Securing Airport Construction Projects

Airports go through some level of construction every year and whether an airport is engaging in normal maintenance or undergoing a massive renovation, ensuring the security of the airport and its employees, contractors and visitors is of paramount importance. 

Critical planning considerations include passenger, vendor and staff safety, compliance with TSA security directives, airport security plans, and customer service. The potential responsibilities of security officers during airport construction projects are comprehensive and can include: 

• Equipment and Inventory - The security officer is responsible for oversight of the construction workers’ tool box inventory with a list of acceptable tools established by the airports construction oversight team at the start of the job.

• Credential Verification - Security officers perform Security Identification Display Area badge enforcement, credential verification, and screening services.

• Security Sweeps - Security officers conduct periodic security sweeps to watch for potential theft and hazardous materials on the airfield; and conduct inspections to help ensure contractors comply with airport work rules.

• Escorts for People and Vehicles - With construction projects, most vehicles and workers do not have unescorted access privileges, necessitating that security officers escort the workers for breaks or to other areas of the airport facility.

• Securing Parking, Access and Haul Roads - Security helps ensure that contractors only gain access to approved areas and that access routes used by contractors are clearly marked to prevent inadvertent entry to areas open to airport operations.

• Oversight of Hazardous Materials - Security personnel oversee contractors to ensure that any fuel or hydraulic fluid leaks are expeditiously removed by contractors from the airport grounds.

• Emergency Response - Aviation security officers are trained to respond quickly to accidents and emergencies, contacting the appropriate authorities as needed, reporting details and administering first aid while taking necessary action to keep people safe.

It is important that security and airport personnel communicate early and often beginning with the construction project proposal. Having a security plan specific to the construction project location and operation is crucial. By including physical security early in the process, the security provider can phase the job appropriately and ensure that that the best team is in place.

Read more in Airport Magazine: Managing Construction & Airport Security.

 

  About the Author
  Charlie Bohnenberger is the Vice President of Government Sales for Allied Universal.