T.W.U. Local 576
Representing Aviation maintenance Technicians, Ground Support Technicians, Aircraft Cleaners and Inventort Control Specialist of American Eagle Airlines in DFW,LAX,SJC , SGF and XNA.
October 28, 2009
SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT
TWU Brothers and Sisters,
Your Safety Committee has been working the following issues:
09001 - Hangar - Bird droppings in the hangars. Both of the hangars we use should have the netting completed soon. It's already been noticed the birds are sitting on the beams in front of the nets and on the side walls. What's our next step??
09002 - Hangar - O2 and nitrogen carts need belts to secure the bottles instead of the chains. I noticed one nitrogen cart in the hangar with one belt on it. What is the status of this? With Chris Dodd back in the Sheet Metal shop we should be able to put a quick close to this.
09003 - All - PIT Training. We need to let everybody know, if you aren't qualified, do NOT use it. Are we up to date on our PIT training?
09004 - Hangar - Gatorade concentrate holders for the hangar and the line. Wouldn't hurt to get this done now, so we'll be ready. Are they at B18?
09005 - Line - With the move to B18 will a place to shower be available?
09006 - Line - Lighting is very dim at B-14. Brian Minick from AE Safety submitted a work order to install additional lighting.
09007 - Hangar - Installation of a defibrillator at the hangar. I know Stacey is working this item, any updates? Info: Steve Wilkerson said he'd maintain it once installed.
09008 - All - Medical training. An excellent idea! First Responder or Basic First Aid would come in handy when needed. At a minimum, Doug Cohen from AA can come and train us at an awareness level, to include how to use defib's. It's a very basic class and does it within an hour. He is willing to accommodate any schedule. He would like at least 10 people in a class. This seems to be a slow item to do, I think it's a good idea to get it moving.
09010 - Hangar - Ventilation. No air flow in the hangar, especially in the summer. Concerns increase when doing fuel tank work in the hangar, which will increase in the colder months with the hangar doors closed.
09014 - All - Are Safety Observations being "pencil whipped"? It seems to be a problem elsewhere. Maybe the supervisor can take a Union member with them. As I look around the hangar I see a lack of safety glasses and fall protection being used. Are supervisors aware of this? I'd like to audit the Observations.
09015 - Hangar - Is/will the Tronair used for engine changes certified? The Tronair can't physically be used for engine changes other then to remove the cowls, This item is CLOSED.
09016 - All - Safety Awards. We need to recognize those who are performing. We can look into pins and or certificates to distribute. Some folks deem this as a joke since people that aren't deserving are getting the awards. We need to turn this into a positive program.
NEW ITEMS:
10001 - All - A new prescription Safety Glass program is coming. I'm sure Jeff Spear will keep us informed.
10002 - Hangar - Fuel tank work. The GPM changed a little making it easier for us. But we are not complying with the GPM when we do it. We need to establish where we will do it in the hangar and make sure that area is free of hazards and ventilated properly. (Note: the front left of the hangar has the hazardous material along the wall and the front right has a battery charger running constant.)
10003 - Hangar -Engine change forklift. The Toyota forklift went back to the dealership for an intense inspection. Several items were found and being repaired. Once it comes back, guidance to use it again needs to be issued, since the last official guidance was to NOT use it. Additional PIT training on the forklift wouldn't hurt.
10004 - All - Roach/Rodent problem DFW wide. AA and the airport authority is taking measures to clear this up. Steve Wilkerson says we have a program in place. If you notice a problem in a particular area, notify Steve and he'll take care of it. CLOSED.
10005 - Line - The rooms aren't consistently numbered at Terminal B. AA wants to number the rooms they have in Terminal B, Luis Santana is the point of contact at AA. It would be a good idea if they were all numbered so EMS can find the rooms they need in an emergency. I'll bring this item up at the AE Joint Safety Meeting.
10006 - All - Defibrillators at the line. AA wants to have one at every fourth gate. They even bought some for us. Tom Green is the point of contact at AA. I'll bring this item up at the AE Joint Safety Meeting.
10007 - Hangar - Parking lot lights at the hangar aren't working. Steve Wilkerson investigated and found a bad ballast and will ensure the lights are working. CLOSED.
If there is anything you have questions about or other concerns, please let me, or one of the Safety Reps know.
Regards,
Mike Rinaldi
TWU Safety Chairman
09001 - Hangar - Bird droppings in the hangars. Both of the hangars we use should have the netting completed soon. It's already been noticed the birds are sitting on the beams in front of the nets and on the side walls. What's our next step??
09002 - Hangar - O2 and nitrogen carts need belts to secure the bottles instead of the chains. I noticed one nitrogen cart in the hangar with one belt on it. What is the status of this? With Chris Dodd back in the Sheet Metal shop we should be able to put a quick close to this.
09003 - All - PIT Training. We need to let everybody know, if you aren't qualified, do NOT use it. Are we up to date on our PIT training?
09004 - Hangar - Gatorade concentrate holders for the hangar and the line. Wouldn't hurt to get this done now, so we'll be ready. Are they at B18?
09005 - Line - With the move to B18 will a place to shower be available?
09006 - Line - Lighting is very dim at B-14. Brian Minick from AE Safety submitted a work order to install additional lighting.
09007 - Hangar - Installation of a defibrillator at the hangar. I know Stacey is working this item, any updates? Info: Steve Wilkerson said he'd maintain it once installed.
09008 - All - Medical training. An excellent idea! First Responder or Basic First Aid would come in handy when needed. At a minimum, Doug Cohen from AA can come and train us at an awareness level, to include how to use defib's. It's a very basic class and does it within an hour. He is willing to accommodate any schedule. He would like at least 10 people in a class. This seems to be a slow item to do, I think it's a good idea to get it moving.
09010 - Hangar - Ventilation. No air flow in the hangar, especially in the summer. Concerns increase when doing fuel tank work in the hangar, which will increase in the colder months with the hangar doors closed.
09014 - All - Are Safety Observations being "pencil whipped"? It seems to be a problem elsewhere. Maybe the supervisor can take a Union member with them. As I look around the hangar I see a lack of safety glasses and fall protection being used. Are supervisors aware of this? I'd like to audit the Observations.
09015 - Hangar - Is/will the Tronair used for engine changes certified? The Tronair can't physically be used for engine changes other then to remove the cowls, This item is CLOSED.
09016 - All - Safety Awards. We need to recognize those who are performing. We can look into pins and or certificates to distribute. Some folks deem this as a joke since people that aren't deserving are getting the awards. We need to turn this into a positive program.
NEW ITEMS:
10001 - All - A new prescription Safety Glass program is coming. I'm sure Jeff Spear will keep us informed.
10002 - Hangar - Fuel tank work. The GPM changed a little making it easier for us. But we are not complying with the GPM when we do it. We need to establish where we will do it in the hangar and make sure that area is free of hazards and ventilated properly. (Note: the front left of the hangar has the hazardous material along the wall and the front right has a battery charger running constant.)
10003 - Hangar -Engine change forklift. The Toyota forklift went back to the dealership for an intense inspection. Several items were found and being repaired. Once it comes back, guidance to use it again needs to be issued, since the last official guidance was to NOT use it. Additional PIT training on the forklift wouldn't hurt.
10004 - All - Roach/Rodent problem DFW wide. AA and the airport authority is taking measures to clear this up. Steve Wilkerson says we have a program in place. If you notice a problem in a particular area, notify Steve and he'll take care of it. CLOSED.
10005 - Line - The rooms aren't consistently numbered at Terminal B. AA wants to number the rooms they have in Terminal B, Luis Santana is the point of contact at AA. It would be a good idea if they were all numbered so EMS can find the rooms they need in an emergency. I'll bring this item up at the AE Joint Safety Meeting.
10006 - All - Defibrillators at the line. AA wants to have one at every fourth gate. They even bought some for us. Tom Green is the point of contact at AA. I'll bring this item up at the AE Joint Safety Meeting.
10007 - Hangar - Parking lot lights at the hangar aren't working. Steve Wilkerson investigated and found a bad ballast and will ensure the lights are working. CLOSED.
If there is anything you have questions about or other concerns, please let me, or one of the Safety Reps know.
Regards,
Mike Rinaldi
TWU Safety Chairman