CANSO sets Global safety standards

The Seminar, which was held in Queenstown New Zealand from 10-14th November, agreed a CANSO Standard for Safety Management Systems, and a CANSO Standard for Safety Metrics. This is the first time such standards have been agreed by the worlds ANSPs, and it marks a genuine step-change advance for ATM safety. One of the other key decisions of the SSC was the acceptance of the Safety Culture Working Group plan which included the CANSO definition of safety culture. CANSO Secretary General Alexander ter Kuile commented: I want to congratulate the CANSO member Safety Directors on their achievement. Agreeing the Safety Management System and Safety Metrics standards is a tremendous advance for global ATM safety. For the first time, all our members who control 80% of world air traffic movements will be able to measure their performance in the crucial areas of runway incursions, and loss of separation. Our SMS Standard also offers ANSPs a tool to further their safety systems and ensure they are in line with ICAO standards. The CANSO Safety Culture Working Group has a five-year target that all existing CANSO members will be measuring and improving their safety culture by 2012. As an organisation moves to assess, understand, and enhance its safety culture, it is important to consider what enables and what hinders the development of a positive safety culture. As a first step, it developed the following definition of the safety culture concept: Safety culture refers to the enduring value, priority and commitment placed on safety by every person and every group at every level of the organisation. Safety culture reflects the individual and organisational attitudes, norms and behaviours related to the safe provision of air navigation services.