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sprocket · 19th Apr 2001, 14:52

In light of past news regarding the health hazard caused by the use of Depleted Uranium in modern weaponry (secondary hazard that is).
It has occurred to me that at least one helicopter manufacturer uses DU in its M/Rotor balance weights (I’m 99% sure). Maintenance engineer/mechanics, would come into physical contact with these weights on a regular basis during the course of normal maintenance, not even including hub balancing. Also pilots, when doing their preflights would most likely come into physical contact with these weights, as well.

I guess I should first be asking, can anybody confirm that DU is in fact the material used in any of these balance weights? Then if so, how safe is it to handle?

It may be a subject that little is known, but I feel it could be an important question to ask.

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sprocket: .. No standards? Nooo problems!

[This message has been edited by sprocket (edited 19 April 2001).]

19th Apr 2001, 14:52	#1 (permalink)
sprocket Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: The Daylight Saving Free Zone Posts: 555	Depleted Uranium In light of past news regarding the health hazard caused by the use of Depleted Uranium in modern weaponry (secondary hazard that is). It has occurred to me that at least one helicopter manufacturer uses DU in its M/Rotor balance weights (I’m 99% sure). Maintenance engineer/mechanics, would come into physical contact with these weights on a regular basis during the course of normal maintenance, not even including hub balancing. Also pilots, when doing their preflights would most likely come into physical contact with these weights, as well. I guess I should first be asking, can anybody confirm that DU is in fact the material used in any of these balance weights? Then if so, how safe is it to handle? It may be a subject that little is known, but I feel it could be an important question to ask. ------------------ sprocket: .. No standards? Nooo problems! [This message has been edited by sprocket (edited 19 April 2001).]