Airport Construction
Building on an airport means working beside planes that weigh hundreds of tons and travel at high speed. The biggest dangers are a worker, vehicle or object on a runway when aircraft land or take off, and debris that can wreck an engine.
- Airside Contractors
- Paving Crews
- Crane Operators
Hazards
- Runway and taxiway incursions: a vehicle or person entering an area they should not.
- Aircraft blast and noise: jet blast can knock people and equipment over. Propeller wash can too.
- Foreign object debris (FOD): stones, tools, bolts and trash that can be sucked into engines or damage tires.
- Tall equipment such as cranes penetrating protected airspace. FAA notice and approval are required for tall structures and cranes near airports.
- Fuel and fire hazards around aircraft and fuel systems. See Fuel Storage Tanks.
- Confusing signs, lights and markings, and night work.
- Normal construction hazards like excavation, paving and heavy traffic. See Asphalt Paving.
Airside rules
- Attend airside driver and safety training required by the airport, and carry the badge or permit.
- Know the airport layout and marked boundaries. Stay within the work area on the safety plan (CSPP), which the airport and FAA require for construction.
- Use radios where required and follow air traffic and airport operations instructions exactly. Read back instructions.
- Use escorts when entering the movement area if you are not trained for it.
- Stop and ask if you are unsure where you are. Never cross a runway or taxiway marking without clearance.
- Obey closed area markings, lights and barricades. Closed runways and taxiways are marked with Xs and lighted barricades.
Keep it clean
- Pick up FOD continually; sweep haul routes and tire tracks
- Use covered trucks for loose material
- Do not leave tools, pins or trash in the area
- Check your vehicle's bed and tires for stones before entering airside
- Report any debris you see
Cranes and tall equipment
Cranes may need FAA notice and lighting. Do not raise a boom without clearance, and watch for flight paths and wind. See Cranes & Power Lines for overhead hazards.
Standards & references
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