An SMS is a system of defined processes that provides effective risk-based decision making regarding safety. It focuses on continuously improving overall safety. Key SMS processes include hazard identification, occurrence reporting, risk management, performance measurement, and quality/safety assurance. SMS benefits organizations by improving safety and reducing costs through more informed decision making. It builds on existing processes and integrates with other management systems through a flexible regulatory framework tailored to each organization.

1. 10 THINGS
YOU SHOULD
KNOW ABOUT SAFETY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (SMS)
SM ICG Contacts
Amer M. Younossi, SM ICG Chair
Federal Aviation Administration
Aviation Safety
(202) 267-5164
Amer.M.Younossi@faa.gov This publication was prepared by the Safety
Management International Collaboration
Charles Huber, Alternate SM ICG Chair Group (SM ICG). The primary purpose
Federal Aviation Administration of the SM ICG is to promote a common
Aviation Safety understanding of SMS principles and
(425) 917-6732 requirements, and facilitate their application
Charles.Huber@faa.gov across the international aviation community.

2. 1. What is a safety management Management is responsible for A stand alone department;
system (SMS)? implementing, maintaining and adhering A substitute for oversight; or
to SMS processes in their area; and
A safety management system is a series of An undue burden.
Employees are responsible for identifying
defined, organization-wide processes that hazards and reporting them.
provide for effective risk-based decision- 8. What SMS does:
making related to your daily business. 5. How will SMS benefit my Builds on existing processes;
2. What does the SMS focus on? organization? Integrates with other management
systems by tailoring a flexible regulatory
SMS focuses on maximizing opportunities to Provides for more informed
framework to your organisation; and
continuously improve the overall safety of the decision-making;
Demonstrates good business practice.
aviation system. Improves safety by reducing
risk of accidents;
3. What are the key processes of Provides for better resource
9. What’s the difference between SMS
an SMS? allocation that will result in increased and a flight safety program?
efficiencies and reduced costs;
Hazard Identification – a A safety management system is primarily
method for identifying hazards Strengthens corporate culture; and proactive/predictive. It considers hazards and
related to your organization; Demonstrates corporate due-diligence. risks that impact the whole organization, as
well as risk controls. A flight safety program
Occurrence Reporting – a process
is primarily reactive and typically focuses
for the acquisition of safety data; 6. What key qualities are evident in
on only one part of the system - the airline
Risk Management – a standard organizations with an effective SMS? operation.
approach for assessing risks and
for applying risk controls; A top-down commitment from
management and a personal 10. What’s the difference betwen SMS
Performance Measurement commitment from all employees to and quality management systems
– management tools for analyzing achieve safety performance goals; (QMS)?
whether the organization’s safety
goals are being achieved; and A clear roadmap of what the SMS is and
SMS focuses on the safety
what it is supposed to accomplish;
Quality/Safety Assurance – processes aspects of the organization.
based on quality management principles An established practice of open
QMS focuses on the services and
that support continuous improvement of communication throughout the
products of the organization.
the organization’s safety performance. organization that is comprehensive
and transparent, and where While QMS focuses on conformity,
necessary, non-punitive; and SMS focuses on hazards. Both
4. What are the roles and non-conformities and hazards
An organizational culture that
responsibilities within the SMS? continuously strives to improve.
can impact safety.
Both systems enhance safety and are essential
The senior manager/accountable executive
and complimentary management tools.
is accountable for establishing the SMS 7. What SMS is not:
and allocating resources to support You cannot have an effective SMS without
and maintain an effective SMS; Self-regulation / de-regulation; applying quality management principles.
Safety Management Systems Safety Management Systems