NAOSH Week – Day 5

FOD and Fire Prevention

On Day 5 of NAOSH Week, we will highlight the critical role that prevention plays to reduce foreign object debris and promote fire prevention.

 

 

On-site Activities

 

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Walk

 

Help keep Toronto Pearson FOD-free and compete for prizes at this Pearson community-favourite activity.

 

Online Learning

 We will review:

Once you have reviewed the day’s learning material, test your knowledge of FOD and Fire Safety with today’s quiz. Participants will be automatically entered into a prize draw for a chance to win great prizes. Terms and Conditions. 

Foreign Object Debris

Foreign object debris, or FOD, refers to any object or material that is out of place and can pose a hazard to aircraft, airport operations or safety. This includes items like tools, garbage, rocks, aircraft parts or even wildlife that could potentially damage aircraft, interfere with operations, or cause accidents. FOD is a threat to aviation safety and all workers must take daily actions to prevent and properly address FOD on the aprons, taxiways and runways. The estimated annual cost of damage to aircraft due to foreign object debris is $4 billion, globally.

You play a crucial role in FOD prevention:

Dispose of waste items before entering airside areas (use indoor bins in bagroom, staff room terminal).

Preventing FOD

You play a crucial role in FOD prevention:

1. Be aware of the different types of FOD and potential hazards posed by FOD
2. Remove FOD (where possible and feasible)
3. Report large FOD to the Integrated Operations Control Centre (416-776-3055)
4. Ensure outside areas are clear of food which can attract wildlife
5. Participate in semi-annual FOD walks

Please maintain good housekeeping practices and ensure that FOD pick-up is a routine part of day-to-day operations.

• Remove garbage from ground service equipment (GSE) prior to use (do a walk around), dispose garbage into UPAK bins, not the FOD bins.
• Close lids on UPAK bins after usage, report if overflowing into AOC.
• Skids must be returned to warehouses, not left on the aprons
• Oil containers must be returned to designated storage or maintenance facilities immediately after use and not disposed of in FOD or UPAK bins
• Dispose of waste items BEFORE entering airside areas (use indoor bins in bag room, staff room terminal)
• Groomer garbage must be taken to nearest UPAK bins, not left on the ground or bridges
• Garbage bags must be transported properly, not dragged across the ground
• Common items found in FOD bins, like LAV suits and cargo /plastic wrap, need to be disposed of properly as they fill the bins up quickly, cause overflowing.

 

Additional Housekeeping Items

• Report spills, slippery surfaces and general housekeeping items such as blocked life safety equipment and egress access immediately to 416-776-3055
• Report broken infrastructure or equipment
• Report suspicious behavior at the parking lots and garages.

To ensure a safe, clean and professional environment for all staff, we kindly ask that you adhere to the following facility maintenance expectations:

• Waste Management: Please dispose of all trash in the designated receptacles provided. Littering in parking lots or garages is strictly prohibited.
• Shared Responsibility: As these facilities are shared professional spaces, maintaining their cleanliness is a collective obligation. We expect all employees to leave their parking areas clear of debris.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining the standards of our workplace. Your commitment to keeping these shared areas clean is appreciated.

 

Wildlife

FALCON is a wildlife management company with over 30 years of experience. These teams promote aviation safety by reducing wildlife hazards and associated risks to aircraft and airport operations, both on and in the vicinity of the airport. The FALCON toolkit includes drones, falconry, pyrotechnics, dogs, avian radar and proactive trapping and relocation.

At Pearson, FALCON houses 23 birds of prey (1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Gyr Peregrine hybrid, 6 Gyr Saker hybrids, 1 Bald Eagle and 14 Harris Hawks). The wildlife team at Pearson conducts several wildlife surveys to better understand the species present on the airfield and how we can tailor our dispersion techniques to reduce risk to aircraft operations.

Some studies include:

• A comprehensive wildlife survey of airside and groundside areas
• A study to understand which species are most likely to cross runways
• Stomach content analysis of birds that are struck by aircraft to understand what is attracting them to the airport.

 

Wildlife can be present in all areas of the airport. Wildlife Control Officers have their D license which allows them to attend bird strikes on the runway and disperse wildlife that may be present on the maneuvering area.

The current call sign for Wildlife Control Officers is “Birdman.”

Never Feed Wildlife or Tamper with Mitigation Efforts

Nesting season is underway. Now is the time to do your proactive inspections and report potential hazards:

How you can help:

• Do not feed wildlife or leave food waste in/on Ground Service Equipment
• Do not tamper with bird traps
• Keep garbage containers emptied and lids closed
• Call in/report UPAK or waste bins that are overflowing
• Call in/report signs of nest building or bird activity

Carbon Monoxide Alarms & Fire Safety at Home

As of January 1, 2026, Ontario Fire Code requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms have been updated to provide greater protection for residents.

CO alarms must be installed:

• On every level of the home, including levels without bedrooms
• Adjacent to all sleeping areas

 

These requirements apply to homes that have:

• Fuel‑burning appliances (gas, oil, wood, or propane)
• Fireplaces
• An attached garage

 

Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, and potentially deadly, which makes working alarms critical. Test CO alarms monthly, replace batteries as needed, and replace the entire unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Working CO alarms save lives — make sure your home is protected.

Fire Safety Starts with Prevention

One of the best ways to stay safe from fire is through prevention and preparedness. To reduce the risk and protect everyone in your home:

• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed, working and located outside all sleeping areas
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan so everyone knows exactly what to do if alarms sound during an emergency

Preparation today can make all the difference in an emergency.

Electrical Safety: Power Bars and Extension Cords

Using power bars and extension cords correctly is essential to preventing electrical overloads and fires. Understanding what these devices are designed for — and their limitations — helps keep people and property safe.

Appropriate Use of Power Bars and Multi‑Plug Devices

Power bars, multi‑plug devices, and multi‑tap receptacles are designed only for low‑load electrical devices, such as:

• Phone chargers
• Laptops
• Computer monitors
• Small lamps
• They must not be used with high‑load appliances, including:
• Space heaters
• Microwaves
• Toasters
• Irons
• Vacuum cleaners
• Steam mops
• Air conditioners

Space heaters must never be plugged into power bars or extension cords, especially for prolonged use, as they draw significant electrical current and pose a serious fire risk.

Preventing Overloads and Fire Hazards

Electrical overloads can quickly lead to overheating and fire. To reduce risk:

• Never daisy‑chain power bars or extension cords by plugging one into another
• Avoid overloading extension cords, power bars or multi‑tap receptacles at all times
• If a circuit breaker trips, do not repeatedly reset it — this can weaken its ability to protect against overloads and fire and may indicate a more serious issue

Always choose the correct cord or power bar for the intended use, and follow the manufacturer’s load ratings and instructions.

Product Safety and Condition

Only certified electrical products with recognized approval marks should be used. In addition:

• Power bars and extension cords must be kept in good condition
• Do not use cords that are damaged, kinked, frayed, or showing exposed wiring
• Extension cords should be fully unwound during use to allow heat to dissipate and prevent overheating

Proper Placement and Temporary Use

Extension cords are intended for temporary use only and must never replace permanent electrical wiring. For safe use:

• Never run extension cords under carpets, rugs, or furniture, where heat can build up unnoticed
• Ensure cords are placed where they will not be pinched, crushed, or walked on

Test your knowledge of FOD and Fire Prevention by taking today’s quiz. Make sure you have completed all the week’s quizzes and courses for the best chance to win prizes!

Thank you for participating in these five days of activities and learning for NAOSH Week and for continuing to help us create a culture of safety and security excellence at Pearson.