MINUTES OF THE AVIATION GROUND SAFETY COUNCIL MEETING
16th December 2009
72nd Meeting
Held at the Staines Rugby Club, The Reeves, Feltham Hill Road, Hanworth, Middlesex TW13 7NB
Those present:
Len Sullivan Chairman - ASIG
Myles Francis - HSE Inspector
Charlotte Tyson Secretary - Cathay Pacific Airways
Howard Lewis - Air Canada
Carl Farrell - Plane Handling (retired)
Steve Clayden - Aviance
Simon Jones Berrymans - Lace Mawer Solicitors
Neil Richards Berrymans - Lace Mawer Solicitors
Brian Shaw - Menzies
Julian Humphreys - FEDEX
Richard Dixon - AFS
Tony Yates - American Airlines
Marguerite - Coate Aer Lingus
Brendan Travers - Aer Lingus
Craig Charlesworth - Menzies
Mark Walton BBA - Aviation
Sandra Mujagic - ARCO
Mike Walker - RPAS(UK)Ltd
Jim Middleton - OCS
Guest:
Davy Snowdon Pristine Condition
Apologies received from:
Robert Gifford - PACTS
Paul Hartley Servisair
Robin Phillips Mace
Les Scriver UKBA Border Force - Heathrow
David Freeman ASIG
Brett Dorney Marsh
Deirdre O'Kennedy Aer lingus
Rich Jones UK Flight Safety Committee
Jonathan Tess AFS
Luca Bevilacqua AZ
Jim Martin - Deputy Chairman - Plane Handling
Kate Ketteringham Premier Inn
Meeting opened with Fire Evacuation procedures, followed by self-introduction of persons present. Review of minutes from last meeting on the 23rd September 2009 agreed and acknowledged by all present.
Manual Handling Techniques and Training
by DAVID SNOWDON from Pristine Conditions
This was one of the best manual handling presentations I have seen. Pristine Conditions was started in 1996 by an ex weight lifter. They apply the same principles used by weight lifters, to everyday work practices involving manual handling. For those who did not see the presentation I would recommend a visit to their web site.
HSE Update
by Myles Francis – HSE Inspector.
We are most thankful for Myles to take time out to address the AGSC. He spoke about two current issues that were on the HSE radar. The first being the manual handling involved in baggage handling. He advised that the HSE are working with IATA and IOSH to firmly establish the 23 kilos weight limit for each piece of baggage. The aim is to try and get everyone working to the same standards. There is an expectation that contractors should be monitored as well. Myles requested feedback from any airline, which felt that they may have issues that may prevent them from adopting the 23kilo limit.
The HSE is also concerned with GPU connections, in particular contractors moving onto the aircraft before the engines have been turned off.
In-flight Fire Suppression Systems
by Julian Humphreys from FEDEX
jahumphreys@fedex.com
Julian gave a very interesting talk on the fire suppression system developed by FEDEX. They needed to provide a fire suppression system that could be used for all types of containers, which would come into effect at the very earliest stages before fire could transfer from one container to another. It had to be reliable, need little maintenance and contain enough agents to suppress a fire. They developed an infrared fire sensor. Fires that had occurred to cargo in-flight prompted this project. Please contact Julian if you are interested in knowing more details.
Manual handling claims
by Berrymans Lace Mawer Solicitors with Simon Jones and Neil Richards
simon.jones@blm-law.com
neil.richards@blm-law.com
Paving the way to talking about manual handling claims, the presentation reinforced the importance of risk assessment. The assessment should encompass, control measures, evaluating TASK, INDIVIDUAL CAPABILITY, LOAD, ENVIRONMENT (often referred to as TILE) and good document keeping. Unfortunately, we were running short of time by this stage, so the presentation will conclude at our next meeting in April.
Annual World Airline Road Race
Julian Humphreys advised the 29th Annual World Airline Road Race would take place on September 25 2010. It consists of a 5K followed by a 10K race and anyone working for an airline or associated services can apply to take part. It has a friendly atmosphere with just a hint of competitiveness. For more information, please visit their web site
Next meeting is on the 28th April 2010. We would like to remind members that our web site address is www.agsc.org.uk. If you have any topics you would like discussed in 2010 please email Len on len.sullivan@asig.co.uk