EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Maintenance Apprentice; Maintenance Airframe
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Human Factors; Procedure
I just became aware that I may have received an EMK (Emergency Medical Kit) or kits that were incomplete. Also I may have inadvertently given my employees misinformation in reference to receiving the kits.[In the past] we had several cases of EMKs missing Atropine or Dextrose. At that time we knew about the issue ahead of time. The missing items were listed on the FAA form 8130-3. We had an EA (Exemption Authorization) from the company authorizing us to install the kits with missing items as well as and FAA exemption letter. A few weeks ago; maybe a month; one of the inspectors brought it to my attention that an EMK had a yellow seal on it as well as a green seal. (Normally they come with just a green seal). The inspector asked me what that meant. I said 'I am not sure what does the 8130 say'. We looked at the 8130 and it stated the kit had been refurbished and there was no mention of missing items. I instructed him to go ahead and receive it because the signed FAA document (8130-3) said it was good. Also; we both remembered back in [the past] there were missing items that it was documented on the form at that time. So; in effect I guess you could say I set a precedence for the EMK receiving process then; to receive them if the 8130-3 for did not mention anything missing. So; through the last month or so we were receiving the EMK kits thinking that they were fine. Until last week when we received three kits that had the yellow tabs AND an FAA exemption letter in the box. The letter raised a red flag for us; so we put the three kits in quarantine; until we got clarification from the vendor. We found out today that we had; in fact; received incomplete kits.The vendor needs to document missing items on the 8130-3 form; or not send kits with missing items. I think they should also notify all other airlines that may be in the same situation as us.Anyone who receives parts needs to be aware that the yellow seal means 'do not receive'. Perhaps update the receiving/shelf life manual.
Performing my duties as an Inspector for [the air carrier] I received and made serviceable six Emergency Medical Kits over the period of [four months]. I followed established and approved procedures in CFR's; FAR's; [company's policy manual] as well as the [company] Shelf Life Database to determine their suitability and serviceability for our aircraft fleet.Today; it has come to my attention that one of these units shipped from our approved supplier; was not a complete unit. Apparently; certain required safety items that are contained within the units were omitted.During my examination of the paperwork provided by [the vendor] specifically the Form 8130-3 and my visual inspection; was there any indication of a shortcoming with any of these units. All of the units displayed a green serviceable factory seal placed on them by [the vendor] that was intact and showed no evidence of tampering.I determined at that time and with all the information available to me; that all of these units were correct and complete and made them serviceable for use on our aircraft.Lack of documentation provided by the vendor allowed incomplete emergency equipment to be installed and potentially used on our aircraft.
Maintenance personnel reported that they received emergency medical kits that were incomplete.