IC Room Safety

When operating circuit breakers or switches, use

Any hazard due to the ship's telephones can be

only one hand if possible. Use judgment in replacing

avoided by keeping the manual switchboard

blown fuses. Only fuses of 10 ampere capacity or less

de-energized during connection. In making the shore

connection, the IC Electrician must assume the circuit

should be removed or replaced in energized circuits.

is energized (as is the practice in some ports) and act

Fuses larger than 10 ampere ratings should be removed

accordingly.

or replaced only when the circuit is de-energized. Do not

work on any energized circuit, switchboard or other

Connection at some piers is made by plug-in-type

piece of electrical equipment unless absolutely

plugs and the hazards are minimized; however, where

necessary. Do not undertake any work on energized

lug and screw connections are made, emphasis must be

switchboards without first obtaining the approval of the

placed on live circuit precautions.

commanding officer. When you have received

On many ships, IC Electricians assist in connecting

permission to work on a live circuit, DO NOT attempt

and disconnecting ship's service power to shore power.

to do so by yourself; have another person (safety

The applicable guidelines are contained in Electrician's

observer), qualified in first aid for electrical shock,

Mate 1&C, NAVEDTRA 10547-E.

present at all times. The person stationed nearby should

also know the circuits and the location of switches

IC Room Safety

controlling the equipment and should be given

instructions to pull the switch immediately if anything

Since a major portion of the IC Electrician's time is

unforeseen happens. The worker within the enclosure

spent working in the IC room or IC workshop, it is

must always be aware of the nearness of other live

important that supervisory personnel examine the

circuits. Use rubber gloves where applicable and stand

personnel hazards present in these areas. It is mandatory,

on approved rubber matting.

of course, that the area be initially laid out with the

Circuits or equipment to be worked on should be

proper rubber matting and that the workbench and test

switchboard be installed with maximum safety for

de-energized by opening all switches through which

personnel as a prime consideration.

power could be supplied and then testing the circuit with

a voltmeter or voltage tester. These switches should then

Maintenance and Repair

be tagged with danger tags. In case more than one party

is engaged in repair work on a circuit, a danger tag for

As an IC Electrician Second Class, you will be

each party should be placed on the supply switches.

expected to supervise and train personnel when standing

A cardinal, yet often violated, rule regarding

watch. Most commands have a trouble-call log in either

enclosed equipment is never override or disable an

DC central or in the IC/gyro room. There is usually one

interlock. The Navy designed the interlock in the circuit

to three personnel on watch in the IC/gyro room

and no one should be allowed to violate it.

depending on the size of the command. If not, there is

always someone with the duty of responding to

Dirt, dust, lint, and excessive oil must be removed

casualties when they occur. You, as a supervisor, will be

from IC equipment. Junior personnel should, before

expected to train your watch personnel on how to

they begin a cleaning evolution, be instructed in and take

respond to these calls and the hazards they may

adequate precautions for their safety. Two general

encounter.

cleaning rules are as follows:

SWITCHBOARDS AND ENCLOSED EQUIP-

1. Loose dust and dirt should be removed with a

MENT.-- The hazards involved to the operator and the

vacuum cleaner or clean rags. Low-pressure

repairman regarding switchboards have been greatly

compressed air may be used provided the air is free of

reduced in recent years by the installation of dead-front

foreign particles and moisture. Normal ship's service air

service-type switchboards. These and other enclosed

is 100 psi and must be reduced to approximate y 30 psi

equipments, however, require specific care in servicing

before it is used.

and cleaning.

2. Oil or hard dirt may require a cloth dampened

Switches should be operated with the safety of both

with inhibited methyl chloroform for adequate cleaning.

the operator and other personnel in mind. Before closing

Extreme care must be used on steel and varnish.

any switch, be sure the circuit is ready in all respects to

IN-SHOP REPAIRS.-- Many repairs made in the IC

be energized. Make sure all personnel working on the

room involve equipment normally used in other parts of

circuit are notified that it is to be energized.

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