It’s a good reminder that part of our responsibilities as Safety Professionals is to challenge anyone we may encounter in a secure area who is not appropriately badged. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations (CFR 49, Part 1542.205) require individuals to continuously display their Airport Identification Badge while in the SIDA (Security Identification Display Area). The badge must be visible above the waist (with the photo showing) on the outermost garment.
In addition to challenging someone in areas such as Inflight or the tarmac, outside of the period when we have passengers onboard our aircraft this requirement must be met as well.
Outside of the period when we have passengers onboard our aircraft, this requirement extends to anyone onboard the aircraft. Just as we would challenge someone in areas such as Inflight or the tarmac, we should ensure we are also doing so on the aircraft when a badge is not visible.
Regardless of their work responsibilities and authority, professionals such as catering, cleaners, mechanics, supervisors, TSA as well as FAA representatives must all be challenged if their badge is not appropriately displayed.
Security is a shared responsibility and it is all of our business. In the same way we are required to display our badge in these situations, it’s also our responsibility to challenge those who do not.