Taxonomies: Ensuring Effective QMS-SMS Communication
Explore unified QMS and SMS taxonomies for effective communication. Prioritise and mitigate risks using recognised frameworks.
SMS and QMS can be managed by different or the same departments. Nevertheless, adopting the same taxonomies when trending is a beneficial approach to allocate priorities and focus the attention of senior management.
From a risk-based approach point of view, this will allow:
The same trends to be highlighted in both management systems.
Both areas to complement each other by emphasising areas that need reinforcing assurance activities, risk assessments, as well as remedial actions.
Today, I'm sharing with you the following types of taxonomies I'm familiar with and that you can adopt within aerospace organisations:
The Significant Seven
The MEDA Error Model
HFACS Framework
However, this approach can be used across other industries.
Enjoy the read!
Significant Seven
One way to assist with prioritization is to utilize the “significant seven” framework publicized by the CAA (CAA Paper 2011/03).
The focus of the top seven events identified by the CAA lies in the area of flight operations, namely:
Loss of Control
Runway Overrun
Controlled Flight intro Terrain
Runway Incursion and Ground Collision
Airbone Conflict
Ground handling Operations
Airbone and Post-Crash Fire
Seven task forces were generated by the CAA, and outcomes and mitigations were proposed in the report. Although the report dates from 2011, it is definitely worth a read.
In the past, within the Part 145 organisation, I adopted a similar approach by identifying 7 events/risks such as the loss of a tool, missing a maintenance task, etc.
By generating risk assessments for each risk, the aim was to adopt a proactive approach.
MEDA Error Model
During my time working at Boeing Defence UK, I was introduced to the MEDA (Maintenance Error Decision Aid) investigation approach for the first time. As it is a Boeing approach, I was fortunate to receive training from the Subject Matter Expert (SME) within Boeing.
However, MEDA is also frequently introduced by training suppliers offering courses on Human Error investigations within the aerospace industry.
For those who are not familiar with this approach, all factual information is gathered through the investigation, and the interview responses are captured in a checklist that includes a set of taxonomies to ensure that the:
Type of event is identified:
Operations Process Event - and subsequent sub-classifications
Aircraft Damage Event
Personal Injury Event
Rework
Other Event (explain below)
Type of Maintenance Error that caused the event is identified:
Installation Error
Servicing Error
Repair Error
Fault Isolation/Test/Inspection Error
Foreign Object Damage Error
Airplane/Equipment Damage Error
Personal Injury Error
Other
Contributing Factors are identified - and each classification is split in sub-classifications that can help to trend accurately Contributing Factors.
Information
Equipment, tools, and safety equipment
Aircraft design, configuration, and parts
The job or task
Technical knowledge and skills
Individual factors
Environment and facility
Organizational factors
Leadership and supervision
Communication There is also an eleventh category
Other
Working in both Part M and Part 145 environments, I find it quite useful to utilize the taxonomies employed across the checklist and add/adapt them as necessary.
HFACS Framework
Another approach is the HFACS Framework, developed by the United States Navy, and it is widely utilized across the industry when a Human Factors investigation is required.
The below diagram, taken from the Embry Riddle Publication “The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System--HFACS”, shows the Swiss Cheese Model (Dr. J.Reason).
HFACS develops a set of classifications that are further divided into sub-categories based on this model. This allows for the identification of unsafe acts and contributing factors to events, as shown in the diagram below taken from SkyBrary:
Conclusions
In conclusion, adopting unified QMS and SMS taxonomies enhances communication and risk management in aerospace.
Utilising recognised frameworks, such as HFACS or MEDA, proves invaluable for prioritising and mitigating potential risks.
Embracing these strategies can contribute to a proactive safety and quality culture and assurance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in the newsletter and related resources is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice, and any actions taken based on the content are at the reader's discretion.