1999 Safety Committee

March 30,1999
To: Joe Hasen
From: Mike Schwanz
Subject: Joint Safety Committee Report for March 1999

Joe,

The Joint Safety Committee convened on March 9,1999. The first item on the agenda was the emergency lighting systems it the C.U.P. and the Warehouse. These items were reopened under new business when F/M Electricians notified the committee that the areas had note been incorporated into the Faculties Maintenance PM Program as planned, apparently overlooked. Facilities Maintenance Supervisor John Franz was unavailable for comment or updates on this issue.

A   large number of trouble calls called into Facilities Maintenance are safety-related issues. For a variety of reasons many of these calls are "Falling Through the Cracks"; either lost, forgotten or miscommunicated. The information in many cases is simply not reaching the mechanics assigned to respond to such trouble calls. I believe the method of tracking, recording and relaying trouble call information needs to be re-organized and re-structured to better accommodate the many needs of our growing base. The JSC has endorsed this concept and we plan to move forward with our suggestions in an effort to alleviate our growing list of safety items.

Status reports on other Issues

A) 9-98-9 fall protection on bay 1

Status: Closed: Overhead retractable reels have been installed.

B) 10-98-15 Tow bars on thrust reverser stands

Status: Pending: Five more stands remain to be modified.

C) Filler panels on bay 1 wing dock are loose.

Status: Closed: Repairs have been made.

New Issues and Other Items Discussed

A) Oil quench/polmer tank in structures needs a crane to lift heavy parts. An idea was presented but the shop personnel did not approve of the design. Nick will follow-up.

B) Emergency Evacuation procedures must be established to exit aircraft in Bay 1.

C) Complaints were received of aircraft painters using sanders without vacuum bags. The JSC suggests area safety circles will address issue.

D) Need to improve and standardize the safety self audit programs shop audit programs.

E) Slide Shop in hangar. Disconnect valves need to be installed for air lines in shop. A F/M plumber has looked at the job, a simple modification can be made to accommodate the request. Updates will follow.

F) Weld shop in Fac. Maint. Industrial Hygienist will perform air sampling to determine hazard level. Test results will be provided. The JSC recommends adding outside ventilation/exhaust systems. Currently all ventilation and exhausting is done by torret systems.

Accident Prevention Council

A) 99-02-02 The JSC has proposed AA formalize itís notification to contractors that they must adhere to AA safety procedures and regulations while on AA property. A comprehensive read and sign type of document was submitted to the APC on Thursday 3-26-99 and met with general approval, I expect some modifications to be forthcoming.

B) 99-02-01 Standardize tests for emergency systems, including fire drills and fire alarm testing.

Status: This idea received very good response. Jamie Burnett and Chris Russell stated that many in management did not understand their respective roles in the event of an emergency, drills would educate them. Discussion on lack of safety training for management personnel, David Campbell stated they must improve and increase the education process/training given to supervisors.

New Business

Lightning protection system- Need a backup system and procedure for system when existing equipment is out of order or sent out to be calibrated by manufacturer. F/M Tommy Blevins will contact CUP to ensure that they can manually activate alarms, confirm contact with airport tower to security for weather info.

Discussion of weapons on property; alcohol in parking lot; possible future posting on these items.

Respectfully submitted by,
Mike Schwanz
Safety Committee Chairman

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 JOINT SAFETY COMMITTEE REORT FOR APRIL/MAY 1999

The Joint Safety Committee convened on March 9,1999 and again on April 14,1999. The read and sign forms for contractors entering the base are almost complete. There are two read and sign forms; one targets contractors whom enter the base for pick-up and deliveries, the other targets contractors that will be performing work on the base. Both documents will inform contractors that they must comply with American Airlines Safety Regulations and that management is responsible for their conduct while on base. Improvements to the Facilities Trouble Call system is in progress. The APC is working on this issue. We have had ongoing discussions concerning the concept of “Safety Circles “ and their role within the AFW safety program. I have notified Amy Nettles that we must have complete comprehensive lists of all Safety Circle members, including their work areas, before they can be used effectively with regards to delegation of safety concerns. We must also agree on some form of documentation method to insure that Safety Circle agenda items can be monitored by the JSC to fulfill the committees’ contractual obligation.

Status Reports on other Issues

A) 10-98-12  Non-Skid on bay 3.

Status: Pending: John Franz said this should be complete by next JSC, all material is in and available.

B) 10-98-15 Tow bars on thrust reverser stands.

Status: Pending:  Per John Franz there are two left to be modified.

C) 2-99-1  Emergency lights not identified in CUP and Warehouse.

Status: Pending:  PM program is in place but these lights do not have pm numbers affixed to them.

D) 9-98-9  Fall protection on bay 1 needs to be improved.

Status: Closed:  Retractable lifelines have been installed, stands are available for aircraft engine area.

New Issues and Other Items Discussed  

A) Industrial Hygienist has performed air sampling in the Facilities Maintenance weld shop as a result of concerns from stores clerks sharing same work area. Results have not been reviewed yet.

B) Concerns are expressed as to why it is taking so long to close out request to have new hoist installed in Structures for the Oil quench/polmer tank area. Nick Visitainer claims mechanics in area did not like his first design but an alternate design has been submitted and approved

C) I ask Nick V. why we do not have steps installed on the common nozzle stands yet in the structures bldg. I will follow-up on this issue with Nick.

Accident Prevention Council  (APC) 

The APC convened on April 30,1999. The following items were discussed.

A) New hire orientation esp. as related to safety training specific to job function requirements. As a result of the recent injury from a fall on bay 3 involving a new hire the APC recognizes the need to re-evaluate AFW policy on safety training. Pat Stewart will follow-up on this issue with HR and report back to the committee.

B)  Amy Nettles and Mark Wondolowski (American Airlines Safety Engineer, HDQ ) are revamping the MoveSmart Program. A video will be provided and shown at new hire orientation.

C)  Discussion on standardization of emergency systems testing. This will include calibration of lightning protection systems at Christmas time, Fire system testing  per pm’s and coordinated procedural training on evacuation procedures in the event of fire or emergency. David Campbell will make sure all areas are aware of procedures and manuals.

D) Discussion on contractor safety procedures

E) Discussion on the use of electronic FMSR’S and using the MP2 program to better track the progress on FMSR’S to assure safety related projects are completed in a more timely manner.

F)  D. Campbell stated his supervisors need to be better educated on Accident investigation and safety orientation classes, with a possible expanded program for crew chiefs.

G)  Discussion on improving the F/M trouble call system.

H) Discussion on smoking areas, esp. at entrances and exits.

I)  Discussion on 911 procedures. D. Campbell stated that  SAFETY ALERTS  will be posted to clarify /identify 911 procedures.

J)  D. Campbell wants to establish an AFW safety library of safety videos for use at shop safety meetings. Tulsa will provide some videos initially. He wants his supervisors to be notified of what is available in the library and to encourage it’s use.

Respectfully submitted by,
Mike Schwanz
Executive Board Member
Joint Safety Committee Chairman

cc: jh
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JOINT SAFETY COMMITTTEE REPORT FOR JUNE 1999

The Joint Safety Committee convened on May 18, 1999 and again on June 8,1999. Many of the agenda items from previous meetings are not being addressed in a timely manner. The Fac. Maint. Supervisor assigned to the JSC seems to lack interest and/or positive participation in the committee; I have spoken to Mr. Campbell on this issue and have requested that he be replaced with a more enthusiastic participant recognizing the key role that Fac. Maint. Plays in our program. He has committed to honor that request.

Status Reports on Pending Items and Old Business

A) Air Sampling:

1) Ind Hygienist Tim Leave came out to the base yesterday on Thursday June 10,1999 but could not conduct testing due to lack of activity in shop.

2)  Central Clean area- Tim has compiled list of all chemicals used in area and will proceed with testing soon. Amy Nettles has conducted employee interviews on this issue.

3)  Galley shop- Testing will be conducted when production increases in order to get accurate information from the glue/adhesive contaminants used in mod construction.

B)  99-05-05  Slide shop emergency air shut off.

Status: Pending: East Side of shop is complete.

C) 99-05-07   Common Nozzle stands.

Status: Pending: Ergonomsit, Katie Hubbard has reviewed the problem and suggests that ladders be affixed to the structures.

D)  99-05-06  Gate on Bay 6 mezzanine.

Status: Pending: FMSR has been submitted to F/M.

E) 10-98-12   Non-skid on bay 3.

Status: Closed: Non-skid has been applied on bay 3 and on bays 2 and 6.

F) All other pending items are open as stated above in opening paragraph.

Accident Prevention Council (APC)

The APC convened on May 28, 1999; the following items were discussed.

A) The emergency air shut off system for the slide shop is partially done; Fac. Maint is designing an extension handle for the shut off valve to complete job.

B) Lightning protection system- Request to adjust perimeters of the detection system, currently sensors are detecting strikes at up to 20 miles. New perimeters will activate alarms at the 3 to 5 mile range. There was also a discussion on implementation of an “all clear” signal; Amy Nettles will follow up on this. Future annual calibrations will be accomplished in December.

C) Discussion on OSHA fall protection standard as a result of information acquired at the last National Safety Council meeting. OSHA recently fined Northwest Airlines for violating the standard. This occurred at their maintenance base and involved floorboard removal within the cabin area.

D) The on-going discussion of parking lot parking procedures and reckless driving resurfaced again. They  (management)are considering issuing CR-1 entries to accompany parking violation tickets. There was also discussion on the legality of towing vehicles that are parked improperly and posting warning signs etc. Fred Schmidt is working on this item.

E) The EPA recently fined American Airlines at Alliance as a result of the Acid spill that occurred last year in the Central Plant. In addition to the fine an AA employee must attend 2 hrs of community service in Denton for the next 2 years. The report states that AA did not report the spill in a timely manner nor did they report the spill to the correct agency.

Respectfully submitted by,
Mike Schwanz
Executive Board Member
Joint Safety Committee Chairman

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  The Joint Safety Committee convened on July 28, 1999 at 1:00 pm. We discussed the status of the Air Quality Check request submitted by individuals working in the TEO building. The written request was specific in nature and accompanied by a petition signed by all concerned parties. AA Industrial Hygienist Tim Dunleavy responded to the request by e-mail to Amy Nettles stating “…that an employee working in the Load Center would have minimal exposure to the chemicals used in Central Clean…”. He listed several examples for his evaluation. His response and method of response is unacceptable to the committee, I requested that Amy contact Mr. Dunleavy and inform him that a formalized written response addressed to the JSC stating a detailed explanation of his position would be required. Amy forwarded our request to Mr. Dunleavy; he decided to re-evaluate his position on the issue and scheduled a date (8-4-99) to visit the TEO Central Clean area. This issue will remain open.

The Accident Prevention Council convened on Friday July 30, 1999. Updates on

Issues discussed will be listed below.

Status Reports on Pending Items and Old Business ( JSC )

A) 99-05-07 Common Nozzle stands in structures.

Status: Pending: portable ladders will be purchased for the stands. Diane Waterman is assisting Ergonomist Katie Hubbard on this.

B)  99-04-02  Hoist for lifting parts out of polymer tank in structures bldg..

Status: Closed:  A hoist system has been installed over the area in question.

C) 99-04-03  Inspection of Bay 1 Tail dock.

Status: Pending:  Structural support concerns have not been addressed yet. There seems to be a problem with the contractor whom originally performed the work. Facilities Maintenance JSC management member was not in attendance at this meeting to give us the details.

D)  The JSC is currently conducting an investigation of heavy metals used in the heat treat and blast facility. Concerns have been raised regarding short and long-term effects of these materials on individuals working in and around the area. MSDS information and procedural policies will be reviewed. Updates will be forthcoming.

Accident Prevention Council (APC)

July 30,1999

A) The fire alarm system in the hangar was tested on July 25, 1999 by Facilities Maintenance Electronics. The system is fully operable. Fire Drills will be scheduled for the hangar. The goal is to coordinate the drills with area shop safety meetings.

B) Move Smart Program is in progress now. Facilities Maintenance classes are complete; the rest of the base is scheduled.

C) The F/M trouble call system is being improved. The new system will allow communication with F/M via the LAN. Requests will be electronically sent to F/M. The requester will receive a tracking number for follow- up or status requests. History records will be kept for each caller.

D) CR -1 entries are being given to individuals charged with certain parking violations. Cars parked in fire lanes and handicapped areas illegally are being towed off, several cars have been removed to date.

E) Safety Procedure read and sign sheets for all contractors working on AA property at AFW have been approved and are being used. Short forms are being issued to delivery services and longer more comprehensive forms are provided to all other contractors. Please report any and all violations to Security or Management.

F) Lightning Detection system has been recalibrated and is currently working properly. This item is closed.

Respectfully submitted by,
Mike Schwanz
Executive Board Member
Joint Safety Committee Chairman

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The Safety Committee convened on September 14, 1999 at 1:00pm. No management representatives were present for this meeting. The meeting commenced as scheduled but many of the open items could not be addressed without all parties present. At the Accident Prevention Council meeting on October 8th the JSC reported that the status on most of our issues was unknown due to lack of management participation in the previous JSC meeting. David Campbell was very disappointed with this news and a discussion ensued with his managers as to why their supervisors were not in attendance for the Sept. JSC meeting. Mr. Campbell directed the JSC to meet again and assured us that management attendance would improve. The JSC reconvened on Sept.14, 1999, management participation was good and several issues were closed out.

The Accident Prevention Council convened on Friday, September 24,1999. Update on issues discussed are listed below.

Other Updates

A) Dock Status- Idler sprocket failures have created a serious safety hazard in the hangar. The sprockets are located atop the suspended docks in the hangar. Mechanical failures are creating overload conditions on the drive chain causing a lock-up. The lock-up condition places undue stress on the small shafts supporting the idler sprockets, breaking the shafts and ejecting the sprockets to the floor below. A series of meetings and investigations has resulted in the following proposals to remedy the problem.

1) Romanelli letter dated 9-28-99 summary-

a) Perform comprehensive maintenance check to insure mechanical reliability.

b) Install expanded metal guards from floor to top of rail on all dock lift areas.

c) Design and install torque limiters.  ECD: 10-15-99

d) Install drive motor current monitoring devices. ECD: 10-15-99

e) Monitoring devices will shut down system in event of overload condition.

2) David Campbell/Jerry Connelly meeting Oct. 4, 1999.

a) An engineering/consulting firm has been retained to thoroughly study and evaluate the operational/structural condition of the docks and to make additional recommendations to prevent any future problems. The cost for this study has been quoted at $53,000.

3)  Safety will review entire F/M PM process under the direction and support of David Campbell. The intended purpose being, prioritization of safety related PM’s and identification of incomplete PM’s.   

B) Small Fire-There was a small fire within the Torit Dust Collection System in the manufacturing shop, structures bldg. On Monday Oct. 4th. Dust accumulations within the ducting ignited while the employee was using a grinding wheel, the resulting fumes forced some individuals to leave the base sick and nauseous. The Fire Dept. and an ambulance responded to the 911 call placed by a concerned employee. An investigation is underway to determine if the Torit system is working adequately and the preventive maintenance documents will be modified to include duct/hose inspections. Follow-up will be forthcoming.

C) PM Fact Finding-Amy and I are reviewing the Facilities Maintenance PM process to determine if safety related PM’s are being prioritized properly. The new MP2 system is in place and the review process is a lengthy one. Many PM’s have been “98ed” over the years. The term “98” is used by F/M management to mean sign off as incomplete due to lack of manpower. David Campbell has asked us to report our findings to him, esp. any dock or safety related PM’s recently “98ed”. In a meeting on Monday Oct. 4, F/M Manager Jerry Connelly stated that “No priority 1 or 2 PM’s would be 98ed”.

Status Reports on Pending Items and Old Business (JSC)

99-08-99 Improvements to paint and fiberglass shop sanding booth PM.

Status: Pending New file server/MP2 system is up, PM should be complete soon.

11-98-25 Bay 1 dock/working platforms.

Status: Closed Filler plates and modifications have been done. Also a new dock will be purchased installed to replace the existing structure currently in use on bay 1.

99-04-03 Bay 1 tail dock

Status: Closed  Sam Anderson reported that all modifications requested by the JSC have been accomplished by the contractor.

99-08-12 Improvements to ventilation within F/M weld shop.

Status: Closed  The Torit system has been vented to the outside as requested.

99-08-13    Reliable method of communication between F/M Management and Hangar Management on notification of fire protection maintenance/inop systems, false alarms.

Status: Closed  F/M Supervisor John Franz stated that there is a notification form used by F/M that should be filled out and submitted to hangar management each time maintenance is performed on the F/A system. This system should work the same as welding permits. Mr. Franz committed to the JSC that the procedures would be followed and that the forms would be used properly.

Accident Prevention Council (APC)

A) The APC committed to raise the company contribution for prescription safety glasses from $42.00 to $52.00.

B) Individual Emergency Response Manuals will be available soon to all employees.

C) Security will be provided with a first aid kit.

Respectfully Submitted by,
Mike Schwanz
Executive Board Member
Joint Safety Committee Chairman