How should you implement SMS requirements in a Part-145 Maintenance Organisation?

How should you implement SMS requirements in a Part-145 Maintenance Organisation?

Besides the changes in the management team (Compliance Monitoring Manager & Safety Manager), EASA Part-145 Approved Maintenance Organizations also need to implement the elements of a suitable SMS.

The mandated SMS system must contain the following elements:

• finding out what is wrong (hazard identification);
• proposing and implementing a fix or fixes (remedial action);
• making sure that the proposed fix or fixes work as intended (continuous monitoring); and
• constantly improving the management system to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery of services (continuous improvement of the SMS).

Procedures and instructions need to be developed, and a separate Safety Management Manual is recommended. Especially if you are a large and complex organisation.

Depending on the size of the organization, a suitable SMS software system that support the reporting needs and data collection and retention of the essential SMS elements is recommended.

This SMS software should be capable of providing reports and data related to the continuous monitoring and continuous improvements of the SMS.

And finally, provisions need to be made in the training program for the training of required staff in Safety Management and Compliance Monitoring functions. Safety Management training is combined with Human Factors training and the course syllabus is detailed in GM1 145.A.30(e). Safety Management needs to be promoted, and a solid SMS training program is one of the means of promoting Safety within your organisation.