Who hasn’t heard of Foreign Object Debris, commonly known as FOD? These objects or materials, sometimes unusual, which are found on our movement areas: including, but not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastics, vegetable matter, glass, metal parts belonging or not belonging to an aircraft, tools, hardware, etc. As you can see, the list is long. As you can see, the list goes on!   

As the summer season gets underway, we’ve unveiled an awareness campaign to remind you of the air safety issues associated with FODs, and to promote our safety culture.  

FOD, a controllable risk  

We know you’re aware of this, but raising awareness is essential when the stakes are this high: an FOD can be dangerous! Blown by an aircraft, it can injure a person, but it can also cause an aircraft accident.  

That’s why it’s so important for us to remind you that a clean workspace for everyone’s safety is a prime objective, and that it’s a collective effort to achieve it. 

The zero FOD attitude that makes all the difference  

• I constantly monitor and inspect my working environment – If I see a risk of FOD on the premises, I report it!  
• I work around aircraft arrivals or departures. I make sure to carry out a thorough inspection of the parking area before any operation!   
• Driving on the movement area? I check my vehicle or equipment before departure to avoid any risk of FOD. And I keep my eyes open when I’m on the move.  
• If I detect any FOD, I remove it immediately and dispose of it in the FOD garbage cans provided. I make sure it doesn’t become an FOD again!   
• If I detect an FOD that I cannot recover myself, I immediately notify the CCO.  
• When I’m working, I secure any equipment I don’t need so that it doesn’t fly off or fall.  
• Once I’ve completed my task, I check that I have all the equipment I’ve used, and store/secure it in the appropriate place. I check that nothing is left behind – especially not my water bottle, coffee or other garbage.  
• I never throw anything on the ground (bottles, paper, etc.) – (besides, it’s bad for the environment and damages my workplace).  
• I remain vigilant in case of strong winds – you don’t want your equipment to blow away and become a FOD (e.g. a poorly secured ULD that ends up on a traffic lane)! 
• Broken or unused equipment? I’ll take it off the ramp! 

 

Competition: will you be our big winner?  

As time goes by, you’re probably getting to know the subject and even mastering it. That’s the goal! So don’t forget to test your knowledge on the last quiz of the week, the expert level!   

Lets go! 

Your participation could win you a $500 gift certificate for travel on the airline of your choice!