What should be the first step when encountering bad weather on the airside?

When encountering bad weather on the airside, the first step should involve identifying and following safety guidelines. This is essential because safety guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of operators, other vehicles, and personnel working in potentially hazardous conditions. These guidelines provide specific protocols on how to adapt operations to reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, or other adverse weather conditions.

By adhering to established safety protocols, an operator can make informed decisions about speed, route adjustments, and communication with air traffic control or ground services. This proactive approach helps to mitigate risks and maintain a safe working environment, which is crucial in busy airport operations where the safety of all individuals is paramount.

Taking any other actions, like increasing speed or conducting normal operations without adjustments, could lead to dangerous situations; similarly, parking indefinitely does not address the need for safety under changing weather conditions. Therefore, understanding and implementing safety guidelines is the most responsible course of action when faced with bad weather.