Inspect equipment and associated attachments
Besides studying the information on safety
described throughout this manual, you should read and
for damage before using the equipment. Be sure
have knowledge of the information on safety in the
the equipment is right for the job.
following publications:
Personnel working around energized electric
circuits and equipment must obey safety precautions.
Naval Ships' Technical Manual, chapters 300,
Injury may result from electric shock. Short circuits can
330, 400, and 491
occur by accidentally placing or dropping a metal tool,
flashlight case, or other conducting article across an
Standard Organization and Regulations of the
energized line. These short circuits can cause an arc or
U. S. Navy, OPNAVINST 3120.32
fire, even on low-voltage circuits. Extensive damage to
Navy Occupational Safety and Health
equipment and serious injury to personnel may result.
(NAVOSH) Program Manual for Forces Afloat,
OPNAVINST 5100.19
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARDS
Hearing and Noise Abatement, chapter 18,
AND PRECAUTIONS
"Hearing Conservation and Noise Abatement,"
If you don't recognize hazardous conditions or take
OPNAVINST 5100.23
precautions, you could get an electric shock. You must
Standard First Aid Training Course,
recognize hazardous conditions and take immediate
NAVEDTRA 12081
action to correct any discrepancy noted Plates, posters,
signs, or instructions (fig. 1-1), placed in conspicuous
areas, guide personnel in the safe operation or handling
of equipment, components, systems, or material.
SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
Warning signs (red) and caution signs (yellow) are
placed in areas where known hazardous conditions
Safety standards and regulations are for the
exist, or could exist. Hazardous areas include those that
prevention of injury and damage to equipment. You are
are wet, oily, or electrical spaces.
responsible for understanding and following safety
standards and regulations. As an individual, you have a
The resistance of the human body is low. Therefore,
responsibility to yourself and to your shipmates to do
it can't be relied on to prevent fatal shock if a person
your part in preventing mishaps. As a petty officer, you
comes into contact with voltages of 115 volts or even
need to set a good example. You cannot ignore safety
lower. When the skin is damp, body resistance can be
regulations and expect others to follow them.
as low as 300 ohms. If the skin is broken, body
resistance can be as low as 100 ohms.
Personnel should always obey the following safety
The following are general guidelines for the effect
practices:
of shocks from 60-Hz ac systems:
Obey all posted operating instructions and safety
1 milliampere (0.001 A)-Shock is felt.
precautions.
10 milliamperes (0.01 A)--A person may be
Report any unsafe condition or any equipment or
unable to let go.
material you think might be unsafe.
100 milliamperes (0.1 A)-Shock may be fatal if
Warn others of hazards or of their failure to
it lasts for one second or more.
follow safety precautions.
The danger of shock from 450-volt ac ship's service
Wear or use approved protective clothing or
systems is recognized by shipboard personnel. Yet,
protective equipment.
there are reports of personnel receiving a serious shock
from this voltage source. Most shipboard fatalities
Report any injury or evidence of impaired health
caused by electrocution are caused by contact with
that occurs during your work or duty to your
115-volt circuits. Regard all electrical energy as
supervisor.
dangerous. Shipboard conditions are particularly
Exercise reasonable caution as appropriate to the
favorable to severe shock because the body may contact
the ship's metal structure and body resistance maybe
situation if an emergency or other unforseen
low because of perspiration or damp clothing.
hazardous condition occurs.
1-4
