6 risks for airports ground staff
Airports are often extremely busy. This applies to both the passengers and the people who work there. Ground staff have to be well trained and always need to be alert. Even with this high workload, everyone’s safety must be assured.
But how dangerous is it to work at an airport, actually? Below is an overview of the most common risks to ground staff. If you think your staff needs extra safety measures, read on.
Every litre counts
A standard passenger aircraft consumes an average of one litre of fuel per second. A ten-hour flight therefore uses around 36,000 litres of fuel. And where is all this fuel kept? In the fuel tank, of course. During the peak summer and winter periods, fuel truck accident can happen alarmingly quickly due to time constraints.
FLEX IMPACT® airport safety solutions limit the damage when that happens. Thanks to their flexible design, they can easily adapt to new situations or even be moved to other locations at the airport. The striking colour and presence of the safety barrier alerts drivers that they are approaching an area where extra caution is required.
The safety barrier is made of strong, extremely shock-resistant polymer. In the event of a collision, the released force is distributed across the barrier so that it reduces the vehicle's impact energy. This increases the safety of everyone involved, both pedestrians and vehicles.
Hand luggage only?
Luggage handlers are a familiar sight at airports. They play an absolutely crucial role.
The heavy work often takes its toll on the staff, who experience stretched muscles, joint problems and even a risk of arthritis. Airport ground staff have to be familiar with the correct lifting techniques to prevent injuries. Regular risk assessments are necessary to ensure that all staff are aware and are working safely. Various posters and signs are placed on the airport premises to inform everyone.
Ground-level hazards
Working on the tarmac and near aircraft and fuel tanks is always impressive. Perhaps so impressive that people feel unsafe.
The presence of industrial safety handrails increases the ground staff's sense of safety. These barriers can be fitted everywhere: in buildings near the runway and in areas such as toilets and staff canteens.
Safety barriers are only a first step. Staff are also obliged to closely follow the airport’s health and safety protocols. Of course, this helps to reduce the risk of dangerous scenarios. Simple measures such as high-vis vests ensures that staff are always visible to anyone who should see them. If you combine standard training sessions and protocols with proper safety barriers, you achieve a high level of safety and, even more importantly, risk prevention.
Protect your fleet
Vehicles used on the airport premises require a lot of care and attention. They need to be efficient and drivers have to be certain there no mechanical problems.
Another important factor to consider is how and where they park. A visible parking space for airport vehicles reduces the risk of collisions and accidents. When you combine this with robust safety barriers, you create an impenetrable shield between your important fleet and any impending danger. Airport safety is paramount. Everyone travelling through an airport deserves to feel safe, whether they are staff members or jetsetters.
Remember that with every airport accident, the repair costs go up. Safety barriers play a major role in reducing unwanted expenses. The pressure on the airport staff is high enough as it is, so if you lend them a hand and make them feel safe, it will only benefit the staff, their vehicles and the airport.
A solid foundation
BOPLAN® FLEX IMPACT® safety barriers offer a range of advantages at airports. The safety barriers, which are mounted on solid base plates, are a very smart investment.
As mentioned above, the energy released in a collision is distributed across the entire barrier. The force does not rebound to the source of the accident and the base plates remain in place, firmly anchored to the ground. This is very different from traditional steel barriers, whose base plates tend to come loose with almost any impact, damaging the floor in the process. Steel guardrail are also left with dents and damage the vehicle. If you take all this into account, it all adds up.
You are much better off with a safety barrier as strong and flexible as the FLEX IMPACT®. The safety barrier’s ability to retain its look and colour, and more importantly, to regain its shape after a collision, means you can rest assured. As frequent repairs are kept to a minimum, these barriers remain operational all year round.
Rigorous testing
All our products are tested externally at the Transpolis Laboratory before they receive their certification. Dr Edmondo di Pasquale from Princeton University leads the lab research. He and his team have many years of crash testing experience. This means that anyone who invests in our products gets value for money.
Safety upgrade
If you want to invest in airport safety barriers, contact Boplan today. Our extensive catalogue of safety measures shows that there is no limit to what or who you can protect from potentially dangerous situations.
Call our team today: (678) 890-5960. We are always happy to help.
Remember that airports are extremely busy environments and the atmosphere is stressful at best. Danger lurks around every corner. So make sure your airport is well prepared and protected against potential collisions, so that all staff members and passengers feel comfortable.