ISAGO Safety Program Standard Considerations

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Role of IATA ISAGO Safety Program Standards related to Ground Handling Operators

Introduction

The ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations) Safety Program Standards were developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to improve operational safety in ground handling services at airports. These standards focus on enhancing safety, reducing incidents, and promoting consistent practices across global ground-handling operations.

Consider the following related to the ISAGO Safety Program Standards Manual.

Purpose and Structure:

The ISAGO standards are intended to address safety concerns related to ground operations, which include a wide range of services like aircraft handling, passenger services, and cargo handling.

• These standards were created as part of IATA’s larger safety management strategy, which aims to standardize ground operations globally.

ISAGO Standards and Recommended Practices (GOSARPs):

ISAGO standards (known as GOSARPs) serve as the foundation for the safety audit conducted by IATA. They are divided into several categories:

• Organization and Management: Focus on how ground service providers are organized and how they manage safety and risk.

• Operational Practices: Specific guidelines related to ground handling processes, such as aircraft loading and unloading, passenger handling, and cargo operations.

Safety Program:

The ISAGO standards emphasize the need for a robust safety program as a central part of the ground-handling organization's management. This program includes:

• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Regular identification of hazards related to ground operations and assessing associated risks.

• Safety Audits and Reviews: Regular internal and external audits to assess compliance with safety standards and practices.

• Reporting Hazards and Deficiencies: Personnel are encouraged to report operational hazards, deficiencies, and concerns that may affect the safety of aircraft, passengers, equipment, or personnel. This feedback system is critical to identifying issues early before they result in accidents.

• Incident and Accident Reporting and Investigation: The program includes a system for reporting safety incidents and thorough investigations of accidents, incidents, and irregularities that may serve as precursors to more significant events. The goal is to uncover underlying causes, analyze patterns, and recommend corrective measures.

• Regular Reviews: Senior management is required to review significant issues arising from the safety program regularly. This process ensures that appropriate corrective actions are implemented and that their effectiveness is continuously monitored.

• Safety Information Dissemination: Safety information, findings, and recommendations are disseminated across relevant operational and management personnel to ensure that best practices and safety improvements are shared and implemented across the organization.

• Dedicated Safety Manager: A designated individual is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Safety Program. This person ensures that operational managers are supported in creating safe environments without directly dictating safety actions. The role is often independent of frontline operations to ensure objectivity.

• Integration with Airline Regulations: The Safety Program must align with the applicable regulations of the customer airline(s) and ensure compliance with both national and international safety requirements.

Quality Assurance:

The safety standards are closely tied with a quality assurance program, ensuring that ground handling operations not only meet safety requirements but also maintain high operational efficiency. This includes:

• Internal Audits: Ground handling providers must perform regular self-audits to ensure that all safety policies are followed consistently.

• Continuous Improvement: Based on the results of these audits, organizations are expected to engage in continuous improvement efforts by updating procedures and practices.

Outsourcing and Product Quality Control:

Ground handling providers who outsource certain functions are still responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of these outsourced activities. The ISAGO standards require organizations to:

• Establish Clear Contracts: Define safety and quality expectations in contracts with third-party service providers.

• Monitor Outsourced Operations: Ensure ongoing compliance with ISAGO standards through regular monitoring and audits of outsourced services.

Training and Qualifications:

The ISAGO standards emphasize the need for comprehensive training programs to ensure that all ground-handling personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties safely and effectively. The training programs include:

• Airside Safety Training: Ensuring employees are aware of the safety protocols required when working on the airside of the airport, particularly around aircraft.

• Dangerous Goods Training: Training employees on the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods, ensuring compliance with international regulations.

Event Response and Emergency Planning:

ISAGO standards require ground handling providers to develop and maintain an emergency response plan. This plan should outline how the organization will respond to emergencies such as accidents, natural disasters, or security threats. Key components include:

• Coordination with Airport Authorities: Ground handlers must coordinate their emergency plans with those of the airport and local authorities to ensure a unified response.

• Regular Drills: Organizations are expected to conduct regular emergency drills to test their response plans and ensure staff readiness.

Risk Management:

A structured risk management approach is essential under ISAGO standards. Ground handling providers must:

• Identify Risks: Continuously identify risks associated with ground handling operations, including operational, environmental, and security risks.

• Implement Controls: Develop mitigation strategies and safety controls to address these risks effectively.

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Management:

The ISAGO standards also cover the safe operation and maintenance of ground support equipment (GSE), such as tugs, belt loaders, and fuel trucks. This involves:

• Functional Specifications: Ensuring that all GSE meets the required specifications for safe operation.

• Regular Maintenance: Developing a maintenance schedule to keep all equipment in safe working order and to prevent failures that could lead to accidents.

In conclusion, the ISAGO Safety Program Standards offer a comprehensive framework for managing safety in ground handling operations. These standards help ensure that ground service providers not only maintain safe working environments but also contribute to the overall safety of airport operations globally. By implementing these standards, organizations can minimize risks, reduce incidents, and improve the overall efficiency and reliability of ground services.

Next Steps

For more information and training support, see the following link for Sofema Online's full portfolio.

For questions and comments, please email [email protected].