 The Gold Coast Airport and Oceania Aviation
played host to the Annual Australasian Aviation Ground
Safety Council's Safety Seminar. Over 40 people took part in
the half day seminar, that had presentations on a wide range
of safety related topics.
The first presentation was presented Chris
Barber from Qantas, who spoke about the risk associated with
fall from heights. Chris shared some of the challenges, as
well as the innovations and techniques that his organisation
was implementing to assist in addressing some risks
associated with working at height around aircraft.
Adelaide Airports Airside Safety Manager
Brett Eaton followed up with a comprehensive presentation on
passenger movement on the ramp. As airports become
increasingly pressured for space, they find themselves
having to deal with increased passenger movement to standoff
bays. Brett covered issues such as walkways, bussing
passengers, ground markings and the hazards of passengers
being in an unfamiliar environment.
The Gold Coast Airport has just gone
through a major redevelopment. Rob Porter shared with
attendees the challenges that they had relating to the works
Safety and Security requirements. Moving passengers from
landside through an active worksite to get to their Aircraft
provided new challenges on a daily basis. Rob explained how
shipping containers were used to create a walkway that
provided a safe passenger walkway to the apron. His key
message was that as in most things, active communication
between all stakeholders made a very difficult project work
despite the challenges.
Vehicle reliability is often an endless
cause of frustration but it need not be. David Tabb from
Skystar presented their learning's and processes to tackle
this. David challenged the notion that vehicle maintenance
should not be seen as a cost to the organisation, but rather
should be viewed as currency. As a ground handling agent,
providing equipment that is reliable and safe, increases the
efficiency of their service to their customers. Having a
comprehensive inspection and maintenance program that can be
demonstrated to potential customers is like currency when
bidding for new business.
The seminar was concluded with Chris
giving a brief on safety observations, which was followed up
with a visit to the Gold Coast Airports baggage hall and
tarmac to conduct a safety observation. |
