Ramp Safety 101
Sometimes it takes a memorable shot played over and over on the evening news — in this case a baggage container (an LD3?) sticking out of a 747 engine — to get us thinking about basic ramp safety. To the average CNN or Fox viewer, it’s hard to imagine how this could happen. But to those of us in the business, the potential for aircraft damage on the ramp is constant. A moment’s inattention or distraction can spell serious damage. In worst case scenarios — that do happen — injury or death can result.
So it’s worth taking the time to review basic ramp safety. Good to talk among ourselves and to re-emphasize the basics with our employees and co-workers. I’ve learned the hard way — I’ve inadvertently damaged aircraft, injured myself and had more close calls than I want to remember. Over my years at the NTSB, we investigated several
1. If you’re not trained on equipment, don’t operate it until you are. Some guy giving you a quick OJT is usually not enough to operate safely.
2. Look at the big picture. It’s not enough to focus on what you’re doing; you have to look out for everyone and everything around you.
3. Tag broken equipment. Telling someone is just not enough to prevent its use.
4. Don’t rush. Yes, the pressure to avoid delays is constant but the cost of errors is worse.
But I’m sure you all have your own ramp safety pointers. Please feel free to share them so we can learn from each other.
May 19th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
John,
There is an upside to the baggage container incident. It should prevent a bird ingestion problem with that engine!
Seriously, as a Sales Rep. for aerial lift equipment (scissor lifts, boom lifts and reach lifts), I see all four of your points as the main reasons for accidents. Fortunately there was no loss of life with the baggage container but with my equipment inexperience, lack of attention, using damaged lifts or rushing a job can often lead to the worst of all injuries: death.
One of the most common things I hear when conducting safety training is “Yeah, I’ve driven a boom lift (or scissor lift)”. What I point out is that every lift manufacturer’s controls are different and vary between models. The failure to learn each lift’s controls and the area you are working in can cause the split second it takes to damage an aircraft or seriously injure a coworker or yourself.
With proper training and awareness aerial lifts can be a great tool for support and maintenance. Information on lift safety can be found on the web, on manufacturer’s websites or by contacting a lift dealer.
Greg Miller
United Rentals Aerial Equipment
Irving, TX
July 18th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
i need more information on aviation ramp safety.
March 29th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
I find ypour comments very interesting .I m a ramp supervisor and i am publishing a safety booklet for my manual workers . look for hazards around you..brakes not applied on container dollies .proper communication….between driver and his guideman…. Do not in aircraft zone are its main contents. i would be very happy to be guided..thks very much
June 25th, 2010 at 9:20 am
I NEED TO FIND HOW MANY RAMP INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS, AIRPORTS/COMPANIES HAPPENED IN 2009. IF FOUND MONTHLY BASES I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATED.
ISTANBUL/TURKEY