A321
Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Powerplant
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft; Procedure
I have been informed by a line cargo safety rep; that they have been told (and he has furnished me with an alert bulletin); that if the cargo compartment doors on the airbus fleet are inoperative (Hyd system on MEL; and or unable to open); that they are to open the door manually. This being said; I believe this puts them at danger; and anyone unloading and loading the aircraft in danger; because they do not have access to our AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual) and are not qualified on the aircraft. The AMM is clear on what needs to be done (safety measures; such as writing down the time of opening; and also installing hold open locks.) I would request that the company would cease (reconsider) this process; in the best (championing) interest of safety for all employees involved; and also to prevent possible aircraft damage. I have supplied the alert bulletin; as well as the AMM references. Have AMT's open the cargo doors; in case of them not being operative!
The reporter stated that this is a SAFETY ISSUE. The reporter stated that when the hydraulic system for the cargo doors is inoperative it requires personnel to follow the procedure in the AMM by a qualified mechanic. The reporter also stated that contract Maintenance is called on when the Aircraft is at an off line station to perform this task. When the aircraft is at a maintenance facility and mechanics are available the cargo crew open the cargo door themselves and they are not qualified to do so. The reporter stated that if the Maintenance Manual is not followed precisely the cargo door can fall and cause injury.
A maintenance technician reported that non maintenance personnel are hand pumping open Airbus cargo doors when the hydraulic system for the cargo doors is deferred per the MEL.