SMS Integration within an EASA Part CAMO - Challenges

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A review carried out by Sofema Online following the introduction of Safety Management Systems within the EASA Part CAMO environment.

Introduction


It is a reality today that even when organisations are run effectively, means they are well-organised and have efficient (internal) Management Systems, they may still encounter hidden and unexpected hazards within the various interfaces both internal & external.
Across Multiple Organisations safety management system interfaces can become complex, with the possibility of unknown or latent hazards hidden within the inter-organisational interfaces.

Compliance Issues related to SMS are also challenged especially with Sub Contractual Relationships (Communication - Interface Procedures)
There is an underlying challenge in respect that commercial competition hinders data sharing, moreover, there are also issues of confidentiality which also impacts data sharing.

As a result a number of occurrences remain either untreated or simply not being formally raised.

Note 1: Specific attention must be payed to exposing any hazards which may be hidden in the interfaces.

Note 2: Clear lines of communication regarding Safety Accountability must be evident from Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) Through the CAMO to the Operator.

Note 3: Sharing of safety-related data is of high importance if the development of effective safety systems are to successful throughout the industry.

Cultural Impact

It is a fact that we have a plethora of different safety cultures, influenced by different countries behaviours. There are different levels of safety system maturity within different countries, added to which stakeholders may be at different levels of Safety maturity.

Hazard Identification

Within both the CAMOs and AMOs environment there are multiple companies that have not identified their hazards.
It is challenging for AMOs to correlate different hazards with the associated risks related to multi-operational safety scenarios.
It is not uncommon for CAMO’s and AMO’s to have insufficient data to be able to fully identify the degree of exposure needed to propose effective mitigations.
Often conclusions are not shared and communication channels not working adequately

Risk Management

Within AMO’s & CAMO’s a lack of understanding is often evident related to the main risks which are faced by the organisations.
Without understanding the risks it is deeply challenging to engage with mitigation strategies.

Risk Management - Proposed Action 

To develop Risk Registers at the earliest opportunity to engage with a detailed understanding of the various exposures.

Safety Performance


Often it is found that there is Insufficient focus on Safety Performance including Safety Trend Monitoring, Safety Performance Development and the use of Safety Performance Indicators (Key Performance Indicators)

Management of Change
 

Without a mature level of awareness related to exposure it is challenging to identify the underlying risks associated with new hazards.
Often it is found that AMO & CAMO are lacking in contingency planning or have not tested such plans 

Next Steps 

Please see www.sassofia.com or www.sofemaonline.com for details of available EASA, FAA & other regulatory & vocational compliant training.

For Classroom, Webinar & Online in support of the above subjects - please email office@sassofia.com or online@sassofia.com 

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