HEAT,  LIGHT,  AND  VENTILATION factors: (1) the operational needs of the battalion Heat,   light,   and   ventilation   for   a   large, permanent maintenance shop are included in the plan  specification.  However,  the  installation  of these  facilities  in  the  small  or  temporary  shop depends  on  the  maintenance  supervisor. The  decision  of  whether  to  heat  your  shop depends upon its geographical location. Heaters should be arranged to provide warmth where it is  most  needed.  Persons  working  at  benches  or in the shop store require more heat than people working  in  the  main  shop  for  comparatively  short periods.  For  this  reason,  you  should  place  heaters in corners convenient to workbenches and away from  shop  doors. For  adequate  lighting,  most  maintenance shops   depend   upon   lights   arranged   in   the overhead  of  the  main  shop,  lights  and  windows near the workbenches, and extension lights that can be plugged into electrical outlets. When you are in charge of setting up a maintenance shop, make   sure   that   enough   electrical   outlets   are provided for extension lights and electric power tools.  Only  the  most  elaborate  shops  have  enough windows  for  efficient  lighting. Removing  exhaust  gases  becomes  a  big problem in every maintenance shop. Large doors in  the  front  and  rear  of  the  shop  and  windows at the workbenches normally supply all the fresh air needed, but even these are inadequate to remove excessive amounts of exhaust gases. These gases rise and are trapped in the shop overhead unless roof openings with ventilating fans are provided. Normally, it is up to the supervisor of a temporary shop  to  provide  his  own  method  of  ventilation. A  piece  of  flexible  steel  or  neoprene  hose  attached to the exhaust on a running engine and carried outdoors through an opening in the building will serve the purpose. Do not allow any unnecessary operation  of  an  engine  inside  the  shop. When  stationary  gasoline  or  diesel  engines  are used to produce power in the maintenance shop, provide exhaust outlets for them. Do not depend on  natural  ventilation  through  door  and  windows. At least once during each deployment have the maintenance  shop  evaluated  by  the  local  base industrial  hygienist,  if  the  service  is  available.  Do this  through  your  battalion  safety  office. TOOLS  AND  EQUIPMENT The quantities and kinds of tools and equip- ment required for a maintenance shop vary with each shop. In deciding what tools and what type of  equipment  to  have  on  hand,  consider  two and  (2)  the  cost  of  the  work  at  a  component overhaul  facility.  Of  course,  the  needs  of  the service  come  first,  but  not  entirely  without  cost justification.  Base  your  decision  concerning  the second  factor  solely  on  the  facts  and  figures  given in  transportation  maintenance  management  reports. In a maintenance shop setup for repairing all types   of   equipment,   you   will   coordinate   and supervise  work  on  many  different  types;  therefore, study  carefully  the  layout  of  the  shop  and  the placement of shop equipment. You will probably be the one to decide whereto put the shop equip- ment. This is where experience counts, You should know where the repair equipment is needed and where it will be accessible to the operators who will use it. Without careful planning you can waste a lot of space and time in shifting equipment from one place to another. If space in the main shop is critical, special repair equipment can be put in smaller shops or rooms adjoining the main shop. Power tools, such as drill presses and bench grinders commonly used in repairing all kinds of equipment, should be located in or near the main shop  area.  The  locations  of  other  power  tools, such as hydraulic or electric lifts, valve grinders, and  machines  for  aligning  wheels  and  relining brakes,  depend  on  where  the  tools  will  be  best utilized. The master switch that controls all power in the shop should be installed where it can be reached quickly in an emergency. In placing power tools, secure the legs or bases to a level surface strong enough to support them and make sure they will not move or bounce when in use. Before connecting stationary, electrically operated  power  tools  to  power  outlets,  be  sure that each one is positioned so that the starting and stopping  switch  is  within  easy  reach  of  the operator.  Ground-fault interrupters should be installed to prevent accidental electrical shock. When  the  connection  is  complete,  test  the  tools to  ensure  that  the  installation  is  safe.  Also,  let your  mechanics  operate  them  and  consider  any suggestions they may have for improvements. As always,   make   sure   your   tool   and   equipment operators   wear   protective   gear.   Double-check often, looking for ways to improve the efficiency, as well as the safety, of the whole maintenance shop. Welding  equipment  must  be  operated  in  an area apart from the rest of the shop. Post hazard warning signs in the area and equip it with fire- fighting equipment. Erect screens that will confine flying sparks to reduce the chances that they will start  fires  or  get  into  somebody’s  eyes. 2-2