Aircraft Maintenance Hazards

Question 1

What does the ‘Hazard and Maintenance’ publication provide (Topic 5A2) ?

Answer 1

It provides personnel with a single point of reference to hazards which may be encountered with the aircraft.

Question 2

What are the types of hazards listed in the ‘Hazard and Maintenance’ publication?

Answer 2

1. Hazardous substances for which COSHH regulations are applicable.
2. Hazards other than COSHH hazards that may kill or injure personnel.
3. Hazards that may cause damage to equipment.

Question 3

What does COSHH stand for?

Answer 3

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.

Question 4

What should be referred to during all maintenance operations?

Answer 4

The ‘Hazard and Maintenance’ publication. (Topic 5A2)

Question 5

What is the lethal voltage level for AC and DC in aircraft?

Answer 5

Voltage in excess of 30V AC or 50V DC can be lethal.

Question 6

What precautions must be taken when working on aircraft electrical systems?

Answer 6

Adhere to the precautions in the aircraft Hazard and Maintenance Notes.

Question 7

What should not be done with high voltage power panels?

Answer 7

High voltage power panels must not be removed while power is still ‘ON’.

Question 8

Who is allowed to connect or disconnect electrical wiring?

Answer 8

Only qualified and authorized personnel may connect or disconnect electrical wiring.

(KLP 13.07.02)

Question 9

Why is earthing important for aircraft?

Answer 9

Earthing prevents electric shocks from defective electrical wiring.

Question 10

When can the aircraft earth be disconnected?

Answer 10

Only disconnect the aircraft earth if required by the maintenance manual.

Question 11

What should be checked before connecting an external electrical power supply?

Answer 11

Ensure that the power supply main supply cable and connector have not been damaged.

Question 12

What should be done if damage is found on the power supply?

Answer 12

Report any damage to a supervisor.

Question 13

What must not happen when the external supply is initially applied?

Answer 13

No personnel should be touching the aircraft when the external supply is applied.

(KLP 13.07.04)

Question 14

What is the purpose of hazard warning pennants?

Answer 14

They indicate to maintenance personnel and aircrew that ground safety devices are fitted.

Question 15

What do the red and white striped pennants indicate?

Answer 15

They hang from ground safety locks, protective locks, and items used to make the aircraft’s weapon systems safe.

Question 16

When are the safeguards removed from the aircraft?

Answer 16

Safeguards are removed before the aircraft engines are started in preparation for flight.

Question 17

What is displayed to prevent unauthorized entry into work areas during specific tasks?

Answer 17

Warning signs and notices are displayed.

This occurs when an aircraft is being armed or disarmed, or when its radio or laser equipment is being functionally tested.

Question 18

What increases the hazards of approach when aircraft engines are started or run?

Answer 18

The hazards of approach are increased due to the Gas Turbine Engine danger areas and rotary blades.

Question 19

What is typically painted on rotor blade tips to highlight danger?

Answer 19

Turning rotor blade tips are usually painted.

The word DANGER may also be painted in red and white on the fuselage near the rear blades.

Question 20

Where can you find information about danger areas and recognized approach routes for specific aircraft?

Answer 20

This information can be found in the Hazard and Maintenance Notes publication.

(KLP 13.07.06)

Question 21

What defines a confined space?

Answer 21

A confined space can be any space which is substantially but not always entirely enclosed where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions, such as a lack of oxygen.

Question 22

What are some examples of confined spaces that are easy to identify?

Answer 22

Examples include enclosures with limited openings such as fuel storage tanks and some machinery spaces.

Question 23

What are some less obvious confined spaces that can be dangerous?

Answer 23

Less obvious confined spaces include unventilated or poorly ventilated workspaces, which may become confined spaces during work, construction, fabrication, or modification.

Question 24

What are the risks to health and safety in confined spaces?

Answer 24

The risks are exacerbated by:
-a lack of oxygen,
-a build-up of poisonous gas,
-potential for fire/explosion,
-high dust concentrations,
-extreme temperatures, and
-difficulties in rescues.

Question 25

What is required if confined space working cannot be avoided?

Answer 25

A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be carried out, identifying hazards, exposed personnel, assessing risks, and determining precautions.

Question 26

What is the responsibility of Defence personnel in confined spaces?

Answer 26

They must cooperate with supervisors, comply with control measures, and inform supervisors of any changes or inadequacies in the risk assessment.

Question 27

How is 'working at height' defined for Defence activities?

Answer 27

'Working at height' includes any activity above, at, or below ground level that poses a risk of falling and causing injury.

Question 28

What precautions should be taken when working at height?

Answer 28

Suitable precautions must be taken to prevent personal injury, referring to local and appropriate Engineering Orders.

Question 29

What are the main hazards involved with working at heights?

Answer 29

The two main hazards are falls and falling objects.

Question 30

What is the most common cause of fatal injury related to working at height?

Answer 30

Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury, even from a few feet.

Question 31

What precautions should be taken when working at height?

Answer 31

Ensure the equipment you are using is serviceable and fit for the job. Be aware of the contents of the risk assessment and ensure you are aware of what measures are in place to protect you. Make sure you are aware of any safety features on the equipment you are using, e.g. locks, harness points, safety rails etc. and make sure you use them.

Question 32

What should be done to prevent falls from open aircraft doors?

Answer 32

If you remove steps or walkways, make sure the door is closed or guarded. When leaving an aircraft make sure the steps are present and stationary. ## Footnote (KLP 13.07.08)

Question 33

How is noise defined in the context of workplace regulations?

Answer 33

Noise is defined as 'any audible sound' whether it is wanted or not.

Question 34

What are the risks of hearing damage from noise at work?

Answer 34

Hearing damage may be caused by exposure to a short but extremely loud noise or prolonged exposure to continuous or impulse noises. The risk of damage to hearing is directly related to the volume of the noise and the exposure time.

Question 35

What psychological effects can lower levels of noise have in the workplace?

Answer 35

Lower levels of noise can be a workplace stressor which can cause anxiety or psychological harm to the individual.

Question 36

What should be noted about temporary hearing loss after exposure to noise?

Answer 36

A temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity can often be experienced after leaving a noisy environment; even though hearing normally recovers within a few hours, this temporary hearing loss should not be ignored.

Question 37

What are the long-term risks of repetitive exposure to noise?

Answer 37

Repetitive exposure could produce permanent hearing loss or could cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) to develop.

Question 38

What are the responsibilities of personnel regarding noise at work?

Answer 38

All personnel should follow any working arrangements that are put in place for their protection, use noise control devices in accordance with instruction and/or training.

Question 39

What is required of personnel when using hearing protection?

Answer 39

All personnel are required to ensure that it is properly worn in accordance with instruction and training provided whilst they are undertaking activities that expose them to excessive noise. ## Footnote (KLP 13.07.09)

Question 40

What precautions should be taken to prevent slip and trip hazards in aircraft maintenance?

Answer 40

Pedestrian and fire lanes should be clearly marked and NEVER obstructed. Any spillage of oils, greases and fuels should be immediately covered with absorbent material and cleaned up to prevent fire or slip injury.

Question 41

What is Engineering Hygiene?

Answer 41

Good Engineering Hygiene in workshops, hangars, and on the flight line is essential to safe and efficient maintenance.

Question 42

Why is tidiness important in a workshop?

Answer 42

All personnel that work in or have cause to enter a workshop or servicing bay should be conscious of the need for tidiness to avoid accidents.

Question 43

What should the work area floor be kept free from?

Answer 43

The work area floor should be kept clean, free from patches of oil and grease, and not littered with equipment.

Question 44

How should equipment be organized in a workshop?

Answer 44

Equipment should be tidily stacked, leaving adequate work space and gangways for an emergency escape.

Question 45

The precautions in the aircraft Hazards and maintenance notes must adhere to and can include what warnings:

Answer 45

a. High voltage power panels not to be removed whilst power is still 'ON'. b. Do not connect or disconnect electrical wiring unless you are qualified and authorised.