Electrical Equipment Safety in Aviation

Safety Precautions in Workshops

• Stop and think before acting, and ask technical staff before starting an unfamiliar process
• Ensure the right tool is used for the job, and ask for advice if uncertain
• Keep work areas clean and tidy to prevent accidents and emergencies
• Ensure materials and obstacles do not block walkways and emergency evacuation routes

Hazards and Safety Precautions

• Be aware of materials, solutions, and solvents that are unsafe when mixed or in contact with other substances
• Use well-ventilated areas and fume extraction hoods when working with hazardous materials
• Report any hazards or potential hazards to supervisors and take temporary precautions to protect yourself and others until the issue can be corrected

Advanced Composite Materials Hazards and Safety Precautions

• Report conditions to higher authority if you do not have the authority to correct an unsafe condition
• Correct the problem at the source, rather than just correcting the unsafe condition
• Hold on stop training if needed, and take temporary precautions to protect yourself and others

Working in the Sun

• Take precautions to avoid dehydration, headaches, sunstroke, and skin cancer when working in the sun
• Drink water, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen with a minimum 15+ protection
• Avoid working unprotected for long periods between 11:00am – 3:00pm

Safety Data Sheets

• SDS provide information about the dangers of using chemicals and substances, precautions for use, health effects, and relevant first aid procedures
• Information must be available in hard copy or electronic versions like ChemAlert

Reporting Hazards and Accidents in Aircraft Maintenance

• Report hazards to your supervisor or Health & Safety Officer, and fill out a Hazard Report Form if action is not taken
• Report of Injury, Illness or Dangerous Event Form is used to record all work injuries, work-caused illnesses, and dangerous events

Oxygen Safety

• Operate oxygen valves slowly to avoid raising temperatures to the point of ignition
• Use oxygen-safe lubricants, such as Perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs), which have been tested for oxygen and other reactive chemical compatibility
• Avoid using oil or grease on oxygen components that may come into contact with oxygen-enriched air

Aircraft Oxygen Storage Cylinders

• Commercial aircraft use gaseous oxygen stored in steel or steel alloy cylinders under high pressure (1850 psi)

Electrical Equipment Hazards

• Poor electrical contacts, overloaded circuits, and chafed connecting cable insulation can cause fires in electrical equipment
• Inspection and maintenance must be thorough, and electrical equipment should be avoided in the vicinity of aircraft

Naked Lights and Personal Electrical Equipment Hazards

• Smoking is not permitted in the vicinity of aircraft, hangars, ramp areas, fuel installations, etc.
• Personal electrical equipment such as mobiles, radios, and portable entertainment devices must not be used in the vicinity of aircraft or live aircraft equipment

Metal Fire Hazards

• Most metals will burn, and a typical aircraft metal fire involves magnesium or aluminium castings, such as wheels, overheated by emergency braking
• Fine particles of metal or filings produced by machining in the hangar or workshop also pose a fire hazard

Hazardous Materials and Biological Hazards

• Hazardous materials are substances that pose a substantial hazard to human health or the environment when released or accidentally spilled.
• Hazardous waste is any discarded material (liquid, solid, or gas) that meets the definition of hazardous material.
• Biological hazards include human specimens, viruses, bacteria, and human organs, which are packed in clearly marked containers.

Aircraft Symbols and Safety

• The anchor symbol indicates a mooring/tie-down point, used to secure a parked aircraft against strong winds.
• The jacking and shoring point symbol is located under struts of landing gear, wings, etc.
• The earth point/ground point symbol is used during fueling operations and whenever an aircraft is in the hangar.
• The lifting point symbol is used for lifting heavy components such as flaps, flight control surfaces, doors, and engine transport stands.

Exposure Limits and Fuel Tank Safety

• The Time-Weighted Average (TWA) is the average airborne concentration of a particular substance over a normal 8-hour workday for a 5-day week.
• Safe exposure to fuel tank atmospheres without safety breathing equipment is time-weighted.
• Fuel tank entry requires a team of three: the Confined Space Entrant, the Standby Person, and the Alternative Standby Person.
• Breathing equipment is required if the fuel tank atmosphere contains toxic concentrations and oxygen levels are below safe levels.

Radiation and Radar Hazards in Aviation

• Ultraviolet radiation has a high photon energy range and can cause degenerative changes in cells, fibrous tissue, and blood vessels of the skin.
• Radiation sources on aircraft include radium sources in aircraft instruments made prior to 1970, where radium paint was used to make components glow in the dark.
• Radiation hazards are divided into internal radiation and external radiation.

Fire Safety Management

• Fire Safety Management should include maintenance of security procedures, prevention of combustible material storage, elimination of ignition sources, management of dust extractor systems, and provision of information and training.
• A fire risk assessment helps determine the chances of fire occurring and the fire dangers posed to people in the workplace.
• Identify potential hazards, decide who might be in danger, evaluate risks, and carry out necessary improvements.

Fire Extinguishers

• Wet Chemical Extinguishers are ideal for fires involving cooking oils and fats, and are also suitable for freely burning materials (Class A).
• Vaporizing Liquid Extinguishers (Halotron) are used for Class A and E fires, and are safe for the environment.
• Fire Blankets are designed to extinguish incipient fires and are used on Class F fires.