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.