RESPONSIBILITIES OF GROUND HANDLING ORGANISATIONS REGARDING OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR GROUND HANDLING SERVICES
ANNEX IISupplementary provisions
ANNEX II RESPONSIBILITIES OF GROUND HANDLING ORGANISATIONS REGARDING OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR GROUND HANDLING SERVICES (PART-GH.OPS) GH.OPS.005 General responsibilities for the provision of ground handling services (a) The ground handling organisation shall ensure, for all the ground handling activities it performs, that: (1) the operational procedures and the instructions provided by the aircraft operator and, when applicable, by the aerodrome operator are correctly implemented; (2) sufficient personnel are available to perform the assigned tasks safely; (3) the personnel performing ground handling activities are trained and competent to perform the assigned tasks; (4) the operation and maintenance of any equipment used for GH activities are performed in accordance with Subpart ORGH.GSE. (b) In accordance with point 4.1(c) of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, the ground handling organisation shall provide services in accordance with the instructions and procedures of the aircraft operator. However, the ground handling organisation may apply its own operational procedures in either of the following cases: (1) if agreed and accepted by the aircraft operator; (2) if the aircraft operator does not provide any operational procedures. (c) If the instructions and procedures provided by the aircraft operator differ from the operational procedures of the ground handling organisation, the procedures of the aircraft operator shall prevail. The ground handling organisation shall address with the aircraft operator any conflicting differences that may affect the safety of aircraft, its passengers, or the ground handling personnel as soon as they have been identified, and shall determine together with the aircraft operator whether the implementation of the operational procedures of the ground handling organisation are accepted instead. (d) The operational procedures of the ground handling organisation shall: (1) cover, as applicable, all services provided, as listed in Article 2(2) of this Regulation; (2) be appropriate to the aircraft type and operational context; (3) ensure that the aircraft handling activities are conducted in a way that the risks of damage to the aircraft or other vehicles on the ground and injuries to personnel and passengers are minimised, and that the safety of flight is not compromised. (e) In accordance with point 4.1(b) of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, the ground handling organisation shall comply, to the extent relevant to the activities it carries out, with the procedures provided to it by the aerodrome operator related to the following operational aspects referred to in Regulation (EU) No 139/2014: (1) foreign object debris (FOD) control programme; (2) authorisation and operation of drivers and vehicles; (3) aircraft towing; (4) communications between vehicles and air traffic control (ATC); (5) control of pedestrians; (6) fuel quality and safety of apron during refuelling/defuelling; (7) operations in winter conditions; (8) night operations; (9) operations in adverse weather conditions; (10) marking and lighting of vehicles and other mobile objects; (11) aircraft arrival at and departure from the stand; (12) information to organisations operating at the apron; (13) alerting of emergency services; (14) jet blast precautions; (15) high-visibility clothing. (f) The procedures of the aerodrome operator covering the elements in point (e) shall prevail over the procedures with the same scope of the ground handling organisation or of the aircraft operator. The ground handling organisation shall address any conflicting instructions or procedures with the aerodrome operator as soon as they have been identified. (g) Without prejudice to points (a) to (f), to ensure that safety of the aircraft and persons on the ground is not compromised during the provision of ground handling services, the ground handling organisation may decide to apply stricter operational procedures based on the procedures and instructions of the aircraft operator or the aerodrome operator if it considers that the local operational context requires additional safety precautions. These additional safety elements shall be documented and communicated to the aircraft operators or the aerodrome operators concerned, as applicable. (h) The ground handling organisation shall ensure that a copy of relevant operational instructions and procedures is available to its personnel, according to their tasks and communicated in a manner that ensures their understanding. The ground handling organisation shall also ensure that their personnel are able to understand and comply with the instructions and procedures from the aerodrome operator and/or competent authorities that might be provided only in the national language. GH.OPS.010 Interfaces with other organisations As part of its management system, the ground handling organisation shall have a process to identify the interfaces with the aerodrome operator and the aircraft operator(s) to which it provides services. The process to address the interfaces shall: (a) cover specific aircraft operator’s operational procedures, local aerodrome environment, safety procedures and/or operational constraints, based on a safety risk assessment and in agreement with all relevant stakeholders; (b) ensure, in coordination with the aerodrome operator, that the relevant parts of its safety management system are compatible and complementary with those of the aerodrome operator as referred to in point ADR.OR.D.025 and the aircraft operator; (c) ensure mutual communication and sharing of safety relevant information on a regular basis, as relevant, with the organisations affected by the ground handling activities. GH.OPS.020 Handling of dangerous goods (a) The ground handling organisation shall ensure that the handling of dangerous goods is performed at all times in accordance with the relevant provisions of Annex 18 to the Chicago Convention and the ICAO Technical Instructions relating to that Annex, and the instructions and procedures of the aircraft operator. (b) Ground handling organisations not involved in the handling of dangerous goods shall refuse goods containing hidden or undeclared dangerous goods and shall report the detection of undeclared or mis declared dangerous goods in accordance with point ORGH.GEN.160(b)(2). (c) The ground handling organisation shall ensure that the personnel involved in the handling of dangerous goods have access to and apply the variations specific to the aircraft operators to which the services are provided. GH.OPS.025 Ground transportation of passengers and crew members by an aerodrome operator When an aerodrome operator provides ground transportation services for passengers and crew members with its own personnel, either as a single service or cumulated with the handling of passengers with reduced mobility, as part of the exemption specified in Article 2(3)(h) or (j) of this Regulation, it shall comply with the following requirements of Annex I and Annex II to this Regulation: (a) Subpart ORGH.GSE; (b) point GH.OPS.300; (c) point GH.OPS.305. GH.OPS.030 Common language The ground handling organisation shall ensure that its personnel are able to communicate effectively for their daily operational tasks in the language(s) or hand signals that can be understood among themselves or, depending on their assigned functions, by the aerodrome personnel or the aircrew. SUBPART 1 PASSENGER HANDLING GH.OPS.100 Passenger handling – general requirements (a) The passenger handling procedures established by the ground handling organisation shall cover the safety risks, including carriage of dangerous goods in passenger baggage or on the person, related to the following activities: (1) passenger and baggage acceptance and data transmission for load control purposes; (2) handling of special categories of passengers, including passengers with reduced mobility; (3) passenger boarding; (4) passenger disembarkation, including, if applicable, handling of transit and transfer passengers; (5) passenger transfer or transit. (b) The ground handling organisation shall ensure that the aerodrome requirements related to the control of pedestrians are observed during passenger boarding and disembarkation. GH.OPS.105 Control of passengers on the apron (a) Passenger access on the apron or any other operational area shall observe the applicable requirements on control of pedestrians laid down in Regulation (EU) No 139/2014. The ground handling organisation shall ensure that the passengers do not move outside the clearly designated/marked area or path for passage between the aerodrome terminal and the aircraft and do not cross the marked aircraft danger zones. (b) The ground handling organisation shall apply the aircraft operator instructions and procedures unless agreed differently with the aircraft operator. When using passenger stairs, passenger boarding bridges or airbridges for passenger boarding and disembarkation, the operational procedures shall cover the safety of passengers during passenger boarding and disembarkation. GH.OPS.110 Handling of passengers with reduced mobility by an aerodrome operator When an aerodrome operator performs handling of passengers with reduced mobility with its own personnel, either as a single service or cumulated with the ground transportation of passengers and crew members, as part of the exemption specified in Article 2(3)(h) or (j) of this Regulation, it shall comply with the following requirements of Annexes I and II to this Regulation: (a) Subpart ORGH.GSE; (b) point GH.OPS.100(a)(2) applicable to those passengers; (c) point GH.OPS.305 on the operation of GSE. SUBPART 2 BAGGAGE HANDLING GH.OPS.200 Baggage handling – general requirements (a) The safety procedures for baggage handling shall cover the following phases, depending on the range of operations of the ground handling organisation: (1) baggage identification; (2) baggage sorting; (3) baggage building, preparation for departure or transfer; (4) baggage arrival and reclaim. (b) The handling of dangerous goods in baggage shall be performed in accordance with Annex 18 to the Chicago Convention and the ICAO Technical Instructions relating to that Annex and the aircraft operator’s procedures and instructions regarding dangerous goods in passenger baggage. (c) The ground handling organisation shall comply with any additional aerodrome procedures, depending on the centralised infrastructure provided by the aerodrome operator for baggage handling. (d) The ground handling organisation shall ensure that the personnel involved in baggage handling receive safety training relevant to their tasks and understand the consequences of their performance on the flight safety. SUBPART 3 AIRCRAFT SERVICING GH.OPS.300 Safety on the apron The ground handling organisation shall implement, besides aerodrome operator procedures applicable to that organisation as aerodrome user, operational procedures to cover the safety risks of working around the aircraft and on the aerodrome airside safety area, as follows: (a) the aerodrome operator’s procedures regarding the following activities: (1) walking and driving within the aerodrome airside areas; (2) FOD programme; (3) driving on the movement area; (4) operations in adverse weather conditions, in winter or at night; (b) the ground handling organisation’s operational procedures regarding the following activities: (1) working on the apron and around the aircraft and safety on the apron; (2) inspection of aircraft exterior and adjacent airside areas, as appropriate, prior to aircraft arrival and departure; (3) working around the aircraft, whereby the following principles shall apply: (i) aircraft danger areas shall be kept clear of persons and vehicles while engines are about to be started or are running; (ii) personnel, other than those required to assist the arrival and departure of the aircraft, shall not approach the aircraft when the engines are running and the anti-collision lights are turned on; (iii) the procedure shall include human factors principles; (4) correct positioning of the ground support equipment around the aircraft for aircraft servicing and passenger boarding and disembarkation; (5) depending on the responsibilities assigned to the organisation, either of the following: (i) develop and implement an aircraft turnaround plan to ensure coordination and safety of all ground handling activities occurring at the aircraft during turnaround. It shall include, as a minimum, a description of the phases, as well as tasks and responsibilities required for the arrival, handling, and departure of the aircraft; (ii) describe its tasks and responsibilities during turnaround when the aircraft turnaround plan is developed by another organisation. (c) The operational procedures referred to in point (b) shall be adapted to the operational context of the aerodrome, as well as its specific geographical and weather conditions. GH.OPS.305 General requirements for the operation of ground support equipment (a) The ground handling organisation shall implement procedures for the safe operation of GSE, with specific safety actions to address the risk of equipment approaching, positioning, braking, manoeuvring, parking, departing from the aircraft and the area where the aircraft is being serviced, including the equipment used for the ground transportation of passengers with reduced mobility, as well as equipment securing when not in use and parking in designated areas. (b) Driving of GSE on the apron and movement area shall observe the aerodrome procedures developed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Annex IV (ADR.OPS) to Regulation (EU) No 139/2014. (c) All GSE used, motorised and non-motorised, shall be appropriately maintained and shall comply with the maintenance programme referred to in Subpart ORGH.GSE of Annex I to this Regulation. The passenger boarding bridges or passenger stairs shall be clear of any FOD to ensure swift evacuation of passengers and crews in case of an emergency during refuelling with passengers on board, passenger boarding or disembarking. (d) A no-touch policy shall be applied unless the GSE is equipped with proximity or self-levelling sensors, depending on the GSE type, or in specifically accepted circumstances required by the type of the GSE in operation. GH.OPS.310 Aircraft refuelling and defuelling (a) The aircraft refuelling and defuelling services may be provided by the same organisation responsible for the provision of other ground handling services or by an into-plane fuelling service provider. (b) In addition to ensuring compliance with point GH.OPS.005, the into-plane fuelling service provider shall be responsible for the following: (1) ensure safe provision of aircraft refuelling and defuelling and other necessary services in accordance with the operational procedures of the aircraft operator; (2) have and implement communication procedures with the ground handling organisation(s) providing other services during aircraft turnaround, in particular with the turnaround coordination function, and with the aircrew in case of fire or fuel leakage; (3) observe the requirements regarding fire prevention and extinction on the apron and at the parking stands; (4) address any conflicting instructions with the aircraft operator or the aerodrome operator, as the case may be, as soon as they have been identified. (c) The into-plane fuelling service provider shall have the following responsibilities: (1) apply its emergency procedure in the event of an emergency during refuelling or defuelling as described in its ground handling manual, in particular: (i) stop refuelling; (ii) disconnect the refuelling hose from the aircraft; (iii) move the fuel vehicle or, depending on the refuelling system, press the emergency stop button from the fuel hydrant; (2) use only the fuel type approved for the aircraft type in accordance with the aircraft operator’s instructions to prevent any misfuelling and contamination of the fuel; (3) ensure that their personnel wears distinctive clothing to enable their easy identification in case of an emergency during refuelling or defuelling operations; (4) observe the refuelling zones as established by the aircraft operator according to the aircraft type, and, in coordination with the ground handling organisation exercising the aircraft turnaround coordination function, prevent any passengers or unauthorised persons from entering those zones or otherwise stop refuelling until the zone is clear; (5) comply with the relevant procedure of the aircraft operator for refuelling or defuelling with passengers on board, passenger boarding or disembarking, including: (i) stopping the refueling operation when the designated emergency exits and escape routes are obstructed; (ii) communication with the person that monitors the refuelling or defuelling operation, as appointed by the aircraft operator, in case of fire or fuel leakage; (6) comply with point ADR.OPS.D.060 of Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 as reflected in the aerodrome operator’s procedures regarding apron safety during aircraft refuelling. (d) Refuelling or defuelling in hangars or similar enclosed buildings shall only be performed with the approval of the aircraft operator and the aerodrome operator and in accordance with the special procedures developed by them. GH.OPS.320 Potable water servicing The procedures for potable water servicing shall comply with the requirements laid down in point GH.OPS.005 and also with the following additional requirements: (a) liaising with the aerodrome operator to ensure the following: (1) all water, for drinking and other personal use, uplifted into the aircraft is free from chemical substances and microorganisms; (2) potable water quality test is conducted periodically in accordance with the local health authorities and as per the aircraft operator’s procedure; (b) observing the requirements laid down in the applicable Union legal acts regarding personal protection equipment for the personnel performing potable water servicing; (c) properly mitigating the risk of producing FOD during this activity. GH.OPS.325 Aircraft toilet servicing The procedures for aircraft toilet servicing shall comply with the requirements in point GH.OPS.005 and also with the following additional requirements: (a) describing the applicable measures in case of leakage; (b) promptly identifying any leakage and handling it according to the instructions; (c) observing the requirements laid down in the applicable Union legal acts regarding personal protection equipment for the personnel performing aircraft toilet servicing; (d) properly mitigating the risk of producing FOD during aircraft toilet servicing. GH.OPS.330 Aircraft exterior cleaning The procedures for aircraft exterior cleaning shall comply with the requirements of point GH.OPS.005 and also with the following additional requirements: (a) performing the aircraft exterior cleaning with products approved by the aircraft manufacturer to avoid damage to the aircraft; (b) properly closing the aircraft exterior panels and doors after completing the cleaning; (c) observing the requirements laid down in the applicable Union legal acts regarding personal protection equipment for the personnel performing aircraft exterior cleaning; (d) using a dedicated area for aircraft exterior cleaning, as established by the aerodrome operator, if applicable; (e) properly mitigating the risk of producing FOD during aircraft exterior cleaning. GH.OPS.335 Aircraft de-icing and anti-icing (a) The ground handling organisation shall ensure that the necessary checks to ensure availability of service before the cold season are planned and performed in due time for the de-icing and anti-icing operations to be executed safely. (b) In addition to compliance with the requirements laid down in point GH.OPS.005, the ground handling organisation shall be responsible for ensuring that the fluids used for de-icing and anti-icing comply with the fluid quality standards, that periodic testing is performed, and that proper storage is provided. (c) The ground handling organisation shall cooperate with the aerodrome operator and any relevant authority and organisation to enable the recovery and recycling of the de-icing and anti-icing fluid for environmental protection purposes. (d) Where the ground handling organisation uses remote platforms and stands to provide de-icing and anti-icing services, it shall appoint a de-icing coordinator and implement a procedure that includes: (1) communication on a dedicated radio frequency with the flight crew; (2) stand allocation for aircraft awaiting the de-icing/anti-icing service at the de-icing and anti-icing stand; (3) indication to the flight crew of the removal of equipment and end of de-icing and anti-icing operation for a safe return of the aircraft to the movement area. SUBPART 4 AIRCRAFT TURNAROUND GH.OPS.400 Coordination of aircraft turnaround activities (a) The ground handling organisation shall ensure the safe provision of ground handling services and aircraft handling during turnaround by establishing a function for the coordination of turnaround activities. The coordination of the turnaround activities shall take into account the turnaround plan specified by the aircraft operator. (b) Where more than one ground handling organisation is involved in the provision of ground handling services to the same aircraft operator according to the aircraft operator’s turnaround plan, the ground handling organisations concerned shall agree [among themselves] which one is responsible for the turnaround coordination function unless this is established by the aircraft operator. (c) The ground handling organisation responsible for the aircraft turnaround coordination shall have a written procedure for the coordination of the turnaround activities that includes the following aspects: (1) ground handling activities to be monitored and coordinated during aircraft turnaround; (2) whether the turnaround coordination function is performed by a person or an automated device, on the aerodrome or remotely; if applicable, the person responsible for this function; (3) coordination of communication with all the organisations involved, be it other ground handling organisations, the aircraft operator or the aerodrome operator; (4) tasks associated with the turnaround coordination function; (5) ensure that the load of tasks per person does not jeopardise the safety of activities; (6) when refuelling and defuelling operations take place with passengers being on board, boarding or disembarking, ensure the following: (i) all the following points shall be kept clear of obstacles: (A) designated emergency exits; (B) escape routes, including that of the fuel vehicle; (C) the ground area beneath the aircraft exits intended for emergency evacuation and slide deployment areas when stairs are not in position for use in the event of an evacuation; (D) Fuel Emergency Stop button, where fitted; (ii) the into-plane fuelling service provider shall be informed immediately when the designated evacuation exits and escape routes are obstructed; (7) dissemination of the written procedure to all the persons involved. (d) The turnaround plan applied to each aircraft shall observe the aircraft type specificities and aircraft limitations. The turnaround coordination shall take into account the operational context of the aerodrome. (e) The ground handling organisation shall observe the requirement to alert the aerodrome emergency services in accordance with point ADR.OPS.D.050 of Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 for accidents and incidents on the apron. GH.OPS.405 Aircraft arrival (a) The operational procedures relating to the arrival of an aircraft shall be appropriate to the aircraft type and shall cover: (1) securing of the aircraft on the ground; (2) marking the aircraft danger zones; (3) operation of cargo compartment doors and service panels; (4) positioning of the GSE, including the ground power unit and pre-conditioned air unit if applicable; (5) operation of passenger boarding bridges or other GSE such as passenger stairs. (b) The parking stand shall be inspected prior to aircraft arrival and the applicable aerodrome operator procedures shall be applied. GH.OPS.410 Aircraft securing on the ground (a) The ground handling organisation shall have and implement operational procedures to ensure that the aircraft is secured against any unintended movement, in accordance with the procedures and instructions of the aircraft operator or, as agreed with the aircraft operator, in accordance with the operational procedures of the ground handling organisation. (b) The procedures referred to in point (a) shall include safety measures to ensure that only ground handling personnel with specific tasks to be carried out in this phase are allowed to approach the aircraft before the anti-collision lights are turned off and the engines are shut. (c) The equipment restraint area shall be marked by placing safety cones around the aircraft areas that are susceptible to ground damage. GH.OPS.415 Aircraft loading and unloading The operational procedures for aircraft loading and unloading shall ensure the following: (a) aircraft loading is performed in accordance with the written loading instructions, and any loading specifications and requirements related to dangerous goods and other special cargo, mail, baggage items or equipment in compartment are observed; (b) the aircraft stability is maintained during unloading and loading; (c) the unloading team has the appropriate inbound flight documentation; (d) the aircraft cargo compartment is empty prior to loading except in the case of transit flights or where the aircraft operator instructions state otherwise, and there are no damages or leaks; if any damage is identified, the aircraft operator shall be informed; (e) the loading is performed so as not to damage the cargo compartment or the cargo compartment doors; (f) the ULDs and other loose equipment are in serviceable condition, do not contain water or snow, and there is no damaged or leaking cargo; (g) the items and ULDs loaded in the cargo compartments are properly restrained to prevent any movement or shifting during flight; (h) the ULD type loaded on the aircraft corresponds to what is specified in the loading instructions; (i) the cargo compartment doors are properly closed; (j) any last-minute changes related to baggage or cargo loading are recorded on the mass and balance documentation and distributed for the information of the persons identified in the aircraft operator’s procedure; (k) the mass and balance document containing the loading instructions is signed by the person responsible for loading supervision to confirm that the aircraft loading and load distribution have been completed as per the instructions; (l) communication related to aircraft loading and load distribution is ensured between the person responsible for loading supervision and the person responsible for load planning and issuance of the related mass and balance documentation, as well as any other intermediary person if load planning is a remote function that is not performed at the departure station; (m) a copy of the mass and balance documentation containing the loading instructions is retained on the ground and accessible to the ground personnel responsible for flight operations until after the arrival of the flight; (n) loading and unloading are executed with GSE adequate to the aircraft type and task, as the case may be; (o) any damage or malfunctions identified to the in-plane loading system are notified to the aircraft operator. GH.OPS.420 Loading supervision The ground handling organisation shall implement procedures for the supervision of aircraft loading and unloading to ensure the following: (a) briefing of the unloading team in accordance with the loading messages received prior to aircraft unloading and briefing of the loading team in accordance with the loading instructions prior to aircraft loading; (b) monitoring of the aircraft unloading and loading, ensuring that the bulk load is intact and there is no damage or leakage prior to loading; (c) loading and securing of baggage and cargo items in the position indicated on the package, so as to prevent their movement in any direction and to maintain their segregation and separation in accordance with the dangerous goods requirements; (d) verifying that all the steps referred to in point GH.OPS.415 are complied with; (e) check of the load against the related documentation such as cargo manifest, baggage manifest, or the special load NOTOC, if available; (f) confirmation that loading is carried out as specified in the final loading instruction form; (g) report of any deviations from the planned loading and any special, overweight or non-standard items presented for loading not already included in the loading instructions. GH.OPS.425 Unit load devices The ground handling organisation shall ensure the following with regard to the ULDs for both baggage and cargo load: (a) the aircraft operator instructions are followed with regard to the correct use of the ULD type and the ULDs are within the acceptable limits established according to the manufacturer instructions and empty before use; (b) the ULDs are checked to ensure that they are serviceable before the build-up and do not exceed the allowed serviceability limits; (c) unserviceable ULDs are labelled and taken out of use; (d) for ULDs in the form of an aircraft container, arrangements are in place with the ULD owner for the repair or disposal of damaged ULDs; (e) the ULD build-up process observes the operational procedures related to all the following: (1) aircraft mass and balance and ULD limitations; (2) use of adequate ULDs regarding the size, type, structural suitability for shipping; (3) interlocking and restraining of load within each pallet or container to prevent its movement during flight; (4) segregation and separation of dangerous goods, as well as their storage and securing in the position indicated on the package, and prevention against movement in any direction within that ULD; (5) integrity of the load and the ULD; (f) each ULD in the form of an aircraft container is identified by unique identification codes or markings; (g) the ULDs are stored in conditions that prevent their damage; storage on the ground shall not be permitted; (h) ULD storage limitations set by the aerodrome operator shall be complied with and when the planned number of ULDs stored at the airport is exceeded, the ground handling organisation shall have procedures and arrangements with the aircraft operators to transport the ULDs to other available locations as soon as possible; (i) the ULDs are safely transported and handled to prevent damages to the ULD and the load, the aircraft or other vehicles or equipment and injuries to persons; (j) the ULDs are properly secured to avoid uncontrolled movements in adverse weather conditions; (k) the ULDs are checked and damages are reported to the aircraft operator according to the aircraft operator instructions; (l) personnel involved in ULD handling are properly trained; (m) in case of ULD pooling, the organisations concerned shall establish and document clear responsibilities of each party involved in the pooling. GH.OPS.430 Aircraft departure activities (a) The ground handling organisation shall coordinate the aircraft departure with the other organisations involved in this activity. (b) The operational procedure for engine starting shall ensure: (1) that only the personnel and GSE required to assist the engine starting and pushback or towing operations remain within the equipment restraint area; (2) that any condition that may endanger the safety of the engine starting is immediately communicated to the flight crew and the engine starting is delayed; (3) that instructions for the use of the air start unit are included in the ground handling manual; (4) the safety of personnel in the case of using an air start unit or a ground power unit; (5) safe disconnection of equipment from the aircraft before departure; (6) that the aircraft danger zone is clear of equipment and persons; (7) that the final step of the engine start operation is clearly indicated so that the pushback or towing operation can begin. GH.OPS.435 Aircraft towing and pushback (a) The responsibility for the aircraft towing/pushback operations may be split between several organisations. The ground handling organisation shall be responsible for the following: (1) correct implementation of the operational procedures of the aircraft operator or of the ground handling organisation, if so agreed with the aircraft operator, which: (i) are specific to the aircraft type and towing/pushback vehicle type; and (ii) comply with the equipment manufacturer instructions for the operation of the towing equipment, where the manufacturer has provided such instructions; (2) correct implementation of the communication procedures with the other persons involved in the towing or pushback operation; (3) connection and disconnection of the aircraft to/from the vehicle/towbar; (4) driving or remotely controlling of the towing/pushback vehicle; (5) when a wing walker is involved, maintaining communication with the wing walker and alerting flight crew of the loss of communications during pushback/towing; this step shall be properly coordinated with the provider of apron management services; (6) ensuring training and continued competence of its personnel performing these activities; (7) operation and maintenance of any GSE used for the towing/pushback in accordance with Subpart ORGH.GSE. (b) In addition to the requirements listed in point (a), the ground handling organisation shall apply the aerodrome procedures established by the aerodrome operator in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 in relation to aircraft ground movements, in particular points ADR.OPS.B.028, ADR.OPS.B.080, ADR.OPS.D.001, ADR.OPS.D.015, ADR.OPS.D.040. GH.OPS.440 Communication and phraseology (a) The communication between the flight crew and the ground handling persons responsible for aircraft pushback/towing shall ensure safe operation of the aircraft and the safety of its occupants and of the persons, d vehicles and other aircraft on the ground. (b) The ground handling organisation shall ensure that its personnel observe the standard phraseology for aircraft pushback/towing operations as established in point SERA.14001 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012. SUBPART 5 CARGO AND MAIL HANDLING GH.OPS.500 Cargo and mail handling – General requirements (a) The activities referred to in Article 2.2(e) points (i) to (iv) of this Regulation may be performed in a cargo terminal or a cargo warehouse at an aerodrome or adjacent to it. (b) The ground handling organisation shall apply the operational procedures for cargo and mail handling provided by the aircraft operator unless agreed otherwise with the aircraft operator. (c) Notwithstanding point (a), the ground handling organisation shall have and implement operational procedures for the safe transportation of cargo and mail covering the following aspects: (1) acceptance of shipment on behalf of the aircraft operator and preparation for the flight in accordance with the applicable requirements and aircraft operator procedures, including: (i) any necessary checks, not linked to safety aspects, as required by applicable regulations; (ii) if applicable, dangerous goods acceptance checks in accordance with Annex 18 to the Chicago Convention and the ICAO Technical Instructions relating to that Annex; (iii) cross-checks of the cargo against the accompanying documentation on behalf of the aircraft operator; (iv) planning of the build-up; (2) final build-up of the cargo, if this was not performed before its arrival at the cargo terminal, and storage of the cargo before the flight; (3) transportation of the cargo shipment to and from the aircraft; (4) intervention in case of cargo damage, leakage or spillage. (d) The cargo operations may be performed together by the qualified personnel of the ground handling organisation and the aircraft operator, as priorly agreed. GH.OPS.505 Handling of special cargo, other than dangerous goods The ground handling organisation shall handle special cargo in accordance with the operational procedures provided by the aircraft operator or, when agreed with the aircraft operator, in accordance with its own operational procedures referred to in GH.OPS.500(a).