On Day 5 of Canadian Airports Safety Week (CASW), we will focus on foreign object debris (FOD), apron housekeeping, wildlife prevention and lithium-ion battery safety.
On-site activities
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Walk
When: Friday, September 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Terminal 1 & Terminal 3
What: This is a chance for us to stretch our legs and bring awareness to the dangers of foreign object debris (FOD). In order to help keep the airside tidy, groups of participants will collect FOD in different locations across the airport. Prizes will be awarded for finding the strangest item, as well as for the individual who finds the golden egg. Make sure to bring your own safety vest and safety boots, as you will be walking on the apron.
New this year! We are bringing some FOD Walk fun to the groundside with a coordinated cleanup by our contractors at Viscount and the Terminals to cleanup the curbs. Airport workers can help support this initiative by disposing of waste properly in all areas!
How: To participate in the FOD Walk, register here. Registration will close once the maximum number of participants has been reached.
Online learning
On Day 5 of CASW, we will review:
- Foreign object debris (FOD)
- Apron housekeeping and waste disposal
- Wildlife awareness
- Lithium-ion battery safety
- Fire prevention
Once you have reviewed the day's learning material, test your knowledge by taking today's quiz.
Participants in today's quiz will be automatically entered into a prize draw for a chance to win one of our amazing prizes. Read the Terms and Conditions here.
Foreign object debris (FOD)
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) is any object found in an inappropriate location that has the potential to damage aircraft, equipment and injure personnel.
FOD on runways presents one of the most serious safety risks on the airfield. Even small items can be ingested into aircraft engines or strike critical aircraft components, potentially causing significant damage, costly repairs, operational disruptions and, in extreme cases, serious safety consequences.
While FOD found on taxiways and aprons may seem less hazardous, it can still damage aircraft, vehicles and equipment. Debris can also be carried by aircraft movement, jet blast, weather or vehicles onto active runways, creating an even greater risk.
Every employee plays a role in keeping the airside safe.
What can we do to prevent FOD?
- Dispose of waste indoors
- Conduct regular inspections of your work areas.
- Maintain clean work zones.
- Remove FOD promptly and dispose of it in a yellow FOD bin. Bins are located at aircraft gates.
- Report FOD that cannot be safely collected, as well as any full FOD or garbage bins, so they can be addressed promptly.
- Use garbage bins for personal waste and reserve FOD bins exclusively for Foreign Object Debris collected from the airside.
The most effective way to eliminate FOD is to prevent it from being introduced onto the airfield in the first place. Avoid bringing food containers, coffee cups, plastic water bottles and other waste from terminal areas onto the apron, and always dispose of waste in designated garbage bins.
What goes in each bin?
Make sure you are using the correct bin when disposing of items.
Garbage bins
- Regular waste including food and drink containers, wrappers and packaging.
- Located inside terminal spaces.
UPAK containers
- Cardboard
- Lav suits
- Cabin waste
- Latex gloves
Make sure you secure the bin when closing it. Do not dispose of pallets or hazardous waste in these bins.
Arrange disposal through your carrier/operator
- Wooden pallets must be coordinated through your carrier or operation for disposal through your cargo facility.
- Hazardous waste, including oil, Skydrol containers and oil rags, must be coordinated through your carrier or operation for disposal through your maintenance facility.
Visit the Safety Stop to learn more about FOD and apron housekeeping, download shift briefings and access additional safety resources.
Preventing wildlife hazards
Keeping our apron clean helps prevent FOD and reduces the amount of wildlife attracted to the airport.
Small actions make a big difference:
- Keep work areas clean.
- Dispose of food waste properly.
- Never feed wildlife.
Protect wildlife. Support safe airport operations.
Fire safety
Lithium-ion battery safety
Lithium-ion batteries are found in many everyday devices, but damaged, overcharged or defective batteries can cause fast-moving fires.
Protect yourself by:
- Using approved chargers and batteries.
- Charging on hard surfaces only.
- Never charging unattended or overnight.
- Replacing damaged or swollen batteries.
- Recycling batteries properly.
If a battery is smoking, hissing or on fire, move away immediately and call 416-776-3033.
Read more about how to charge safely!
Charge smart. Store safely. Prevent fires.
After you take today's quiz, be sure to join us again throughout Canadian Airports Safety Week for more learning opportunities and chances to win great prizes.