When exposed to the atmosphere, fluorocarbon
vapors will accumulate in low spaces unless local
ventilation is provided. Since these vapors are heavier
than air, they can displace oxygen. Inhaling vapors at
high concentrations (4,500 ppm or greater) will cause
dizziness or narcosis. If fluorocarbon vapors displace
oxygen, suffocation occurs.
When handling fluorocarbon refrigerants and
solvents, wear the following PPE:
Rubber gloves
Safety splash goggles
Protective clothing
In addition, if vapors accumulate over 1,000 ppm, wear
an OBA or air-line respirator; and notify the gas free
engineer.
REVIEW 2 QUESTIONS
Q1. When you are working with solvents, what does
the term ventilation mean?
Q2. List the protective equipment you should wear
when handling acid or caustic cleaners.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Q3. How must the material and rags used to clean up
a solvent spill be treated?
Q4. List two types of respirators used by Sailors
when handling solvents.
a.
b.
Q5. What causes most fires in paint and solvent
storage areas?
Q6. List the symptoms personnel might have when
working in a compartment having bad air?
a.
b.
c.
d.
PAINTING AND PRESERVATION
Learning Objectives: When you finish this chapter,
you will be able to—
Identify the equipment and procedures used for
surface preparation.
Identify types of paint and recognize their use.
Recall fixtures, devices, and surfaces that should
not be painted.
Recall painting safety precautions.
Recall methods used when painting to include
care of brushes and rollers.
The Navy uses from 25 to 30 million gallons of all
types of paint a year. Roughly 20 million gallons are
used for preservation, some of which you will apply.
Paintbrush purchases also run into millions of dollars. It
is no exaggeration to state that millions of man-hours a
year are expended in cleaning, chipping, and painting.
To paint a ship’s exterior with one coat takes 20
gallons on a tugboat, 50 gallons on a submarine, and as
much as 950 gallons on a carrier. The average basic
18-10
Student Notes:
