Maintenance Powerplant; Maintenance Avionics; Maintenance Airframe
Maintenance Avionics 6; Maintenance Inspector 1; Maintenance Lead Technician 1; Maintenance Technician 2
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Chart Or Publication; Company Policy; Human Factors; Manuals
While working on Aircraft X; I was told to use an Engineering Repair Order (ERO) X to clean a contaminated insulation blanket; that goes inside the Electrical Equipment (E/E) compartment. When I tried to pull the ERO up on the computer system; the system said there was not one available. A Supervisor had to print it out from his e-mail so I could do my job. This ERO changes the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) from no cleaning with solvents allowed on insulation blankets; to using Naphtha (a highly flammable solvent) to clean insulation blankets. When cleaning the blankets I noticed wherever the Naphtha was applied; a shiny residue was left behind. I now know there is a regulation for the burn rate for the insulation and I believe the burn rate has now been damaged.
Reporter stated the Engineering Repair Order (ERO) affects all of their Aircraft X type fleet. He was told the new ERO procedures were going to be used system wide. The ERO changes the AMM from 'No cleaning of insulation blankets' to using Naphtha; a highly flammable fluid as an acceptable cleaner of insulation blankets for the entire aircraft; including blankets in the Electrical Equipment (E/E) bay/compartment. The Naphtha fluid also affects the Corrosion Inhibiting Compounds (CIC) that has been applied to the aircraft's interior side of the fuselage. Reporter stated he suspects the shiny residue left behind on the surface of the blankets after the Naphtha fluid dries; could accelerate a fire. He also believes the burn time could be impacted due to the affects of the Naphtha fluid on the fire retardant properties of the blankets.
A Contract Mechanic was directed to use an Engineering Order that allowed the use of Naphtha fluid; a highly flammable solvent; to clean their aircraft insulation blankets; including the blankets in the Electrical Equipment (E/E) compartment.