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Safety Management System (SMS)

Think Safe. Think Smart.

At the Port of Huntsville, your safety is our top priority. Whether you are traveling through Huntsville International Airport (HSV), the International Intermodal Center (IIC), or the Jetplex Industrial Park, we are committed to providing a secure and welcoming environment for all passengers, visitors, and employees.

Our Safety Management System (SMS) is a proactive, organization-wide approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating safety risks. By working together with our tenants, partners, and the traveling public, we foster a culture of continuous safety improvement.

What is Safety Management System?

  • Safety Management Systems (SMS) is the formal, top-down, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and assuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls. It includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for the management of safety risk.
  • It is a proactive and systematic process designed to identify hazards, asses risk, and implement measures to enhance aviation safety.
  • SMS is structured into four key components:
    1. Safety Policy: Outlines the organization’s safety principles and guidelines.
    2. Safety Promotion: Promotes safety awareness and encourages employees to take proactive steps to maintain a safe work environment.
    3. Safety Risk Management (SRM): Identifies and assesses potential safety risk and develop strategies to mitigate them. 
    4. Safety Assurance: Ensures that safety standards are consistently met and that appropriate measures are in place to protect employees and stakeholders.

Safety Policy

  • At Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority (HMCAA), we prioritize safety as a cornerstone of our operations. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, we actively engage in the reporting, discussion, and resolution of safety concerns through our comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) program.
  • HMCAA leaders will reinforce the importance of safety as a core organizational value by actively engaging with employees through open communication, encouraging the voluntary reporting of hazards, and instilling a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Safety is one of the fundamental principles upheld at HMCAA, and we are committed to facilitating and providing a safe work and travel environment.
  • Safety Policy Statement

What is your role in SMS?

    • Keep a close eye on all equipment and materials.
    • Be proactive about procedures that could cause accidents or injuries.
    • If you see a potential hazard, report it right away.

What to Report?

Here are examples of hazards on the Movement, Non-Movement, and Fuel Farm that should be reported:

  • FOD – Presence of FOD on the areas listed above.
  • Surface Damage – Surface cracks, potholes, or debris on the airside pavement.
  • Fuel or chemical spills – Fluid leaks or other environmental hazards.
  • Unsafe behavior – Actions by personnel that could endanger operations.
  • Obstructions – Equipment in the movement area.
  • Wildlife – Consistent wildlife activity near aircraft areas.
  • Signage or markings – Faded or obscured signage or markings.
  • Security Breaches – Damage to the boundary fence or open fence gates unoccupied.
  • Speeding – Vehicles driving over the required speed limit.

How to Report a Hazard

If you notice a safety concern on the runway/taxiway, air carrier ramp, cargo ramp, or the fuel farm – report the hazard immediately. Your keen eye helps maintain a safe airport. 

  • 1. Online: Complete and submit a Hazard Report Form
  • 2. Email: Provide a detailed description of the hazard to the SMS Coordinator (SMS@hsvairport.org) 
  • 3. Phone: Contact the SMS Coordinator at 256-508-1652

Submit a Hazard Report Form

You can help prevent accidents & maintain the highest level of safety for everyone. 

If you observe unsafe conditions or behaviors, please click the icon below to submit a Hazard Report Form.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1.

For Assistance or to File a Police Report: