FOD consists of any foreign object that is in an inappropriate location and, because of its location, causes damage or injury. FOD can be made up of a variety of materials, such as loose hardware, pavement fragments, catering supplies, building materials, rocks, sand, pieces of luggage, and even wildlife, especially insects. By implementing a FOD prevention plan, chances of FOD damage are minimized.
FOD can and will causes risks if not properly managed. If a FOD prevention plan is not properly implemented the following risks can occur:
The safety of personnel, and anyone else associated with a plane, is threatened when FOD is in the wrong place. Accidents have occurred, some unfortunately including fatalities. To ensure that personnel and other individuals are safe, it is important to enforce a FOD prevention plan.
FOD can severely damage an aircraft. These damages are what threaten personnel safety and led to high error costs.
Aircraft damage costs include a lot more than just maintenance. Costs included in FOD damage also consist of:
By implementing a quality FOD prevention plan, FOD damage and risks can be minimized.