when you use these materials. Be sure to ask your
supervisor about the need for respiratory protection
whenever you:
Chip lead or chromate based paints while re-
moving corrosion.
Prime and paint the bases of antennas.
Clean circuits with spray solvents and alcohol.
Whenever you perform these operations, be sure
the work area has good ventilation. This will help
prevent you from inhaling hazardous vapors and dusts.
DECK INSULATING MATERIAL
Your working environment should have deck
insulating material (more commonly called rubber
matting) to protect you and your shipmates from
electric shock. It must be installed wherever work is
done on energized electrical and electronic equipment,
This includes electronic repair shops that have
workbenches to work on electronic equipment.
The rubber matting should be rated for use in areas
where the maximum voltage won’t exceed 3000 volts. It
must be installed in one continuous run, at least 36"
wide, and must extend at least 24" past each end of the
workbench. If you must work on energized equipment
located in an area where rubber matting is not installed,
protect yourself from electrical shock by using a 6-foot
piece of rubber matting as a portable safety deck. When
you’re done, roll it up and store it for the next job.
Rubber matting does a great job of protecting you
from electric shock. But, it won’t do it for long if you
don’t take care of it. Here area couple of tips for keeping
the insulating properties of rubber matting intact:
1. Always keep rubber matting clean and free of
any excess dirt, oils, or oil-based products. When you
clean rubber matting, don’t use any abrasive cleaners or
electric buffers. If you do, you will ruin its insulating
effectiveness.
2. Periodically inspect the rubber matting for cuts,
cracks, or excessive wear. If you notice any of these
conditions, replace the entire piece of rubber matting.
Throughout this volume we have discussed safety
issues that are important to Electronics Technicians.
Now, you must take this knowledge and apply it to your
everyday job. Remember, SAFETY FIRST.
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