Air carrier maintenance team reported oxygen generators that had been misinstalled in the cabin were reinstalled by other technicians using improper procedures. Several generators were damaged and left unsecured on the aircraft.
Synopsis
Air carrier maintenance team reported oxygen generators that had been misinstalled in the cabin were reinstalled by other technicians using improper procedures. Several generators were damaged and left unsecured on the aircraft.
Narrative
On Day 0 I was sent on a field trip to ZZZ along with 3 other AMT's to work on Aircraft X on a logbook deferral sheet for cabin passenger service unit (PSU) emergency oxygen generators containers installed with wrong configuration throughout the cabin. Originally 9 right hand oxygen generator containers had been installed on left hand side of aircraft; and 11 left hand oxygen generator containers on the right hand side of the aircraft. Me and my field trip crew from ZZZ1 had agreed with Maintenance Control to properly replace the misinstalled emergency oxygen generator containers previously mentioned with new units effective to aircraft and proper position per company manual drawing XXXXXXXXXX; in accordance with Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) XX-XX-XX for emergency oxygen generator container replacement and AMM XX-XX-XY for emergency oxygen generator replacement in order to safely perform the task. However; during our rest time in the hotel; the ZZZ base manager and crew chief instructed AMT's to swap generator containers from wrong location to the correct one. This task was performed on an extremely unsafe condition due to the absence of safety ring part number (PN) XXXXXXXXXXXXXX and insertion tool pin PN XXXXXX required on step X of procedure Y of AMM XX-XX-XY-XXX-XXX-X. Running into the risk of inadvertently activated the emergency oxygen generators and cause personnel injury or equipment damage; as this oxygen generators will get extremely hot when activated. This actions from the ZZZ crew also created unnecessary work as the emergency oxygen generator-container assembly on locations X; Y; and Z had to be replaced after the ZZZ crew damaged them. The 3 unserviceable O2 generator- container assembly were found by us (the ZZZ1 field trip crew) just laying on the aircraft floor unattended without safety pin on generators; on my opinion a very risky action.Cause -This actions were mainly caused due to the orders of the ZZZ base maintenance managers along with the crew chief involved on this manner with the motive of getting the aircraft back in service quicker than expected.Suggestions - Follow AMM and safety procedures to prevent accidents. Managers should follow company procedures even when it makes the job a bit more time consuming.
Second reporter narrative
It was discovered Aircraft X passenger oxygen units were incorrectly configured; preventing possible O2 in the event of emergency. As a result of ZZZ lack of station manpower. A road trip from ZZZ1 to ZZZ was created. Upon arrival Day 0 to Aircraft X we were given a written and a verbal turnover at which point the aircraft should have only been maintenance manager giving orders and ZZZ1 maintenance working the issue. However; that was the not the case. After we left the airport for our contractual 7hr rest periods. We return to the airport Day 1 approximately XA30 to receive the news that local management cancel maintenance manager orders of new parts and tools then instructed ZZZ AMT's on shift to swap out the existing passenger oxygen unit L & R's as required with non in stock at ZZZ...The ZZZ AMT(s) complied and signed off all open discrepancies. Unfortunately because they didn't follow the Airbus Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) XX-XX-XY-XXX-XXX task Y step X stating to install safety ring with flag they accidentally discharged 3 oxygen units in the process. The AMT's created 3 additional discrepancies stating they found 3 'damaged units' .The Airbus AMM calls out for safety pin that company does not own. The oxygen generators are extremely dangerous unit if mishandled thus why maintenance manager ordered the parts that local management later cancelled. ZZZ management disregard for their AMT's safety for their own self interest. ZZZ management instructed they're mechanics to perform work in an unsafe manner. The company maintenance ZZZ exhibits unsafe practices that need to be addressed before someone gets hurt; injured or worse. Cause - I believe ZZZ management interference after they request the road trip.Suggestions - Stricter consequences and or disciplinary for individual(s) with a repeated of history of poor decision making
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.