Chapter 4. Hazards Appendix 2
4-APP 2-3 6. DATABASE MANAGEMENT
Protection of safety data
Given the potential for misuse of safety data that have been compiled strictly for the purpose of advancing aviation safety, database management must begin with protection of the data. Database managers must balance the need for data
protection with that of making data accessible to those who can advance aviation safety. Protection considerations include:
a adequacy of “access to information” laws vis-à-vis safety management requirements; b organization policies on the protection of safety data;
c de-identification, by removing all details that might lead a third party to infer the identity of individuals for example, flight numbers, datestimes, locations and aircraft type;
d security of information systems, data storage and communication networks; e limiting access to databases to those with a “need to know”; and
f prohibitions
on unauthorized use of data.
7. SAFETY DATABASE CAPABILITIES
The functional properties and attributes of different database management systems vary, and each should be considered before deciding on the most suitable system for an operator’s needs. Experience has shown that air safety-
related incidents are best recorded and tracked using a PC-based database. The number of features available depends on the type of system selected. Basic features should enable the user to perform such tasks as:
a log safety events under various categories; b link events to related documents e.g. reports and photographs;
c monitor
trends; d compile analyses, charts and reports;
e check historical records; f
share data with other organizations; g monitor event investigations; and
h flag overdue action responses.
8. DATABASE SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS
8.1 The selection of commercially available database systems will depend upon the user’s expectations, the
data required, the computer operating system and the complexity of the queries to be handled. A variety of programmes with differing capabilities and skill demands are available. The choice of which type to use requires a balance of the
considerations listed below:
4-APP 2-4 Safety Management Manual SMM
a User-friendliness. The system should be intuitively easy to use. Some programmes provide a wide
range of features but require significant training. Unfortunately, there are often trade-offs between the user-friendliness and search power; the more user-friendly the tool, the less likely it will be able to
handle complex queries.
b
Access. Although access to all details stored in the database would be ideal, not all users require such access. The structure and complexity of the database will influence the choice of any particular query
tools. c
Performance. Performance is a measure of how efficiently the system operates. It depends on such considerations as:
1 how well the data are captured, maintained and monitored; 2 whether the data are stored in formats that facilitate trend or other analyses;
3 the
complexity of
the database structure; and 4 the design of the host computer system or network.
d
Flexibility. Flexibility is dependent on the system’s ability to:
1 process a variety of queries; 2 filter and sort data;
3 use binary logic i.e. the system can deal with “ANDOR” conditions such as “all pilots who are captains and have 15 000 hours of experience”, or “all pilots who are captains or have 15 000 hours
of experience”; 4 perform basic analysis counts and cross-tabulations;
5 produce user-defined outputs; and 6 connect with other databases to import or export data.
8.2 Costs vary with individual organization requirements. The price charged by some system vendors is a flat fee,
which allows multiple users on any one licence. Alternatively, with other system vendors, the rate increases depending on the number of authorized users. The purchaser should take into consideration such associated cost factors as:
a installation
costs; b
training costs;
c software upgrade costs; d maintenance and support fees; and
e other software licence fees that may be necessary.
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Chapter 5 SAFETY RISKS
