How should ground personnel operate safely near aircraft doors and fuselage panels?

• A. Avoid stepping on or near open doors; use designated walkways; maintain 3-point contact; use fall protection where required; and follow door warnings.
• B. Approach doors from any side, carry heavy loads.
• C. Lean on fuselage panels for support.
• D. Stand on the wing while doors are open.

Answer: (B)

Safe operation near aircraft doors and fuselage panels means controlling fall hazards, avoiding pinch points, and respecting door movement. You should stay on designated walkways, avoid stepping on or near doors that are open, and always follow door warnings. When you need to enter or move around the aircraft, use three points of contact on stairs or ladders and wear fall protection where required. This combination minimizes the risk of slips, trips, falls, and injuries from moving doors or fragile panels.

Carrying heavy loads while approaching a door, approaching from any side, leaning on fuselage panels, or standing on the wing with doors open creates serious hazards such as loss of balance, pinch points, or structural damage, so those actions aren’t acceptable.