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Issue link: https://groundsupportworldwide.epubxp.com/i/814698
APRIL 2017 AviationPros.com 29 SECURITY have requisite skills until they are vetted and operational safety procedures have been properly communicated before they under- take the work. Contractor Vetting Contractors have proscribed activity-de- pendent procedures that must be followed at all times to ensure the safety of everyone involved. For example, an airport contrac- tor has lifting, working at height and airside vehicle operational procedures and training programs for its employees. If a contractor has not developed appropriate procedures for driving operations airside and ensuring they have processes to train their employees, there is a real risk of vehicle incident potentially impacting the airframe or other vehicles. Likewise, there are significant working at height risks associated with a number of activities with ground handling and operations. Therefore, it is critical that the contractors are screened to ensure that they understand the risks and appropriate controls are developed. The management of these risks has increased in complexity with the utilization of contractors to undertake ground support activities traditionally undertaken by the air- lines. There is a growing need to prequal- ify the contractors to ensure that they have appropriately understood the risks associated with their services and that they have the appropriate controls in place to mitigate the likelihood of accidents. Given the potential consequences asso- ciated with airside risks, in particular, it is critical that contractors are screened to ensure that they understand the risks that they are exposed to when they are airside. When inadequately addressed, these risks can significantly disrupt business, potentially impacting specific flights, airlines and airport operations. The impact from one event can easily extend beyond the contractor. For example, if during a construction project a contractor's employee accidently severs a major fiber optic cable at an airport just as it is coming into a peak traffic period, the airport would likely need to shut down for 90 minutes or more and redirect airplanes to other airports, until airport officials are able to bring the systems back on line. The repercussions of this civil con- struction contractor not operating within appropriate ground disturbance procedures, resulting in the severing of the cable, would be significant to passengers, airlines and the operation of the airports. This event could have been prevented if the contractor had been screened and their ground disturbance procedure and training reviewed prior to being awarded the contract. And, while this was a serious event, resulting in inconve- nience for airline passengers and personnel in multiple locations as well as financial loss and reputational impact, it could have been far worse – contractor errors and inadequate contractor vetting can – and often do – result in more serious harm, including death. Continually monitoring contractors and their employees to ensure they maintain airline, airport and industry best-practices promises to help close the gaps, resulting in fewer injuries therefore a safer environment for all, improved efficiency and reduced costs. IS YOUR FLEET IN SAFE HANDS? Call Us Today for a quote! 614.443.7492 www.columbusjack.com • TEST • CERTIFY • REPAIR • All brands up to 100 tons! • Now 2 locations! Columbus & Dallas • Keep your jacks working properly with an annual test & certification WE CAN HELP. AviationPros.com/10134078 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mina Mina, ASP is senior director of client success for Avetta. He brings more than 15 years of dedicated health & safety professional experience, specializing in audits, commercial insurance and regulatory compliance and consultation based on jurisdictional requirements. Mina earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Criminal Justice/Law from California State University, Fullerton. He also holds an ASP Certification through the BCSP (Bureau of Certified Safety Professionals) as well as other certifications relevant to the health & safety space.