2001 Joint Safety Committee

Joint Safety Committee Report For October 2001

The Joint Safety Committee convened on Wednesday Oct. 10, 2001. Vince Sapero announced the he will assume the roll of Committee Administrator or Co-chair for the company side of the JSC. The Company has routinely rotated various individuals through this position; we hope that Vince will stay on board for a while.

I would like to thank Johnny Griffith for his time and assistance as acting chairman for the TWU JSC during my required absence for Negotiating Committee duties, Thank you Johnny for a job well done!

The following items were discussed:

MSDS SHEETS

• Incorrect MSDS sheets should be immediately corrected. The proper parties to contact in the event of an error on an MSDS are: Mark Wodolowski – AFW Safety engineer at 817-224-0168 or Janet Ondricek, MSDS Librarian at HDQ.
• General discussion on shop-to-shop chemical evaluations. Each area should have a chemical coordinator responsible for tracking and identifying all chemicals used and stored in the respective locations. Supervisors in these areas should identify coordinators if needed.

AIR MONITORING - INTERIOR SHOP

• Air sampling results are in, Vince requested a shop meeting be scheduled so that Industrial hygienist Tim Dunlevy could explain the results. Mark Wondolowski and Mike Schwanz will be present. Note: sampling was conducted 8-10-01.
• Status on existing ventilation system is also being questioned. This subject was previously addressed and a new system was proposed. Why was it not installed? JSC will investigate.

FUEL SPILL – HANGAR

• A recent fuel spill failed to set off alarms. Discussion on the improved alarms in the gear pits.
• Question was raised regarding identification of various alarms in the hangar. There was a training film made at AFW several years ago that identifies each alarm. This film should be presented at hazard awareness classes. Vince will research this and find out what happened to the film.

RADIOGRAPHY

• This is a carry over from the September JSC meeting. A review of allowable exposure levels will be forthcoming.

NEW BUSINESS

• Full-face respirator masks – this is actually old business that was resolved approximately 18 months ago. It was agreed to by those in attendance at both JSC and APC meetings that Full-Face Respirators Masks would be permanent issue to those that are required to wear them. This is a personal hygiene issue, and would best be maintained and cared for by those required to wear such masks in the course of their duties. Vince will follow up on this.

OTHER ITEMS

• Recent concerns from mechanics on Bay 1 in the hangar. The working platforms being used to perform main gear change outs are inadequate. Note: we have had numerous injuries at AFW due to dangerous work platforms; follow-up will be forthcoming.

Respectfully submitted by,
Mike Schwanz
Executive Board Local 567
TWU Safety Committee Chairman

The Joint Safety Committee convened on Wednesday November 14, 2001. The following items were discussed:

OPEN ITEMS

Chemical Coordinators - We are compiling a list of coordinators within the respective shops and/or work areas to assist in monitoring proper chemical storage and maintenance of MSDS documentation. Vince Sapero will provide an update on this process at next months meeting. A point contact regarding MSDS update information is Janet Ondricek at ICS 967-4032.

Safety Glasses - A sub-committee has been established to propose a basewide policy on safety glasses. The proposed policy will be presented to the JSC for review, once approved the policy will be forwarded to the APC. This policy will be applicable to employees and visitors, venders and contractors.

Air Monitoring (Interior Shop) - No shop meeting has been arranged yet to discuss findings. Mark Wondolowski will contact Jamie Burkett setup meeting, we want Tim Dunlevy present for this meeting.

Fuel Spill - Hangar - Mark Wondolowski will pursue getting report from Supervisor Steve Rubacker on an evaluation of this spill. Mark will also follow-up on why all employees are not seeing the Alarm System Video that describes purpose of various alarms in the hangar.

Radiography- A safety check list was provided and reviewed.

Vaccine Shots for Hepatitis "A"- these shots will be given to employees who feel they are at risk of contacting it. Note: AA medical does not encourage these shots, as our job functions are not regarded as "high risk".

Further Discussion on Medical Staff Cart

Pat Stewart committed to look further into this issue. The cart could expedite medical responses in event of emergency.

CLOSED ITEM

Full Face Respirators - It is agreed by all that these are permanent issue PPE for those who require their use to perform their various job functions. This issue was resolved 18 months ago, but was misunderstood by some supervisors in a few areas on the base.

NEW BUSINESS

PA System in Hangar

The PA System in the hangar in inoperative. This is due to contractors failing to re-connect the "Local PA" data lines (hard wire) into amplifiers linked to the communication closet areas in the hangar. This was part of a data/communication update project, the engineer responsible for the project has been laid off, delaying proper follow-up on this item.

Torrit Fire

There was a small fire in the Torrit dust collection system in bay 5 area of the hangar. When the fire alarms were pulled the failed to initiate an audible alarm. This was due to the fact that the system was partially down for maintenance service. The JSC has previously established procedures to prevent this type of occurrence. These procedures will be re-visited and the appropriate personnel will be updated.

Dr. Green

Spoke briefly on Hepatitis "A" shots

Facilities Maintenance Trouble Calls

Pat Stewart stated that anyone can call in a safety related trouble call. This has been a point of some controversy in the TAESEL bldg., this should clarify the issue.

Component Maintenance PPE " Personal Protection Evaluation"

Mark Wondolowski will begin evaluating various areas in an effort to reduce injuries. "Hand Protection" will be the first area of concern evaluated. Work methods and proper safety gear will be studied.

Respectfully submitted by,
Mike Schwanz
Executive Board Local 567
TWU Safety Committee Chairman

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