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M A N A G E M E N T M A T T E R S DEBORAH ANN CAVALCANTE leads Diversified Aviation Consulting (DAC) and along with her associates has firsthand experience in air carrier operations, private charter aircraft, general aviation operations, military/ civilian interface, FBO management, maintenance repair station training, safety training, human factors training, and customer service training. For more information on DAC visit www.dac.aero. www.AviationPros.com | www.AMTSociety.org 31 E arly one Saturday morning an aircraft mechanic was taxiing an aircraft when an airport vehicle runs into the aircraft. The mechanic was not wear- ing his seatbelt. He was thrown across the pedestal, his body pushed the thrust levers up to near take off power, and the force pushed the truck more than 300 yards down the taxiway ending in an almost fatal accident. An FBO line tech picking up chocks with a golf cart tossed the chocks into the cart. The chocks hit the accelerator. It ended in a fatality. Five-second rule We may think we operate safely, but all too often there are distractions and activ- ities that seem to save time and money, but may risk safety. Perhaps it is a good idea to regularly ask ourselves, "Do I do things for convenience that jeopardize safety?" Bringing an increased focus and awareness to safety on the ramp is the first step to eliminating and mitigating accidents and incidents. One of the best techniques to engage our brains entirely in the task we are about to do is to employ the five-second rule: Before you begin a task ask yourself what harm or damage could result from my actions. Damage costs Statistics and studies tell us that the direct and indirect costs of damage on the apron exceed $5 billion per year. In the case of an FBO that makes its profit selling fuel, that could mean it must sell approxi- mately 50,000 gallons of fuel to offset a $5,000 incident. After the engines stop whining on the ramp, the greatest risks are present when marshaling and parking Ramp It Up On Safety Employ the fve-second rule: Before you begin a task ask yourself what harm or damage could result from your actions By DeborahAnn Cavalcante which can lead to incidents and accidents that more often than not, are preventable. Training requirements Here are some pertinent questions to ask yourself to assess and manage risk: Am I properly trained to do the task? If you are the supervisor you should be asking are the people I have asked to do the task properly trained? Do I have the proper tools or equipment necessary to com- plete the task? Is the equipment in good working order? Do I need assistance to complete the task? Do I have the appro- priate personal protective equipment to keep myself safe? Do you have a training program that is consistent and standard- ized, as well as documented? Has the appropriate amount of time been allot- ted for this task? Do I have the correct parts and hardware? Have I located the correct manual and procedure for this task? Am I committed to do it right and not be tempted to do work-arounds? Some simple best practices go a long way toward ramp and operational safety. • Fuel trucks should be chocked when servicing aircraft. • Any mobile equipment being used should be positioned to not face the aircraft. • Ground power units should not be positioned under tail sections of the aircraft and should be chocked. • Tugs and other types of ground ser- vice equipment such as golf carts should be shut off, parking brakes set, and chocked when left unattended. • Work stands and platforms should be correctly positioned and in compli- ance with OSHA standards. • Keep distractions to a minimum. • Use a fall protection harness where required. • Evaluate aircraft access areas and job tasks with limited egress and follow confined space procedures. • Pay close attention to safety pro- cedures for tools such as welding torches, drills, rivets, and grinders, the airplane, towing in and out of hangars, and servicing the aircraft, especially while fueling operations are taking place. Most accidents occurring in these categories are a result of lack of training. But let's not overlook the safety and security of pas- sengers. Many are not familiar with the hazards they may be exposed to on the ramp: jet blast, spinning propellers and rotor blades, noise, or moving vehicles. T he t wo major contributors to eliminating accidents on the ramp are proper training and proper equipment. Employees should not be asked to do anything they are not trained to do. Maintenance pressures Mechanics have their own nuances to deal with. They operate in close proxim- ity to one another, usually inside a shop or hangar. They require specific tools and equipment to complete tasks. They are subject to pressure and long hours resulting in fatigue. They encounter a broad array of distractions. Procedures are critical, especially during shift change. Communication both verbal and docu- mented must be clear and concise, as well as easily understood by others. Mechanics are subject to the pitfalls of the infamous Dirty Dozen human factors AMT_31-32_ManagementMatters.indd 31 4/17/14 4:14 PM