| answer text |
<p>The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is under a statutory duty to provide assistance
and advice to the Secretary of State including by the provision of advice on the health
of air passengers and crew, and investigating new aviation health concerns.</p><p>
</p><p>The CAA is responsible for issuing Certificates of Airworthiness at a national
level for individual aircraft. One requirement for a certificates of airworthiness
to be issued is that it must be demonstrated that the aircraft and its engines must
not have design features which experience has shown to be hazardous, and the design
should take account of the effects of component deterioration or failure to minimise
the concentration of potentially toxic products.</p><p> </p><p>The CAA has a further
duty under the Civil Aviation (Working Time) Regulations 2004. This applies to persons
employed as crew members for commercial air transport, employers have a duty to ensure
that “each crew member employed by him is at all times…provided with adequate health
and safety protection” so as to preserve the health and safety of the crew from “any
hazards that may threaten his health or safety during the course of his undertaking
his work and are capable of being provided by his employer.” This duty does not extend
to passengers. The CAA is the enforcing authority for the 2004 Regulations in respect
of the occupational health and safety of crew members while they are on board.</p><p>
</p><p>For owners of aircraft in Great Britain, specific duties in relation to health
and safety are imposed on employers by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which
the Health & Safety Executive is responsible for enforcing.</p><p> </p><p>In relation
to the management of incidents where passengers and crew are exposed to hazardous
substances, immediate responses and subsequent actions, including investigation, are
the aircraft operator's responsibility under its emergency procedures and safety management
systems. There may also be applicable airport procedures.</p>
|
|
