High-flying protection
May 10th 2007 In AIRBUS's Toulouse-Blagnac airport zone in France the company relies on the protection of DuPont TYVEK and TYCHEM coveralls in paint spraying and aircraft maintenance and inspection applications.
TYVEK - excellent protection in paint spraying applications
Within the Clement Ader site teams of eight people spend up to a week spraying 3-6 coats of paint onto each AIRBUS A320 aircraft.
To minimise risk of occupational injury or ill-health from exposure to any hazardous substances in the paint, the AIRBUS A320 paint shop is equipped with sophisticated venting and air renewal systems. Filtered, dust free air is vented through a blower positioned at the highest point of the building, and visible safety instructions remind painters of the number of workers that may be stationed on each scaffolding platform and the maximum weight permitted.
The personal protective equipment worn by painters in this area includes DuPont TYVEK Classic Plus coverall with integrated thumb loops, powered respirator, safety gloves and safety footwear. As the painters’ work involves them reaching over the guard-rails with their arms permanently outstretched, the thumb loop attached to the sleeve of the coverall ensures that the sleeves stay in place underneath the safety gloves. Because the sleeves do not ride up, as was the case with previous coveralls, the suit is comfortable. The TYVEK Classic Plus coverall gives excellent protection from liquid splashes and mists, and is compatible with the ventilated respirators, gloves and safety footwear worn by the painters.
TYCHEM F – chemical protection for people working in hazardous environments
In another area of the Clement Ader site, the AIRBUS A340 aircraft is built and assembled. AIRBUS inspectors and their customers’ counterparts rely on DuPont TYCHEM F coveralls with integrated socks to protect them from coming into contact with sealants and greasy substances used during manufacturing and testing.
Preventative and maintenance tests on the aircraft include inspection of the wings after simulated flight tests, in which inspectors enter the wing area via small manholes that are closed with an airtight seal. The air tightness of the structural fuel tanks and pressurised cells is also tested. Seals of the manholes, fuel tanks and pressurised cells are made airtight using dual component polysulphide sealant, which offers excellent adhesion to aluminium, titanium, stainless steel and many other materials. This substance can be handled in complete safety, provided certain precautions are taken.
Providing an excellent fit, Dupont says the TYCHEM F garment with socks is ideal for wearing in tight spaces without restriction of movement. The garment is lightweight with self-adhesive double zip flaps, elastic face openings, stitched and overtaped seams and elasticated cuffs and ankles.
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