Aviation Maintenance Safety

Aviation Maintenance Safety

The arena of aviation is a harsh environment from the basic medium the aircraft flies in to the lubricants, fuels and additives used and even the basic materials in the structure. Fortunately, someone decided that it might be a good idea to let the maintenance people and handlers of these products know about the associated dangers with these chemicals and compounds. The result is a system known as the Materials Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS)

MSDS sheets provide a lot of information on the hazards, handling and personal protection measures recommended when working with or around these products. Notice I said recommendation and not the typical or "correct" answer of mandatory. Let's face it if you are out trying to recover a downed aircraft you may not have all the goodies you need nor will you necessarily need or have room to get all that stuff into a remote location. So we, as mechanics, take what we know we need to provide the best protection for the job being done. I know I just ticked off the hazmat people who seem to be almost obsessive on this subject but that is how we honestly work. We may not have rubber gloves available when we check a chip detector but I almost guarantee the technician is going to bring some rags or towels and something to clean with. For such a little job it is probably insignificant but when back at the shop there really isn't much reason to not protect yourself as much as possible.

The subject of protection leads us to the next subject of personal maintenance safety the casual observance of increased risk of prostate cancer in maintenance technicians and pilots within aviation. This industry seems to have its fair share of people with or who have battled prostate cancer. I personally have seen more mechanics and pilots leave the world from prostate cancer than from heart attacks, lung cancer or anything else. Is it from the chemicals, radio waves or something else? I do not know, in the words of Scotty from Star Trek, "I'm a mechanic not a doctor Jim"! I am also not sure if there has ever been any medical research into the chemical contamination of aircraft mechanics blood or long term exposure to aviation chemicals or other hazards.

When we get involved in fabrication or repair procedures using drills, rivets or grinders most technicians will use safety glasses or face shields or both depending on the maintenance operation. Sure there are times when we would rather look at our significant other through one eye but not forever. Be conscious of your actions and protect your eyes.

Noise hazards around aircraft have been known for years and ear plugs are normally available in most shops, if not then buy some. They are not expensive and you don't want the constant ear ringing or loss of your hearing from not using them. Using them is the second part of the safety equation ear plugs will do no good sitting in the desk or toolbox. When purchasing a set of earplugs try and find something small, easy to use and easily carried on your person. Soon you will find using your ear plugs as easy as putting on your seat belt and soon become habit.

Mechanics with long hair should keep their hair up or under a cap so as not to get it entangled with drills, torches or the aircraft's rotating components.

The responsibility of maintenance safety falls directly in the hands of the mechanic doing the work, just remember that responsibility also extends to your family. Your family needs you in one piece, with all your fingers, hands and eyes and in good health. Get your health check up to include the dreaded prostate exam and live a full enjoyable life as an aircraft technician.

Resource Links:

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/

http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/

http://www.preventblindness.org/safety/

http://www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/links/noise.htm