses on systems and processes, not on people or individual
performance, because if a process is broken or needs improvement, then the problem
will recur again and again. Ultimately, root cause analysis is about prevention;
discovering the root causes of problems so that steps can be taken to prevent a
recurrence.
Root cause analysis is a valuable tool to evaluate causal factors after an undesirable
event. The information can be used to identify problematic areas and to be proactive
in preventing a recurrence. This approach enables you to prevent problems before
they occur.
A tutorial on root cause analysis can be accessed here. This can be used to
augment your local investigation and analysis.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 56
CHAPTER 5: SAFETY RISK
MANAGEMENT
Contents:
The Safety Risk Management Process
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 57
THE SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS
General
This section discusses the principles of safety risk management (SRM) and the SRM
process.
All incidents that could have resulted in an accident should be reported to determine
relevant factors and to implement preventive action.
SRM is a decision-making tool to systematically identify operational risks and
benefits, and determine the best courses of action for any given situation, e.g.,
performing a risk analysis before every flight. The risk management process is
designed to minimize risks in order to prevent accidents, preserve assets, and
safeguard the health and welfare of people.
Risk management, as discussed throughout this guide is proactive. We manage risk
whenever we modify the way we do something to make our chances of success as
great as possible, while minimizing the likelihood of failure, injury or loss. It‟s a
commonsense approach to balancing the risks against the benefits to be gained in a
situation, then choosing the most effective course of action.
Often, the approach to risk management is highly dependent on individual methods
and experience levels and is usually highly reactive. It‟s natural to focus on those
hazards that have caused problems in the past.
Risk is defined as the probability and severity of an accident or loss from exposure to
various hazards, including injury to people and loss of resources. All aviation
operations involve risk, and require decisions that include risk assessment and risk
management.
Safety Risk Management (SRM) is a formal way of thinking about these things. SRM
is a six-step process, which identifies operational hazards and takes reasonable
measures to reduce risk to personnel, equipment and the mission.
Risk management must be a fully integrated part of planning and executing any
operation, routinely applied by management, and not a way of reacting when some
unforeseen problem occurs. Careful determination of risks, along with analysis and
control of the hazards they create results in a plan of action that anticipates
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 58
difficulties that could arise under varying conditions, and pre-determines ways of
dealing with these difficulties. Managers are responsible for the routine use of risk
management at every level of activity, starting with the planning of that activity and
continuing through its completion.
Figure 5-1 (below) lists the objectives of the SRM process: protecting people,
equipment and other resources, while making the most effective use of them.
Preventing accidents, and in turn reducing losses, is an important aspect of meeting
this objective. In turn, by minimizing the risk of injury and loss, we ultimately reduce
costs and stay on schedule. Thus, the fundamental goal of risk management is to
enhance the effectiveness of people and equipment by determining how they are most
efficiently to be used.
Figure 5-1. Objectives of the SRM process include protecting people, equipment and
other resources, while making the most effective use of them.
SRM Principles
Four principles govern all actions associated with safety risk management. These
continuously employed principles are applicable before, during and after all tasks and
operations, by individuals at all levels of responsibility.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 59
1. Accept No Unnecessary Risk
Unnecessary risk is that which carries no commensurate return in terms of benefits or
opportunities. Everything involves risk. The most logical choices for accomplishing
an operation are those that meet all requirements with the minimum acceptable risk.
The corollary to this is “accept necessary risk,” required to successfully complete the
operation or task.
2. Make Risk Decisions at the Appropriate Level
Anyone can make a risk decision. However, the appropriate decision-maker is the
person who can allocate the resources to reduce or eliminate the risk and implement
controls. The decision-maker must be authorized to accept levels of risk typical of the
planned operation (i.e., loss of operational effectiveness, normal wear and tear on
material). Decisions should be elevated to the next level in the management chain
when the available controls will not reduce risk to an acceptable level.
3. Accept Risk When Benefits Outweigh the Costs
All identified benefits should be compared against all identified costs. Even high-risk
endeavors may be undertaken when there is clear knowledge that the sum of the
benefits exceeds the sum of the costs. Balancing costs and benefits is a subjective
process, and ultimately the balance may have to be arbitrarily determined by the
appropriate decision-maker.
4. Integrate SRM into Planning at all Levels
Risks are more easily assessed and managed in the planning stages of an operation.
The later changes are made in the process of planning and executing an operation, the
more expensive and time-consuming they will become.
When applying the SRM process, risk management is a proactive activity that
quantitatively assesses identified hazards and assists in selecting actions to maintain
an appropriate level of safety when faced with these hazards.
Six Steps for SRM
Step 1: Identify the Hazard
A hazard is defined as any real or potential condition that can cause injury, illness, or
death; damage to or loss of a system, equipment or property; or damage to the
environment. Experience, common sense, and specific analytical tools help identify
risks. (A sample risk management workshop can be accessed by clicking here.)
Step 2: Assess the Risk
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 60
The assessment step is the application of quantitative and qualitative measures to
determine the level of risk associated with specific hazards. This process defines the
probability and severity of an accident that could result from the hazards based upon
the exposure of humans or assets to the hazards.
Step 3: Analyze Risk Control Measures
Investigate specific strategies and tools that reduce, mitigate, or eliminate the risk.
All risks have three components: probability of occurrence, severity of the hazard,
and the exposure of people and equipment to the risk. Effective control measures
reduce or eliminate at least one of these. The analysis must take into account the
overall costs and benefits of remedial actions, providing alternative choices if
possible.
Step 4: Make Control Decisions
Identify the appropriate decision-maker. That decision-maker must choose the best
control or combination of controls, based on the analysis of step 3.
Step 5: Implement Risk Controls
Management must formulate a plan for applying the controls that have been selected,
then provide the time, materials and personnel needed to put these measures in place.
Step 6: Supervise and Review
Once controls are in place, the process must be periodically reevaluated to ensure
their effectiveness. Workers and managers at every level must fulfill their respective
roles to assure that the controls are maintained over time. The risk management
process continues throughout the life cycle of the system, mission or activity.
Implementing the SRM Process
To derive maximum benefit from this process, it must be used properly. The
following principles are essential.
Apply the steps in sequence
Each step is a building block for the next, and must be completed before proceeding
to the next. If a hazard identification step is interrupted to focus upon the control of a
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 61
particular hazard, other, more important hazards may be overlooked. Until all hazards
are identified, the remainder of the process is not effective.
Maintain a balance in the process
All six steps are important. Allocate the time and resources to perform them all.
Apply the process in a cycle
The “supervise and review” step should include a fresh look at the operation being
analyzed, to see whether new hazards can be identified.
Involve people in the process
Ensure that the risk controls are mission supportive, and that the people who do the
work see them as positive actions. The people who are actually exposed to risks
usually know best what works and what does not.
Risk versus Benefit
Risk management is the logical process of weighing the potential costs of risks
against the possible benefits of allowing those risks to stand uncontrolled.
Types of Risk Defined
Identified risk: That risk that has been determined to exist using analytical tools. The
time and costs of analysis efforts, the quality of the risk management program, and
the state of the technology involved affect the amount of risk that can be identified.
Unidentified risk: That risk that has not yet been identified. Some risk is not
identifiable or measurable, but is no less important for that. Mishap investigations
may reveal some previously unidentified risks.
Total risk: The sum of identified and unidentified risk. Ideally, identified risk will
comprise the larger proportion of the two.
Acceptable risk: The part of identified risk that is allowed to persist after controls are
applied. Risk can be determined acceptable when further efforts to reduce it would
cause degradation of the probability of success of the operation, or when a point of
diminishing returns has been reached.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 62
Unacceptable risk: That portion of identified risk that cannot be tolerated, but must
be either eliminated or controlled.
Residual risk: The portion of total risk that remains after management efforts have
been employed. Residual risk comprises acceptable risk and unidentified risk.
Risk Identification
Once hazards have been identified, either through occurrence/hazard reporting, or a
safety assessment, the risk management process begins. Risk management is a
quantitative evaluation of the potential for injury or loss due to a hazard and the
management of that probability. This concept includes both the probability of a loss
and its severity. The basic elements of a risk management process are:
Risk Analysis
Risk Assessment
Risk Control
Monitoring
Risk Analysis is the first element in the risk management process. It includes risk
identification and risk estimation. Once a hazard has been identified the risks
associated with the hazard must be determined and the amount of risk estimated.
Risk Assessment takes the work completed during the risk analysis and goes one step
further by conducting a risk evaluation. Here, the probability and severity of the
hazard are assessed to determine the approximate level of risk. The risk assessment
matrix (Figure 5-2) provides a method to determine the level of risk.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 63
To use the risk assessment matrix effectively, everyone must have the same
understanding of the terminology used for probability and severity.
The safety manager should define when intervention is required. The company must
decide on an acceptable level of risk.
Figure 5-2. Risk assessment matrix.
Figure 5-3 (below) lists the definitions for the likelihood scale and Figure 5-4 (next
page) lists the definitions listed in severity scale used in the risk matrix.
Figure 5-3. Likelihood scale.
SEVERITY LIKELIHOOD
Catastrophic A
Hazardous B
Major C
Minor D
Negligible E
Frequent 5
5A 5B 5C 5D 5E
Occasional 4
4A 4B 4C 4D 4E
Remote 3
3A 3B 3C 3D 3E
Improbable 2
2A 2B 2C 2D 2E
Extremely Improbable
1 1A 1B 1C 1D 1E
Likelihood Scale Definitions
Frequent 5 Likely to occur many times (has occurred frequently).
Probable 4 Likely to occur some times (has occurred infrequently).
Occasional 3 Unlikely, but possible to occur (has occurred rarely).
Remote 2 Very unlikely to occur (not known to have occurred).
Extremely Improbable 1 Almost inconceivable that the event will occur.
Severity Scale Definitions
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 64
Figure 5-4. Severity scale.
Risk Control addresses any risks identified during the evaluation process that require
an action to be taken to reduce the risks to an acceptable level. This is the phase
where corrective action plan is developed.
Monitoring is essential to ensure that once the corrective action plan is in place, it is
effective in managing the risk(s) as desired. Monitoring also enables your Company
to adapt itself to changing environmental or operational conditions, equipment needs
or personnel changes.
The corrective action plan (CAP) that corresponds to an identified risk should be in
written form, identified by a number corresponding to the department, sequential
CAP for that area and current calendar year (i.e. FLT-001/2004 or GND-001/2004)
and maintained in a file (either electronic or hard copy). All of the CAPs should be
recorded on a spreadsheet by year and maintained by the safety manager.
In this way, the safety manager can monitor each CAP and its disposition, i.e.,
“completed” or “in progress.” When the safety manager or quality assurance manager
performs an internal audit on that department, they can check to see that the CAP is
in effect. If conditions have changed, rendering the original CAP ineffective, this
Catastrophic: A Multiple fatalities.
Equipment destroyed.
Hazardous: B
A large reduction in safety margins, physical distress or a workload such that the operators cannot be relied upon to perform their tasks accurately or completely.
Serious injury.
Major equipment damage.
Major: C
A significant reduction in safety margins, a reduction in the ability of the operator to cope with adverse operating conditions as a result of increase in workload, or as a result of conditions impairing their efficiency.
Serious Incident.
Injury to persons.
Minor: D
Nuisance.
Operating limitations.
Use of emergency procedures.
Minor incident.
Negligible: E
Little consequences.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 65
would be a good time to address the change by issuing a new CAP and starting the
process all over – that is recording the new CAP and providing oversight of the
implementation and future conformance to it. Module 7, “Safety Assurance,” has
additional information on how to proactively monitor CAPs.
Acceptability of Risk
Risk management requires a clear understanding of what constitutes acceptable risk,
i.e., when benefits outweigh costs. Accepting risk is a function of both risk
assessment and risk management, and is not as simple as it may first appear. Several
principles apply:
Some degree of risk is a fundamental reality
Risk management is a process of tradeoffs
Quantifying risk does not in itself ensure safety
Risk is often a matter of perspective
Realistically, some risk must be accepted. How much is accepted, or not
accepted, is the prerogative of the defined decision authority. That decision is
affected by many inputs. As tradeoffs are considered and operation-planning
progresses, it may become evident that some of the safety parameters are
forcing higher risk to successful operation completion. When a manager
decides to accept risk, the decision should be coordinated whenever practical
with the affected personnel and organizations, and then documented so that
in the future everyone will know and understand the elements of the decision
and why it was made.
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 66
CHAPTER 6: HUMAN FACTORS
Contents:
1. Human Factors – Overview
2. Safety Culture
November 2013 © Safety 1st Page 67
1. HUMAN FACTORS - OVERVIEW
Introduction
General
Managing risk to an acceptable level is your company‟s main objective. A
major contributor to achieving that objective is a better understanding of
human factors and the broad application of its knowledge. Increasing
awareness of human factors in aviation will result in a safer and more
efficient working environment.
Through maximizing utilization of information and information technology,
Your company will use its best efforts to incorporate human factors practices
into all operational departments and technical programs.
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce this subject and to provide
guidelines for improving human performance through a better understanding
of the factors affecting it through the application of Crew Resource
Management (CRM) concepts in normal and emergency situations and
through understanding of the accident causation model.
The Meaning of Human Factors
Human Error
The human element is the most complex, flexible, adaptable and valuable
part of the aviation system. But it is also the most vulnerable to influence,
which can adversely affect its performance.
Lapses in human performance are continually cited as causal factors in the
majority of incidents/accidents, which are commonly attributed to “human
error.”
Human Factors have been progressively developed to enhance the safety of
complex systems, such as aviation, by promoting the understanding of
human limitations and its applications in order to properly manage the
“human error.” It is only when seeing such an error from an aviation
viewpoint that we can identify the causes that lead to it and address those
causes.
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What is Human Factors?
It studies people working together in concert with machines
It aims at achieving safety and efficiency by optimizing the role of people
whose activities relate to complex hazardous systems such as aviation
A discipline devoted to optimizing human performance and reducing human
error
It incorporates the methods and principles of the behavioral and social
sciences, physiology and engineering
The Aim of Human Factors in Aviation
General
We operate within the context of broad social, political, economic and
natural constraints that are usually beyond the control of both the
organization and its staff, yet we have to interact within these aspects of the
external environment. The external environment, the human/machine
interface, together with operational pressures can significantly affect human
performance.
Manufacturers study the interface between the machine and the human when
designing a new machine and its physical components. Seats are designed to
fit the sitting characteristics of the human body, controls are designed with
proper movement, instrumentation is designed to match human
characteristics, etc.
But even if the human/machine interface is not properly matched, humans
can adapt to it in short order and will mask any mismatch, without actually
removing it, thereby constituting a potential hazard. It‟s now common
practice for manufacturers to encourage airlines and professional
organizations to participate in the design phase of aircraft in order to address
such issues.
What is also important is the human/human interface, which represents the
interaction between us as humans. Adding proficient and effective
individuals together to form a group or a set of views does not automatically
ensure that the group will function in a proficient and effective way unless
they can function as a team. For them to successfully do so we need
leadership, good communication, crew-co-operation, teamwork and
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personality interactions. Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Line
Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) are two examples of accomplishing this
goal.
Corporate climate and company operating pressures can significantly affect
human performance. The advanced stage of CRM is when it becomes
Corporate or Company Resource Management, with staff/management
relationships providing the necessary leadership, interactions and teamwork.
The objective of human factors in aviation is to increase awareness of the
human element within the complex aviation system.
Safety and Efficiency
General
Safety and efficiency are so closely interrelated that in many cases their
influences overlap and factors affecting one may also affect the other.
Human factors have a direct impact on those two broad areas.
Safety is affected by the human/machine interface. Should a change affect
this interface the result could be catastrophic.
a. Safety is also affected by the quality of information. Incorrect
information set in the database and unnoticed by the crew or erroneously
entered by them can result in a tragedy.
b. Human interaction also plays a major role in safety. Failure to
communicate vital information can result in aircraft and life loss.
c. Safety is affected by the outside environment. Disgruntled individuals or
groups can give vent to their grievances, which could lead to a tragedy in
the workplace.
Efficiency is also directly influenced by human factors, and in turn has a
direct bearing on safety.
a. For instance, motivation constitutes a major boost for individuals to
perform with greater effectiveness, which will contribute to a safer
operation.
b. Properly trained and supervised crewmembers working in accordance to
SOP‟s are likely to perform more efficiently and safely.
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c. Cabin crew understanding of passenger behavior and the emotions they
can expect onboard is important in establishing a good relationship that
will not only improve the efficiency of service, but will also contribute to
the efficient and safe handling of emergency situations.
d. The proper layouts of displays and controls in the cockpit enhance flight
crew efficiency while promoting safety.
Factors Affecting Workplace Performance
General
Although the human element is the most adaptable component of the aviation
system, that component is influenced by many factors that will affect human
performance, such as fatigue, circadian rhythm disturbance, sleep
deprivation, health and stress. These factors are affected by environmental
constraints like temperature, noise, humidity, light, vibration, working hours
and load.
Fatigue
Fatigue may be physiological whenever it reflects inadequate rest, as well as
a collection of symptoms associated with disturbed or displaced biological
rhythms. It may also be psychological as a result of emotional stress, even
when adequate physical rest is taken.
a. Acute fatigue is induced by long duty periods or an accumulation of
particularly demanding tasks performed in a short period of time.
b. Chronic fatigue is the result of cumulative effects of fatigue over the
longer term. Temperature, humidity, noise, workstation design and
Hypoxia are all contributing factors to fatigue.
Circadian Rhythm Disturbance
Human body systems are regulated on a 24-hour basis by what is known as
the circadian rhythm. This cycle is maintained by several factors: day and
night, meals, social activities, etc. When this cycle is disturbed, it can
negatively affect safety and efficiency.
Circadian rhythm disturbance is not only expressed as jet lag resulting from
long-haul flights where many time zones are crossed, but can also result from
irregular or night scheduled short-haul flights.
Symptoms of circadian disturbance include sleep deprivation, disruption of
eating and elimination habits, lassitude, anxiety and irritability. This leads to
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slowed reaction, longer decision making times, inaccuracy of memory and
errors in computation, which will directly affect operational performance and
safety.
Sleep Deprivation
The most common symptom of circadian disturbance is sleep deprivation.
Tolerance to sleep disturbance varies between individuals and is mainly
related to body chemistry and emotional stress factors. In some cases sleep
disturbance can involve cases of overall sleep deprivation. In all cases,
reduced sleep will result in fatigue.
Some people have difficulty sleeping even when living in normal conditions
and in phase with the circadian rhythm. Their case is called Clinical
Insomnia. They should consult a medical doctor and refrain from using
drugs, tranquillizers or alcohol to induce sleep, as they all have side effects
that will negatively affect their performance and therefore the safety of
flights.
To overcome problems of sleep disturbance one should adapt a diet close to
meal times, learn relaxation techniques, optimise the sleeping environment,
recognize the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol and be familiar with the
disturbing effects of circadian disturbance, to regulate sleep accordingly.
Health
Certain pathological conditions (heart attacks, gastrointestinal disorders, etc.)
have caused sudden incapacitation and in rare cases have contributed to
accidents. But such incapacitation is usually easily detectable by other co-
workers and taken care of by applying the proper procedures.
The more dangerous type is developed when a reduction in capacity results
in a partial or subtle incapacitation. Such incapacitation may go undetected,
even by the person affected, and is usually produced by fatigue, stress, the
use of some drugs and medicines and certain mild pathological conditions
such as hypoglycemia. As a result of such health conditions, human
performance deteriorates in a manner that is difficult to detect and therefore,
has a direct impact on safety.
Even though aircrew are subject to regular medical examinations to ensure
their continuing health, that does not relieve them from the responsibility to
take all necessary precautions to maintain their physical fitness. Fitness has
favorable effects on emotions, reduces tension and anxiety and increases
resistance to fatigue. Factors known to positively influence fitness are
exercise, healthy diet and good sleep/rest management. Tobacco, alcohol,
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drugs, stress, fatigue and unbalanced diet are all recognized to have
damaging effects on health. Finally, it is each individual‟s responsibility to
arrive at the workplace “fit to fly”.
Stress
Stress can be found in many jobs, and the aviation environment is
particularly rich in potential stress generating situations. Some of these
stresses have been with aviation since the early days of flying, such as
weather phenomena or in-flight emergencies. Others like noise, vibration and
G-forces have been reduced with the advent of the jet age while disturbed
circadian rhythms and irregular night flying have increased.
Stress is also associated with life events, which are independent from the
aviation system, but tightly related to the human element. Such events could
be sad ones like a family separation, or happy ones like weddings or
childbirth. In all situations, individual responses to stress may differ from one
person to another, and any resulting damage should be attributed to the
response rather than the stress itself.
Individuals are encouraged to anticipate, recognize and cope with their own
stress and perceive and accommodate stress in others, thus managing stress
to a safe end. Failure to do so will only aggravate the stressful situation and
might lead to problems.
Personality vs. Attitude
General
Personality traits and attitudes influence the way we behave and interact with
others. Personality traits are inborn or acquired at a very young age. They are
deep-rooted, stable and resistant to change. They define a person and classify
him/her (e.g. ambitious, dominant, aggressive, mean, nice, etc.).
On the contrary, attitudes are learned and form tendencies or pre-dispositions
to respond in a certain way. The response is the behavior itself. Attitudes are
more susceptible to change through training, awareness or persuasion.
Our current initial screening and selection process of aircrew and other staff
aims at detecting undesired personality characteristics in the potential
crewmember or staff member in order to avoid problems in the future.
Human factors training aims at modifying attitudes and behavior patterns
through knowledge, persuasion and illustration, revealing the impact of
attitudes and behavior on safety.
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Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Maintenance Resource Management (MRM)
General
CRM and MRM are the practical application of human factors. Both teach
flight crew and maintenance technicians how to use their interpersonal and
leadership styles in ways that foster effectiveness by focusing on the
functioning of members as a team, not only as a collection of technically
competent individuals, i.e. it aims at making people work together.
Changes in aviation have been drastic throughout this century: the jet age,
airplane size, sophisticated technology, security threats, industrial strikes and
supersonic flights. In every one of those changes some people perceived a
threat, which made them anxious, even angry.
a. When first introducing CRM/MRM, some might see a threat, since it
constitutes a change. However, the majority of accidents involve
lapses in human performance as a contributing factor, so the
application of these techniques should be seen as a proactive
approach.
CRM/MRM can be introduced in many different ways. The following
essential features must be addressed: The concept must be understood,
certain skills must be taught and inter-active group exercises must be
accomplished.
To understand the concept one must be aware of the effects of individual
behavior on team work, the effect of complacency on team efforts, the
identification and use of all available resources, the statutory and regulatory
position of the pilot-in-command as team leader and Captain, the impact of
company culture and policies on the individual and the interpersonal
relationships and their effect on team work.
Skills to be Developed
Skills to be developed include:
a. Communication skills
(1) Effective communication is the basis of successful teamwork.
Barriers to communication are explained, such as cultural difference,
rank, age, crew position, and wrong attitude. Aircrews are
encouraged to overcome such barriers through self-esteem,
participation, polite assertiveness, legitimate avenue of dissent and
proper feedback.
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b. Situational Awareness
(1) Total awareness of the surrounding environment is emphasized, so is
the necessity for crewmembers to differentiate between reality and
perception of reality, to control distraction, enhance monitoring and
cross-checking and to recognize and deal with one‟s own or
another‟s incapacitation, especially when it can be partial or subtle.
c. Problem Solving and Decision Making
(1) This skill aims at developing conflict management within a time
constraint. A conflict could be immediate or ongoing; it could
require a direct response or certain tact to cope with it. By
developing judgment within a certain time frame, we develop skills
required to bring conflicts to safe ends.
d. Leadership
(1) In order for a team to function efficiently it requires a leader.
Leadership skills derive from authority but depend for their success
on the understanding of many components such as:
(a) managerial and supervisory skills that can be taught and
practiced.
(b) realizing the influence of culture on individuals,
(c) maintaining an appropriate distance between team members
enough to avoid complacency without creating barriers,
(d) care for one's professional skill and credibility
(e) the ability to hold the responsibility of all team members and the
necessity of setting the good example.
e. The improvement of these skills will allow the team to function more
efficiently by developing the leadership skills required to achieve
successful and smooth teamwork.
f. Stress Management
(1) Commercial pressure, mental and physical fitness to fly, fatigue,
social constraints and environmental constraints are all part of our
daily life and they all contribute in various degrees to stress. Stress
management is about recognizing those elements, dealing with one's
stress and helping others to manage their own. It is only by accepting
things that are beyond our control, changing things that we can and
knowing the difference between both that we can safely and
efficiently manage stress.
g. Critique
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(1) Discussion of cases and learning to comment and critique actions are
both ways to improve one's knowledge, skills and understanding.
Review of accidents and incidents to create problem-solving
dilemmas that we can act-out and critique through the use of feed-
back system will enhance team-members awareness of their
surrounding environment, make them recognize and deal with
similar problems and help them solve situations that might occur to
them.
h. For CRM/MRM to be successful it must be embedded within a total
training program, it must be continuously reinforced and it must become
an inseparable part of company culture.
2. SAFETY CULTURE
Your organization's culture is defined by what your employees do. Employee
decisions reveal a great deal about the values of your organization. The way your
managers and employees react to safety speaks more loudly than words about what
values motivate their actions. Safety culture is, "How you do things at your
organization.”
A safety culture requires effort on everyone‟s part. The good news is with senior
management leadership, it can be accomplished.
Safety culture is:
An informed culture o Employees understand the hazards and risks involved in your
operation
o Employees work continuously to identify and overcome threats to
safety
A just culture o Errors must be understood but willful violations cannot be tolerated
o Employees know and agree on what is acceptable and unacceptable
A reporting culture o Employees are encouraged to voice safety concerns
o Safety concerns are reported, analyzed and appropriate action is
taken
A learning culture o Employees are encouraged to develop and apply their own skills and
knowledge to enhance organizational safety
o Employees are updated on safety issues by management
o Safety reports are communicated to all employees so that everyone
learns the lessons
Organizational safety, from the worst to the best:
Pathological: The organization cares less about safety than about not being
caught.
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Reactive: The organization looks for fixes to accidents and incidents only
after they happen.
Calculative: The organization has systems in place to manage hazards,
however the system is applied mechanically. Employees and management
follow the procedures but do not necessarily believe those procedures are
critically important to their jobs or the operation.
Proactive: The organization has systems in place to manage hazards.
Employees and management have begun to acquire beliefs that safety is
genuinely worthwhile.
Generative: Safety behavior is fully integrated into everything the
organization does. The value system associated with safety and safe working
is fully internalized, almost to the point of invisibility.
Arriving at the generative stage of this evolutionary process is the ultimate goal.
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CHAPTER 7: SAFETY ASSURANCE
Contents:
1. Safety Oversight
1. Safety Assurance Process
2. Safety Program – Internal Review
3. External Audit Procedures
4. Environmental Compliance
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1. SAFETY OVERSIGHT
Safety oversight is fundamental to your company‟s safety management processes. A
principal view of safety management policies and procedures requires your
organization to critically review its existing operations, and any proposed operational
changes for their safety significance. This is achieved through two principal means:
1. Reactive – Event/Hazard Reporting, and
2. Proactive – Safety Assessments, Audits, Quality Assurance
The reactive and proactive processes in safety oversight provide quantitative safety
information that is useful for minimizing and managing risk. The basic difference
between the two processes is the method of discovery. The reactive process responds
to events that have already occurred, while the proactive method actively seeks to
identify potential hazards through an analysis of everyday activities. The exception to
this rule occurs when a potential hazard has been reported through the company‟s
safety reporting program.
The diagram below shows the traditional SMS process flow:
Initial Risk Assessment
Further Investigation
Second Risk Assessment
Determine Root Cause
Determine and Implement
Corrective Action
Monitor Corrective Action
Confirmation of Corrective
Action – Quality Assurance
System Evaluation
No Action
No Action
No Action
System Evaluation
Data
base
(Reactive) Reports
Hazards
Incidents
Accidents
Database
Risk Analysis
(Pro-active Safety
Assessment)
Audits
Policy and
Procedures
Assessment
Hazard
Identification
Information
Assessment
Trend
Analysis
Safety
Bulletins
Accidents
Report
Distribution
Initial Risk Assessment
Further Investigation
Second Risk Assessment
Determine Root Cause
Determine and Implement
Corrective Action
Monitor Corrective Action
Confirmation of Corrective
Action – Quality Assurance
System Evaluation
No ActionNo Action
No ActionNo Action
No ActionNo Action
System Evaluation
Data
base
(Reactive) Reports
Hazards
Incidents
Accidents
Database
Risk Analysis
(Pro-active Safety
Assessment)
Audits
Policy and
Procedures
Assessment
Hazard
Identification
Information
Assessment
Trend
Analysis
Safety
Bulletins
Accidents
Report
Distribution
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Reactive Process
Occurrence and Hazard Reporting
Senior management considers every event as an opportunity to learn valuable safety
lessons. As such, all occurrences shall be analyzed so that all employees, including
management, understand not only what happened, but also why it happened. The
internal reporting and recording of occurrences, hazards, and other safety related
issues will help accomplish this. The internal reporting system will always be co-
joined with the non-punitive discipline policy.
Every event will be investigated. The extent of the investigation will depend on the
actual and potential consequences of the occurrence or hazard. This will be
accomplished through a formal risk assessment. (See Chapter 5, Safety Risk
Management.)
The investigative process will be comprehensive and will attempt to address the root
causal factor(s) that contributed to the event, rather than simply focusing on the event
itself.
Proactive Safety Assessment
For an SMS to transition from a reactive to a proactive system, it must actively seek
out potential safety hazards and evaluate the associated risks. The Safety Manager
shall accomplish this process through periodic safety assessments, audits and through
its quality assurance program (if applicable). A safety assessment will allow the
Safety Manager to identify potential hazards and then apply Safety Risk Management
(SRM) techniques to effectively manage the hazard.
Your Company‟s safety assessments shall contain the following elements:
Systems for identification of potential hazards
Safety Risk Management (SRM) techniques
Continual monitoring/quality assurance
The Safety Manager shall conduct a safety assessment at a minimum:
During implementation of the SMS and then at regular intervals
When major operational changes are planned
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If the company is undergoing rapid change, such as growth and expansion,
offering new services, reducing existing service, or introducing new
equipment or procedures
When key personnel change or leave their positions
2. SAFETY ASSURANCE PROCESS
A quality management system defines and establishes your company‟s quality policy
and objectives. It also allows the company to document and implement the
procedures needed to attain these goals. A properly implemented quality assurance
program ensures that procedures are carried out consistently, that problems can be
identified and resolved, and that the Safety Manager can continuously review and
improve quality assurance procedures and services. It‟s a mechanism for maintaining
and improving the quality of processes, procedures, and services in order to
consistently meet or exceed the organization‟s implied or stated needs and fulfills its
quality objectives.
In SMS, these elements are applied to an understanding of the human and
organizational issues that can impact safety. In the same way that a quality assurance
program measures quality and monitors compliance, the same methods are used to
measure safety within the organization. In the SMS context, this means quality
assurance of the overall safety program and its components, which includes the entire
operation.
The company‟s quality assurance program shall encompass the following elements:
1. Well-designed and documented procedures for service and process control.
2. Inspection and testing methods.
3. Monitoring of equipment including calibration and measurement.
4. Internal (self-audits as required by this program) and external audits (third-
party audits).
5. Monitoring of corrective and preventive action(s).
6. The use of appropriate statistical analysis, when required.
Quality assurance is based on the principal of the continuous improvement cycle. In
much the same way that SMS facilitates continuous improvements in safety, quality
assurance ensures process control and regulatory compliance through constant
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verification and upgrading of the system. These objectives are achieved through the
application of similar tools i.e., internal and external audits, strict document control,
and on-going monitoring of corrective action.
Safety Assessment
To ensure that your company‟s SMS is working as effectively as possible, the Safety
Manager will conduct or over see proactive safety assessments of its operations.
The Safety Assessment includes the following principles:
A continual process incorporating the techniques of inspections, audits, and
evaluations to assess managerial controls in key programs and systems.
A review that extends beyond regulatory compliance to determine
deficiencies and detect needed improvements to company operating practices
before deficiencies occur.
An ongoing function that identifies deficiencies, develops corrective actions,
and performs follow-up evaluations.
An independent function that has straight-line reporting responsibility to
senior management.
The Safety Assessment, in conjunction with the ongoing evaluations performed by
each technical department and the involvement of all company employees, will be
comprised of these core components:
ONGOING EVALUATIONS
The continual, day-to-day reviews and audits performed by flight, ground and
maintenance operations. The responsibility for ongoing evaluations resides with each
technical department. The Safety Manager will verify through comprehensive
evaluations that ongoing evaluations are meeting their objectives and that they
receive the support and attention of senior management.
OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE
Objective evidence is a documented statement of fact that may be quantitative or
qualitative and is based on verifiable observations, tests or interviews. Objective
evidence is necessary to substantiate findings.
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SPECIAL EVALUATIONS
Generally unannounced reviews performed by the Safety Department target specific
areas within flight and ground operations. The basis for conducting a special
evaluation could be any of the following conditions:
Senior management priorities
Trends identified by employees
Industry identified trends
Spot inspections
Regulatory concerns
3. SAFETY PROGRAM INTERNAL REVIEW
The Safety Manager will develop and maintain “self inspection” checklists
based on current guidance and regulations and add them to the Safety
Assessment. The purpose of the self inspection checklist is to ensure
compliance with regulations governing safety programs and to ensure the
safety program maintains the highest level of standards.
Upon receipt of information pertaining to the safety program, the Safety
Manager will make the required changes to the safety program and the
applicable self inspection checklists.
The Safety Manager will make sure the self inspection checklists are
reviewed semi-annually to ensure the safety program policies and procedures
are being followed.
At a minimum of six-month intervals, the Safety Manager will review the
safety program with senior management. Senior management will be
provided a copy of the safety program and results of the completed self
inspection checklists.
OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES STRATEGIES
The Safety Assessment Program is tasked to fulfill the following strategic objectives:
Verify that technical departments are tailored to current operations and future
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plans.
Determine whether technical departments have adequate resources for
current operations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing audit structures within flight,
maintenance and ground operations.
Ensure that technical issues receive the attention and support of executive
management.
4. EXTERNAL AUDIT PROCEDURES
PREPARATION
Good preparation is essential to effective auditing. The Safety Manager is responsible
for ensuring that previous findings, relevant regulations, and policies and procedures
are thoroughly reviewed before each audit. In addition, the Safety Manager must
have access to, and review any manuals, policies, regulations or records before and
during an audit to ensure departments are performing as required by the written
guidance.
CHECKLISTS
Standardized audit checklists are to be maintained by the Safety Manager and shall
be available to assist in providing standardization and ensuring complete coverage of
the audit scope. However, these checklists are not exhaustive for all situations and
should be supplemented with questions and issues specific to the audit areas.
CONDUCTING THE AUDIT
When possible, each scheduled audit should begin with an opening meeting.
The purpose and goal of the meeting is to ensure the person responsible for
the area being audited understands the reason for the audit, how the audit will
be conducted, and what will be accomplished at the completion of the audit.
When auditing, the Safety Manager must base their assessment objective
evidence of conformance or non-conformance to documented regulatory or
company requirements.
NOTE: Objective evidence is found through the review of records, interviews of
personnel, and observations of work in progress.
When possible, a closing meeting should be held with the department head to
ensure the responsible person completely understands any and all non-
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conformance issues discovered during the audit process. Areas that exceed
your company requirements should also be discussed.
Any findings that represent a critical failure of the facilities, system or
function should be corrected on the spot. The Safety Manager, noting
whether or not they were corrected immediately, shall document on-the-spot
corrections.
Internal Evaluations with disputes arising and not resolved during the closing
meeting will be arbitrated and decided by top management.
AUDIT FOLLOW-UP
Audit follow-up is usually assigned 15 days from the time the audit is entered into the
database with the issues to be addressed. This can be accomplished either by a
corrective action, or by a corrective action plan with a timeline identifying when the
issue will be corrected. Depending on the nature of the problem, more time can be
allotted. If a corrective action plan is provided, and the issues are not time critical, the
safety manager should change the follow-up date to reflect the completion date on the
corrective action plan.
The Safety Manager will review the audit database monthly to ensure all
audits have been accomplished and close-out actions are acceptable.
The Safety Manager is usually responsible for accomplishing the audit
follow-up and reviewing the audit program database to ensure no responses
become overdue. However, this responsibility can be delegated based on
operational needs. Once acceptable corrective actions for all audit findings
have been received, the Safety Manager will close out the audit.
When conducting follow-up activities, the Safety Manager must verify that
an effective corrective action has been implemented. It may not be practical
to accomplish onsite follow-up. The Safety Manager will determine which
audits require an onsite follow-up, based on the severity of the findings and
recommendation of the auditor.
The Safety Manager will act upon requests for extensions for corrective
action. If the Safety Manager believes an extension should be granted, an
annotation can be made and the audit database updated. If corrective actions
are not progressing satisfactorily, the Safety Manager will involve top
management as appropriate.
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AUDITOR TRAINING
RECORDS
A training file should be maintained to document that the Safety Manager has
received training in quality auditing, evaluation and management practices. Records
should include the date of training, type of course and a certificate of completion.
TRAINING AREAS
Training could come from any of the following areas:
College courses
Home study course materials
Industry sponsored seminars and workshops
Locally developed training programs
More information can be accessed at:
The American Society for Quality (ASQ): http://www.asq.org
AUDIT RECORDS
The Safety Manager shall maintain copies of all audit records used in the evaluation
within its company database in accordance with the company document retention
policy.
AUDIT REPORTING PROCEDURES
PURPOSE
The Safety Assessment is designed to encourage an open sharing of information at all
levels within the company. The Safety Assessment has been created to ensure that
management is directly informed about technical trends, concerns and issues.
Additionally, the Safety Manager has implemented reporting procedures to facilitate
the timely sharing and resolution of concerns before serious problems develop.
Through the reporting procedures outlined below, all managers, supervisors, and
employees should be aware of the latest company developments, changes and plans.
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BRIEFINGS WITH MANAGEMENT
The Safety Manager will brief senior management on an as needed basis (a six-month
interval is recommended as a minimum) on pertinent Safety Assessment issues, such
as:
The results of comprehensive evaluations.
Trends identified through ongoing evaluations or the employee-management
internal communication program.
The status of follow-up actions taken in response to evaluation findings.
The status of the scheduled/completed accomplishment of the schedule.
Management may schedule briefings with the Safety Manager to review evaluation
results or to mandate a special evaluation of a particular area.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
GENERAL
It should be the policy of your company to conduct all business activities in
accordance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations,
standards, and policies. The following guidelines serve to express your company‟s
commitment to environmental compliance.
Prevent the release of pollutants to the environment.
Promptly and completely clean up pollutants that have been released into the
environment.
Advise appropriate corporate officials and appropriate regulatory authorities
of actual intended or unintended release of pollutants, violation of discharge
limits, or other prohibitions.
Reduce the quantities, prevent the release, and minimize the hazardous
characteristics of waste material that is generated.
Ensure that products are designed, formulated, packaged, or used so that they
do not present unreasonable risks to human health or the environment.
Protect resources, species, and ecological amenities.
Minimize the risks inherent in the transportation of hazardous material and
wastes, oil, or other potentially harmful substances.
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CHAPTER 8: EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
Contents:
What impact would an accident have on your company?
Role of Senior Management
Coordination and Communications
Policies
Other Organizations & Individuals
Major Components of an Emergency Response Plan
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1. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
General
Your company‟s emergency response plan should be an integral part of the SMS.
This section discusses the planning process to develop an Emergency Response Plan
(ERP) Manual, and is intended to assist in reviewing, updating or creating an
emergency plan that focuses on the possibility of an accident, incident, or other
serious event. The following issues should be addressed in the ERP planning
process.
What impact would an accident have on your company?
The company must have an ERP, not only for response to the accident, but
for the continued viability and operation of the business despite the accident.
o Checklists must be developed and used. They provide a touchstone
in the chaos and ensure nothing gets overlooked or lost.
The ERP must be exercised on a regular basis to:
o Ensure your people understand their roles and responsibilities.
o Discover resources needed to implement the ERP.
o Discover and correct deficiencies in the ERP.
o Train new people.
How do you prepare the entire company?
o Employee morale (grief, job security fears, etc.)
o Family assistance for employees, customers and others involved in
the actual accident/incident.
What physical resources must be replaced and how quickly?
o Insurance company assistance
o Farming out business impacted by loss of resources (i.e., aircraft)
Who will mind the store?
o The company must identify backup staff to fulfill the duties of those
staff members who will participate in the investigation.
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Role of Senior Management
Senior Management must recognize that an accident can happen.
Senior Management must commit to the ERP and support its staffing,
training and drills. A successful ERP requires drills (exercises), money,
management enthusiasm and support.
Senior Management must decide what it wants the ERP to accomplish:
o Only the immediate notifications and first 24-48 hours following the
accident?
o The entire accident response and investigation cycle?
o Only the on-site team preparations?
Which of the following “categories of events” does top management want the
plan to address?
A. Major or Catastrophic Accident:
o Substantial damage to aircraft, or
o Serious or fatal injury to one or more persons, or
o Substantial damage to property caused by aircraft
B. Missing Aircraft
C. Emergency Airborne or Potentially Hazardous Situation
D. Hijacking
E. Bomb Threat/Terrorist Act
F. Reportable Incidents to NTSB
G. Facility Accident/Incident:
o Substantial damage to company property, loss of life or serious
injury caused by any event not covered by Category A, F, or H.
H. Aircraft Damaged
o Minor damage on ground, no loss or life, minor injury to person(s).
I. Environmental Event
Senior Management must understand that, in the case of an actual accident,
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other organizations such as FAA and NTSB will be in charge of the
investigation.
Coordination and Communications
Notification of NTSB and FAA
o Determine disposition of any survivors (i.e., hospital location, etc.)
o Preservation of wreckage and aircraft contents.
o Preservation of all records and documents pertinent to the flight.
Immediate care of the crewmembers involved in the accident.
o Medical care and housing (hotel or hospital as appropriate)
o Shelter from media.
o Provide legal counsel.
o Make crew available to NTSB and FAA investigators.
Notification of the company employee who has been designated and trained
to be the company‟s accident investigation representative to the NTSB. This
person must be an employee, known as the “Party Coordinator,” and cannot
be a “consultant.”
Transportation to the accident site and housing at the site.
o Company team and equipment.
o Immediate family members.
Company spokesperson that knows and stays with the corporate message.
The company must have a media plan and “template” messages that are
developed prior to the emergency.
Policies
Corporate policies must be developed prior to an event on topics such as:
Post accident drug and alcohol testing: how soon will it be accomplished and
by whom.
Who and how to handle the Media: Frontline employees who would be first
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contact (i.e., receptionist, Customer Service Representative, Dispatcher) must
be trained in what to say and how to diplomatically hand-off the media
person to your designated media spokesperson.
Who may surviving crewmembers talk to and what may they say? What
legal representation will the company provide?
Notification of Next-of-Kin. Emergency contact information and updates.
Policy on the security of this contact information.
Security of records relating to the accident flight: aircraft maintenance
records, aircrew and mechanic training records, duty time records, flight
documents, manifests and airbills, fueling records, etc.
Who will make the required notifications and reports required by NTSB Part
830? If the designated person is unavailable, who is their backup and are
they trained?
Do you want to participate fully in an accident investigation on-site? This
will require a designated employee receiving training on blood-borne
illnesses, how to use a biohazard suit, and basic investigative techniques. Or
will you be satisfied with allowing the NTSB/FAA to gather the evidence
and helping them interpret the data?
Other Organizations and Individuals
Examine who else will be affected by the actions of your company
representatives. Every member of your team that either travels to the
accident site or represents the company at home base will be talking to
investigators, victims, victim‟s family members, or the media. Everyone
needs to understand their roles and coordinate with the company
management to support the company‟s image, reputation and continued
viability.
Family and friends of any casualties. How to offer condolences without
accepting blame.
Government agencies: their need for information and their agendas. The
company is not in charge of the investigation.
Insurance Company: How soon can assistance be provided?
Customers directly and indirectly affected by the event.
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The two key elements of a successful Emergency Response Plan are “What” and
“Who.”
WHAT a company must accomplish immediately after an accident:
Respond to the critical nature of the first hours of the accident
Have trained, prepared leaders and backup for each task (backup at home and
the accident site. The business must continue to operate.)
Have clear, rehearsed plans and checklists
Keep ahead of the situation – do not get overwhelmed
Understand how all requirements overlap and interact
Communicate – Internal and External
WHO manages the Plan? Company employees who:
Fully understand the challenges presented by an accident
Represent the Company and understand the Company‟s rights and
responsibilities
Have appropriate training and practice
Understand the requirements and how the Company must all work together
Have the unequivocal support of the Company (People under stress will
make mistakes. Your employees must know that they can and must go on
despite any faux pas.)
Have authority to act (this is absolutely critical to success)
Have a sense of urgency
Have a strong public presence
Have confidence in the Company and the Plan
Major Components of an Emergency Response Plan
1. A plan and checklist for immediate notification of:
Rescue first responders (if required, i.e., a hangar accident)
Management personnel (ensure there is a backup person if primary person
cannot be reached)
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Appropriate government agencies (i.e., FAA to start a search for an overdue
aircraft, NTSB for an aircraft accident, etc.)
Plan for a “go team” to travel to the accident site. You have 6-12 hours to
arrive at the accident scene if you intend to participate in the investigation.
It is recommended that a credit card(s) or line of credit be set aside just for
emergencies and kept in a safe place until needed. Transportation to the
accident site, hotels, rental cars, equipment and hospital bills will all need to
be paid for immediately, long before the insurance company will be able to
lend a hand.
2. Plan to provide technical support to the NTSB/FAA accident investigation. The
only way to see/hear all the evidence is to participate in the investigation. Such
participation allows you to:
Ensure the facts are interpreted properly.
Ensure that the investigators review the proper areas.
Fix problems with your operation immediately before the final report is
issued.
Enhance / rehabilitate the reputation of your Company and perhaps influence
the investigators to give your Company the benefit of the doubt on some
issues.
Identify who your “party participants” will be. You may need to insist on
your rights. The NTSB investigator(s) might not be familiar with your
equipment and does not know your company. Your Party Participant must
be courteous, but assertive to ensure all the facts are considered, especially
evidence that supports your theory of the accident.
Visit your aircraft manufacturer‟s accident investigators annually. What kind
of accidents have they seen? How do they prepare their “go team?” How can
they be contacted if you have an accident / incident?
3. Media Plan
During the planning phase of your Emergency Response Plan, obtain and
review a copy of the NATA Community Relations Toolkit. This will help
you develop a relationship with the media (prior to, and invaluable in, a
crisis) and show you how to develop an appropriate press release.
Corporate public relations staff are generally not equipped to handle crisis
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communication with the media, unless they have been trained in advance. It
is up to management to present the company‟s best image. You must
designate someone to talk to the media who will be cool under fire and
credible.
Reaffirm the safety and technical efficiency reputation of the company.
Humanize the company. Talk of your employees affected by this tragedy.
Offer words of concern and comfort.
Provide positive, proactive information to the media.
If labor organizations (unions) are on the property, come to an agreement
with their leadership prior to an event so that an accident will not be used to
air disagreements in public.
4. Family Assistance Plan & Employee Assistance Plan
FAR 121 air carriers are required by law to provide on-site assistance to the
families involved.
The ability to quickly and competently address the needs of the families and
survivors will help protect your company‟s reputation and relationship with
your other customers and the NTSB.
Employees will need instruction, comfort and reassurance that the Company
is responding appropriately to the situation.
Plan to care for crewmembers of the flight and other company employees
who were associated with the flight. Use your company‟s Employee
Assistance Plan.
Employees involved in caring for families, survivors and the “Go Team”
could be at risk for post-traumatic stress.
Plan for internal company communications to get out the correct facts to all
employees. Stop rumors before they start.
5. Business Continuity Plan.
Individuals should be designated prior to any accident/emergency who will
act on behalf of key personnel to maintain normal business operations. Your
key personnel may be unavailable due to being involved in the accident,
having traveled to the accident site or absent from the business (vacation,
etc.). Any individuals designated to assist in the accident investigation will
be unavailable to your business for days, weeks, perhaps months depending
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on the size of your operation and the location and nature of the accident.
Create a company process manual for all personnel with user names,
passwords, key codes, etc. Keep this in a secure place, but provide a means
for the individual designated to keep the business running to access it.
Obtain the assistance of your insurance carrier to replace the assets involved
in the accident (i.e., an aircraft) as quickly as possible to restore your revenue
stream.
Maintain a list of other air charter operators who are willing to service your
customers until you resume business. It might be advantageous to negotiate
“disaster rates” in advance. Obtain the operator‟s agreement to not “poach”
your customer from you.
Ensure someone in management is designated to contact your customers and
explain that this is a temporary arrangement for the customer‟s benefit.
Assure them that this accident does not mean that your company is unsafe.
(If you were safe on Monday, had an accident on Tuesday, you are still safe
on Wednesday.)
Have an agreement in advance with any labor groups that an accident will
not be used as an opportunity to press for collective bargaining issues.
6. Plan to respond to the regulator.
Keep your FAA Principal Operations Inspector (POI) and Principal
Maintenance Inspector (PMI) informed so that they can respond to their
manager who may be following up rumors, media inquiries, etc.
Gather all the paperwork and records related to the accident flight and secure
them in a manner that ensures there can be no accusation of tampering.
Never hide evidence or information.
Provide requested data, employees for interview, etc., in a timely manner.
The sooner the investigation(s) are completed the sooner you can return to
running your business and correcting any identified causes of the accident.
Assume every member of your team will be talking to investigators or
victims/family members. Ensure each person is properly trained and briefed
to protect the company.
It is very important to provide logistical support to company investigators.
7. Plan for an internal investigation
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Review (or institute) your SMS to identify deficiencies and causes of the
accident and institute corrective action.
8. Exercise the Emergency Response Plan
Each department should have a portion of the plan and checklists tailored to
that department.
The master departmental plans should be exercised at least twice a year. One
of these tests should be random and unscheduled.
Scenarios should be conducted on a simulated basis and the results
documented.
A post scenario meeting should be conducted to identify weak areas, which
then can be trained to.
A full-scale drill coordinated with such outside agencies, as the airport
operations and fire department should be conducted at least every two years.
Continuously update, revise and train the Plan.
Note: A template for developing a facility emergency response plan can be
accessed by clicking here.
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REFERENCES
Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) has an SMS resource page on its
website: www.acsf.aero/sms
Dekker, Sidney: (2007), Just Culture: Balancing Safety and Accountability,
Ashgate Publishing; (2005), Ten Questions About Human Error, Lawrence
Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Publishers.
Federal Aviation Administration: Advisory Circular (AC) 120-92A, Safety
Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers; AC 120-82, Flight
Operational Quality Assurance; AC 120-79, Developing and Implementing a
Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System; AC 120-66B, Aviation Safety
Action Programs (ASAP); AC 120-59A, Air Carrier Internal Evaluation
Programs; AC 00-58B, Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program (VDRP).
Global Aviation Information Network (2001): Operator’s Flight Safety
Handbook (Issue 2), available at http://flightsafety.org/archives-and-
resources/global-aviation-safety-network-gain
Griffiths, R.F. (1982), Dealing With Risk, Halsted Press. ISBN 0470273410.
Grose, V.L. (1987), Managing Risk: Systemic Loss Prevention for
Executives, Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, NJ. ISBN 0-13-551110-0.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Safety Management
Manual, ICAO Document 9859.
Lowrance, W.W. (1976), Of Acceptable Risk: Science and the Determination
of Safety, William Kaufmann. ISBN 0913232300.
Mcintyre, G.R. (2000), Patterns in Safety Thinking, Ashgate Publishing
Company, Burlington, VT. ISBN 0-7546-1322-4.
National Safety Council (2000), Aviation Ground Operation Safety
Handbook (5th Edition). ISBN 0-87912-214-5
Reason, J. (1997), Managing the Risks of Organizational Accidents, Ashgate
Publishing Company, Brookfield, VT. ISBN 1840141050.
TapRooT® (root cause analysis programs), System Improvements, Inc.,
Knoxville, Tennessee 37923, http://www.taproot.com/
Weick, K.E and Sutcliffe, K.M. (2001), Managing the Unexpected: Assuring
High Performance in the Age of Complexity, Jossey-Bass. ISBN 0-7879-
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5627-9.
Wells, A.T. and Rodrigues, C.C., (2004), Commercial Aviation Safety (4th
Edition), McGraw-Hill, New York, NY. ISBN 0071417427.
Wood, R.H. (2003), Aviation Safety Programs: A Management Handbook
(3rd
Edition), Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. ISBN 0-88487-329-3.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
Industry & Government Organizations
Air Charter Safety Foundation: www.acsf.aero
Flight Safety Foundation: www.flightsafety.org
International Society of Air Safety Investigators: www.isasi.org
National Air Transportation: http://www.nata.aero/Safety-1st.aspx
National Business Aviation Association:
http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/safety/
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): www.ntsb.gov
Transportation Safety Board of Canada: http://www.tsb.gc.ca/
United Kingdom Air Accidents Investigation Branch http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/home/index.cfm
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority: www.caa.co.uk
Training Organizations
The following institutions provide formal courses in safety management, aircraft
accident investigation and associated subjects.
1. Southern California Safety Institute: www.scsi-inc.com
2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: www.erau.edu\
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3. University of Southern California: http://viterbi.usc.edu/aviation/
4. The FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI)
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/airman_education/aerospace_physiology/cami
_enrollment/index.cfm
Hands-on instruction is provided in the use of cabin and cockpit safety equipment
(oxygen systems and equipment, fire-fighting equipment, personal survival
equipment, etc). There are also practical aircraft slide evacuation and ditching
exercises and live decompression training - probably the only decompression training
facility accessible to the civil aviation community. The three-day (non-residential)
course is free. Participants must be in possession of a current FAA Class 3 medical
certificate (or equivalent) to be accepted for decompression training.