Safety Risk Management (SRM) is a core component of an aviation Safety Management System (SMS) manual, as outlined in TOC 3.1–3.7. It provides a structured process to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
For safety managers, consultants, and accountable executives, implementing SRM effectively reduces operational risks by up to 30%, as achieved by a utility client.
This guide details the five phases of SRM, offering practical steps to integrate them into your aviation SMS manual, using tools to streamline compliance for operators from small flight schools to global airlines.
The first phase of SRM involves describing and analyzing the systems within your organization, such as flight operations, maintenance, or ground handling. According to ICAO Doc 9859, this step identifies interfaces and processes that could introduce risks. SKYbrary’s SMS framework emphasizes documenting system components to understand potential hazards.
Use tools like SMS Pro's Proactive Hazard Analysis Tool (PHAT) and Gap Analysis module to map systems and assess compliance with FAA Part 5 or EASA Part-ORA. For example, a small fixed-base operator (FBO) might analyze its fueling procedures, while an airport could evaluate runway operations. A client MRO saved 100 hours annually by using templates to document system descriptions in SMS Pro's PHAT, which includes user-friendly templates that save countless hours of frustration. Refer to FAA Part 5 SRM System Description Requirement for regulatory guidance.
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Hazard identification involves pinpointing conditions or events that could lead to safety incidents, such as equipment failures or human errors. FAA Advisory Circular 120-92B requires a systematic approach to identifying hazards across operations. Tools like the Hazard Identification resource provide checklists to guide this process, ensuring coverage of all operational areas. SMS Pro's PHAT contains lists of categorized hazards to stimulate brainstorming and reduce time.
Encourage employees to report hazards through a confidential safety reporting system, as outlined in What Is Hazard Identification in Aviation SMS. For instance, a helicopter operator might identify fatigue as a hazard, while a maintenance organization could flag outdated tools. A client airline boosted reporting by 50% by promoting hazard identification, demonstrating its impact.
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Once hazards are identified, assess their risks by evaluating their severity and likelihood. This phase uses a risk matrix to categorize risks as low, medium, or high, guiding mitigation priorities. The Risk Matrix resource offers templates to standardize assessments, ensuring compliance with ICAO and FAA standards.
For example, a flight school might assess the risk of student pilot errors as high severity but low likelihood, while an airport might rate runway incursions as high in both. Use techniques like bowtie analysis to map risks, as detailed in How to Do Bowtie Analysis in Aviation SMS. A client pipeline inspection company reduced risks by 30% by prioritizing high-risk hazards, underscoring the value of structured analysis.
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Risk mitigation involves developing and implementing control measures to reduce identified risks to an acceptable level. Risk controls can include training, equipment upgrades, or procedural changes. For instance, a Part 135 operator might introduce fatigue management training to mitigate crew fatigue risks, while an MRO could implement regular tool inspections. The Proactive Risk Management resource provides strategies to design effective controls.
Document mitigation measures in the SMS manual, specifying responsibilities and timelines. A client airport cut compliance risks by 15% by using standardized control templates. Ensure controls are practical and scalable, addressing the needs of small operators and large airlines alike.
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Continuous monitoring ensures SRM processes remain effective and compliant. Use key performance indicators (KPIs), such as the number of mitigated risks or resolved hazard reports, to track performance. Regular audits, supported by the Auditing System, verify SRM implementation, as recommended by FAA and ICAO. For monitoring best practices, see How to Monitor the Effectiveness of Control Measures.
A client airline improved safety metrics by 20% by tracking SRM KPIs, highlighting the importance of evaluation. Update SRM processes based on audit findings, incident data, or operational changes, ensuring the SMS manual remains current. This phase is critical for consultants supporting airports or utilities with complex risk profiles.
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Implementing SRM can be challenging, especially for organizations with limited resources or complex operations. Avoid these common mistakes:
By addressing these challenges, organizations can build a robust SRM framework, as evidenced by clients who achieved zero audit findings through systematic risk management.
Implementing Safety Risk Management in your SMS manual is essential for reducing risks and ensuring compliance. By following the five phases—system analysis, hazard identification, risk assessment, mitigation, and monitoring—safety professionals can create a proactive safety framework. Tools like SMS Pro’s Risk Matrix and Auditing System simplify the process, supporting operators of all sizes.
Ready to implement SRM? Download free templates from Audit Resources or explore SMS Pro’s solutions at asms-pro.com to enhance your SMS manual. Start strengthening your safety program today.