The following article is taken from the AMA National Newsletter.
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This article is by R.W. Stuart.

PROP SAFETY

The terms "safe" and "safety" are many times used to define each other; safety is the process of making something safe, and safe is the result of applying safety. So let's try to more precisely define both safe and safety.

Since lack of safety results in accident or harm, lack of safety must increase the hazard of an activity. The embryonic practice of safety is to recognize the hazards. Once we know the hazards, we develop strategies which avoid these hazards. When this is done we are safe or less unsafe. If we go hazard by hazard and discuss ways to avoid any particular hazard, we might be able to avoid an accident or harm.

One of the most obvious problems is the rotating prop which can cause massive trauma of fingers, shins, knees, and upper "inside leg." There are some rather tender areas up there. Either the airplane moves in on you or you move in on the airplane. A strong dependable tether will prevent the plane from approaching you if you accidentally "goose" the throttle, loose your hold on the plane, or any number of similar accidents. You will not move into the airplane if you avoid any motion of hands toward the running engine for any reason and if you move off to one side as you stand up - us old bats are not too stable as we stand up. All adjustments, as well as removing the glow driver, are done carefully from the back where a slight "tick" throws your finger away from the prop instead of pulling it in.

Take your transmitter as you go to the rear of the plane and after tuning, return to idle, remove the tether, and wheelbarrow the plane to the flight line. Small planes carried to the flight line are real little hornets and require special attention - the little engines are finger rippers also. Incidentally, the tether itself is a bit of a hazard - I stuck my foot in the loop of mine and tore a calf muscle trying to avoid falling on the airplane.

Proper maintenance, battery care, range checks and all such have been discussed by others and I would suggest only that you respect all aspects of safety. Be careful of shorting both lead-acid batteries and NiCd batteries, since both have the short current capability of starting fires. A lead-acid battery shorting on a metal fuel container may become a real bomb. Realize that it is possible for an engine to fire when the glow plug is applied or to fire when cranked even without a glow plug. Ignition engines may fire any time they are cranked through.

Establishing a routine which is always repeated is a good strategy to avoid trouble. Pit in the same area in general and do exactly the same thing on each flying cycle which prevents forgetting important things like removing the glow plug, and provides automatic repeating motions. Discourage help from others while operating your engine in order to avoid distraction, and keep the space around your little snorter free of potential "victims." Instructors should emphasize the actions which relate to safety; reach high and wide around a running engine, not to keep yourself clear, but to impress your student with the need to clear the running engine. The only prop hit I have taken in the last 15 years was the result of breaking my normal routine. Two six-inch scars were the result.

Constantly be aware of the hazards of RC and provide yourself with strategies and a routine which will avoid the hazards.

from LCRC News & Views
Stan Lewandowski, editor
slew@erienet.net