All alterations are managed through the fleet
modernization program.
Modifications
Most changes to electronic equipment are
modifications called electronic field changes (FC)
(previously called electronic alterations). The basic
purpose of a field change is to improve performance,
reliability, maintenance, operational characteristics, or
safety. The type designator indicates how complete the
change package is. Some packages contain all necessary
instructions, parts, and tools. Other packages contain
only instructions. The four types are defined below:
Type I.
Requires parts, all of which are included
in the FC kit. Also included in the kit are
the publication package changes and the
materials and special tools required to
change one equipment and to revise
existing equipment nameplates,
publications, and charts.
Type II.
May require parts, none of which are
included with the field change. This type
of FC usually affects only the
publications package. If parts and tools
are required, they are considered
standard stock items and are available as
bench spares (for example, wire, lugs,
soldering irons, and so on).
Type III. Requires parts, some, but not all, of
which are included in the field change
kit. The parts not included are
considered standard stock items.
Type IV. Does not require parts or use of any
special tools. This type of FC is usually
published in an EIB article and consists
of only a publications change.
There are three classes of field changes. The class
designator indicates who is responsible for the funding
and installing of the FC.
Class A.
Modification may be made by forces
afloat or station personnel; no
installation funding is required.
Approval of Class A field changes to be
made by forces afloat indicates only that
the work content is within their
technical capability. The Class A
designation does not require the
modification, nor does it require forces
afloat to make the modification. The
decision of when and how to make the
modification is considered to be a forces
afloat prerogative.
Class B.
Requires fleet funding for and work by
naval shipyards, tenders, and so on,
when authorized by the TYCOM.
Except for Class B field changes
presently under way or in the fleet
planning stage, this type of field change
will no longer be issued.
Class C.
Normally requires industrial assistance
and requires the appropriate systems
command installation funding.
SAFETY
Most accidents are preventable. However, through
ignorance or misunderstanding, there is a common
belief that accidents are the inevitable result of
unchangeable circumstances or fate. This belief fails to
consider the basic law of cause and effect. In other
words, accidents do not occur without a cause; most
accidents are the direct result of some deviation from
prescribed safe operating procedures.
A preventable accident may be traced to an
ingrained belief or work habit of an individual. This
belief or work habit may cause the individual to perform
an unsafe act or permit a hazardous condition to exist;
when an accident occurs, the cause-and-effect sequence
is completed.
One purpose of safety rules is to remind personnel
of the dangers inherent in their work. Training in the
observance of safety precautions can help avoid
preventable accidents and encourage the maintenance
of an accident-free work environment. Operating
procedures and work methods should stress hazard
prevention so that personnel do not expose themselves
unnecessarily to injury or occupational health hazards.
You can prevent accidents that are about to happen if
you are alert to causes and take appropriate remedial
action.
SAFETY TRAINING
As a leading ET, you have safety-related
responsibilities that may be grouped into three general
areas as follows:
1. Responsibilities concerning the electronics
division. These responsibilities include ensuring
that all personnel in the division are aware of and
observe all shipboard safety precautions,
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