APPENDIX 7

 

FRAMEWORK FOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (SMS)

(See SUBPART D, 139.305 (d))

 

Introduction

This appendix introduces a framework for the implementation and maintenance of a safety management

system (SMS) by an aerodrome. The framework includes four components and twelve elements, representing the minimum requirements for SMS implementation. The implementation of the framework shall be commensurate with the size of the organization and the complexity of the services provided. This appendix also includes a brief description of each element of the framework.

 

1. Safety policy and objectives

1.1 – Management commitment and responsibility

1.2 – Safety accountabilities of managers

1.3 – Appointment of key safety personnel

1.4 – Coordination of emergency response planning

1.5 – SMS Documentation

 

2. Safety risk management

2.1 – Hazard identification process

2.2 – Safety Risk assessment and mitigation process

 

3. Safety assurance

3.1 – Safety performance monitoring and measurement

3.2 – The management of change

3.3 – Continuous improvement of the SMS

 

4. Safety promotion

4.1 – Training and education

4.2 – Safety communication

 

  1. Safety policy and objectives

1.1 Management commitment and responsibility

The aerodrome shall define the organization’s safety policy which shall be in accordance with international and national requirements, and which shall be signed by the accountable executive of the organization. The safety policy shall reflect organizational commitments regarding safety; shall include a clear statement about the provision of the necessary resources for the implementation of the safety policy; and shall be communicated, with visible endorsement, throughout the organization. The safety policy shall include the safety reporting procedures; shall clearly indicate which types of operational behaviours are unacceptable; and shall include the conditions under which disciplinary action would not apply. The safety policy shall be periodically reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and appropriate to the organization.

 

1.2 Safety accountabilities of managers

The aerodrome shall identify an accountable executive who, irrespective of other functions, shall have ultimate responsibility and accountability, on behalf of the aerodrome, for the implementation and maintenance of the SMS. The aerodrome shall also identify the safety accountabilities of all members of management, irrespective of other functions as well as of employees, with respect to the safety performance of the SMS. Safety responsibilities, accountabilities and authorities shall be documented and communicated throughout the organization , and shall include a definition of the levels of management with authority to make decisions regarding safety risk tolerability.

 

1.3 Appointment of key safety personnel

The aerodrome shall identify a safety manager to be the responsible individual and focal point for the implementation and maintenance of an effective SMS.

 

1.4 Coordination of emergency response planning

The aerodrome shall ensure that an emergency response plan that provides for the orderly and efficient transition from normal to emergency operations, and the return to normal operations,is properly coordinated with the emergency response plans of those organizations it must interface with during the provision of its services.

 

1.5  SMS Documentation

The aerodrome shall develop an SMS implementation plan, endorsed by senior management of the organization, that defines the organization’s approach to the management of safety in a manner that meets the organization’s safety objectives. The organization shall develop and maintain SMS documentation to describe the safety policy and objectives, the SMS requirements, the SMS procedures and processes, the accountabilities, responsibilities and authorities for procedures and processes, and the SMS outputs. Also part of the SMS documentation, the aerodrome shall develop and maintain a safety management systems manual (SMSM), to communicate its approach to the management of safety throughout the organization.

 

2. Safety risk management

2.1 – Hazard identification

The aerodrome shall develop and maintain a formal process that ensures that hazards in operations are identified. Hazard identification shall be based on a combination of reactive and predictive methods of safety data collection.

 

2.2 Safety Risk assessment and mitigation process

The aerodrome shall develop and maintain a formal process that ensures analysis, assessment  and control of the safety risks in aerodrome operations.

 

3. Safety assurance

3.1 Safety performance monitoring and measurement

The aerodrome shall develop and maintain the means to verify the safety performance of the organization and to validate the effectiveness of safety risks controls. The safety performance of the organization shall be verified in reference to the safety performance indicators and safety performance targets of the SMS.

 

3.2 The management of change

The aerodrome shall develop and maintain a formal process to identify changes within the  organization which may affect established processes and services; to describe the arrangements to ensure safety performance before  implementing changes; and to eliminate or modify safety risk controls that are no longer needed or effective due to changes in the operational environment.

 

3.3 Continuous improvement of the SMS

The aerodrome shall develop and maintain a formal process to identify the causes of sub-standard performance of the SMS, determine the implications of sub-standard performance of the SMS in operations, and eliminate or mitigate such causes.

 

4. Safety promotion

4.1 Training and education

The aerodrome shall develop and maintain a safety training programme that ensures that personnel are trained and competent to perform the SMS duties. The scope of the safety training shall be appropriate to each individual’s involvement in the SMS.

 

4.2 Safety communication

The aerodrome shall develop and maintain formal means for safety communication, that ensures that all personnel are fully aware of the SMS; conveys safety critical information; and explains why particular safety actions are taken and why safety procedures are introduced or changed.