ENGINEMAN 1 & Cones described above except that they are practic-ally odorless and can cause freeze burns.During all primary maintenance or industrialuses of halocarbons such as flushing or recharg-ing refrigeration or air conditioning systems, thefollowing “good engineering” precautions aremandatory:7. A medical department representative, whois trained and knowledgeable in the physiologicaleffects, prescribed first aid and emergency treat-ment methods for halocarbon mishaps, should bealerted to the maintenance action being performedand standing by for quick response.1. Strict compliance with NSTM gas-freeEngineering directions for entry into enclosed orconfined spaces, and close adherence to standardoperating procedures for all halocarbonmaintenance actions.8. An emergency eyewash/shower system inthe immediate vicinity of all halocarbon opera-tions should its use be required. Where a perma-nent system is not available, a portable system of5-10 gallon capacity should suffice. Only potablewater should be utilized for this purpose.2. Tested and operational ventilation systems.Availability of portable equipment to provide in-take from—and exhaust to the atmosphere (notrecirculation) sufficient to maintain halocarbonconcentration at acceptable limits throughout thewhole maintenance action. (Example: The limitfor continuous exposure to the vapors of Freon113 is 1000 parts of solvent per million parts ofair. This limit will be reached by evaporation ofapproximately 100 milliliters (less than 1/2 cup)of solvent in a 10 × 10 × 10 ft. space). Localexhaust ventilation capable of maintaining aminimum capture velocity of 100 fpm over theface of the container or operation is normallyrequired in order to maintain the vapor within ac-ceptable limits. Note: Absolutely NO venting ofhalocarbons below decks shall be permitted.9. Ship’s emergency rescue teams (e.g.,“Flying Squads” and repair parties) familiar withthe hazards of halocarbons and trained in air-supplied respirator requirements when involvedin halocarbon rescue operations.10. The performance of hot work is pro-hibited from halocarbon work areas, due to thepotential decomposition of halocarbons into moretoxic chemicals.As stated earlier, in high concentrations,halocarbons are toxic chemicals. Any handling orusage of these chemicals requires the followingminimum personal protective measures:3. Positive pressure emergency breathingdevices with supplied air available in the space forinstant donning and egress in the event of ahalocarbon mishap.1.2.3.4.5.Full-length face shield or chemical workersgogglesApron or coveralls (both may be required)Elbow length glovesBoots or bootiesClothing and equipment must be im-pervious and resistant to halocarbons.4. Established two-way communications be-tween the halocarbon pump at the bulk source andthe equipment being filled, cleaned, or flushed.A backup sound powered system is recommended.Note: Non-impervious clothing whichbecomes wet with halocarbons must beimmediately removed and not reworn until alltraces of the chemical are removed by cleaning.5. Verification of filling and flushing systemintegrity by leak testing (e.g., a pressure drop test)before halocarbon operations commence.CHARGING THE SYSTEM6. A minimum of two people should be sta-tioned in the space, with a safety observer (tender)in the vicinity of the egress route if available.Rescue equipment (as necessary) to quicklyremove personnel from the space in the event ofan emergency. (Rescue personnel should also beequipped with protective clothing and positivepressure respiratory protection.)Information concerning the charging ofrefrigeration systems may be found in NavalShips’ Technical Manual chapter 516. The amountof refrigerant charge must be sufficient to main-tain a liquid seal between the condensing and theevaporating sides of the system. When the com-pressor stops, under normal operating conditions,the receiver of a properly charged system is about85% full of refrigerant. The proper charge for a6-12
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business