From THE NET – The Atlanta Worldport Safety Newsletter
In 2005 Foreign Object Damage (FOD) Cost Us About $16,000,000
Whether you call it Foreign Object Debris of Foreign Object Damgae, FOD can kill – and destory property! Unfortunately, FOD is all too common on our ramps, in our shops and other work spaces. It may be wire clippings, hardware, tools, luggage parts, crumbling concrete, ice, salt, birds, cups and bottles and more.By definition, FOD is a substance, debris or article which is alien to a vehicle or system which would potentially cause damage. Besides its deadly potential, FOD costs over $4 billion every year in aricraft repairs industry-wide. It is money right out of our pockets! of course, the cost of any personal injury from FOD is too high.Pick up FOD in your area. The is one way you can hlep STOP aircraft damage and wasted money.When is an empty beverage can, a wheel that fell off of a checked bag, or a small bolt not just trash? The answer is: When they are left on the ramp. There, combined with the incredible suction and blast power of a jet engine, they become projectiles that can cause injuries, expensive damage, cancelled flights, and needless headaches. This damage, which can result in a crippled
jet engine, occurs in an instant leaving us powerless to stop it once it is underway. Our best means to combat what we call Foreign Object Damage caused by Foreign Object Debris is to keep the ramp clear of anything that doesn’t belong there and to secure everything that does belong there.
jet engine, occurs in an instant leaving us powerless to stop it once it is underway. Our best means to combat what we call Foreign Object Damage caused by Foreign Object Debris is to keep the ramp clear of anything that doesn’t belong there and to secure everything that does belong there.
John Fechushak, Safety Manager at the Atlanta Worldport, says, “The foundation of every great operation is a clean and orderly work area. The eyes of the world look down on us daily watching our every move – how we load and unload bags, how we move and park aircraft and the condition of our work areas. FOD on the ramp translates into an unsafe environment in our passengers’ eyes. We must work together as a Team to meet higher standards and to ensure our work environment is safe, clean, and FOD-free.
