What does Foreign Object Debris (FOD) consist of?

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) refers to any objects or debris that are found in areas where they should not be, particularly in environments such as airports or manufacturing facilities. The presence of FOD can pose significant risks, including potential hazards to aircraft, machinery, or personnel. These objects can originate from various sources, including tools, loose parts from equipment, or general litter, and they create safety concerns that need to be managed to ensure operational integrity and safety.

Understanding FOD is critical in maintaining safe operational environments; for instance, in aviation, a small item left on the runway can have disastrous consequences for aircraft safety. This is why identifying and mitigating FOD is a paramount concern in many industries, especially those that involve sensitive operations. As such, the definition aligns directly with the understanding that FOD encompasses any foreign objects that can lead to operational hazards.