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Construction Safety At Airports

Principal Author / Publisher:Safetyhow Admin
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Construction sites located at airports, especially active airports, can be very dangerous. In addition to the normal hazards of typical construction sites, airports also have additional hazards such as moving aircraft, running aircraft engines, a large number of airport service vehicles and the risks posed by jet blast. Along with meeting OSHA safety standards, airport operators must also comply with the rules laid out in the code of federal regulations, Section 14, Part 139, “Certification of Airports” and FAA Advisory Circular 150/5370, which are mandatory when the airport is receiving federal funding and is always a good practice for any airport construction project.

Pre-Construction

The development and implementation of a Safety Plan is a pre-requirement prior to beginning construction. The Safety Plan is developed in accordance with the guidelines described in Advisory Circular AC-150/5370 and its development must include all parties involved in the construction project including contractors, tenants, the airport authority or owners, regulators and others. An important requirement of construction is to develop plans and procedures that will allow for continued operation at the airport while still allowing for safety of airport and construction personnel. As such, safety zones and vehicle safety plans must be developed.

Establishing Safe Construction Zones

Construction and safety zones must be designed so that they do not have a large impact on day-to-day operations while still providing for the safety of workers. AC 150/5370 calls for safety zones that must be obstacle and object free and at least 200 ft clear of any active runways or taxiways, so as to protect workers from aircraft. Construction zones must be clear of hazards, with proper safety markings and lighting throughout the site. Barricades that are easily collapsible but marked in a specifically approved manner must be used.

Vehicle Safety

Often the most dangerous part of airport construction is keeping track of ground equipment and vehicles moving about the airport, especially in aircraft movement areas. All drivers at the airport must receive airport-specific driver training that discusses procedures, safety, work areas, security and proper communications with air traffic controllers. One of the highest risks during construction is vehicles wandering onto an active runway and potentially colliding with a departing or arriving aircraft; this is referred to as “runway incursions.” All personnel must also be protected from moving vehicles.

Other Safety Issues

Construction at an airport provides some unique challenges due to having to deal with aircraft, ground service vehicles and air traffic control personnel. In addition to the risk of runway incursions, another risk unique to airports is the ingestion of “Foreign Object Damage” (FOD), when an objects get sucked into a running jet engine and potentially causing damage. FOD awareness is an important part of any construction safety plan. Another issue peculiar to airport construction involves the issuance of Notice to Airman (NOTAM’s) and other publications to alert pilots of ongoing construction at the airport and related operational impacts and safety risks. There is also a requirement to have on-going safety meetings with all parties to review the effectiveness of safety measures and procedures.

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