Did you know that FOD are one of the biggest threats to aviation safety? The damage resulting from FOD in the aviation industry is estimated at $4 billion each year!    

What is a FOD?   

Foreign Object Debris (commonly referred to as FOD) includes, but is not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastic, small animals, plant material, oil, gasoline, water, ice or other contaminants, glass, metal parts from aircraft or non-aircraft, tools, hardware, etc. As you can see, the list is long!   

FOD can cause injuries to airside employees and significant damage to aircrafts. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the apron and our movement area clean.    

What causes a FOD?    

There are several situations that can cause a FOD. Here are some examples:     

• Poor maintenance of equipment or poor maintenance of buildings.   
• Poor staff training.  
• Increased pressure on personnel during aircraft stops (preventing proper and adequate inspection of the aircraft and apron).  
• The weather.   

• Presence of non-compliant/unchecked vehicles.   

 

How to avoid FOD? 

• Do not throw anything on the ground, secure all objects which may fly away and ensure to check and store your materials or tools after each use. 
• A thorough visual inspection of the aircraft stand should always be conducted prior a flight arrival at the gate, as well as prior to departure push back. 
• Any FOD observed airside should be disposed of in the green containers at the gates or given to the maintenance or security personnel depending on the nature of the FOD. 

• If a FOD is observed without any possibilities to be picked up and removed right away from the area, contact the CCO at 514-420-5000. 

 

In an airport environment, safety is everyone’s business!