SAFETY RULES

Figure 2-30.—Flange rupture patch. shape of an X to have the woven roving cloth conform to the center of the rupture and the flange edges. Con- tinue to the opposite end of the patch and tie securely in place. SAFETY RULES.— The following safety pre- cautions should be observed by all personnel when they are working with plastic materials: 1. Provide forced intake and exhaust ventilation; this is particularly important when heat and resultant fumes are given off. 2. Wear long-sleeved coveralls, long-sleeved neo- prene gloves, knee-high rubber boots, and goggles. 3. Immediately relieve and treat anyone evidenc- ing sensitization. 4. Wash hands frequently. (Personal cleanliness is your most important and effective protection.) 5. Do not expose yourself to or breathe the noxious fumes given off during cure. 6. Avoid spilling plastic materials. Keep kraft pa- per in areas where material is likely to spill or drip. 7. Keep the resin and liquid hardener off skin areas, wherever possible. Use protective ointment. If contaminated, remove material as soon as possible, using soap and hot water. 8. Keep the resin and liquid hardener out of the eyes. If contaminated, immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes and obtain medical treatment. 9. Wash gloves and goggles immediately after each use with a good detergent. Aboard ship, these precautions should be taken as far as possible but not to such an extent as to delay vital repair measures. Reasonable care in the handling of materials and thorough washing after their use should suffice. Since it appears that resins and liquid hardeners do not have primary irritant qualities, they maybe used aboard ship without any trouble, except a possible rare case of sensitivity. An ideal plastic patch is one that can be applied and cured in the shortest time possible and maintains the desired tightness. The primary factor controlling kick-over time is the temperature of the resin and hardener before mixing. To effect the cure in the shortest time possible, you must contain the heat gen- erated in the patch. This is done by creating a mass about the break in the pipe or bulkhead rupture by using an impregnated woven roving cloth. You can see that the correct amount of mass is necessary to have an effective patch. It is also important that the patch cool readily, for you cannot restore pressure to the system until the patch cools to about 150°F. The net result is that you buildup a mass about the rupture that gives you the patch with the most desirable char- acteristics in the shortest time possible. 2-21