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Air traffic control shift management practices
Date issue released
Safety Issue Description

The utilisation of  shift sharing practices for the Tops controllers resulted in them sustaining a higher workload over extended periods without a break, during a time of day known to reduce performance capability.

Issue number
AO-2014-074-SI-01
Transport Function
Airspace
Issue Owner
Airservices Australia
Mode of Transport
Aviation
Issue Status Justification

The ATSB acknowledges the safety actions being taken by Airservices Australia which, when complete, have the potential to address the safety issue. The ATSB will monitor the outcomes and actions arising from the review.

Proactive action
Action number
AO-2014-074-NSA-009
Organisation
Airservices Australia
Action date
Action Status
Monitor
Action description

On 30 March 2016, Airservices Australia advised the ATSB that:

Airservices is currently reviewing the application of published Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) guidelines for ATC staff undertaking night shift duties. The review considers the application of risk assessment, the appropriateness of work cycles/rest periods, the adequacy of staffing arrangements in relation to the volume and complexity of night time traffic, and any variations that may exist between ATC groups. This review also includes updating the National ATS Administration Manual (NAAM) to include responsibilities regarding the application of FRMS principles for Operational Command Authority (OCA)/Supervision authorities. The updated provisions in the NAAM will be published in April 2016.

ATSB Response

The ATSB acknowledges the safety actions being taken by Airservices Australia which, when complete, have the potential to address the safety issue. The ATSB will monitor the outcomes and actions arising from the review.

Organisation Response
Date Received
Organisation
Airservices
Response Status
Monitor
Response Text

Airservices advised the ATSB on 30 March 2016 that the application of published Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) guidelines was being reviewed in relation to ATC staff undertaking night shift duties. As a result of this review, the following changes were made to the National ATS Administration Manual (NAAM) to emphasise the responsibilities of operational staff to consider fatigue risk management:

  • where supervision is provided in the delivery of ATS services, the supervisor must manage fatigue risk in accordance with FRMS, and
  • In the absence of a supervisor, the Prime Position (as defined in section 1.7.8.5) is responsible for discharging the following responsibilities while undertaking their primary controlling duties:
    - determine unit- de-concentration and consolidation requirements to meet the traffic demand
    - manage staff rotation within the unit to meet the FRMS requirements and to limit the need for coincident handovers on multiple work stations within the unit.
ATSB Response

The ATSB looks forward to receiving additional advice on the other components of Airservices' review of the application of published Fatigue Risk Management System
guidelines for air traffic control staff undertaking night shift duties. These additional components of the Airservices review were advised by Airservices on 30 March 2016, and include:

  • the application of a risk assessment
  • the appropriateness of work cycles/rest periods
  • the adequacy of staffing arrangements in relation to the volume and complexity of nighttime
    traffic
  • any variations that may exist between air traffic control groups.
Date Received
Organisation
Airservices Australia
Response Text

Airservices reviewed the application of published Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) guidelines for ATC staff undertaking night shift duties. The review considered the application of risk assessment, the appropriateness of work cycles/rest periods, the adequacy of staffing arrangements in relation to the volume and complexity of nighttime traffic, and any variations that may exist between ATC groups. Airservices issued Standardisation Directive DIR_16_0069 on 13 May 2016, and subsequently updated the National ATS Administration Manual (NAAM) to include responsibilities regarding the application of FRMS principles for Operational Command Authority (OCA)/Supervision authorities. The updated provisions in the
NAAM was published on 28 April 2016.