The 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspection hangar floor received a new finish, which  reduced the risk of slipping, and vastly improved the effectiveness of hangar lighting. The reflective nature of the floor coatings fl increased visibility during inspections, and will allow the maintainers to see leaks and imperfections during the inspection of C-5 aircraft. The increased visibility in the hangar makes it a safer and more efficient work environment for the AMXS maintainers.  

Paint brings more light to inspection hangar

by Airman Steven Jorgenson
433rd Airlift Wing

7/6/2007 - LACKLAND AFB -- The 433rd Maintenance Squadron recently realized paint is a helpful substance. Especially when it is white and all over the hangar floor. But coating 74,000 square feet is no small project.  

The 433rd MXS hangar took on new light  on June 1, when contractors began a $254 thousand project. But why is a paint-job so expensive and what makes it worth the money? 

"When the floor was unfinished, it was nasty looking ... like a dungeon." said Senior Master Sgt. Gilbert Arbizu, Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor for the 433rd MXS.

The new coat of paint isn't just for looks.  The white paint maximizes hangar lighting and makes C-5 inspections more effective, according to Chief Master Sgt. Theodore Williams, 433rd MXS Flight Chief Superintendent.   "In comparison to the unpainted floor, I would say the reflection properties are at least 35 percent to 45 percent better," said Chief Williams. "You can actually see your shadow on the ground, which doesn't sound like much, but is a good indicator of how well the paint reflects light." 

Another bonus is an increase in workplace safety.  Before the floor was painted, condensation made the floor slippery, said Chief Williams. 

"We can now detect leaks [during inspections] a lot easier and spills don't get left behind for workers to slip on," said Sergeant Arbizu. "Also, the paint has some grit to prevent a slipping hazard." 

During the project, aircraft still needed work. The inspection and repair processes moved outside. Working outside presented new safety issues concerning work environment. 

A job safety analysis was performed, which "makes sure everything works," said Master Sgt. Bryan Price, 433rd Airlift Wing Safety and Occupational Health Specialist . According to Chief Williams, job safety analysis' identify possible safety deficiencies. Once identified, processes are put in place to avoid mishaps. 

Because of the job safety analysis, a couple of changes had to take place in the way things ran throughout the workday.  For example, workers couldn't work during hours of darkness because there wasn't adequate lighting, according to Sergeant Price.   Former indoor maintainers temporarily became overheated flight line maintainers, and were exposed to the elements.  "My guys were 'crying,'" joked Sergeant Arbizu, "- we had to set up the stands (scaffolding) outside, which took about all week." The biggest change was the addition of wind, along with my workers being exposed to the weather, said Chief Williams. 

Things ran smoothly in spite of the work center change. "Everybody did a good job and nobody had to see the doctor," said Sergeant Arbizu.    The floor was completed on June 8.    Not much remains to be finished on this project. However, Chief Williams is aiming for another project. 

"I don't know when, but additional lighting will be installed," said Chief Williams.
It seems work never ceases at the MXS hangar. There are always C-5's roaring overhead and maintenance crews working around the clock. But now, the hangar will be a brighter and safer workplace.