Ground Handling and Ramp Operations Safety Audit Checklist

This ground handling and ramp operations safety audit checklist ensures compliance with IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) 610 Safety Standards, IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards applicable to ramp operations, and airline Ground Service Level Agreements (SLA). Designed for ground handling supervisors and ISAGO audit teams.

  • Industry: Aviation
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
  • Role: Ground Handling Safety Manager / ISAGO Auditor
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: IATA Airport Handling Manual AHM 610 Safety Standards, IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards, FAA Part 139 Ramp Operations Requirements

FOD Prevention

Foreign Object Debris prevention.

  • Scheduled FOD walkthroughs completed at start of each shift?
  • FOD collection buckets or bins at all aircraft parking positions?
  • FOD reporting system in use by all ramp personnel?
  • Tool accountability system in use during aircraft maintenance on ramp?
  • All ramp personnel trained on FOD identification and removal?

Ramp Vehicle Safety

Ground service equipment safety.

  • Ground Service Equipment (GSE) pre-shift inspections completed?
  • Ramp speed limits (5-25 km/h depending on area) enforced?
  • Seatbelts worn on all GSE equipped with restraints?
  • Spotters used when reversing or operating around aircraft?
  • All GSE-to-aircraft contact incidents reported immediately?

Aircraft Handling Safety

Aircraft contact prevention.

  • Aircraft chocked on all four wheels before ground handling begins?
  • Safety cones placed at wingtips and engine areas?
  • Single crew chief coordinating all equipment approaching aircraft?
  • GPU connected before APU shutdown (if applicable)?
  • Aircraft formally released from ground crew before push-back?

Pushback and Towing

Aircraft pushback safety.

  • Towbar or towbarless tug adapter inspected before use?
  • Towbar shear pins installed correctly?
  • Nose gear bypass pin installed before towing?
  • Headset communication established before pushback begins?
  • Engine start coordinated and authorized before pushing clear?

PPE and Safety Equipment

Ramp worker PPE compliance.

  • All ramp personnel wearing high-visibility vests?
  • Hearing protection available and worn near operating engines?
  • Safety footwear required and enforced?
  • Personnel kept clear of jet blast zones during engine operations?
  • Shift scheduling limiting excessive fatigue?

Ground Handling Records

ISAGO audit documentation.

  • Ramp personnel training records current?
  • All ramp incidents logged and investigated?
  • ISAGO certification current?
  • Compliance with airline-specific ground handling requirements verified?
  • Ramp Safety Audit Notes

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Why Use This Ground Handling and Ramp Operations Safety Audit Checklist?

This ground handling and ramp operations safety audit checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for ground handling safety manager / isago auditor professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with IATA Airport Handling Manual AHM 610 Safety Standards, IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards, FAA Part 139 Ramp Operations Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Ground Handling and Ramp Operations Safety Audit Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: FOD Prevention, Ramp Vehicle Safety, Aircraft Handling Safety, Pushback and Towing, PPE and Safety Equipment, Ground Handling Records. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Who should use this Ground Handling and Ramp Operations Safety Audit Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Ground Handling Safety Manager / ISAGO Auditor professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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