Ways To Get Injured (or Killed) in The Hangar!

Not the best headline for the start of blog, but I was just reading about the two Delta maintenance personnel who were killed and a third who was injured at a Delta wheel and brake shop near the Hartsfield-Jackson international Airport in Atlanta.

A thorough investigation needs to be conducted, but apparently the wheel assembly was sent to the shop and work was underway on the tire when the accident happened. Most mechanics are aware of the dangers of split wheel assemblies and how safety measures must be in place to properly deflate the tire before unbolting the wheel halves, as well as the importance of using a tire cage while inflating the assembly.

Unfortunately, this occurrence is common in both aviation and in other heavy tire applications such as trucking and heavy equipment where split wheels are used. In my lifetime, I recall a bombardier challenger tire incident as well as a Citation aircraft incident where both aircraft were destroyed while using high pressure nitrogen when inflating the tires on the aircraft. In both instances, the regulators being used were either defective and/or removed because of issues with them and the result was catastrophic. I also remember hearing of a man being beheaded in the trucking industry when he was over the tire inflating the wheel halves.

All of this reminds me that as technicians, we need to be ever vigilant to the dangers of working in and around aircraft. 

Explosions. Despite what the public thinks about “jet fuel,” turbine engine fuel is basically a kerosene-based fuel. Jet fuel is safe to handle and although it is flammable, it is not considered to be explosive. Yet, flammable liquids can easily be ignited in the presence of sparks and/or flames. Many of us work on avgas-powered aircraft, and avgas, in the correct mixture with air, IS explosive. There have not been too many incidents where cordless drills have resulted in explosion, but it HAS happened. Even using brushless drills doesn’t eliminate the possibility of an explosion. Be vigilant and avoid the use of cordless tools near flammable or explosive liquids.

Falls. This might seem like common sense, but I frequently see mechanics perched on wings and standing on questionable ladders and/or platforms. All it takes is one fall from a few feet off the ground to result in broken limbs or cracked necks. Fall restraint systems or solid ladders and/or platforms are worthwhile investments that can keep you and your employees safe. I just returned from a visit to the grand opening of West Star Aviation’s new hangar, and there are fall restraint systems built into the entire facility with inertial reels throughout! Safety is a part of the design of the hangar, not an afterthought. Don’t make it an afterthought at your facility.

Exposure to confined fuel cells/carbon monoxide. FRESH air is a must to sustain life! Confined space training is critical —  take the necessary precautions to keep your employees breathing and healthy! In fact, OSHA laws (depending on your facility and number of employees) may dictate you have a program in place for confined space. 

Sharp tools/power equipment. Another commonsense item is tool safety. If it’s sharp or it spins, take the necessary precautions to protect your hands, eyes and skin and make sure everyone in your facility has access to proper safety equipment to include gloves, eyewear, safety helmets, etc. By providing safety equipment, you not only avoid your employees getting hurt, but you can also mitigate lawsuits. It’s a smart business decision.

Other areas of concern, to name a few, include hazardous materials (Hazmat), procedures for moving aircraft (proper towbars and aircraft appropriate tugs), a minimum number of personnel (one on each wing and one in the back), communication protocols and training. Even toolbox integrity inspections (are there brakes, good casters, adequate fall-over protection on each box – regardless of if they are personally-owned or company property. No amount of investment in these areas is too much. Damage to aircraft, facilities, and/or personnel can cost untold sums and should be avoided at all costs. 

Thanks for reading.

Greg Napert, Proud to be an A&P