During maintenance, what is a common hazard that technicians must be aware of?

Electrical shock from live wires is a significant hazard that technicians must be acutely aware of during maintenance activities. This danger arises because aviation maintenance often involves working with various electrical systems and components that can carry high voltage. If technicians do not take proper precautions, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment or ensuring systems are de-energized before beginning work, they can easily be exposed to live electrical currents.

Understanding the risks associated with electrical systems is essential for maintaining safety. Technicians must be trained to recognize the signs of electrical hazards and to use tools like insulated gloves or mats when working on or near electrical components. Awareness of this hazard allows technicians to implement safety measures that minimize the risk of injury, ensuring a safe working environment during aircraft maintenance.

The other options, while they may present risks in specific contexts, do not represent the common hazards faced during routine maintenance to the same degree as electrical shock. For example, detachment of control surfaces is typically more of a consequence of improper maintenance rather than a direct hazard encountered during maintenance procedures. High altitudes pose a risk primarily for flight operations rather than maintenance on the ground, and a lack of communication can hinder safety but does not inherently present a physical danger like electrical shock does.