Safety management systems

Citation

(2001), "Safety management systems", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773eac.005

Safety management systems

Safety management systems

Mr Cliff Edwards, Quality and Safety Manager, Shell Aircraft UK, addressed the subject of planning for safer operations through safety management systems (see Figure 3). Three topics are considered:

1. 1.

   planning and safety management overview;

2. 2.

   the big picture; and

3. 3.

   planning specifics and the effects.

For safety performance, planning is the logical means we use to get things done. In aviation, we plan for operations, maintenance, etc. but do you plan for the desired safety performance? The CAA, DOT Canada, JAA and ICAO are following other industries in considering systematic safety management. SMS has been a Shell Group requirement for some years, and since 2000 also for our aviation contractors.

Figure 3 Shell Aircraft Limited safety planning model

Safety management systems (SMS) are a structured approach for achieving a desired performance. Planning affects every aspect of achieving and executing safety management in any organisation. The Shell Aircraft Safety Planning Model is illustrated. At the bottom line, the outcomes are services to the customer. The corporate safety culture involves top management, training, motivation, communications and feedback.

Unwavering top management commitment will be needed to make safety management effective. Safety principles, objectives, policy and targets need to be realistic and measurable. Supervision is the key to safe working, as this is the immediate management of the flight crew or maintenance teams. Organisational systems for safe operations must include the provision of resources, audit and review, hazard management and risk assessment. The provision of effective procedures supports the organisation in its pursuance of safe operations. When occurrences happen, management needs to know and needs to assess the cause and the system shortfalls.