OREANDA-NEWS. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced plans to host its 15th annual runway FOD walk on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 from 9:00am to 11:00am PDT.

The event is designed to raise employee awareness on the importance of preventing FOD, or "Foreign Object Debris." FOD refers to any object that does not belong in or around aircraft and could, as a result, cause damage to aircraft or injury to airport personnel. While Airfield Safety Officers at SFO conduct runway safety checks multiple times every day, the Runway FOD Walk allows airport workers to participate and be involved in preventing items from becoming FOD.

"Since 1999, the Runway FOD Walk has become a vital part of the safety culture at SFO," said Airport Director John L. Martin. "This event engages our employee population as a whole, serving as a reminder that everyone at SFO contributes to our #1 goal of safety."

Working in collaboration with the FAA air traffic control tower, the Airport will briefly close two runways to allow employee volunteers to walk the runway areas, picking up any trash which could become FOD. Participants will also be treated to bus tour of the airfield, followed by a complementary lunch.

Media are welcome to cover the FOD walk at SFO. Media wishing to cover the event must report to the South Field checkpoint NO LATER THAN 8:45 a.m. for escort onto the runway area. The South Field checkpoint is located on South McDonnell Road midway between Millbrae Avenue and the Airport Terminals.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 34 international cities on 29 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with 78 cities in the U.S. on 15 domestic airlines. SFO is proud to offer upgraded free Wi-Fi with no advertising.