FAA Proposes Safety Management System Requirement

Commercial carriers would have to develop and implement an SMS, which FAA describes as "an organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and assuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls." Its proposed rule lists four essential components of an SMS.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Nov. 5 proposed a rule that would require commercial air carriers to develop and implement a Safety Management System, which the proposal describes as "an organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and assuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls." The Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 requires the agency to have a final rule in place by July 30, 2012.

The proposal lists four essential components of an SMS:

  • A safety policy that states safety objectives; sets forth the policies, procedures, and organizational structures necessary to accomplish the objectives; and clearly delineates management and employee responsibilities for safety throughout the organization. Regular review of the safety policy by a designated accountable executive is necessary, the proposal states.
  • Safety risk management, followed by assessment of the risk resulting from these hazards and use of controls to reduce or eliminate those risks.
  • Safety assurance, ensures the performance and effectiveness of safety risk controls. Safety assurance ensures the organization meets or exceeds its safety objectives through the collection, analysis, and assessment of data regarding the organization's performance, according to the proposal.
  • Safety promotion, which combines training and communication of safety information to employees. "How an organization seeks to comply with this component depends on the size and scope of the organization. It may include formal safety training for employees, a formal means of communicating safety information, and a means for employees to raise safety concerns without fear of retribution," the proposal states.

FAA asked for comments by Feb. 3, 2011; submit them via www.regulations.gov, using Docket Number FAA- 2009-0671.

The International Civil Aviation Organization expects member states to require that operators establish an SMS, and the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended FAA pursue this rule. FAA estimates the rule's total benefits are $1.143.1 billion, while total costs are $710.8 million.

The proposal acknowledges U.S. aviation safety is increasing but says, "However, over the past 10 years, the FAA has identified a more recent trend involving hazards that were revealed during incident and accident investigations. Many of these hazards could have been mitigated or eliminated earlier had a structured, organization-wide approach to managing air carrier's operations been in place."

Product Showcase

  • Full Line of Defense Against Combustible Dust Nilfisk

    Nilfisk provides a comprehensive range of industrial vacuums meticulously crafted to adhere to NFPA 652 housekeeping standards, essential for gathering combustible dust in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F & G environments or non-classified settings. Our pneumatic vacuums are meticulously engineered to fulfill safety criteria for deployment in hazardous surroundings. Leveraging advanced filtration technology, Nilfisk ensures the secure capture of combustible materials scattered throughout your facility, ranging from fuels, solvents, and metal dust to flour, sugar, and pharmaceutical powders. Read More

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • SECUPRO MARTEGO

    FOR HIGHEST DEMANDS. A cutting tool in which function and design go hand in hand. Meet the SECUPRO MARTEGO, our prize-winning squeeze-grip safety knife with fully automatic retractable blade for safety. • Ergonomically friendly trigger mechanism to engage the blade • Durable body made of aluminum • Safer alternative to fixed blade utility knives for general cutting tasks • 9 mm Cutting depth • Easy, tool free blade change Dimensions: L 6.10" L x 0.71" W x 1.91" H Weight: 3.70 oz Cutting Depth: 9 mm Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars