The SMS requires a manual that details all aspects. For regulatory compliance the document must specifically address each component and element in the SMS framework.

Both ICAO and CASA recommend an SMS manual that includes the following:

SMS documentation management procedures, including documentation control
system description
safety accountabilities and key safety personnel
management review
safety performance monitoring and measurement
safety reporting
safety records handling, storage, access and preservation
hazard identification
risk assessment
safety investigation
safety audit
change management
safety training and communication of safety information
coordination of emergency response planning.

SMS Manual templates

Below are two SMS manual templates; one is for complex operations and another for non-complex operations.

NOTE: The distinction between complex and non-complex could loosely be described as 20 safety sensitive employees or less. However …organisations with less than 20 could still be complex operators (for example AME operations or high risk activities such as power line inspections.) Similarly, high employee organisations that provide relatively simple services (such as baggage service providers or component manufactures) could conversely be considered non-complex. CASA should be consulted to determine specific guidance.

The SMS Manual are on paper, and the regulator will approve the manual if compliant with SMS legislation. However, it is the responsibility of the organisation to actually operate in accordance with it.

Any safety audit will quickly establish if the manual is a book that sits on a shelf for compliance purposes only, or if it is a living document that provides vital guidance in the management of safety.

Using the above templates for entry control will meet compliance, however the regulator will be expect to observe greater maturity in any post implementation review.

This may include:

The SMS manual has evolved and ammended to meet organisation specific requirements
The manual has been cross referenced to other documents in the organisation
The processes and procedures in the manual are being followed
Personnel are aware of the content and guidance it provides
Control of the document is consistent throughout the entire organisation.

The example SMS manual will:

Specify version control, document control and list of effective pages
Include the scope of the SMS and organisational activities (from the Expostion/Ops Manual)
Align Chapter and Paragraph numbers with SMS Components and Elements
Address each Component and Element for compliance
Refer to external documents when required (eg: documents below)
Red text indicates amendment required
Include CASR reference against each Chapter and Element
Include multiple Annexes that cover the working of the SMS
Require significant amendment to be customised by any organisation

Support documentation to the SMS Manual

The following suite of documents also complement the SMS manual:

An organisation could of course choose to include these documents in the SMS Manual.