Tire repair equipment should also be in a separate section of the shop, located near one of the shop entrances. With this arrangement, tire tools, tube-patching equipment, and air hoses can be used by the EOs as readily as by the CMs.

Before deciding where to place an air compressor (the large shops have more than one), consider the uses you have for air and where the air outlets would be most convenient. Compressed air is needed for operating pneumatic power tools, cleaning parts, and inflating tires. By keeping compressor lines as short and free of bends as possible, you minimize drops in air pressure at the outlets. Short lines do not collect as much water as long lines and are therefore less likely to freeze in cold weather. When you have long lines, install condensation traps in them and drain the traps daily.

Battery-charging equipment must be in a well- ventilated section of the shop away from the welding area, or in a separate well-ventilated, explosiveproof building. Because hydrogen fumes produced by a charging battery are highly explosive, always install an exhaust fan near the battery charger. Make sure a water outlet is available because an approved eyewash and shower have to be installed so that anyone involved in a battery shop accident can be bathed immediately to prevent severe burns. Delay in diluting or washing out sulphuric acid from a victim's eyes could result in loss of sight.

SAFETY

Safety is everyone's responsibility. It is a never-ending job that cannot be left to one individual or one office. Everyone must always be alert to accident prevention. It is imperative that you emphasize safe working practices to the point that they are routine.

One of the basic rules of shop safety requires that everyone behave himself. Practical jokes and horseplay cannot be tolerated. The possible consequences of such actions are too high a price to pay for the little humor derived.

You can help prevent accidents by appointing a shop safety petty officer to detect unsafe practices, bad habits, and defective tools that would otherwise go unnoticed. You should replace your shop safety petty officer periodically, thereby rotating these duties.

You can reduce the number of personal injuries in a shop by requiring good housekeeping practices; for example, keeping the shop floor free of grease and oil to help prevent mechanics and others from slipping or falling. Likewise, clearing the floor of creepers, stray tools, and parts will eliminate the chances of tripping over them.

Accidents and injury may be reduced or cut to zero by starting each day with a stand-up safety lecture. True, this absorbs valuable time, but it is worth it.

Crack down on bad habits, such as leaving jack handles sticking out into walkways and leaving vehicle doors open while mechanics work underneath.

THE MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

The battalion equipment maintenance supervisor, usually a CMCS, is responsible for that battalion's entire equipment maintenance program and all assigned CESE for the battalion and all its assigned detachments. The senior CM of a detachment, working in the equipment maintenance shop, is the maintenance supervisor for that detachment site. Maintenance supervisors have direct control over the administrative section. Specifically their duties include the following:

1. Control and supervision of all maintenance personnel, through the shop supervisors.

2. Ensuring adherence to the scheduled preventive maintenance program.

3. Ensuring accurate cost control, record maintenance, and updating.

4. Submitting equipment reports to the ALFA Company commander and the commanding officer for distribution to higher authority.

5. Maintaining the Construction Mechanics' tool allowance and ensuring that biweekly tool inventories are conducted.

6. Providing technical and safety training.

7. Providing technical assistance to the supply and logistics officer with regard to repair parts.

8. Ensuring quality control of the repair and maintenance work.

9. Ensuring that the Battalion Equipment Evaluation Program (BEEP) is carried out under the latest instructions.

10. Ensuring that the preventive maintenance schedule is entered into the ALFA Company minicomputer equipment program. The use of the minicomputer can then aid in the execution of the preventive maintenance program.