On Day 1 of Airside Safety Week, we will highlight how safe driving practices and spatial awareness help to maintain a secure and efficient environment for everyone working at the gate.
On-site activities
Our in-person programming features fun, interactive ways to learn and test our skills. Today’s on-site events include:
- Safety Road-eo*
- ASO Ride Along*
- Safety Fair – Vehicle and Equipment Display
- Wildlife Control Officer Site Visit*
*Prior registration required
Note: A shuttle bus will be available to transport participants to the Safety Road-eo and Safety Fair site. Shuttles will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will leave from and return to T1 bus bay 18 by gate 120.
Check out our on-site activities and learn more about how you can participate. Make sure to register before the deadline!
Online learning
Today we are reviewing Safety at the Gate, including reminders about:
- Aircraft pushback
- Reversing safely
- Reporting accidents
Once you have reviewed the day’s learning material, test your knowledge of Safety at the Gate by taking today’s quiz (links to quizzes will be accessible September 16 to 20). Participants in today's quiz will be automatically entered into a prize draw.
Safe Driving at the Gate
Safety at the gate is paramount for an effective operation. It is important to always practice safe driving habits, which include:
- Using a guide person when navigating congested areas or reversing aircraft
- Maintaining spatial awareness to avoid collisions
- Ensuring all vehicle inspections are thorough and regular
The 9 Signs of Aircraft Pushback
Did you know that the leading cause of aircraft cut-off incidents occurs during the pushback phase of aircraft operation? When driving on the aprons at Pearson Airport, always stay alert and watch for the nine key indicators of an aircraft pushback:
- The bridge is retracted
- The chocks are removed
- A tug or towbarless tractor is attached to the aircraft
- Servicing equipment and aircraft utilities are moved away from the aircraft
- Aircraft doors and hatches are secured
- A marshaller may be in position
- A wingwalker(s) may be in position
- The aircraft engines may be running or started
- The aircraft anti-collision beacon(s) may be illuminated
Reversing Safely
In 2023, Toronto Pearson averaged 34.5 reported collisions per month. While most of these incidents were classified as minor, they still have a significant impact on airport operations and safety, and we must all work to reduce this number of accidents.
Unsafe reversing or maneuvering in congested areas accounted for many of these minor collisions. Review the infographic below for the best practices on reversing safely and do your part to reduce these types of collisions at Pearson.
Reporting Accidents
If you are involved in an accident at Pearson, it is important that you:
- Do not move or alter the scene in any way
- Immediately call the emergency number at 416-776-3033
For non-emergency situations, please call 416-776-3055. This number is meant for reporting hazards that do not require an immediate emergency response. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Icy conditions
- Speeding airside
- Aircraft cut-off
- Airside equipment and parking concerns
- Foreign Object Debris (FOD) you cannot pick up
- Wildlife activity
- Facility maintenance issues
- Leak
Reporting these hazards in real time helps us maintain a safe and efficient environment at Pearson.
Thank you for reviewing today’s reminders about Safety at the Gate. After you take today’s quiz, be sure to join us again tomorrow for another learning opportunity and chance to win a cash prize!