BLUF: Warnings, cautions and notes in every TM keep you safe while performing maintenance so read them and heed them.
Photo by Spc. Adam Parent
This article initially appeared in PS 704 (Jul 11), p. 26.
Not reading the warnings, cautions and notes of a particular maintenance procedure puts you, your buddies and your equipment in harm’s way.
Reading and heeding all warnings, cautions and notes ensures you remain safe and the equipment stays fully mission capable.
When you read warnings, you’ll find out how to prevent injury or death to yourself and others. For example, if you’re adjusting your AH-64’s radar altimeter in the avionics bay, your hands must go into the bay while the vaneaxial fan spins. The IETM warning tells you to be cautious of the exposed vaneaxial fan blades. Those who don’t take heed stand to lose a finger or two.
When you read cautions and follow them to the letter, you’ll prevent damage to your equipment. For example, when working on your Black Hawk main landing gear wheel, the caution tells you not to drop the bearings while removing the wheel.
When you read notes, you’ll learn that they highlight important operations and maintenance. Overlooking a note could cause you to miss a step, waste time and effort or jeopardize safety. For example, TM 1-1500-204-23-9 (Jul 92), General Aircraft Maintenance, highlights exactly where to measure sheet metal using the sheet metal tool and wire gauge.
The next time you come across a warning, caution or note, read and heed them.
Editor's note: This article has been updated from the original to bring it current and for accuracy and clarity.