HOUSEKEEPING

Promote good housekeeping at the water treatment plant. Some good housekeeping rules to adhere to are as follows:

Tools should be returned to their proper place when no longer needed.

Empty bottles or other such objects should not be left around on the floor where someone is likely to trip or fall over them.

See that the plant is kept neat and clean at all times.

Among other things, ensure that passageways are kept free of grease and oil.

Switchboards must not be used as clothes racks. Do not work around electrical apparatus or wiring with wet hands or in wet shoes or clothes.

Workers on night watch or otherwise required to perform duties alone around water treatment plants should be capable of swimming at least 100 feet while dressed in the usual type of work clothing.

An employee performing duties inside the tank guardrail should wear a safety belt and lifeline attached to the guardrail.

Guardrails should be maintained around all water treatment plant open tanks. Handholds or suitable ladders should be maintained on one side wall of each open tank. Suitable handrails 8 to 12 inches above the waterline should be maintained on each side of open tanks.

Q24. To reduce chlorine hazards, what maximum amount of chlorine should you store in the chlorinator room?

Q25. What do you use to test for leaks on chlorine cylinders, equipment and systems?

Q26. If someone is affected or overcome by chlorine or its action, what is the first thing you should do?

RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE APPARATUS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize and understand procedures for operation, donning, use, and maintenance of different types of personal respiratory protective gear.

In water treatment and sewage maintenance work, you may use various types of respiratory protective apparatus, such as self-generating oxygen-breathing apparatus (OBA) and self-contained oxygen-breathing apparatus. Personnel directed to use this equipment should practice regularly with it to become proficient in putting it on quickly and to become accustomed to breathing through it.

SELF-GENERATING OXYGEN-BREATHING APPARATUS

Self-generating oxygen-breathing apparatus (OBA) gives respiratory protection in moderately and extremely high concentration of toxic gases or vapors or in an atmosphere deficient in oxygen. This equipment includes the following parts: a canister that holds chemicals to absorb carbon dioxide and moisture from the exhaled air and generates oxygen, and a breathing bag that serves as an air reservoir and a cooling chamber for inhaled air. Inhalation and exhalation check valves are parts of this equipment. Figure 8-7 shows a self-generating A-4 oxygen-breathing apparatus.

NOTE Do not use the OBA in an explosive area as it is a fire hazard.

SELF-CONTAINEDOXYGEN-BREATHING APPARATUS

The self-contained oxygen-breathing apparatus (figs. 8-8 and 8-9) is effective for limited use against any poisonous gas or oxygen-deficient atmosphere, such as when you are inspecting long, large sewers where a hose mask would be impractical. This equipment generally includes the following parts: a steel cylinder or bottle containing oxygen as needed at slightly higher than normal pressure.

The respiratory apparatus should be kept in access ible locations, but in quarters segregated from probable gas hazards. You must become thoroughly acquainted with oxygen-breathing equipment before wearing it in service. More information on the A-4 oxygen breathing apparatus can be found in the Basic Military Requirements, NAVEDTRA 12043.