ICAO Annex 19 Safety Management System SMS Implementation Checklist

ICAO Annex 19 requires aviation service providers (airlines, airports, ANSPs, maintenance organizations, and training organizations) to implement a Safety Management System (SMS) meeting the four-component framework: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion. The SMS must be proportionate to the size and complexity of the organization. This audit verifies that all four SMS components are implemented, the accountable executive has defined responsibilities, and

  • Industry: Transportation & Logistics
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: Safety Manager
  • Total Items: 20
  • Compliance: 14 CFR Part 43, 14 CFR Part 91, FAA Advisory Circular

Safety Policy and Objectives

ICAO Annex 19 SMS Framework Component 1: Verify the safety policy, accountable executive designation, and safety objectives.

  • Safety policy signed by accountable executive and posted throughout the organization?
  • Accountable executive designated by name with overall responsibility for SMS?
  • Safety objectives defined, measurable, and aligned with the safety policy?
  • Emergency response plan (ERP) developed, tested, and current?

Safety Risk Management

ICAO Annex 19 SMS Component 2: Verify hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation processes.

  • Hazard identification process in place (proactive reporting, reactive investigation, and predictive analysis)?
  • Risk assessment matrix defined with severity, likelihood, and acceptable risk criteria?
  • Risk register maintained and reviewed at defined intervals?
  • Risk mitigations verified as effective after implementation?

Safety Assurance

ICAO Annex 19 SMS Component 3: Verify safety performance monitoring, internal auditing, and management of change.

  • Safety performance indicators (SPIs) and safety performance targets (SPTs) defined and tracked?
  • Internal SMS audits conducted at planned intervals; findings documented and tracked?
  • Management of change process identifies safety risks before implementing significant changes?
  • Continuous improvement process reviews SMS effectiveness annually?

Safety Promotion

ICAO Annex 19 SMS Component 4: Verify safety training, communication, and positive safety culture indicators.

  • All personnel with SMS responsibilities have received SMS training appropriate to their role?
  • Safety information communicated to all staff through regular safety bulletins, meetings, or portal?
  • Voluntary safety reporting system (just culture, non-punitive) in place and used by staff?
  • Safety reporting volume trend tracked; declining reports investigated as possible culture signal?

SMS Audit Findings and Management Review

Document audit findings and verify that the accountable executive conducts an annual SMS management review.

  • Annual SMS management review conducted by accountable executive within past 12 months?
  • Audit findings from this review:
  • Organization name and ICAO service provider type:
  • Lead auditor signature and audit date:

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Why Use This ICAO Annex 19 Safety Management System SMS Implementation Checklist?

This icao annex 19 safety management system sms implementation checklist helps transportation & logistics teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for safety manager professionals, this checklist covers 20 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with 14 CFR Part 43, 14 CFR Part 91, FAA Advisory Circular. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the ICAO Annex 19 Safety Management System SMS Implementation Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 20 inspection items across 5 sections: Safety Policy and Objectives, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, Safety Promotion, SMS Audit Findings and Management Review. It is designed for transportation & logistics operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this ICAO Annex 19 Safety Management System SMS Implementation Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Safety Manager professionals in the transportation & logistics 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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