Foreign Object Damage

Foreign Object Debris, Foreign Object Damage, or FOD. Cleanliness is the first step in ensuring avoidable injuries and damages. FOD is any object, particle, substance, debris, or agent that is not where it is supposed to be, and:

• • In a manufacturing or similar environment , could contaminate the product or otherwise undermine the quality control standards,or injure personnel.

Examples of foreign object debris include:

• • Tools, parts, cords, and loose hardware

  • Paper, paper clips,pens, coin, boxes, glass, and badges

  • Trash, food wrappers, and beverage containers.

  • Towels, and gloves

  • Humans.

Because yes, even people can become debris, if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Foreign object damage is damage caused by foreign object debris that compromises the quality, functionality or economic value of a manufactured item. For instance, a piece of FOD at the wrong place at the wrong time can damage delicate components when strapped inside of an equipment housing (e.g. Screws in laptop). FOD also has the potential to injure employees and others.

In order to avoid FOD your stations need to be kept clean which means:

• • All trash needs to be thrown away in the proper bins

  • All tools need to be kept organized in toolbox

  • All boxes and device organized and kept out of the walk way

  • Floors swept daily to avoid accumulation of dust and glass

  • All unnecessary clothing items are kept in lockers.

  • All beverage containers need to be kept closed

  • All cords should be properly organized and put away.

  • All food items, that could come in contact with devices, should be kept in toolboxes or in breakroom.

  • All screw and parts should be kept organized to avoid damaging the device or parts.