What should be avoided when handling protective devices to prevent them becoming FOD?

When handling protective devices, it is crucial to avoid leaving them unsecured. Unsecured items are more likely to get misplaced or dislodged during normal operations, which can lead to them becoming foreign objects that pose a hazard. This is particularly important in aviation and maintenance environments where even small items can cause significant damage or jeopardize safety.

Ensuring protective devices are properly secured mitigates the risk of them becoming foreign object debris (FOD). FOD can cause mechanical issues, disrupt operations, and even lead to accidents if they interfere with critical systems or components.

Other options may have their own considerations; for example, using protective devices as supports may strain them or lead to misuse, and wrapping them in heavy materials could impede their functionality. However, these issues are secondary to the immediate risk posed by leaving devices unsecured, which is a direct pathway to FOD contamination.