SIX (6) SAFETY ATTRIBUTES OF A SAFE SYSTEM

SIX (6) SAFETY ATTRIBUTES OF A SAFE SYSTEM

The Safety Attributes are

·         Responsibility,

·         Authority,

·         Procedures,

·         Process Measurements,

·         Controls

·         Interfaces

and are explained below.

RESPONSIBILITY ATTRIBUTE - This means there is an identifiable, qualified and knowledgeable person who owns the process and is answerable for quality of the process. He has the duty to ensure the process is performed. RESPONSIBILITY CANNOT BE DELEGATED AND IS ABSOLUTE. Responsibility is duty assigned. It is the obligation of subordinate to perform the work assigned to him. Responsibility arises out of superior-subordinate relationship in which subordinate agrees to carry out duty given to him. It flows from bottom to top.

AUTHORITY ATTRIBUTE - This means there is an identifiable, qualified and knowledgeable person who has the power to establish and modify the course of action for a process. He has the duty of accomplishing the process. AUTHORITY CAN BE DELEGATED BY A SUPERIOR TO A SUBORDINATE. Authority is power to act or take decisions and decisions can be related to the use of resources and to do or not to do something. It is the legal right of a person or a superior to command his subordinates. Authority is attached to the position of a superior in concern. It flows from top to bottom.

PROCEDURES ATTRIBUTE- This means there is a documented procedure for accomplishing a process. The documented procedures must identify who, what, when, where and how those procedures are accomplished. These procedures must allow all personnel to perform their duties and responsibilities with a high degree of safety.

CONTROLS ATTRIBUTE - This means checks and restraints are designed into a system to ensure a desired result is achieved. Check and restraints must be designed into the process to ensure policies and procedures are followed to achieve desired results.

PROCESS MEASUREMENT ATTRIBUTE- This means a measure or assessment of information to identify, analyse, and document potential problems within a process.  Process measurements ensure an internal evaluation function is used to detect, identify, and eliminate or control hazards and the associated risk.    

INTERFACES ATTRIBUTE - This means interactions between processes are identified and managed. This attribute helps to manage the interfaces (i.e interactions) associated with this process. Interfaces occur in a procedure where responsibility for accomplishing work is transferred from one person, work group, or organisation to another. Procedures must be detailed enough to ensure the smooth transfer of work and information.

SAFETY ATTRIBUTE INSPECTION OR ASSESSMENT IS USED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SIX (6) SAFETY ATTRIBUTES ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN OF THE COMPANY’S SYSTEM AND IDENTIFY ANY SHORTFALLS. THIS IS DONE FOR EACH PROCESS OR ELEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S SYSTEM

SAFETY ATTRIBUTE PERFORMANCE INSPECTION OR ASSESSMENT IS USED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE COMPANY FOLLOWS ITS PROCDURES, CONTROLS, PROCESS MEASUREMENTS AND INTERFACES. IT DETERMINES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPANY’S PROCEDURES IN MEETING THE DESIRED OUTPUT OF THE PROCESS.  THIS IS DONE FOR EACH PROCESS OR ELEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S SYSTEM.

THE ATTRIBUTES ARE NOT STANDARDS IN AND OF THEMSELVES, BUT PROVIDE A STRUCTURE FOR THE TOOLS USED TO COLLECT DATA FOR PRINCIPAL INSPECTORS SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE INFORMED JUDGMENTS ABOUT THE DESIGN OF AN AIR CARRIER’S OPERATING SYSTEMS (1) BEFORE APPROVING OR ACCEPTING THEM WHEN REQUIRED TO DO SO BY THE REGULATIONS, AND (2) DURING RECURRING ASSESSMENTS FOR CONTINUED OPERATIONAL SAFETY.

DEFINITIONS

SYSTEM                    a composite of people, tools, procedures, materials, and software operating in a specific environment to perform specific task or achieve a specific purpose.

POLICY                     established standards of acceptable actions sometimes based on regulations. Tells WHAT and may include purpose and scope of the process. Serve to limit procedures that may be used in the company and sometimes imbedded within a procedure. 

PROCEDURES         documented or prescribed methods of accomplishing a process or the requirements of a policy.

PROCESS                  it consists of linked activities that produce a desired result or end product. Policy and procedures are components of a process.