Flight Crew Type 6000
Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure
We were experiencing a maintenance delay on our flight. As we were getting close to our new departure time; a Flight Attendant told us the mid galley chiller had shut off twice. We notified maintenance; who apparently deferred the chiller. A new maintenance release was generated. We wanted to make sure there was dry ice for the food in the chiller (or that the chiller was empty); so I spoke with the Flight Attendant in the mid galley. She informed me that the mechanic had told her to use the chiller; and to pull and collar the circuit breaker before arrival. In complete disbelief of what I heard (and having concern for the safety of the operation); I relayed that information to the Captain. The Captain and I went to the mid galley and confirmed that the circuit breaker was in fact in [contrary to] the Minimum Equipment List. We created a new writeup highlighting the incorrect maintenance action; and called for the jet way and a mechanic. The circuit breaker was pulled and collared; a new maintenance release generated; and we were underway. On taxiout; we had another maintenance issue that required a return to gate (L HYD QTY). At this point; we were out of duty time and the flight cancelled. After the passengers got off; we were leaving the aircraft and overheard one mechanic tell another to make sure you pull the data and voice recorders. I do not know who told them to pull the voice recorder; but there was no accident or incident; and the FARs are clear that the voice recorder can not be used for anything other than that. These two separate incidents on this flight lead me to question the oversight and leadership on the maintenance side of our operation.
When a defect was identified with the galley chiller; maintenance utilized the MEL and deferred the system.  A Flight Attendant reported to the flight crew that maintenance personnel had suggested using the equipment and pulling the circuit breaker prior to arrival; in contradiction with the MEL. The flight crew had the system properly deactivated prior to departure.  After returning to the gate for an unrelated maintenance issue; the flight crew reported overhearing maintenance personnel discuss pulling the circuit breakers for the flight recorder and voice recorders for an unknown reason.