PLANNING FOR ADVANCED BASE OR FORWARD AREA OPERATIONS

The inspection of work areas, tools, and equipment will point up hazards that must be corrected. Some corrections will be made on the spot, and some will have to be worked out through job improvements. The inspections will show the need for and the continuation of a good safety program. For more information on shop equipment, refer to the Aviation Maintenance Ratings Supervisor manual. SAFETY INSPECTIONS About 98 percent of all accidents can be prevented. This means that accidents can be prevented by educating personnel to the hazards or by completely eliminating the hazards. It’s with this idea in mind that you will make your inspections. During the inspection, look for hazardous conditions that can be eliminated and for hazardous conditions that can be corrected through training. The two percent classified as unpreventable are caused by natural elements, such as wind, lightning, flooding, etc., and some steps can be taken to lessen these hazards. Safety inspections should be continuous. A habit should be developed for noting everything. Everytime you walk through the shop, line area, around aircraft, or any area where your responsi- bility extends, think safety. When a hazardous condition is found, correct it. To put it off until later is to gamble with the safety of your men and equipment. The hard rule is that in matters of safety, “corrective action is required NOW.” SAFETY EDUCATION Safety education depends on obtaining and passing out safety-related information. Safety information is gained through inspections, experience from directives, and by performing an analysis of job requirements. An effective safety program creates interest as well as supplies information. The following examples point up the different ways safety information may be disseminated. 1. POSTERS—The Navy provides safety posters that should be posted in appropriate places to emphasize the safety message. 2. PRINTED MATERIALS—This covers the required reading list of safety precautions pertaining to safety. Printed material also covers physically posting operating procedures on the equipment. 3. GROUP DISCUSSIONS—Group discus- sions are usually conducted when the information is applicable to all hands. Safety movies fall into this category. 4. INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION—Indi- vidual instruction is normally given when the problem involves individual work habits or a particular hazard is pointed out to an individual during the work process. ENFORCEMENT Enforcement as it applies to safety is defined as the formulation of rules and regulations and a safety policy that will be followed by all hands. Enforcement includes reprimanding violators of safety rules, frequent inspections to determine adherence to rules, and continuous follow-up procedures to determine WHY THERE ARE VIOLATORS. Supervisors must enforce safety rules without fear or favor. Safety consciousness and the will of the worker to aid in preventing accidents lies with the supervisors. Supervisors must not jeopardize cooperation in safety by inconsistency in enforcement. PLANNING FOR ADVANCED BASE OR FORWARD AREA OPERATIONS AME Chiefs must be able to prepare for advanced base or forward area operations without sacrificing the safety program. They must estimate aircraft spare parts and supplies, equipment, and manpower requirements for aviation structural repair. In determining requirements for forward or advance base operations, consider the following: 1. Safety 2. Mission 3. Environment 4. Operating Factors 5. The availability of existing facilities A knowledge of the material and manpower requirements listed in the Advanced Base Initial Outfitting Lists of Functional Components will be very helpful. The functional component is one of more than 300 standardized units of the system that the Navy has developed to enable it to build and operate its advanced bases in the least possible time and with minimum expenditure of planning and logistic effort. A functional component is a list of the requirements for the performance of a specific 1-3