Airport Workers: Rain Or Shine?

Airport workers are exposed to a variety of hazards and challenges in their day-to-day roles. They are responsible for ensuring the efficient functioning of airports, performing critical tasks such as baggage handling, aircraft movement, security checks, and maintenance. One of the challenges they face is working in various weather conditions, including rain. So, do airport workers work in the rain?

Airport workers' exposure to hazardous chemicals

Airport workers are exposed to a variety of hazardous chemicals in their line of work. These include chemicals from jet engine emissions, firefighting foams, aircraft refueling, and de-icing.

Jet Engine Emissions

Jet engine emissions contain volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and nano-sized particles that can reach the lower airways upon inhalation. The size of the particles and emission levels depend on the type of aircraft, engine conditions, fuel type, and operation modes. Exposure to these emissions has been linked to increased hospital admissions, self-reported lung symptoms, and an increased risk of disease.

Firefighting Foams

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam used for fuel fires, contains high levels of PFAS chemicals. While fuel fires are infrequent, the storage, testing, and use of AFFF for training are significant sources of PFAS contamination and exposure for firefighters and rescue, structural, and operations teams.

Aircraft Refueling

Workers involved in aircraft refueling handle hazardous chemicals, and potential spills can result in fires or chemical exposure.

De-icing

Those responsible for de-icing aircraft deal with chemicals that can harm the skin and respiratory system if not handled correctly.

The dynamic nature of airport surfaces and the risk of accidents

Airports are complex environments with a diverse range of surfaces, from expansive runways to hangar floors and airport aprons. The nature of these surfaces is dynamic, constantly changing due to weather conditions, aircraft operations, and various airport activities. Understanding the risks associated with these dynamic surfaces is crucial for ensuring the safety of airport workers and travellers.

Runway Risks

The runway is the heart of airport operations, but it is also a potential hazard. In wet conditions, rainwater can reduce the grip of aircraft tyres, making sliding more likely during takeoff and landing. This can cause dangerous accidents if not carefully managed. To mitigate this risk, airports often implement trench drainage systems, which redirect water away from the runway, helping to maintain adequate traction for aircraft.

Hangar Hazards

The hangar area, including the airport apron, presents its own set of challenges. Flooding in these areas can create unsafe conditions for workers, increasing the risk of slipping and falling. A hangar floor covered in water not only poses a risk to workers but also hinders the movement of aircraft and ground support equipment. Again, effective drainage systems are crucial to maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

Ground Crew Concerns

Ground crew members, such as baggage handlers and aircraft fuelers, are often exposed to dynamic and unpredictable surfaces. Their work involves navigating around aircraft, ground support equipment, and various obstacles on the tarmac. In wet or icy conditions, the risk of slipping and falling increases significantly. Additionally, they may be required to work at elevated heights, further elevating the risk of accidents. Adequate training in working at heights and proper footwear with slip-resistant soles are essential to mitigate these risks.

The dynamic nature of airport surfaces poses a constant challenge to ensuring the safety of workers and travellers. By understanding the risks associated with different surfaces and implementing effective safety measures, such as drainage systems and non-slip footwear, airports can minimise the chances of accidents. Continuous training and adherence to safety protocols are vital to protecting workers and maintaining efficient airport operations, regardless of the weather.

Aircraft movement and collision risks

Airport workers are exposed to various hazards due to the dynamic and ever-changing airport environment. One of the primary concerns is aircraft movement and the associated collision risks. Ground crews responsible for moving aircraft face a unique set of challenges and dangers.

One of the main risks faced by ground crews during aircraft movement is the potential for collisions with other objects or aircraft. Airports are busy environments with multiple aircraft, vehicles, and personnel operating in close proximity. Ground crews must ensure that aircraft are safely guided to and from their designated locations, avoiding any obstacles or other aircraft in the process. Inadequate training or communication breakdowns can increase the risk of collisions, endangering both ground personnel and aircraft alike.

Weather conditions, such as rain, can further exacerbate the challenges of aircraft movement. Wet and slippery surfaces increase the risk of aircraft sliding during taxiing or takeoff. Additionally, rainwater accumulation on runways can impact an aircraft's ability to gain enough traction for takeoff, leading to potential delays in flight schedules. Heavy rainfall can also reduce visibility for pilots, making it more difficult to navigate and increasing the risk of mid-air collisions.

To mitigate these risks, airports employ various safety measures. Adequate training and effective communication between ground crews and pilots are crucial. Additionally, the implementation of trench drainage systems can help divert rainwater away from runways and taxiways, improving traction and reducing the risk of sliding.

Furthermore, ground crews must be vigilant in identifying and avoiding potential obstacles, both stationary and moving. This includes other aircraft, vehicles, equipment, and personnel on the ground. Constantly checking for traffic and maintaining a high level of situational awareness are essential to prevent collisions.

In summary, aircraft movement in airports, especially during inclement weather, poses significant collision risks. However, with proper training, effective communication, and the implementation of safety measures, these risks can be minimised to ensure the safe and efficient operation of airports.

The impact of extreme weather on airport workers

Airport workers are exposed to a variety of hazards and challenges, including extreme weather conditions. Extreme weather can impact airport workers in several ways, creating both operational difficulties and health-related problems. Firstly, heavy rainfall or flooding can cause unsafe working conditions for ground staff, such as baggage handlers and aircraft movers. Water accumulation on runways and hangar floors increases the risk of accidents, with workers facing higher chances of slipping or falling. In such conditions, aircraft may need to wait for rainwater to disperse before taking off, causing delays and disruptions to flight schedules. Implementing effective drainage systems, such as trench drains, can mitigate these issues by redirecting water away from critical areas, improving grip for aircraft, and maintaining safer surfaces for workers.

Extreme weather can also impact the health and well-being of airport workers. Exposure to prolonged or intense heat or cold can lead to heat stress or cold stress, respectively, causing potential health complications. For example, in snowy weather, baggage handlers are responsible for clearing runways of snow and debris, exposing them to cold temperatures for extended periods. Additionally, workers involved in aircraft de-icing use chemicals that can be harmful to their skin and respiratory system if not handled properly.

The dynamic nature of airport environments, with various surfaces and equipment, further increases the risk of accidents during extreme weather. Wet floors, elevated platforms, and equipment left on the ground can contribute to slipping, tripping, or falling hazards for workers rushing between tasks. Ground crews responsible for aircraft movement also face additional challenges in poor weather, including collision risks, jet blasts, and propeller hazards. Adequate training and communication are crucial to minimizing these risks and ensuring the safety of airport workers.

Overall, extreme weather conditions significantly impact the daily operations and tasks of airport workers, affecting their health, safety, and efficiency. By prioritizing effective safety measures, implementing suitable drainage infrastructure, and providing comprehensive training, airports can better protect their workers and maintain smooth operations during challenging weather conditions.

Safety measures and training for airport workers

Airport workers are exposed to a wide range of hazards in their day-to-day roles, which include baggage handling, aircraft movement, security, and maintenance. To ensure their safety, workers must receive comprehensive training and employers must implement stringent safety measures.

One of the primary risks airport workers face is the dynamic airport environment, which includes various surfaces such as the tarmac, that can become wet and slippery in rainy weather, increasing the risk of slips and falls. To mitigate this, workers should always wear approved footwear with good traction and be vigilant for spills or wet areas. High-visibility clothing is also mandatory in outside areas to ensure workers are visible to aircraft and ground vehicles.

Ground crews responsible for moving aircraft face additional hazards such as collision risks, jet blasts, and propeller dangers. Training plays a crucial role in minimizing these risks, as workers need to understand the unique challenges of working airside, including the right of way rules for aircraft and vehicles. Workers must also be cautious when working near aircraft engines and propellers, staying clear of the 'ingestion zone' to avoid the dangerous suction and propeller wash or exhaust blast.

Another safety concern is the handling of heavy luggage, cargo, and equipment, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries if proper lifting techniques are not employed. Furthermore, airport workers are exposed to extreme weather conditions, including rain, which can cause cold stress, heat stress, and related health issues. Therefore, it is essential that workers are provided with appropriate protective gear for rainy conditions.

In addition to physical hazards, airport workers also face chemical and environmental dangers. For instance, those involved in aircraft refueling handle hazardous chemicals, and a spill could result in fires or chemical exposure. De-icing aircraft also involves the use of chemicals that can be harmful to the skin and respiratory system if not handled with proper safety equipment and training. Security personnel, meanwhile, must be able to handle potentially contaminated items, protecting themselves from exposure to infectious agents.

Overall, the safety of airport workers relies on a combination of comprehensive training, adherence to safety protocols, and the provision of appropriate safety equipment by employers. By prioritizing workplace safety, airports can protect their employees and enhance their overall efficiency.

Frequently asked questions