FAASTeam Maintenance Safety Tip
August 2011
Fire Prevention and Safety
Prevention
- Do not store flammable liquids outside of a fire proof storage locker.
- At the end of the work day or at break times, put the flammable liquids back in the locker.
- Used shop rags should only be stored in small containers with tight fitting lids that are spring loaded closed.
- Clean-up flammable liquid spills quickly using “kitty litter” or similar materials. The used clean-up materials should not be put in regular trash cans. Flammable liquid-soaked clean-up materials should be kept in a sealed container until proper disposal can be accomplished.
- Promptly repair any defective electrical connections in the work area to prevent sparks.
- Smoking in or near the hangar or work areas must not happen.
PLAN FOR A FIRE
- Assure that fire extinguishers are maintained and are the correct type for the types of fires likely to be found in an aviation work area.
- Make sure that everyone knows when to stand and fight or run from the fire.
- Always, always sound the fire alarm first (call 911 in most areas in the US), then fight the fire. Small fires have a bad habit of becoming big fires quickly and you want the fire department on the way and the building empty first. It is far better to have the fire department show up to a small fire that is out and be embarrassed than to have them called when the control tower can see the fire and they get there too late.
