1.) DEFINITION
Safety Management aims to identify hazards to flight safety at an early stage and to reduce or completely prevent the associated safety risks before incidents or accidents occur. It enables an organisation to manage its activities systematically and in a structured, targeted way.
A clear understanding of one’s own role and contribution to flight safety makes it possible to prioritise safety risks, use resources effectively, and achieve optimal safety outcomes.
Safety management is a company-wide responsibility—it affects the entire organisation or business, especially when multiple aviation-approved organisations are combined under one roof.
The Safety Management System (SMS) is based on the following core elements:
- Safety Policy and Safety Objectives
- Establishing a clear safety policy and safety objectives
- Commitment and accountability of senior management
- Safety responsibilities at management level
- Appointment of key responsible persons
- Coordination of emergency planning
- SMS documentation – integrated into the QMS or as a standalone SMS manual
- Safety Risk Management
- Hazard identification
- Risk analysis and assessment
- Development and implementation of risk mitigation measures
- Ensuring safety
- Safety performance measurement and monitoring (Compliance Monitoring)
- Management of change
- Continuous improvement of the SMS
- Promotion of safety
- Training and education (e.g. Human Factors, error management, procedures)
- Safety communication within the organisation
The requirements for a Safety Management System vary slightly depending on the area of application:
- Initial Airworthiness: according to (EU) 748/2012, Part 21, Subparts G and J
- Continuing Airworthiness: according to (EU) 1321/2014, Part-CAMO and Part 145
2.) IMPLEMENTATION INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS).
Quality Management Systems (QMS) established in accordance with EASA Part 21, EASA Part 145, or EASA Part-CAMO are generally compatible with the requirements of a Safety Management System (SMS).
The overview below highlights the focus and compatibility of both systems and illustrates how they complement each other:
In organisations that hold multiple aviation regulatory approvals, the introduction of an organisation-wide Safety Management System (SMS) should be considered. This helps prevent competing safety management processes and procedures from being established across different areas of the organisation.
3.) ACC SERVICES IN THE AREA OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT (SMS)
Our Safety Management (SMS) services include, among others, the following steps:
- Conducting a gap analysis to determine the extent of non-conformities between your existing management system and SMS requirements, based on the requirements of EASA Part 21, Part 145, and Part-CAMO, including AMCand GM
- Developing and defining strategies for introducing and sustainably implementing SMS requirements within your organisation
- Developing new manuals and procedures, as well as adapting existing documentation based on the results of the gap analysis
- Training and educating your employees to successfully implement and apply the Safety Management System