Whether it’s a car, truck, or airplane, debris can pose a serious risk to both equipment and lives. That is why it is important to keep tracks and runways free from debris regardless of their size. There are a few different ways to accomplish this task, such as the FOD or Foreign Object Debris Sweeper while paying close attention to the surfaces in these areas is the ultimate way to prevent tire punctures and unless army risk to both passengers and bystanders.
Frequently Check for Debris
Debris doesn’t need to be large to pose a threat to others. For example, even a small nail or bolt can cause damage to tires or other equipment with moving parts. When these hazards find their way onto busy tracks or runways, they may not be noticeable unless discovered by mechanical means. It is always a good idea to keep an eye out for larger pieces of debris, especially after equipment failures or accidents, but a routine sweep of the area is the best way to ensure these pieces are removed adequately. This type of sweep should take place several times per day, preferably with a FOD, and in some instances, may be necessary more often, depending on the circumstances.
Check Equipment and Tires Often
Regular inspection of equipment and tires can alert crews to any issues resulting from missing pieces such as bolts or screws and will also alert teams to the possibility of debris on the track or runway. This is a great routine to ensure the safety of both the passenger and those working in the area and any bystanders who could be put into danger as a result of tire failure or equipment failure caused by debris in their path. To make the job of collecting debris easier, there should be a dedicated team to handle this task and identify any potential problems. Most airports have a team of individuals in charge of maintaining the runways and identifying any potential issues or threats. When it comes to race tracks, having a routine sweep of the area before a race and after any collisions will help prevent tire damage or other types of equipment damage resulting from running over or into a debris field.
It is important for transportation hubs and racetracks to have a solid safety plan in place that also adhere to local, federal, and state safety regulations. One example would be to have a dedicated team to operate a FOD at regular intervals to ensure a safer area and collect even the smallest hazards such as pebble and washers.
Comments are closed.