Safety Cases
Safety Cases are a form of structured argument
for the safety of a system or service. They form part of a
Risk-based approach
to safety, rather than the more traditional compliance or rule-based
approaches. Safety Cases are typically constructed in 4 parts:
- Part 1: Overall Description and Scope of
System
- Part 2: Design and Development
- Part 3: Operation
- Part 4: Decommissioning
Safety Cases are an integral part of the Safety
Management Process. The development of a Safety Case is a straightforward way
of ensuring safety as new systems are introduced or old systems phased out and
replaced. Essentially, Safety Cases are a way of managing change within
a formal Safety
Management System.
Note that the development of a Safety
Case is achieved by following the principles, policies and procedures of the
Safety Management System itself.
Safety Cases are also sometimes developed for
key operational systems, perhaps even before a
Safety
Management System is fully in place. This is quite acceptable for the
system under development, providing a full hazard and
Risk
Analysis has been carried out (including dependencies on systems not
under full safety management) and appropriate safety targets have been set.
Single European Sky Regulations
Safety Cases are an acceptable approach for the
certification of CNS/ATM systems and are compatible with both ICAO's and the
European Commission's regulatory
requirements for Air Navigation Service providers under the Single European
Sky legislation.
Safety Case Maintenance
It should be born in mind that Safety Cases must
be maintained and updated in line with the operational system itself. Safety
Cases are not static documents.
Even if no changes are made to the physical
system, the operational environment (traffic levels and mix, procedures, risks
etc.) are subject to continuous change. These changes must be accomodated by
properly updating the Safety Case.
Safety Cases should also be subject to periodic
audit, as part of the Safety Management System.
AAT support for Safety Case Development
AAT can help in the development and maintenance
of Safety Cases. With practical experience of both regulation and operational
environments and extensive technical understanding of safety processes, AAT is
uniquely well placed to provide advice and support in the development of your
Safety Cases.
AAT support for Safety Cases
AAT can provide technical support, throughout
all stages, from the initial development of the Safety Case through to its
operational implementation - including auditing and maintenance of the Safety
Case itself.
Contact AAT today to discuss your needs:
kim.oneil@aatl.net |
