Fiberglass isn’t totally safe to work with. Certainsafety precautions must be observed when working withor around fiberglass. If fiberglass is cut or ground, a finedust is produced. This dust is abrasive and can irritateyour skin and eyes. Use a filter mask respirator whenworking in this type of atmosphere.The chemicals used in making fiberglass and fiberglass patches are very flammable and toxic. Provideadequate ventilation to remove the fumes and dustparticles. Most important, never smoke in areas wherefiberglass work is being carried out.REVIEW 8 QUESTIONSQ1. What is the cause of many fatal shocks receivedfrom drills and fans?Q2. List the three types of hazards associated withcompressed gases.a.b.c.Q3. True or false. Oxygen and chlorine are stowed incompartments separate from flammable gases.Q4. Why should you use a filter mask respiratorwhen working with fiberglass?POWER TOOLSDuring your career in the Navy, you may berequired to use a variety of power tools. Whether thesetools are electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic, the samecommon sense safety precautions apply to all of them.Before you use a portable electric tool for the firsttime, have it inspected and approved by the ship’selectrical department for safety. If it has a current ship’sinspection mark, visually examine the attached cablefor any cracks, breaks, exposed conductors, or adamaged plug. If any defects are found, turn the tool into the ship’s electrical shop for repair. Before pluggingan electric tool into a receptacle, make sure the tool isturned off. When using portable electrical tools, wearsafety glasses or goggles if the job involves danger fromflying objects, such as paint or metal chips. You shouldalso wear ear protection devices if the tool has a“Produces Hazardous Noise” label on it.Metal-cased portable electric tools must have athree-pronged plug on the power cord. If an extensioncord is used, it must be the three-pronged type with athree-pronged plug at one end and a three-prongedreceptacle at the other end. When using an extensioncord with an electric tool, you must first plug the toolinto the extension cord and then the extension cord intothe receptacle. When you are finished with the electrictool, switch it off, unplug the extension cord from thereceptacle, and then unplug the tool.Portable tools should be kept clean and in goodrepair. Arcing portable tools are not to be used in areaswhere flammable vapors, gases, liquids, or exposedexplosives are kept.CUTTING AND WELDING OPERATIONSThe convenience of arc and gas welding and cuttingallows the performance of repair jobs in almost anylocation. Failure to use proper safety precautions duringwelding or cutting operations presents a serious firehazard. Only properly trained personnel shouldoperate gas welding or cutting equipment. Becausecutting and welding operations are continuously beingperformed throughout the ship, you may be called uponto stand a fire watch and must be familiar with the safetyprecautions of such operations. The following are somebasic precautions to be taken during welding or cuttingoperations:The gases used in welding and cutting areexplosive. When one of these gases is mixed with air,the mixture will burst into flames if a spark or flame isbrought near it.19-16Student Notes:
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