EASA Part 145 Tooling Store Management and Control Procedures Considering the Problem of Foreign Object Debris - FOD

Introduction by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

Sooner or Later!........... Foreign Object Debris - Becomes - Foreign Object Damage!

FOD-prevention programs can minimize FOD and its effects. According to experience, a program to control airport FOD is most effective when it addresses four main areas:

1/ Training
2/ Inspection by the airline, airport, and airplane handling agency personnel
3/ Maintenance
4/ Co-operation and co-ordination.

Make sure you account for and dispose of nuts, bolts, washers, safety wire, etc. In addition to account for all hand tools used in repair jobs.

Consider the use of checklists, shadow boards, and cut-out tool tray liners. All items should be contained in a spill-proof tote bag, tray, or toolbox.

It is important to the successful control of FOD that each individual assumes responsibility for their own actions within the immediate environment.

Remove FOD from the Working Environment

» A clean working environment is fundamental to FOD prevention. 
» In the aviation maintenance environment, individuals must follow the concept of “clean as you go.” 
» When finished or when work cannot continue, clean the immediate work area and work stands.
» Pick up the debris that has the potential to migrate into an out-of-sight or inaccessible location.
» Clean the immediate area after work is completed and before the inspection.
» Clean at the end of each shift.
» Keep food and beverages out of the work area.
» Return cleaning equipment, hoses, drop lights, and power cords to their proper storage area.

Developing Tool Control Discipline

Apart from the potential for short-term memory loss, it is often difficult to spot a tool when its color contrast is low and the tool blends into the background of the work area. 

Visual Inspection is in general not enough! A positive tool control program is essential.

Correctly implemented procedures to ensure effective tool control and full accountability are essential to guard against the possibility of Foreign Object Damage. (FOD)

Although we create procedures and checks we must understand that the ultimate responsibility lies with the individual who brings these items into the work area.

Consider the following as essential guidelines to be followed at all times

» The individual has primary responsibility for tool control.
» The manager in charge should have the responsibility to ensure that the user is both trained and aware of tool control processes and procedures.
» Tool control should be in effect in designated flight hardware/FOD sensitive areas.
» Tool storage should be clean and organized with either a shadow board arrangement or a listed inventory that matches the contents.
» All tools should be individually identifiable and be traceable to their assigned storage location by the user. 
» Lost tools should be reported immediately, and a thorough search initiated.  If a tool becomes unserviceable, it should be reported and exchanged one-for-one.
» Tools should not be transferred or loaned from one element or individual to another without proper documentation.

FOD Material Inspection

Visually inspect all packaging, handling, shipping, and storage containers for the following:

» Nicks, dents, holes, abrasions, scratches, burns, etc., may be detrimental to the function and integrity of the part or assembly.
» Grease, preservatives, corrosion products, weld slag, shop, and other dirt, and other materials foreign to the item.
» FOD also shows up as dirt, grime, debris, metal shavings, or filings
» When you come across a container that needs to be cleaned, Identify it as “ Need to be Cleaned” or clean it immediately

The primary objective of hardware accountability is to assure control of loose hardware and parts.

There are many effective methods that can be established for the control of hardware (nuts, bolts, screws, cotter pins, rivets, etc.):

"Clean-As-You-Go."

Next Steps

For FOD online training please see the following https://sofemaonline.com/lms/courses/67-aviation-fod-awareness-training/preview

For Tooling Store Control and Management please see the following 1-day training course covering the essential areas of the Part 145 Tooling Store

 Please see the following link or email team@sassofia.com

 Part 145 Stores Tooling Control, Inspection Procedures & Best Practice – 1 Day