No Aircraft
Maintenance Powerplant
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Chart Or Publication; Equipment / Tooling; Human Factors; Procedure
On; or about August 2014; I informed Section X Swing shift Management of an apparent Job Instruction Card (JIC) noncompliance with regard to the Low Pressure Turbine (LPT) lifting fixture. Also; further investigation revealed a possible problem with regard to arbor indexing (180 degree) for balance. The JIC; (JIC number can be obtained through Lead Mechanic; as this author is no longer in Section X); clearly stipulates when transitioning the Low Pressure Turbine (LPT); the Spool connections and spreader bar are to be used. However; it has been observed; and it is common Shop practice; to use a three cabled sling on the three lifting points; designed for the fixture only; not the fixture and LPT together (1800 lbs). These points have not been load-tested for this weight. Furthermore; it is unclear when indexing the arbor; whether the Spool connections and spreader bar are required; the three cabled sling is used by Shop personnel; and this presents the same predicament as previously described. The problem is further exacerbated on the PW2000 commercial side; where the height of the hoist provides insufficient clearance to abide by the correct JIC procedure when transitioning the LPT from the Shop floor to the build fixture atop the work platform. Local Management advised they would have the LPT fixture load-tested to possibly accommodate the three cable sling; and shorter chains would be installed on the spreader bar. However; as of this typing; Shop personnel have continued with this incorrect and unsafe operation; and it's further evident management has allowed the practice to continue unabated.  Re-design the LPT lifting fixture to accommodate the three cabled sling; more robust attach points are necessary to carry the 1800 lb load. Accomplishing this will negate the need for shorter chains on the spreader bar. I am happy to assist.
An Engine Shop Technician informs Swingshift Management about an apparent Job Instruction Card (JIC) non-compliance issue involving PW-2000 Engine Low Pressure Turbine (LPT) lifting fixture. Contrary to the JIC; use of a three cabled sling has become a common Shop practice; even though the three cabled sling has not been load tested for the combined weight of the fixture and LPT.