Safely Navigating the Dangers of Working at Heights in the Aviation Industry

The Importance of Aircraft Maintenance

Safety is a non-negotiable priority in the aviation industry, especially when working at height. Maintenance crews, engineers, and technicians routinely operate at significant heights to service and inspect aircraft in hangars, often contending with challenging angles, complex equipment, and the vast non-linear structures of the planes themselves. In an industry where aircraft maintenance requires precise attention to detail, safety is paramount. The stakes are exceptionally high—one misstep or equipment failure can have serious consequences for the individuals working on the aircraft and the safety of future passengers and flight crew.

The high-risk nature of these tasks is compounded by the need for precision in tight spaces, often with limited stability. Ensuring that personnel are adequately protected by suitable fall arrest systems, platforms, and secure access solutions is crucial—not only to comply with regulations but to preserve lives and maintain the industry's stringent safety standards. In a field where meticulousness and accuracy save lives, the importance of working at height safety cannot be overstated.

Aircraft Size and Shape: The Challenges

The varied shapes and sizes of aircraft present unique challenges when it comes to accessing all areas safely and efficiently. These challenges make working at height an almost unavoidable aspect of aviation maintenance, especially when aircraft are parked in aircraft hangars. The aircraft's intricate structures and the vast space required to move around them bring significant risks that must be managed effectively.

Working at Height in Aircraft Hangars

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) every year receives reports of workers in the aviation industry injuring themselves after falling from a height. Many incidents occur during aircraft maintenance, especially when entering or exiting the aircraft, or when working on or from servicing equipment located in plane hangars or aircraft hangars.

The hazards and risks involved in aviation maintenance work are often like those found in construction. However, the nonlinear shape of aircraft and the intricate maintenance tasks employed by technicians to avoid damaging the surface or structure of the aircraft pose additional risks to their safety. Working at height in aircraft hangars is a significant risk and should be taken seriously.

Employer Responsibility

Whether working at height is a one-off task or part of an engineer's day-to-day routine, a risk assessment must be carried out to identify any risks associated with the task, so that suitable precautions, such as overhead fall protection systems, can be implemented accordingly.

It is a legal requirement for employers to ensure that equipment such as ladders, platforms, and overhead fall arrest tracks used to facilitate working at height minimize the risk of falling and offer sufficient protection to workers.

What Equipment Can I Use for Working at Height Safely, While Carrying Out Aircraft Maintenance?

1. Ladders

   Ladders are cost-effective and quick to set up, making them ideal for short and light tasks. However, they offer limited stability and reach, and come with a higher likelihood of falls, especially when working at height in aircraft hangars. There's nowhere for engineers to store their tools, and they can be uncomfortable for prolonged use.

2. Tower Scaffolds

   Tower scaffolds offer more stability than ladders and are ideal for high or extended tasks. They allow engineers to bring their tools up with them and reduce worker fatigue. However, they can be time-consuming to set up, less mobile, and take up significant floor space in plane hangars.

3. Access Platforms

   Access platforms from Simplified Safety UK are purpose-built to prioritize safety, stability, and ease of use, making them an ideal choice for aviation maintenance tasks within aircraft hangars. Designed with durable, non-slip surfaces and protective guardrails, our platforms reduce the risk of falls and ensure a secure working environment. These platforms offer adjustable height options to reach multiple areas of the aircraft, making them versatile for a wide range of tasks. The spacious, stable work surface supports tool and equipment storage, minimising unnecessary climbing and repositioning while reducing worker fatigue and enhancing productivity.

4. Overhead Fall Arrest Systems

   Simplified Safety’s overhead fall arrest systems, including the industry-leading Kee Track, provide continuous, reliable overhead fall protection designed specifically to maximise worker safety and efficiency. Kee Track allows workers to move freely along the track’s length, giving them access to various areas of the aircraft without sacrificing security. With a secure overhead anchor, workers can operate hands-free, improving productivity and task accuracy.

   Kee Track stands out as a superior fall protection solution for several reasons. Engineered for easy installation, Kee Track requires no welding or on-site fabrication, saving time and reducing labour costs. Compatible with most aircraft hangars, it attaches to existing purlins to maximize valuable floor space—ideal for busy aviation environments. As a rigid lifeline system, Kee Track exceeds industry safety standards, ensuring you maintain compliance effortlessly.

   If you’re unfamiliar with fall protection systems, our knowledgeable team is here to help you every step of the way. Our sales specialists can walk you through system configurations, help with installation planning, and even visit your site to assess your needs firsthand. At Simplified Safety, we’re committed to delivering the right solutions to keep your team safe while working at height in aircraft hangars.

Conclusion

In the high-stakes environment of aircraft maintenance, every safety decision can make a profound difference. Choosing the right equipment for each specific task – whether it's ladders for brief inspections, scaffolding for extended work, or overhead fall arrest systems for comprehensive protection – can significantly reduce the risks faced by maintenance crews working at height. However, equipment alone isn’t enough. A proactive, thorough safety plan that assesses each unique worksite and job requirement is essential to protecting workers and ensuring a secure maintenance environment.

As the aviation industry continues to advance, so too must our commitment to safety. Employers and safety officers must stay vigilant, conducting regular risk assessments and investing in updated safety measures to match evolving needs. By prioritising both the right equipment and comprehensive planning, we can ensure that working at height in aircraft hangars is as safe as possible – keeping maintenance teams protected and setting a standard for industry-wide safety.