CHAPTER 5 SHOP ORGANIZATION AND MILLWORKING

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Determine the requirements necessary to lay out and operate a builder's shop safely. Recognize and explain the procedures in developing good millworking techniques and be able to lay out, construct, and install cabinets.

As a first class or second class petty officer, you will at some point in your naval career be in charge or supervise a shop. You maybe tasked to plan the layout of equipment and materials needed to set up a new shop from scratch. In doing so, you will find that certain factors that are applicable in setting up a new shop are also applicable when taking over as a supervisor of a shop already in existence.

SHOP ORGANIZATION

Where there are Seabees, there is likely to be some sort of builder or maintenance shop. When taking over a shop already setup, you may often find it worthwhile to make a study of the layout of equipment and materials to determine if changes could help provide a smoother work flow and higher production.

PURPOSE OF A SHOP

In planning the layout and organization of a shop, you should carefully analyze the purpose of the shop. What kind of work will be done here? How much work must be turned out under normal conditions? Is the shop a specialized shop or a general-purpose shop? Does the shop meet all safety and environmental precautions?

SAFETY will be given top priority. It is strongly recommended that all portions of the area be clearly visible to the instructor and the student. Aisles of travel will be designated by painted lines, and these aisles should be a minimum of 3 to 4 feet in width. Use nonskid flooring in critical areas. Equipment and storage racks must be arranged so the entrance and exit to the building can be kept clear and will be accessible in the event of fire or emergency. Locate stationary machines so that the moving parts will NOT constitute a hazard to either the operator or to other shop personnel. Be certain that your shop layout will allow easy access to fire-fighting equipment, electrical control panels, and junction boxes. Because safety and environmental requirements change on a continuing basis, we can not cover every aspect to safety in a shop. Refer to the School Shop Development Manual by Rockwell Manufacturing Company, the Navy Occupational Safety and Health Manual, OPNAVINST 5100.23, and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR PART 1910).

You must also consider the particular advantages and limitations of the proposed shop space. How large is it? How many personnel will be expected to work in the shop at the same time? What kind of tools will be available? Where are the power outlets located? Can good lighting be arranged? What type of ventilation will be readily available?

The function of the shop will have an important bearing on the equipment needed and the minimum space required. At times, you may NOT get the amount of space desired and have to do the best you can with whatever space is available. In some instances, two spaces may be available, but one is unacceptable because of major problems that would be en- countered.

ARRANGEMENT OF A SHOP

Good arrangement is required in all shops, regardless of each shop's function. The arrangement of equipment, layout tables, and soon, in a shop should be in the order of the work flow of the project that is most