Knowledge of Equipment
Each piece of equipment used in the Navy is
designed to perform a specific function. For example,
material handling equipment can safely handle a
specified maximum load and operate under specified
conditions. You create a potential hazard when you use
equipment beyond its rated capacity or for other than its
intended purpose. You must use a piece of equipment
only for the purpose for which it is designed. As an
example, when handling flammable gases, you must use
the electric-powered and spark-enclosed equipment.
Equipment must be in proper operating condition.
The operators must ensure that the equipment is
mechanically safe. Operators must report all unsafe
equipment conditions to the supervisor for correction or
replacement. Equipment operators should also
familiarize themselves with the layout of the area they
are working in. Some of the factors to consider in the
layout are distance of travel, type of terrain, elevation
changes, and aisles. The greater the distance traveled or
the rougher the terrain, the greater the potential for
accidents. Changes in elevation involve extra handling
and increases the potential for accidents. Narrow aisles,
turns and jogs in aisles, and protruding objects also are
safety hazards.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND
CLOTHING
The use of safety equipment and clothing provide
extra protection to personnel. The following text
describes some of the items that you can use to protect
yourself while working.
Synthetic Rubber Gloves
You must wear synthetic rubber gloves for
protection when handling ordinary commercial
concentrations of harmful chemicals, petroleum
products, or chlorinated solvents.
Natural Rubber Gloves
You must wear natural rubber gloves when handling
high concentrations of acids and alkalis, organic
solvents, or highly toxic or corrosive chemicals. DO
NOT use this type of glove for protection against
petroleum products and chlorinated solvents.
General-Purpose Work Gloves
You must wear general-purpose work gloves for
protection against cuts or abrasions when handling
sharp or rough material. These gloves are made from
leather material that cover the palm, thumb, and index
finger areas. When using gloves with leather parts, make
sure the leather parts do not become greasy.
Hoods, Aprons, Sleeves, and Suits
You must wear hoods, aprons, sleeves, or suits made
from natural or synthetic rubber or acid-resisting
rubberized cloth when handling acid.
Rubber-framed Goggles
You must use rubber framed goggles to protect your
eyes against smoke, gas, fine dust, mists, and sprays of
liquid or substances.
Spectacle Goggles
You must wear spectacle goggles with side shields
for protection against flying particles of dust, chips, and
machine cuttings.
Protective Helmet
You must wear a helmet for protection against
falling or flying objects. While working in cramped
places, you must wear a helmet to protect you from
bumps against hard objects. A helmet is mandatory
when you are working in a shipyard or in areas where
you are hoisting and lifting materials.
Safety Shoes
You must wear authorized safety shoes while
working in foot-hazardous areas.
SAFE STORAGE RULES
Good housekeeping practices are essential to safety
as well as to efficient storage operations. Storage areas
maintained in a clean and orderly condition can prevent
many potential accidents and fires. Adequate lighting in
storage areas decreases the hazards of accidents and
enhances personnel health and morale. Place and secure
storage materials in a safe manner that will prevent them
from shifting or falling. Stack pallet loads with 2 inches
of clearance on both sides to prevent dislocation of
adjacent units.
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