7.

1 Safety Precautions -
Aircraft and Workshop
Health and Safety - Fire Arrangements - Accident Reporting - Health, Safety
and First Aid in the Workplace - Workshop Safety - Hangar Safety - Ramp
Safety - Electrical Safety - First Aid - Fire and Fire Extinguishers -
High-Pressure gases - Aviation Oils and Fuels - Other Chemical and
Physiological Hazards
Health and Safety
These health and safety guidelines have been written to make sure that you work in
accordance with Corporate and Engineering health and safety standards.

Employers Duties
Employee's Duties
Smoking
Emergency Contact Numbers
Fire Arrangements
Most buildings have a two stage system:

An intermittent alarm means that you should prepare to evacuate.

A continuous alarm means that you should leave the building immediately in an
orderly manner by the nearest available exit.

Always

Leave all belongings behind

Close all doors and windows
Wait to be instructed to do so by the Fire Service before re-entering the building
Fire Arrangements
Escape Routes
All fire exits and the paths to them are marked with green signs, some
illuminated as necessary.
In an emergency use the most direct route and do not use lifts.
Fire Arrangements
Assembly Points
The local assembly point is detailed on the fire evacuation notice.
Fire Wardens
These are appointed in all areas and are recognised by a yellow tabard and
hat. Always abide by their instructions.
Fire Arrangements
Action to take on discovering a fire
Call for assistance.
Raise the alarm by breaking the nearest manual break glass call point.
Call the emergency telephone number. Giving the correct location.
If safe to do so, attack the fire using the correct fire extinguisher. Do not
put yourself at risk. Keep your escape route clear.
Close all doors when leaving the area.
Leave by the nearest available fire exit.
Report to your designated fire assembly point.
Do not enter an area where the alarms are ringing continuous
Fire Arrangements
Fire Extinguishers
Always make sure that you have had a local health and safety induction in
all separate areas that you work in.
Never put yourself in danger when tackling a fire.
Accident Reporting
Requirements - there is a legal requirement for every accident at work to be
reported. If you have an accident, however minor, you must inform your
immediate Supervisor/First Aider.
Health, Safety and First Aid in the Workplace
Personal safety starts with being appropriately dressed for the work being
undertaken, combined with the correct use of eye and ear protection whenever
necessary.
Technicians should only operate equipment with which they are familiar and
which they can operate safely.
Hand tools should be kept in good working order.
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 injury.
It is very important, that all personnel know the location of the fixed points
where fire fighting equipment and First Aid treatment are available.`
Health, Safety and First Aid in the Workplace
For you own safety and that of your colleagues, make certain that you are thoroughly
familiar with your surroundings and know the whereabouts of each of the items listed
below

Telephones
First Aid Boxes
Power Isolators
Fire Alarms
Fire Extinguishers (all types)
Emergency Exits
Health, Safety and First Aid in the Workplace
Personal hygiene is always important. In the work area it is essential, not only to
your health, but to the safe production of good work.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Overalls (including special Fuel

Hard Hats and Bump Caps Tank Entry ones)
Safety Glasses and Goggles Safety Harness
Full Face Masks High Visibility Tabard
Ear Plugs Safety Shoes and boots
Ear Defenders Foul weather clothing (hats,
Dust Masks coats and leggings)
Respirators (filter type and air fed) Gloves (many types)
Workshop Tidiness
The floor should be kept clean, free from patches of oil and grease and not littered
with equipment over which people may trip and fall.

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

General refuse and Special Waste must be placed in the waste bins provided.

Fuels and lubricant that have become contaminated in any way must be collected in
containers and returned to the stores for disposal;
Workshop Tidiness
Hand Tools

Files Never use them tools without a sound, tight fitting handle.
Hammers Loose-fitting hammer heads are liable to fly off and cause serious
injury
Screwdrivers Always select the screwdriver that is the right size and shape for
the screw head and check that the tip of the blade is in good condition. For
electrical work use a screwdriver with an insulated handle
Workshop Tidiness
Hand Tools

Punches Punches with mushroomed heads are a danger to users and

passersby. Keep the head ground or filed to its original shape;
Pliers Pliers are liable to pinch the skin if grasped too near to the close-fitting
hinge; grip the plier handles near the end.
Spanners Remember that for every size nut or bolt there is a spanner of the
correct size - USE it. Whenever possible PULL a spanner rather than push it.
When pushing you are more likely to lose your balance when the nut suddenly
slackens; the result is usually very painful to the knuckles...or worse.
Machine Tools
Before using a powered machine be sure that the appropriate guards or fences
are securely in place and that no part of your body or clothing can come into
contact with the moving parts.
Always protect your eyes when using drilling, milling and grinding machines;
The guards and safety covers found on many tools have been put there to
protect the operator.
Always make sure the cutting tool is sharp and serviceable before you use it.
To Ppevent eye injuries, always wear eye protection when using power tools
Never be in a hurry around a power tool and never use a tool for a purpose for
which it is not intended.
Welding
Welding should be performed only in areas that are designated for the purpose.

Welding areas should be equipped with proper tables. ventilation, tool storage. and
fire extinguishing equipment.

If welding is to be accomplished in a hangar, no other aircraft should be within 35 feet

of the hanger
Portable Tools
Inspect the connecting cable for damage also ensure that the tool has been
electrically checked and has a current approved sticker attached.

Portable electrically-operated tools should be regularly and frequently tested,

particular attention being paid to the flexible cable and its connections and to the
continuity of the earth conductor.
Compressed Air
It must be realized that apart from the obvious exposed danger spots, such as the
eyes and ears, the air blast from the nozzle can easily penetrate clothing and cause
serious injury if the air enters ANY part of the body.

pressures as low as 10 to 15 LB per square inch have been known to produce severe
internal injury
Hazardous Substances
Hazardous Substances are:

Substances classified as VERY TOXIC, TOXIC, HARMFUL, CORROSIVE,

IRRITANT, SENSITISING, under Chemical (Hazard Information & Packaging for
supply) regulations 2002 (CHIP).
Substances assigned an occupational exposure limit (OEL)
Biological agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi)
Any dust when present in substantial concentrations
Carcinogens
Manhandling - Trolleys - Storage racks and Benches

Most back injuries are caused by incorrect lifting, that is, failing to keep the back
straight and using the leg muscles to take most of the strain.

Video - Back Safety and Proper Lifting

When using trolleys make sure that the load is securely and tidily stacked and cannot
fall off. See that the way ahead is clear.

Storage racks and benches must be rigid to be safe.

Material Safety Data Sheet
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide information on hazardous materials that
are present in the workplace.

Material Safety Data Sheet consists of nine basic sections:

1. Product identification including trade name, and the address and emergency
phone number of the manufacturer/supplier.
2. Principal ingredients including percentages of mixture by weight.
3. Physical data describing the substances appearance, odour, and specific
technical information such as boiling point, vapour pressure, solubility, etc.
Material Safety Data Sheet
4. Fire and explosion hazard potential.
5. Reactivity data including stability and incompatibility with other substances.
6. First aid and health hazard data.
7. Ventilation and personal protection gloves, goggles, respirator. Etc.
8. Storage and handling precautions.
9. Spill, leak, and disposal procedures.
Hangar Safety
There are two main hazards involved with working at heights: Falls,Falling objects

Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury.

Precautions to be taken when working at height:

1. Ensure the equipment you are using is serviceable and fit for the job;
2. Make yourself aware of any risks involved in the job you are doing and what
measures are in place to protect you;
3. Be aware of the contents of the risk assessment that has been carried out;
4. 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
Ramp Safety
Ramp maintenance areas are particularly hazardous due to the high levels of
noise and distraction present.
Road traffic is a particular problem. While the normal rules of the road apply,
they are seldom policed and irresponsible drivers abound.
Falls from open aircraft doors are another problem for both engineers and crew.
If you remove steps or walkways, make sure the door is closed or guarded.
Never open or close an aircraft passenger door or cargo door without first
receiving training on how to do this safety.
Ramp Safety
Working in Engine operations is dangerous. Ear defenders must be worn to
protect your hearing.
Jet engines suck and blow with great force and either end can kill. You must be
aware of the danger areas for the aircraft you work on.
During engine runs one observer must be in contact with the flight deck crew at
all times via the intercom system.
Most blades have high-visibility markings, to ensure that they can be seen when
they are turning
Ramp Safety
Fire Precautions when carrying out maintenance tasks such as engine ground runs,
or system function checks, ensure correct fire extinguishing appliances are available,
usually a twin cylinder co 2 trolley and a power extinguisher.

Blanks and Blanking If removing a component for maintenance purposes that is not
going to be replaced immediately, ensure that the component and the aircraft
connections, pipe lines, electrical connections, are all blanked. Failure to do this will
allow the ingress of foreign materials, which if go undetected, could cause future
system failure.
Ramp Safety
Ground Locks All locks and pins are equipped with a red pennant, with the words
REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT printed on it. It is of course essential for flight safety,
that all locks are removed before flight.

Circuit Breaker If a circuit breaker is pulled to deactivate a system, a safety tag must
be attached to it to indicate this to other maintenance personnel. On no account
should a circuit breaker be reactivated until the person who isolated it has been
consulted.
Ramp Safety
Weather Radar The heating and radiation effects of weather radar can be hazardous
to life. Personnel should remain a safe distance from the radar if it is in operation.

There should be no fuelling operations in progress during the testing of weather

radar.
Electrical Safety
Effects of Current Passing Through the Body

Up to 0.5 mA This is the threshold of perception and has

no ill effect, aside from a possible
unwelcome "tingle" and is independent of
the time factor.

0.5 mA - 10 mA Unpleasant but usually no harmful

physiological effect and is the threshold of
"let-go", which is the maximum value of
current at which a personholding live
electrodes can let go of them.
Electrical Safety
Effects of Current Passing Through the Body
10 mA - 500 mA In this range the threshold of ventricular
fibrillation (a disturbance of the rhythm of
the heart upsetting the blood flow and
causing rapid deterioration) is more and
more likely as the duration of current flow
increases. Thus at 500 mA and with
electricity flowing for as little as 100
milliseconds (ms) there is a risk of
reversible disturbance of the heart function
and cardiac arrest.

500 mA and Upwards The risk of ventricular fibrillation, cardiac

and breathing arrest, heavy burns and
death, increases with increasing magnitude
and time of current flow. For currents of
1000 mA (1amp) flowing for as little as 200
ms the risk of death is high.
Electric Shock
Electricity Safety Precautions
Mains Plugs These must be correctly connected, the outer sheath of the cable
secured by the cord grip and the correct fuse fitted.

Cables to Equipment Should have a rubber grommet where they enter the metal
case, to prevent the insulation wearing.

Fuses, Circuit Breakers and Single Pole Switches These must be in the live (brown)
lead of mains operated equipment.

Earthing Regulations must be satisfied

More protective devices ELCB, Thermal Trips, Isolating transformer,Double

insulations
First Aid
First aid is the immediate help given to a person who is injured or has suddenly
become ill.

Your task in giving first aid is to be able to:

1. Treat a minor injury.

2. Keep a seriously injured person alive and prevent a worsening of his condition.
3. Obtain expert medical help as soon as possible
First Aid
Minor wounds With most small cuts and abrasions the bleeding stops fairly quickly.

All cuts and abrasions are thoroughly cleansed by washing under a running tap.

Cover the wound with a sterile dressing, taking care not to touch either the wound or
the sterile surface of the dressing.
First Aid
Major wounds These injuries need expert medical attention.

1. Seat the injured person or lay them down.

2. Raise the part that is bleeding, if possible, above the level of the rest of the body
and support it.
3. Place a sterile dressing, or clean pad, over the wound and bind it firmly in place.
Do not try to remove anything embedded in the wound.
4. If bleeding continues and blood comes through the dressing, add further
dressings and bandage firmly.
5. Send for medical help.
First Aid
Burns Burns are always extremely painful and are usually accompanied by shock.

For a Dry Burn:

1. Reduce pain and the spread of heat by immersing the burnt part in clean cold
water.
2. Lightly cover the burn with a clean dry dressing.
3. Treat for shock if necessary.
4. Send for medical aid or take the person to the medical centre without delay.
First Aid
For a Chemical Burn:

1. Flush the burn thoroughly using plenty of water, warm if possible. Burnt eyes
should be held open and flushed out for at least 15 minutes.
2. Carefully remove contaminated clothing while flushing continues.
3. Send for medical help.
First Aid
Electric Shock

When a person is shocked:

1. They are very pale.

2. Their skin is cold yet moist with sweat.
3. Their pulse is weak but fast.
4. Their breathing is rapid but shallow.
5. They are restless at first but may lapse into unconsciousness.
First Aid
Electric Shock

In the meantime DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING TO EAT OR DRINK

1. Stop any bleeding.

2. Move the patient as little as possible. Lay them down, turn their head to one side
and providing his legs are not fractured, raise them above the level of the head.
3. Loosen any tight clothing.
4. Protect them with blankets, coats or rugs.
5. Stay with them and do all you can to relieve anxiety and reassure them until
medical help arrives
First Aid - Electric Shock
1. DO NOT TOUCH THE PERSON WHILE HE IS STILL IN CONTACT WITH THE
ELECTRICITY OR YOU WILL RISK ELECTROCUTION YOURSELF
2. Switch off the power. If this is not possible: Standing on a DRY surface push or
pull the person clear of the electrical contact using something dry that will not
conduct electricity, for example a broom handle.
3. Once the person is clear summon help, shout for assistance and send someone
to call an ambulance.
4. As soon as possible, commence Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (see next
page). Whilst continuing with CPR it may be possible for an assistant to deal
with other injuries or cover the person and make him comfortable.
5. When the person begins to breathe unaided they should be laid on their side in
the recovery position until medical help arrives. Stay with them in case
breathing stops and further help is needed.
First Aid - Unconsciousness
In a workshop a person rendered unconscious may have suffered a blow on the head,
an electric shock or have been overcome by smoke or the toxic fumes of industrial
cleaning fluids.

1. Stop any serious bleeding.

2. If necessary give artificial respiration.
3. Roll the person over into the semi-prone position supporting any obvious
fractures they may have sustained. Put a pillow beneath their head.
4. Clear the mouth of obstructions including false teeth, if any.
5. Loosen clothing at neck, chest and waist.
6. Protect them with blankets or coats.
7. Send for medical help
First Aid - Unconsciousness/ Broken bones
DO NOT GIVE ANY FOOD OR DRINK DO NOT SLAP OR THROW WATER OVER
THEM

DO NOT MOVE THEM UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND THEN ONLY

INTO THE SEMI-PRONE POSITION.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN THE INJURED PART.

DO NOT MOVE THE PATIENT WITHOUT SUPPORT FOR THE INJURED PART.
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

In this method the First Aider or suitably trained person becomes the beating heart
and the lungs of the casualty.

By carrying out chest compressions the first aider becomes the casualtys pumping
heart and by giving rescue breaths he/she becomes the casualtys lungs.

The whole procedure can simply be remembered as D.R.S.A.B.C.

D for DANGER A for AIRWAY

R for RESPONSE B for BREATHING

S for SHOUT FOR HELP C for CIRCULATION

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

DANGER

Be aware of the surroundings. Assess for dangers not only to the casualty but
also to yourself.
For example if the casualty is being electrocuted, isolate the electrical supply or
try to move it by the use of a non-conductive pole (wooden broom handle etc).
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

RESPONSE

Check whether the casualty is conscious.

If you know it, call their name, give them a simple command such as open your
eyes for me
A mild stimulus could also be applied at this stage, a pinching of an earlobe or
squeezing of a fingernail is a method commonly used.
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

SHOUT FOR HELP

Get assistance not only to help you with the resuscitation but also to call an
ambulance.
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

AIRWAY

The airway is the mouth, nose and trachea (windpipe).

In an unconscious casualty the muscles relax allowing the tongue to fall
backwards and block the airway.
Food or other foreign objects such as false teeth can also block the airway.
Firstly look into the mouth and remove any obvious obstruction.
To open the airway lift the chin with two fingers and at the same time place the
palm of the other hand on the casualtys forehead and gently tilt the head back.
This will manually lift the tongue off the back of the windpipe.
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

BREATHING

To check if the casualty is breathing you must check for 10 seconds, look to see
if the chest is rising, listen near to their face for breathing sounds, and feel for a
breath on your cheek.
In the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, a casualty may be barely breathing,
or taking irregular, noisy gasps. Do not confuse this with normal breathing.
If you have any doubts whether the breathing is normal, act as if it is not normal.
If you are alone summon emergency assistance first then start Resuscitation
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CIRCULATION

If the casualty is not breathing normally, the first aider/suitably trained person
must create a circulation for the casualty.
Kneel by the side of the casualty, Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the
casualtys chest.
Place the heel of the other hand on top of the first and interlock the fingers.
Keeping your arms and back straight apply enough pressure to depress the
casualtys chest approximately 4-5cm.
Do not remove your hands between compressions. Compress the chest 30 times
at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.
After 30 chest compressions give 2 rescue breaths
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CIRCULATION

Ensure the airway is open, pinch the casualtys nose and with your mouth, make
a good seal around their mouth.
Breath into the casualtys mouth, for approximately 1 second.
Release the seal and let the casualtys chest deflate, look to see if the chest rises
and falls as you give rescue breaths.
Repeat this operation twice and then return to give 30 chest compressions
followed by 2 rescue breaths.
You should continue with resuscitation until;
Professional help arrives
Your own life is in danger or you are exhausted and unable to continue.
The casualty starts to breathe unassisted
Fire and Fire Extinguishers
Aircraft Maintenance Fire Hazards

Flammable Liquids
Oxygen
Naked lights
Electrical equipment
Cleaning materials
Metal Fires
Arson
High-Pressure Gases
The use of compressed gases requires a special set of safety measures. The following rules
apply for the use of compressed gases:

1. Cylinders of compressed gas must be handled in the same way as any high-energy (and
therefore potentially explosive) sources
2. Eye protection must always be worn when handling compressed gases
3. Never use a cylinder that cannot be positively identified
4. When storing or moving a cylinder, have the cap securely in place to protect the valve
stem
5. When large cylinders are moved, ensure that they are securely attached to the correct
trolley or vehicle
6. Use the appropriate regulator on each gas cylinder
High-Pressure Gases
The use of compressed gases requires a special set of safety measures. The following rules
apply for the use of compressed gases:

7. Never direct high-pressure gases at a person

8. Do not use compressed gas or compressed air to blow away dust and dirt, as the
resulting flying particles are dangerous
9. Release compressed gas slowly. The rapid release of a compressed gas will cause an
unsecured gas hose to whip about and even build up a static charge, which could ignite
a combustible gas
10. Keep gas cylinders clean. Oil or grease on an oxygen cylinder can cause spontaneous
combustion and explosions
High-Pressure Gases
Far too many accidents occur when inflating or deflating tires. Therefore, wheel assemblies
being worked on should be placed in a safety cage to minimize injury if the wheel or tire fails
during inflation.

Make sure that all gas cylinders are properly supported. A common method of securing high
pressure cylinders in storage is by chaining them to a building.

A cap should be securely installed on any tank that is not connected into a system. This
protects the valve from damage.

It is extremely important that oxygen cylinders be treated with special care, because, in
addition to having all the dangers inherent with all other high-pressure gases, oxygen
always possesses the risk of combustion and explosion.
Aviation Oils and Fuels
Most lubricating oils are flammable, if enough heat is generated

Synthetic lubricating oils, methanol and some hydraulic oils may be harmful or even
toxic if their vapours are inhaled. Also, if they come into contact with the skin or eyes,
they can cause injury or blindness.

Oils and fuels also have an adverse effect on paintwork, adhesives and sealants and,
thus, may inhibit corrosion-prevention schemes.

With gasoline and kerosene there is a much greater chance of fire, so more thorough
precautions are required. These start with the basic rules, such as not wearing
footwear with nails or studs (to prevent sparks), not carrying matches or cigarette
lighters and ensuring that ALL replenishing equipment is fully serviceable.
Other Chemical and Physiological Hazards
Many chemical compounds, both liquid and solid, are used in aircraft maintenance
and these may need specific precautions.

Any precautions can be found in the relevant maintenance manuals and in the
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) leaflets applicable to those
materials.