3-15
Q13.
What type of diagram is the most detailed?
Q14.
Why must a wiring diagram be used in conjunction with a schematic to troubleshoot a system?
Q15.
What type of diagram would be most useful for wiring a relay into a circuit?
SAFETY
The Secretary of the Navy, in establishing a Department of the Navy safety program, stressed,
"Safety is an inherent responsibility of command...." He further outlined that, "Assignment of safety
responsibility at all echelons of command is a basic requirement." This means responsibility right down
through the lowest rated personnel in the command. Most noncombat accidents can be prevented if all
personnel cooperate in eliminating unsafe conditions and acts. To this end, each individual is responsible
for understanding and applying safety rules, standards, and regulations in all activities. Safety
consciousness will help prevent personal injury and damage to property.
Some safety precautions applicable to this module deal with fumes from synthetic insulation,
breathing asbestos fibers, and working around/with electrical and electronic circuits and portable power
tools.
SYNTHETIC INSULATION
Almost without exception, the fumes from synthetic materials, such as plastics in high-temperature
environments, are objectionable from the standpoint of health and safety. Fluoroplastics (FEP and
polytetrafluoroethylene) resist decomposition at higher temperature better than most other plastics.
Exposure to fumes when working with fluoroplastics may cause a temporary flu-like condition
similar to the metal fume fever (or "foundryman's fever"). These symptoms are commonly called polymer
fume fever. They do not ordinarily occur until several hours after exposure, and pass within 36 to 48
hours, even in the absence of treatment.
One of the largest uses of fluoroplastics is as a wire and cable insulation. When insulated wiring is
installed, soldering is a routine fabricating procedure, as is the use of a heated element to remove
insulation. In neither of these operations do the combined effects of temperature, quantity of resin, and
exposure time produce toxic conditions of significance, as long as normal ventilation is maintained.
Any special practices or precautions that may be required should follow the same common sense
rules that apply to all soldering jobs. Prolonged soldering in confined spaces with restricted air circulation
will require some ventilation for personal comfort. The same is true for open shop areas where a number
of personnel are engaged in soldering or hot-wire stripping. Normal ventilation for personal comfort
usually provides adequate safety. However, it is recommended that a small duct fan or "elephant trunk"
exhaust be used at the workbench during soldering or wire stripping to carry away any toxic vapors.
ASBESTOS
Although asbestos-free products have been developed, older products containing asbestos materials
still exist and continue to be used in the Navy. One such product is asbestos insulation used on wiring in
high-temperature areas aboard ships and in aircraft.
Because of the serious health hazards of asbestos exposure, the government has imposed strict
occupational health and environmental protection standards for the control of asbestos. These standards
must be strictly enforced and followed by all Navy personnel.
