At the beginning of each assembly step, what is the best practice to follow?

The best practice at the beginning of each assembly step is to review the engineering drawing and work instructions. This step is vital because it ensures that the mechanic has a clear understanding of the specifications, tolerances, and assembly sequence required for the task at hand. The engineering drawings provide detailed information about part dimensions and orientations, as well as how different components fit together. Additionally, work instructions often include crucial notes about assembly procedures, material handling, and any specific techniques that should be employed. By reviewing these documents first, a mechanic can reduce the risk of errors and ensure that the assembly is completed in accordance with regulatory and company standards.

While reviewing previous steps, gathering tools, and checking for safety are all important practices, they are secondary to ensuring a solid understanding of what needs to be accomplished in the current step. Without this foundational knowledge provided by the engineering drawing and work instructions, even the best safety checks or tool preparations won't compensate for a lack of clarity on how to proceed with the assembly task.