A319
Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation
General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure
Received a call from Ramp 5 minutes prior to departure for an air check of a Live Animal. In reviewing the load; I noticed Hazmat (non-flammable/non-toxic gas) loaded Pit 6 with the animal and no bags. I informed the person that there needed to be minimum 15 bags securing the Hazmat. He said he would change the location on [the load plan] to Pit 4 where there were plenty [of] bags. I advised the Lead that it was illegal; and the Hazmat shipment must be physically moved and secured by the bags; not just shown in the pit. He acknowledged. My Supervisor overheard and I notified him of the nature of the call and called ZZZ for an audit. Their findings were as follows: Pits 2-3 EMPTY; Pit 4 - 44 Bags; Pit 5 - 30 Bags to include a stroller and the Cat at 23 pounds; Pit 6 - The cargo shipment (Hazmat) only; unsecured. In addition; the pit procedures for an Airbus 319 were not followed; for most bags were scanned into 4 as if it was an A320.
Air carrier Load Planner reported Hazmat document errors resulting in Hazmat cargo incorrectly configured for air transport.