Eye on Safety newsletter

Airside driving is a critical part of airport operations. Your safety and the safety of those around you while driving is a top priority. Practice safe driving behaviours when driving airside:

- Move your vehicle safely and avoid cut-offs by always yielding to aircraft and marshaling crew.

- When parking, try to leave your vehicle in a way that enables you to pull out from the front.

- Avoid idling; turn off the ignition.

- Before putting your vehicle in reverse, always check your rear and side view mirrors. Take your time when reversing so you can stop easily if needed.

- If backing a large vehicle or in a tight spot, have a colleague direct you from outside the vehicle. Avoid distractions by turning the radio down and asking other passengers to hold their conversations until the vehicle is safely backed up.

A Runway Incursion is any occurrence airside where an aircraft, vehicle or person is incorrectly on the runway.

To avoid incursions:

- Only cross a runway when it is absolutely necessary. Use perimeter roads to avoid crossing the runway where possible.

- Pay attention to your surroundings. Always know where you are.

- Once you receive clearance to cross, go straight across the runway. Do not go back unless given clearance to do so. When crossing a runway, look both ways, then cross and go immediately.

- Be aware of your speed and drive based on the weather conditions.

- When calling into the tower, be as precise as possible by knowing where you are on the airfield. If you’re unclear of directions, ask for clarification from the tower before proceeding and write down complex instructions.

Refresh your knowledge about airside driving now!

Let’s work together to keep the apron clear to give snow clearing equipment the opportunity to clean spaces quickly and efficiently.

Before the pushback of an aircraft from the gate, please ensure that:

- the ground power unit (GPU) cables are retracted, secured by the lanyard, and that the weather cap is installed
- the pre-conditioned air (PCA) hoses are securely stowed in the bin
- the visual docking guidance system (VDGS) cord is retracted and stowed properly
- the potable water cabinet (PWC) hose is retracted and the doors are secured in the closed position
- ensure the A/C is not overfilled with water as it results in ice on the gate
- any leaks in the hose/water cabinet should be called into Airport Operations as it can result in ice
- all chocks, pylons and portable service stairs are safely stored in their designed locations
- the passenger boarding bridge (PBB) is returned to the designated parking circle upon retraction from the aircraft
- all ground support equipment (GSE) is returned to their designated parking locations unless directed otherwise by snow removal crews in preparation for gate snow clearing operations

Slips and falls are a common injury, and they can happen at any time of year, especially during severe weather. With the change of seasons ahead of us, these are some steps you can take to keep yourself safe:

- Wear appropriate footwear
- Use safe walking practices
- Avoid distractions
- Take extra care on moving walkways and escalators – if you have excess baggage, strollers, or other large or heavy items, be sure to use an elevator
- Keep your workspace clear – be mindful of tripping hazards that can be caused by ground service equipment, chocks and cones
- Always walk around equipment, never between
- Call any indoor spills or outdoor areas that need to be treated into operations at 416-776-3055

Slips, trips and falls are common when someone exits a vehicle onto unknown ground.

- Look first before stepping out from the vehicle
- Maintain three-point contact when stepping out
- Use the vehicle for support
- Do not grab objects such as coffee mugs, water bottles, etc., as you are exiting; exit the vehicle first, then retrieve your stuff
- Try to keep your centre of gravity over your support leg for better balance
- Keep your hands out of your pockets
- Look first before stepping out from the vehicle
- During severe weather, take extra precautions when exiting a vehicle

One of the best ways to prevent slips, trips and falls is through regular housekeeping of your work area. You can do this by regularly inspecting your workspace and keeping your work area clean and free of any hazards.