What is essential to do before placing any aircraft material onto a workbench?

Thoroughly brushing the workbench down before placing any aircraft materials onto it is essential because it helps to ensure a clean and safe workspace. Removing debris, dust, or contaminants from the surface is crucial in aerospace applications, as even minor contaminants can compromise the integrity of materials. A clean workbench helps prevent unnecessary wear, protects sensitive components, and minimizes the risk of introducing foreign objects into assemblies, which may lead to failures or safety issues in flight.

While using oil might seem beneficial for some applications, it can actually contaminate materials and cause issues with adhesion and bonding. Measuring the temperature could be relevant for specific materials or processes, but it is not a general prerequisite for ensuring the cleanliness of the workspace. Proper lighting is important for visibility while working, but it does not directly contribute to the cleanliness of the work area. Thus, the cleaning of the workbench is the most fundamental step to ensure a safe and effective working environment in aerospace operations.