september2022 - 21

SMS include mapping and analyzing the
existing organization; conducting a gap
analysis; and preparing an implementation
plan. Thomas and Starke say this
method takes the overall complexity
of the task and divides it into smaller,
more manageable subcomponents.
" The initial mapping and analysis
start by describing and documenting
your organizational structure, operational
environment, and specific functions
of each department, " they say.
" A gap analysis involves analyzing
and assessing your existing programs,
systems, processes and activities
with respect to SMS requirements
found in the regulations, " Thomas
and Starke add.
While a company may use any technique
to identify what needs to be done
to implement an SMS, Thomas and
Starke note completing a gap analysis
will provide input for development of an
implementation plan.
In addition to an AE or other management-level
point of contact, other
personnel may be required to assist
with implementing an SMS. This varies
depending on the size and complexity of
an organization, but an SMS is scalable
to accommodate any size business.
" The key aim is to make it effective
without trying too hard, " says Yeomans.
Resource provision should be
looked at from two sides, according to
Thomas and Starke.
" First, there are the resources needed
to maintain the SMS, such as administrative
resources, supporting infrastructure,
etc., " they say. " Second, resources
in terms of risk controls also need to
be considered. Examples would be
training, new equipment or programs
that need to be provided to control identified
risk. "
The time required to implement an
SMS from the ground up can also vary
depending on the size of the business.
While an SMS offers value to a
business, it has to be an initiative
desired by the company, so that
it can be approached positively
and with full commitment.
But according to DeBerry and Berry, the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has found that it takes about three
years in many cases.
Requirements of SMS
There are four key components in an
SMS. Commonly referred to as pillars,
these components include safety policy
and objectives, safety risk management,
safety assurance and safety promotion.
" SMS should not be a separate system
used on top of or next to other systems
and business practices, " DeBerry and
Berry advise. " SMS should be integrated
into existing systems and practices. "
Within the four main components are
12 elements - each of which is required
for effective SMS, Yeomans explains.
" Scalability does not mean you can
eliminate any of the components or elements, "
he adds.
Within the safety policy and objectives
component, elements include
management commitment; safety
accountability and responsibilities;
appointment of key safety personnel;
coordination of emergency response
planning; and SMS documentation.
The safety risk management component
includes two elements - hazard
identification as well as safety risk
assessment and mitigation.
The three elements within the
safety assurance component are safety
September 2022 || AviationPros.com || 21
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