Should I Buy an SMS Manual?

With the impending requirement of an NZ CAR for Safety Management Systems (SMS) in 2011, some operators may take the easy option of buying an already prepared SMS manual (easily obtained from the internet) with the belief that they will then have an SMS “program”.  In fact this would probably be a huge mistake.  In all probability, all they will have is a document with “xxxx Airlines” printed in the applicable [insert your business name here] spaces and nothing else.

The reality is, that SMS isn’t just another manual for your exposition library that becomes “shelf-ware” to be pulled out and dusted off whenever the regulator’s auditor turns up.  If correctly applied, an SMS is an active program to comprehensively identify, review and manage hazards and risk throughout the business.

The most significant feature of an SMS program is a positive safety cultureor “the way we do things around here”.   This is not something you obtain by having an SMS Manual on the shelf.  A positive safety culture environment is achieved through all employees throughout the business being involved and committed – it is not the safety manager’s responsibility.

No doubt there will be a multitude of operators out there who don’t have the resource, time, knowledge or capability to develop an SMS program on their own.  If you set out to buy an already complete manual make sure it comes with guaranteed support to; (1) customise its contents to the functionality of your business process and activity, and (2) ensure that its contents and processes are implemented throughout the business.  In addition it is recommended that a mentor skilled in SMS concepts is obtained to ensure the program development is tailored to your organisation and kept on track throughout implementation and continuing improvement.   Ensure that this person will commit to staying with you for the long haul.

An SMS program cannot be developed and implemented in just a few months.  An SMS requires a long term commitment to integrate and put all the elements in place through periodic reviews to ensure that the SMS works and does not become shelf-ware.