Human Factors Training
Human Factors Awareness Training (HFAT)
Human Factors Awareness Training Elementary Maintenance
Recent amendments to Annex 6 to the ICAO Convention on Civil Aviation and Transport Canada regulations has led to a requirement for human factors (HF) training to be incorporated into aviation maintenance. The requirement is to implement a formal human factors training system in recognition of the fact that a major cause of aviation maintenance related incidents and accidents is human error. This applies equally to other areas of both civil and military aviation and other technical industries and services.
The need to develop and successfully implement a HF training program places additional demands on operators and AMOs, who may need to review their approach to safety management. Many organizations operating on restricted budgets will particularly feel the strain. However when HF is introduced professionally there is a very definite benefit even if only one potential incident is averted.
QualaTech-Aero Consulting Ltd. has developed a Human Factors Training Program that:
- is practical, pragmatic and workable
- is applicable to virtually all aviation industry employees
- will fit the framework
of management and operational procedures of a small to medium sized
company
- is sufficiently robust to satisfy ICAO Standards and National Civil Aviation Authority requirements for example, Canadian Airworthiness Standards 573.06, 726.12 & 426.45
- takes full account of limited operational budgets and timetables
- can be administered as a 'Train the Trainer' program
- reduces the risk of 'negligent' and 'reckless' conduct
The rigorous application of
HF training can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and incidents
as a study conducted by Taylor & Christensen demonstrated when it
was applied to a major airline.
The airline later recorded:
- 68% reduction in ground damage repair cost
- 27% decrease in occupational injury hours
- 12% decrease in medical payout due to occupational injury
- reduced replacement and repair of equipment due to damage on the ramp and other airport areas
- lower insurance premiums
- A reduction in claims and
litigation
Human Factors Awareness Training (HFAT):
Although mandated by Transport Canada (TC), regulation is not in itself the principal reason for HFAT. Rather, it is all about error and loss prevention. It is recognised that the requirement for HFAT places additional demands on operators and AMOs, who may need to review their approach to safety management. However, when HF is introduced professionally there is a very definite benefit even if only one potential incident is averted. A rigorous approach to safety management, combined with adequate and appropriate HFAT will contribute significantly in reducing errors, incidents, liability, injury and death. QualaTech consultants have extensive Canadian and international aviation experience, having held senior posts with ICAO, IATA, leading aviation operations, systems and service companies and international civil aviation authorities.
Introductory HFAT services for AMOs, AMEs and Air Operators
consists of:
- Two day initial HFAT course
- HFAT Manual and Certificate of Training
Completion of a HFAT Course will provide a practicable working knowledge of the following:
- Principles of HF, SMS and their interface
- HF and SMS as a foundation to a “Safety Culture”
- Awareness of how HFAT and SMS principles affect human performance
- Understanding how HFAT principles can promote a safe and error free workplace
- How the human role in operations/duties affects the ‘chain of events’
- How HFAT techniques and skills help people interact with others, reducing stress and promoting safety and quality.
The Course Objectives are to:
- recognize and identify HF elements
- understand human error and recognize contributing causes
- identify the chain of events in an accident
- develop safety nets or “link busters”
- identify and recognize the most common causes of human error
- be aware of individual differences and behavioural styles
- understand that error and loss can be avoided
- be aware of how communication can reduce human error
- develop effective communication skills.
Course Goal:
The goal of the HFAT course (pursuant to AN-B058 Edition 5, CAR 573.06, 726.12 & 426.45) is to integrate individual skills (including those people in related technical and managerial support positions) with interpersonal skills and basic HF knowledge, thereby, improving communication and the effectiveness of all safety programs in the workplace. To summarize, to reduce human error and operational loss, via awareness training and education, ultimately improving safety in the process. HFAT teaches us to identify and understand the role of Human Factors [the scientific study of the interaction between people and machine] within the work environment. HFAT also provides a correlation between HF and a SMS, focusing in the process on human error, avoidance and the subsequent consequences. The course introduces HF philosophy, enabling the participant to appreciate that ‘Error’ and ‘Loss’ are both preventable and within his/her own power to control. Learning and understanding about Human Factors is one of the best methods yet devised to help reduce the world’s annual ten billion dollar insurable loss rate.
Human Factors Awareness Training Elementary Maintenance:
Although mandated by Transport Canada (TC), regulation is not in itself the principal reason for HFAT. Rather, it is all about error and loss prevention. It is recognised that the requirement for HFAT places additional demands on operators and AMOs, who may need to review their approach to safety management. However, when HF is introduced professionally there is a very definite benefit even if only one potential incident is averted. A rigorous approach to safety management, combined with adequate and appropriate HFAT will contribute significantly in reducing errors, incidents, liability, injury and death. QualaTech consultants have extensive Canadian and international aviation experience, having held senior posts with ICAO, IATA, leading aviation operations, systems and service companies; and international civil aviation authorities.
Elementary Maintenance in HFAT for Pilots & Air Operators
consists of:
HFAT manual, tutorial manual & printable certificate of training.
Completion of a HFAT tutorial will provide a practicable working knowledge of the following:
1. Principles of Human Factors
2. HF as a cornerstone of “Safety”
3. Awareness of how HFAT and SMS principles impact human performance
4. Understanding of how HFAT principles can promote a safe and error free workplace
5. How the human role in operations/duties affects the ‘chain of events’.
The Course Objectives are to:
1. recognize and identify HF elements
2. understand human error and recognize contributing causes
3. identify the chain of events in an accident
4. develop safety nets or “link busters”
5. identify and recognize the most common causes of human error
6. be aware of individual differences and behavioural stylesunderstand that error and loss can be avoided
7. be aware of how communication can reduce human error
6. develop effective communication skills and safety nets.
Course Goal:
The goal of the Elementary Maintenance HFAT tutorial for Pilots and Air Operators is to assist flight organisations operating pursuant to CAR 406, CAR 604 and CAR Part Vll, raise the HF awareness level of flight crew (and others) performing Elementary Work & Servicing (Ref. CAR 625, Appendix A(3)).
1-250-655-0987 or email k.green
qualatech.ca