TM 1-1500-204-23-5
CHAPTER 3
ROTOR MAINTENANCE PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
3-1. General. The rotor maintenance practices and
procedures discussed in this chapter are representative of
those in widespread use. No attempt has been made to
include detailed maintenance procedures for a specific
helicopter rotor. Refer to the applicable maintenance
manual for specific maintenance procedures.
3-2. General Shop Rules The practices and procedures
described in this chapter pertain to the repair functions of
aviation activities and are applicable to all levels of
maintenance. Because of the many types of Army
aircraft, each shop within the manufacturing and repair
section must, of necessity, have personnel trained in
general practices and procedures to the extent that
different type and model aircraft do not upset a smooth
running shop.
a. Responsibility. All supervisory personnel in the
manufacturing section are responsible for a continuing
and effective shop safety program. To implement and
maintain this program, shop supervisors shall utilize
bulletin boards, signs, and any other effective method.
Shop personnel shall cooperate in the shop safety
program by making helpful recommendations, and
continually exercising care and caution in the operation of
all shop equipment. All shop personnel shall strive to
improve the safety program and be especially alert to
observe and correct hazardous conditions and unsafe
shop practices. All accidents, no matter how minor, shall
be reported to the shop supervisor, and all published
instructions regarding safety shall be strictly adhered to.
Also, safety engineers and safety officers shall ensure
that proper safety procedures are adhered to in
accordance with AR 385-10, Army Safety Program; AR
385-30, Safety Color Code Markings and Signs; AR 385-
32, Protective Clothing and Equipment; The Occupational
Safety and Health Act of 1971, OSHA 1910.251; all
applicable fire codes, NFPA 410; and other accepted
civilian and military safety practices.
b. Shop Housekeeping. Housekeeping is the
yardstick by which the shops in the manufacturing section
are judged. A clean, well arranged shop is a safe shop
and reflects credit on all personnel concerned with its
operation. The following shop practices shall be
observed:
(1) Oil pans or drip pans shall be used where
leaking oil, grease, and similar materials may cause
hazardous accumulations on equipment or floors. All
spills shall be cleaned up immediately. Approved
sweeping compound may be used to remove these
materials from the floor.
CAUTION
Floors shall not be cleaned with
volatile or flammable liquids. A
flammable film may remain and cause
a fire hazard.
(2) Floors shall be maintained smooth and
clean, free of all obstructions and slippery substances.
Holes and irregularities in floors shall be repaired to
maintain a level surface free from tripping hazards.
(3) All unnecessary materials on walls shall
be removed and projections shall be kept to a minimum.
(4) Aisles shall be clearly defined and kept
free of hazardous obstructions. Where possible, aisles
shall be suitably marked by painting.
(5) All machines, work benches, aisles, etc.,
shall be adequately illuminated.
c. Shop Safety. Unsafe equipment and fire
hazards are the main factors to be observed while
planning safety procedures.
(1) Equipment safety. Unsafe equipment
shall be reported immediately. The following equipment
safety practices shall be observed:
(a) Machines shall be located to
provide operators with sufficient space to handle
materials and perform job operations without interference.
(b) Bolt down all machinery that can
move or walk due to vibration (drill press, bench grinder,
etc.).
3-1
