TM 1-1500-204-23-11
(3) Residual composite dust and scraps should
(12) Graphite ibers are electrically conductive;
be removed through a vacuum system or
for this reason it is best to use pneumatic
collected in a plastic bag. Do not use com-
tools and equipment. All graphite dust and
pressed air for cleaning as this will scatter
ibers must be controlled or contained to
the dust.
prevent damage to electrical and electronic
equipment.
(4) Advanced composite materials can be han-
(13) Bag all waste graphite ibers, dust, and lam-
dled and repaired safely and successfully
inates containing graphite ibers. Normally,
only if the composite worker takes the proper
the waste can be disposed of in the landill;
safety precautions and wears the prescribed
however, primers and top coats may contain
PPE as determined by the local safety ofice
locally restricted substances. Consult your
for their speciic operations. The use of
local safety ofice for disposition. Consult
gloves not only protects the workers but also
the system speciic technical manual for any
protects the composite parts from contam-
exceptions.
ination, thus ensuring structural integrity of
the inished product.
(14) The grounding or bonding of all conductive
parts of the system is an effective means of
(5) If the repair is to be made on the equipment,
controlling hazards created by electrostatic
consult the system speciic technical manual
energy. Grounding is the process of con-
for safety procedures. If certiied Class I Div
necting one or more metallic objects and
II hot bonders or other heat curing equipment
ground conductors to ground electrodes.
per 29 CFR 1926.449 is used, consult the
Bonding is the process of connecting two
local ire department prior to using. Never
or more metallic objects together by means
leave these heating devices unattended.
of a conductor. Bonding is done to equal-
ize electrostatic potential between two or
(6) Fuel tanks should be purged, inert, and
more conductive objects.
When work-
checked continuously for explosive mixtures
ing on aircraft or other equipment, ensure
when repairs are being performed in the fuel
grounding/bonding has been accomplished
tank or on an aircraft with open fuel tanks.
in accordance with the applicable system
The repair area should be kept well-ven-
speciic technical manual.
tilated. Fire-ighting equipment should be
available and special precautions should be
2-7. MATERIALS STORAGE. Care must be taken
taken while working with lammable materi-
to ensure materials are maintained at temperatures in
als.
accordance with manufacturer s speciications during
transit and local storage. Repair materials must remain
(7) Adequate ventilation should be provided dur-
free of contaminants (e.g., dust, moisture, oil) during
ing mixing and while using adhesives and
handling. Contaminants may degrade the bonding
solvents. Breathing vapors from these mate-
properties of the repair. Protective hand creams must
rials should be avoided. The local safety
not come in contact with the adhesives or bonding
ofice should be contacted for appropriate
surfaces. Adhesive materials exceeding the shelf life
ventilation and/or PPE requirements.
must not be used. Reducing storage temperature
will increase the useful life of the material. Adhesive
(8) Acids should be added to water, never water
materials that are to be scrapped should be cured
to acid. The acid should not come in contact
prior to disposal to react the chemicals in the resin.
with skin or clothing. In case of contact, the
The cured material can usually be disposed of as a
acid should be washed off immediately with
nonhazardous material with other composite waste;
generous amounts of cold water. Eye pro-
check with your local safety ofice for disposition.
tection and rubber gloves should always be
worn when using these solutions.
a. Material Storage Area. Proper material stor-
age is essential for successful composite repairs.
(9) Heat insulating gloves should be worn when
Material storage areas include cold/frozen storage
handling hot equipment.
for pre-pregs, room temperature storage for multipart
adhesives and resins, and basic particulate controls
(10) All applicable safety standards and proce-
to protect rolls of dry fabric and other layup supplies.
dures should be closely observed.
Failure to meet particulate, humidity, and temperature
requirements can limit the useful life of many mate-
(11) Heating equipment should be monitored
rials used in composite repairs. See Chapter 3 for
throughout the entire thermal process.
cold storage equipment.
2-7
