AM Safety Procedures & PPE 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When working in a confined space on an aircraft, what is the minimum requirement before entry?
- Atmospheric testing for oxygen, flammable, and toxic gases (Correct answer)
- A buddy system only
- Wearing a hard hat and gloves
- Notifying the crew chief verbally
Correct answer: Atmospheric testing for oxygen, flammable, and toxic gases
Confined space entry requires atmospheric testing to confirm oxygen levels (19.5–23.5%) and absence of hazardous gases before anyone enters.
Question 2: Which class of fire extinguisher is appropriate for an electrical fire in an avionics bay?
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C (Correct answer)
- Class D
Correct answer: Class C
Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents and are rated for fires involving energized electrical equipment.
Question 3: What does the term 'lockout/tagout' (LOTO) specifically prevent during aircraft maintenance?
- Corrosion on control surfaces
- Unexpected energization or release of stored energy (Correct answer)
- Fuel system overpressurization during fueling
- Foreign object debris entering engines
Correct answer: Unexpected energization or release of stored energy
LOTO procedures isolate energy sources—electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical—to prevent accidental startup or energy release while personnel work on equipment.
Question 4: A technician must sand composite panels for an extended period. Which respiratory protection is most appropriate?
- A surgical mask
- A half-face air-purifying respirator with P100 particulate filters (Correct answer)
- A dust mask rated N95
- No respiratory protection is needed for composite dust
Correct answer: A half-face air-purifying respirator with P100 particulate filters
Composite dust contains hazardous fibers; a half-face APR with P100 filters provides the highest particulate filtration needed for prolonged exposure.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of grounding an aircraft before refueling?
- To protect avionics from power surges
- To equalize static charge between the aircraft and fuel vehicle, preventing spark ignition (Correct answer)
- To keep the aircraft stationary on the ramp
- To comply with FAA weight-and-balance requirements
Correct answer: To equalize static charge between the aircraft and fuel vehicle, preventing spark ignition
Bonding and grounding dissipate static electricity accumulated during fueling, eliminating ignition sources near flammable vapors.
Question 6: Eye protection marked 'Z87.1' meets which standard?
- MIL-SPEC impact resistance for military PPE
- ANSI/ISEA standard for occupational and educational eye and face protection (Correct answer)
- OSHA's electrical arc flash rating
- FAA-approved optical clarity for avionics work
Correct answer: ANSI/ISEA standard for occupational and educational eye and face protection
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 is the U.S. standard specifying impact, optical, and coverage requirements for safety eyewear in occupational settings.
Question 7: During a high-pressure hydraulic leak test, what is the safest way to check for leaks?
- Run a bare hand along the lines to feel for moisture
- Use a piece of cardboard or approved detector fluid, never bare skin (Correct answer)
- Wear only latex gloves and inspect visually from close range
- Pressurize the system and listen for audible hissing
Correct answer: Use a piece of cardboard or approved detector fluid, never bare skin
High-pressure hydraulic fluid injected through skin (injection injury) can cause tissue necrosis; cardboard or detector fluid identifies leaks without contact risk.
AM Safety Procedures & PPE 2
When working in a confined space on an aircraft, what is the minimum requirement before entry?