SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR USE WITH PNEUMATIC TOOLS – GENERAL When using pneumatic tools, you should use the following procedures: You should wear and use necessary personnel protective devices. Pneumatic tools shall not be connected to, or driven by, air pressure in excess of that for which the tools are designed. The wearing of appropriate eye protection equipment is mandatory for Navy personnel when operating pneumatic tools. You should be authorized and trained to operate pneumatic tools. Pneumatic tools should be laid down in such a manner that no ham can be done if the switch is accidently tripped. No idle tools should be left in a standing position. Pneumatic tools should be kept in good operating condition. They should be thoroughly inspected at regular intervals with particular attention given to the ON-OFF control valve trigger guard (if installed), hose connections, guide clips on hammers, and the chucks of reamers and drills. Pneumatic tools and air lines may be fitted with quick-disconnect fittings. These should incorporate an automatic excess-flow shutoff valve. This valve automatically shuts off the air at the air lines before changing grinding wheels, needles, chisels, or other cutting or drilling bits. The air hose must be suitable to withstand the pressure required for the tool. A leaking or defective hose should be removed from service. The hose should not be laid over ladders, steps, scaffolds, or walkways in such a manner as to create a tripping hazard. Where the hose is run through doorways, the hose should be protected against damage by the doors’ edges. The air hose should generally be elevated over walkways or working surfaces in a manner to permit clear passage and to prevent damage to it. All portable pneumatic grinders must be equipped with a safety lock-off device. A safety lock-off device is any operating control that requires positive action by the operator before the tools can be turned on. The lock-off device must automatically and positively lock the throttle in the OFF position when the throttle is released. Two consecutive operations by the same hand are required, first to disengage the lock-off device and then to turn on the throttle. The lock-off device should be integral with the tool. It should not adversely affect the safety or operating characteristics of the tools, and it should not be easily removable. Devices, such as a “dead-man control,” that do not automatically and positively lock the throttle in the OFF position when the throttle is released are not safety lock-off devices. For detailed information on safet y precautions, see OPNAVINST 5100.19 (latest series), Navy Safety precautions for Forces Afloat, or NAVAIR Al-NAOSH-SAF-000/P-5100-1, Technical Manual NAVAIROSH Requirements for the Shore Establishment. SAFETY– SPECIFIC In operating or maintaining air-driven tools, take the following precautionary measures to protect yourself and others from the damaging effects of compressed air: Inspect the air hose for cracks or other defects; replace the hose if found defective. WARNING Before opening the control valve, see that nearby personnel are not in the path of the airflow. Never point the hose at another person. Open the control valve momentarily before connecting an air hose to the compressed air outlet. Then, make sure the hose is clear of water and other foreign material by connecting it to the outlet and again opening the valve momentarily. Stop the flow of air to a pneumatic tool by closing the control valve at the compressed air outlet before connecting, disconnecting, adjusting, or repairing a pneumatic tool. MAINTENANCE AIDS As an ABE you will be required to read blueprints and drawings during the performance of many maintenance actions required to maintain the operational readiness of the catapults and the arresting gear engines. As you advance in rating you may also be required to make sketches and drawings, which will assist you in the training of less-experienced 1-42