Dismantling and removing aircraft access structures
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to dismantle and remove aircraft access structures, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to dismantle and remove the access structures in accordance with health and safety requirements and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). The access structures to be dismantled and removed will include such items as walkways, fixed platforms/staging, access steps/stairs, access ladders and moveable staging/towers. You will be expected to use safe and appropriate techniques to remove access structure securings, to dismantle them and remove them, without causing damage to the access structures or to surrounding structures.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the dismantling and removal of the access structures, and to report any problems with the removal activities that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work either with a high level of supervision or as a member of a team, and you will take personal responsibility for your own actions and for the safety and integrity of the structures. Where team working is involved, you must demonstrate a significant personal contribution during the team activities in order to satisfy the requirements of this standard, and you must demonstrate competence in all the areas required by the standard.
Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a sound basis for your work, and will provide an informed approach to applying the required dismantling and removal procedures for aircraft access structures. You will have an understanding of the dismantling procedures used, and their application, and will know about the dismantling and removal requirements, equipment and materials to be used, in sufficient depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities to the required standards.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the dismantling and removal operations, and the safeguards that are necessary for undertaking the activities. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout. You will also understand your responsibilities for safety, and the importance of taking the necessary safeguards to protect yourself and others in the workplace.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, directives and other relevant guidelines
- establish and where necessary support components before removal of securing devices
- remove structures in the correct sequence using approved techniques
- identify and attend to damage and defects in the components or structures in line with organisational
- store the removed structures safely in an appropriate location
- tidy up the site and leave it in a safe condition
- deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
- inform the appropriate people when the dismantling is completed
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the specific safety precautions to be taken when dismantling and removing aircraft access structures, and the need for ensuring load security (such as general workshop and site safety, appropriate personal protective equipment, protecting other workers during the lifting operations, accident procedure; statutory regulations, risk assessment procedures and COSHH regulations)
- the hazards associated with dismantling and removing aircraft access structures, and how they can be minimised
- the various types of access structures used in the aircraft environment (such as walkways, fixed platforms/staging, moveable staging/towers, access steps/stairs, access ladders)
- how to dismantle the access structures, and the range of equipment that can be used (such as hand and power operated cranes, winches, pulling equipment)
- the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for safe use of lifting equipment, and Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) also BS 7121
- the specific requirements for the marking of lifting equipment, and the specific method used by the organisation in which you are working
- the lifting equipment accessories to be used (such as slings, chains, wire ropes, eye bolts)
- checks to be made on the lifting equipment prior to use, and what you should look for
- how to determine the approximate weight of the access structure/load to be moved
- how to check that the lifting equipment is capable of lifting the access structure/load to be moved
- how to determine the centre of gravity of the access structure/load, and how to determine suitable slinging and lifting points
- how to plan and prepare a route for moving access structures/loads, and the things that you will need to take into account
- the specific requirements for the organisation of dismantling and removing access structures
- the sequence in which the access structure must be dismantled to ensure a safe and stable structure at all times
- signalling techniques used to communicate with crane drivers (to include hand signals and verbal commands)
- how access structures should be stored, handled and maintained
- the extent of your own responsibility, and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Ensure that the equipment to be used is suitable for the task involved, and is in a safe and usable condition, by checking all of the following:
- that all equipment is certified and compliant, within test dates (LOLER)
- that all slings/wires are free from defects
- that the removal equipment selected is suitable and has a sufficient SWL (safe working load) for the application
- that the method of removal is appropriate to the surrounding environment
- that the identification number and SWL are clearly marked on the equipment to be used
- that an appropriate storage area for removed components is available
Use the correct sequence to dismantle and remove four of the following types of access structures:
- walkways
- fixed access steps/stairs
- fixed platform systems
- mobile steps/stairs
- fixed gantry systems
- access ladders
- moveable staging/towers
- other specific access structure
Use four of the following lifting and moving techniques to remove the access structure:
- cranes
- lifting appliances
- winches
- pulling appliances
- powered lifting equipment
- adjustable props/supports
- hydraulic jacks/skids
- other specific equipment
Dismantle and remove the access structures, to include carrying out all of the following:
- ensuring that the area around the structures is clear of obstructions that may affect the removal operations
- preparing a suitable area in which to store the removed items
- determining a suitable and safe dismantling sequence
- removing steps/stairs or ladder systems
- removing all components/subassemblies, stays and stiffeners of the access structures
- storing all mechanical fastening devices safely and correctly (such as nuts and bolts, proprietary fasteners, wire or fibre ropes)
- storing all structure component parts safely and correctly
- using approved lifting and moving equipment and techniques at all times
Use two of the following dismantling methods during the removal of the access structures:
- unbolting
- grinding/abrasive disc cutting
- removal of lashings
- removal of clamps
- oxy-fuel cutting
Complete the relevant documentation for the removal of the access structures, to include one of the following:
- lifting procedure sheet (Competent Person I.D.)
- equipment inspection records/defect reports
- risks assessments
- job documentation
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Additional Information
You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:
- strong work ethic
- positive attitude
- team player
- dependability
- responsibility
- honesty
- integrity
- motivation
- commitment