Applying to become a Signatory on airport sites
Working on an airport site is a serious responsibility. Airports present unique challenges, from strict security protocols to navigating vast and complex layouts, all while operating alongside high passenger volumes. To simplify the intricate process of obtaining work passes for your team, businesses can apply to become a signatory—a move that streamlines access and reduces administrative hurdles.
Who can become a Signatory?
Any business that frequently carries out work at an airport can apply to become a signatory, provided the volume of work justifies the need. Becoming a signatory grants the ability to apply for security passes directly, removing the reliance on external approvals that can delay operations.
Swiftclean’s Airport experience
At Swiftclean, we have worked at UK and Ireland airports for over a decade, making up to 1,000 visits annually. Our work spans major airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and regional hubs like Glasgow and Bristol. Our services include:
- Kitchen extract fire safety cleaning
- Ventilation cleaning
- Legionella risk assessments
- Fire damper testing
The challenges of obtaining work passes
Without signatory status, businesses must rely on temporary passes or full passes issued by their facilities management (FM) or mechanical and electrical (M&E) clients. Temporary passes, however, are limited to just fourteen days within a 12-month period. Delays in client approvals and expiring documentation can lead to repeated disruptions to obtaining full passes, making it difficult to maintain project schedules.
The process of becoming a Signatory
Becoming a signatory is a rigorous process which involves submitting extensive documentation, certifications, and undergoing interviews and examinations. At Swiftclean, we are a signatory for 12 UK airports, ensuring our teams can access sites efficiently. However, maintaining signatory status is an ongoing commitment, requiring continual updates and compliance.
Getting team members approved
For new compliance engineers, the complexity of obtaining airport passes is often unexpected. To secure a pass for a team member, we must:
- Verify their last five years of work history through references.
- Complete a DBS check (valid for only 10 weeks in an airport setting).
- Ensure they pass the GSAT (General Safety Awareness Training) exam.
Once obtained, an airport pass is typically valid for three to five years, or for the duration of the contract with the client.
The long-term benefits
Some airports present greater challenges than others—Heathrow, for example, took two years for us to obtain signatory status. Despite the time investment, the benefits are significant. With an approved signatory, the process of applying for passes becomes faster and more efficient. This means our teams can access airport sites quicker than companies without signatory status, reducing downtime and improving service reliability.
For businesses regularly working in airport environments, becoming a signatory is a strategic step toward greater efficiency and smoother operations.
