Safety Management System
Report a Safety Hazard
Need to report a safety issue? You can access the Charleston International Airport Safety Reporting Portal to report hazardous conditions, incidents, or situations that could affect the Airport’s safe operations.
For Emergencies
For emergencies, call: 843-767-7005
For Safety Reports
For safety reports, call: 843-767-7233 (SAFE)
Email SMS at CHS: [email protected]
What is SMS?
A Safety Management System is a structured approach to managing safety across the airport. It’s built on four key components: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion. These components work together to help us prevent accidents, manage risks, and keep improving how we do our jobs. For many airports, having an SMS isn’t optional, it’s now required under FAA regulation 14 CFR Part 139 Subpart E.
SMS isn’t just a document or a checklist. It’s a system we actively use to stay ahead of safety issues. It helps us identify potential problems early, take action and learn from what’s working (and what’s not). SMS relies on solid information, clear communication, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. At its core, it’s a safety mindset—one that helps us make better decisions and keep our airport running safely and efficiently.
The Four SMS Components
Safety Policy
Establishes senior management’s commitment to continually improve safety; defines the methods, processes, and organizational structure needed to meet safety goals.
Safety Assurance
Evaluates the continued effectiveness of implemented risk control strategies; supports the identification of new hazards.
Safety Risk Management
Determines the need for, and adequacy of, new or revised risk controls based on the assessment of acceptable risk.
Safety Promotion
Includes training, communication, and other actions to create a positive safety culture within all levels of the workforce.
Safety Policy Statement
The CHS Safety Policy Statement is a written commitment from leadership.
The airport’s leadership recognizes safety as the highest organizational priority. Management is committed to providing the necessary resources, direction, and support to identify hazards, manage risks, and continually improve safety performance. All employees and contractors are expected to uphold this commitment by integrating safety into every aspect of their work, ensuring the airport operates to the highest standards of safety for staff, passengers, and the surrounding community.