What should an operator do if they observe a potential safety hazard on the airside?

When an operator observes a potential safety hazard on the airside, the best course of action is to report it to the airport operations center immediately. This is essential because the airport operations center is responsible for managing safety and coordinating responses to hazards. Their trained personnel can evaluate the situation, determine the appropriate actions to mitigate the hazard, and communicate with other stakeholders to ensure overall safety.

Addressing safety hazards promptly helps prevent accidents and ensures a safe environment for all personnel and operations on the airside. Failure to report a hazard can lead to serious consequences, including accidents or incidents that could affect flight operations, ground personnel, and equipment. In contrast, ignoring the hazard, notifying a friend, or trying to handle it without proper authority or training could exacerbate the situation, potentially putting lives at risk and leading to safety violations. Therefore, immediate reporting to the designated authority is the most effective and responsible action an operator can take.