At the Taipei Conference in 1997 SC4 presented a WP (159/97) on the Medical Effects of Night shift, which was accepted as guidance material. At the Taipei conference, SC4 agreed to formulate policy from the paper. See Section 9-10 Medical Effects of Shiftwork.

SC4 was also encouraged to gather information on the psychological and social effects of shift work as separate “items” in addition to the medical effects. It seems that most psychological and social effects are direct or indirect results of medical effects.

Very little material is available on psychological and social effects alone.

SC4 discussed the need for guidance for ATCO’s in the form of a personal check-list to identify countermeasures for the effects of night shifts. Because of the lack of scientific studies on psychological and social effects of shift work, SC4 has concentrated on creating new policy and to strengthen existing policy based on the existing WP on medical effects. After further examination and discussion SC4 suggests a revision/or creation of new policy on the following items:

• Fatigue Management including the role of the employer. (No specific existing policy) except working environments;
• Roster construction. Some references already exists (IFATCA Manual, page 4131) but SC4 thinks this can be added to;
• Staffing levels during night work;
• Working Environments (IFATCA Manual, page 4122 Para 2.3);
• Establishment of policy on strategical napping;
• Duty hour limitations, with regard to the limitation of extra duty (Overtime, IFATCA Manual, Page 4132 Para 3.5).

If there is a need for a check-list as personal guidance for ATCO’s to identify countermeasures to the effects of night shifts, SC4 have concluded that the list already exists in WP159/97 accepted in Taipei. It should then be the responsibility of each MA to make this information available to their members, with appropriate local adjustments.

Because of the lack of scientific studies on psychological and social studies we recommend policy changes mainly based on WP159/97.

It is recommended to Conference to amend the IFATCA Manual as follows:

On page 4 1 2 2, Para 2.3 Working Environments, add a new paragraph 2.3.4:

2.3.4 The physical working environment regarding control room temperature, lighting, relative humidity, adapted rest areas and facilities for eating and drinking must be designed so as to facilitate night shift demands.

On page 4 1 3 1, Additions to paragraph 3.1.4 Duty Rosters, add a new paragraph 1:

Duty rosters including night shifts should be of a rapidly rotating shift system in a morning, evening, night cycle. Consecutive night shifts are not recommended.

Add a new para 3:

After a night shift, an off duty period of minimum 16 hours is recommended.

Add a new para 4:

Change over times between night shift and the following morning shift should not take place before 6am local time, to ensure that sleep duration for the morning shift is adequate before commencement of their duty time.

On page 4 1 3 3 Extra Duty, add a new paragraph 3.5.7:

3.5.7 The allocation of overtime should be carried out with limitations in human performance in mind. The combination of overtime and night shifts clearly increase the risk of fatigue among controllers, because resting periods are reduced, and the possibility for sleep-loss recovery may be reduced accordingly.

Renumber existing para 3.5.7. as 3.5.8.

3.5.8 Member Associations should attempt to have duty time regulated by the appropriate body. Where legislation is not achievable, hours of work and extra duty should be stipulated in their respective collective agreements. (Jerusalem 95.C.2)

On page 4 2 2 3, Specific Matters, Paragraph 2.5 Fatigue in ATC, delete paragraph 2.5.2 and replace with new paragraph 2.5.2 as follows:

2.5.2 Management has the prime role for providing fatigue management and prevention of fatigue-related catastrophes. Any situation where increased fatigue, decreased sleep, or performance loss can be demonstrated, is a situation where the margin for error is reduced, albeit by some unknown amount, and should be avoided in ATC.

Renumber paragraph 2.5.3 as 2.5.10 and insert new paragraphs as listed:

WP 159/97 Taipei 1997.

UK Scheme for the Regulation of Air Traffic Controllers Hours, DERA, 18 March 1997 Principles and Guidelines for Duty and Rest Scheduling in Commercial Aviation, NASA 1995.

Study of the Impact of shiftwork and Overtime on Air Traffic Controllers, Canada 1994.