MASTER CORPORAL DANIEL HOWITT
MCpl. Howitt, an Aviation Technician working in 8 Air Maintenance Squadron, was passing through 5 Bay, 10 Hangar when he noticed what could have been a potential problem. He observed vehicles parked around an aircraft with open fuel tanks. As he approached the aircraft to pass on his safety concerns, he noticed that a non-fuel Tiger vacuum, stencilled with "NOT FOR FUEL USE" was in place to possibly de-puddle the aircraft. The non-fuel Tiger vacuum had a plastic hose attached and not the approved and grounded fuel Tiger vacuum hose. The non-fuel vacuum, which was configured for vacuuming dust, was missing vital safety attachments, such as grounding cables and static dissipation screens.
Realizing that he had come across a potential explosive situation, through the use of an unauthorized vacuum to de-puddle the tank, he immediately ordered all fuel cell maintenance to cease on the aircraft and notified his supervisor. If this had gone unnoticed and the maintenance crew used the vacuum to de-puddle the tanks, the results would have been catastrophic.
MCpl. Howitt's keen sense of responsibility and immediate action prevented a possible serious Flight Safety Incident.
MCpl. Howitt is still serving with 8 Air Maintenance Squadron, 8 Wing Trenton.
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