Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the use of the ICAO 5 x 5 Matrix as a Risk Assessment Tool.

Introduction

ICAO 5 x 5 Risk Assessment is a widely used risk assessment methodology in the aviation industry. It involves the assessment of the likelihood and severity of a potential risk and assigning a score to each based on a five-point scale. The scores are then multiplied to give an overall risk score.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Performance-Based Oversight (PBO) approach proscribed by EASA.

Introduction

EASA's risk-based and performance-based oversight approach is designed to ensure that the aviation industry operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably while minimizing risks to passengers, crew, and the environment.

Review by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looking at the process which drives Safety Risk Management (SRM).

Introduction related to general principles of safety risk management:

» All system operations represent some degree of risk.
» Recognize that human interaction with elements of the system entails some element of risk.
» Keep hazards in proper perspective.

Safety is defined as “The condition to which risks are managed to acceptable levels.”

Whenever Humans and Machines are involved there will always be potential for accident and incident. Safety management is based on the premise that hazards, risks and threats will always exist.

With a Safety Management System (SMS) we focus on the real possibility of reducing the organisations exposure across a range of business areas – we do this by delivering a systematic approach to risk management.

It is possible to promote transparent processes which establish clear lines of accountability and aid decision-making and to use this as a tool to drive positive change.

Management system audit requirements may include reference to documents such as policies, objectives, processes, procedures, instructions, quality plans, which can when combined with an audit scope statement, deliver internal audits which can be either wide-ranging or focused on any aspect of the organization or part thereof and which has the potential to address risk performance.

ISO 19011 considers that there is a risk associated with delivering an audit program which addresses all the requirements of the various standard or the management system are covered within a year.

Why does this method of scheduling create a risk?

Essentially audit programs which are fitted into an annual 12-month calendar program rarely take risk into consideration.