10.05.2007
Copenhagen Airports commissions study of air quality

Copenhagen Airports A/S has commissioned a study of the air quality around the aircraft stands at Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup. The outcome of the study will be used to assess whether the provisions of the Danish Working Environment Act are observed. Earlier studies have shown that the air pollution in the area is substantially below the threshold limits set in the Danish working environment legislation.
 
Copenhagen Airports A/S has commissioned an independent firm to carry out the study. The firm is certified to measure the pollution components of the air employees are working in.
 
An analysis made in Italy indicates that staff working immediately around aircraft are exposed to particular health risks from air pollution, especially air pollution caused by diesel exhaust from ground equipment such as tractors, mobile loading equipment and the like. The safety rules and working environment conditions may differ from one airport to the other, and to date there have been no indications that airport staff at Copenhagen Airport have had a sickness pattern that is different to that of people in the community in general.

Employees will be offered a doctor’s examination

Copenhagen Airports A/S wishes to ensure that the health level among the company’s employees is high. The company was one of the first in Denmark to introduce a health plan comprising all employees under which they are offered free physiotherapy and psychologist therapy as well as many other benefits. The employees can also freely use the airport’s fitness centres. Based on the uncertainty that has arisen as a result of the Italian study, Copenhagen Airports A/S intends to offer company employees who work in the apron areas a free doctor’s examination. The company does not want this offer to create unfounded fear among the employees, it should rather be seen as an extra preventive step to ensure health and safety in the workplace.

Tight rules apply to aircraft manoeuvring at Copenhagen Airport

The rules for aircraft manoeuvring on the ground have been set by Copenhagen Airports  A/S, and they are tighter than at most other airports. Aircraft engines must be turned off immediately when the aircraft arrives at the gate and the power supply cable has been connected. The auxiliary engine in the aircraft fuselage must not be started until five minutes before the aircraft is pushed off from the gate.
 
Rules on motor vehicles are defined by the local authorities and are enforced by the police at the airport. With few exceptions, the rules allow idling for a maximum of one minute.

No official orders issued to CPH

The Danish Working Environment Authority made an inspection at the airport on 24 April 2007 and has subsequently issued official orders to three handling companies at Copenhagen Airport. These companies operate under contracts with the respective airlines. Copenhagen Airports A/S did not receive any orders but was asked to consider defining guidelines to restrict traffic at the airport that could contribute to air pollution in the work areas.
 
Copenhagen Airports A/S received the information from the Working Environment Authority on Monday, 7 May 2007 together with copies of the official orders issued to the handling companies. On Tuesday, 8 May 2007, the issue was addressed by the Airports Operator Committee, AOC, which is a coordination forum for the more than 100 companies which have activities at the airport. It was agreed to set up a task force to coordinate initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of exhaust gases.