Which safety measure is essential for personal protection when performing landing gear maintenance?

• A. Wheel chocks
• B. De-energize hydraulics
• C. Chock wheels
• D. Wear PPE

Answer: (D)

Wearing personal protective equipment provides direct protection to the technician from the hazards encountered during landing gear work, such as exposure to high-pressure hydraulic fluid, pinch points, sharp edges, hot surfaces, and flying debris. PPE like safety glasses or a face shield, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, hearing protection, and safety boots reduces the risk of injury in these situations. Other safety steps, such as placing wheel chocks to prevent movement or de-energizing hydraulics to reduce system hazards, are important controls for safeguarding the gear and the operation, but they protect the equipment and process rather than directly shielding the person. Because personal protection is the primary safeguard in a hands-on maintenance task, wearing PPE is the essential measure.