DECK INSULATING MATERIAL

when you use these materials. Be sure to ask your supervisor about the need for respiratory protection whenever you: Chip lead or chromate based paints while re- moving corrosion. Prime and paint the bases of antennas. Clean circuits with spray solvents and alcohol. Whenever you perform these operations, be sure the work area has good ventilation. This will help prevent you from inhaling hazardous vapors and dusts. DECK INSULATING MATERIAL Your working environment should have deck insulating material (more commonly called rubber matting) to protect you and your shipmates from electric shock. It must be installed wherever work is done on energized electrical and electronic equipment, This includes electronic repair shops that have workbenches to work on electronic equipment. The rubber matting should be rated for use in areas where the maximum voltage won’t exceed 3000 volts. It must be installed in one continuous run, at least 36" wide, and must extend at least 24" past each end of the workbench. If you must work on energized equipment located in an area where rubber matting is not installed, protect yourself from electrical shock by using a 6-foot piece of rubber matting as a portable safety deck. When you’re done, roll it up and store it for the next job. Rubber matting does a great job of protecting you from electric shock. But, it won’t do it for long if you don’t take care of it. Here area couple of tips for keeping the insulating properties of rubber matting intact: 1. Always keep rubber matting clean and free of any excess dirt, oils, or oil-based products. When you clean rubber matting, don’t use any abrasive cleaners or electric buffers. If you do, you will ruin its insulating effectiveness. 2. Periodically inspect the rubber matting for cuts, cracks, or excessive wear. If you notice any of these conditions, replace the entire piece of rubber matting. Throughout this volume we have discussed safety issues that are important to Electronics Technicians. Now, you must take this knowledge and apply it to your everyday job. Remember, SAFETY FIRST. 3-14