NEW DELHI: Aviation regulator in India Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday issued guidelines to airports across the country on helping emergency responders cope with stress and fatigue. According to the advisory issued by DGCA, the airports must observe “human factors” and incorporate them in emergency planning and training manuals. The regulator has also recommended that all airports must have a treatment program for emergency responders, who may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders, in order to ensure their mental and psychological well-being. “Such treatment and counselling can be provided by other airport personnel who have undergone proper training or by external medical institutions,” says the advisory.
The guidelines also require airport operators to ensure that their staff can have adequate rest despite the nature of their job requiring them to rush for an emergency at short notice. The advisory recognizes noise levels at an airport as a health hazard and moots mandatory use of hearing protection devices as well as regular hearing tests. DGCA has also suggested a fitness program help personnel with their rigorous routine.