LEARNING 0BJECTIVES: Identify the safety precautions personnel use while working on guided missile launching systems.

The object of the last section of this chapter is to introduce you to the topic of safety. Specifically, we will emphasize certain safety precautions and warnings that apply, in general, to shipboard GMLS operations.

The Navy distributes many safety-related publications, periodicals, and special messages. Their contents are devoted entirely to important safety practices. Some are general in nature. Others deal with more specific precautions related to a single equipment or knowledge area. Certain general ordnance safety publications are also included in the GM3 through GMC bibliography list (NAVEDTRA 10052, current revision). These are References you should study when preparing for an advancement exam.

Each launching system comes with a set of "books" called ordnance publications, or OPs for short. (They will be discussed in more detail later in this manual.) Published in a series of volumes, a GMLS OP describes the system and gives its operating procedures. Information and instructions needed to keep the equipment in proper working order are also included. Volume 1, which gives the description and operation of the GMLS, will always contain a section entitled "Safety Summary." The safety summary is usually given in two parts: (1) general safety precautions and (2) specific safety precautions.

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

General safety precautions, as the name implies, have wide applications in a variety of work-related situations. They pertain to the use of tools and to the exposure to high voltages and pressures. Additionally, they address the general safe handling of explosives and other volatile materials. Study these precautions so that

Figure 8-38.-Mk 13 GMLS magazine ventilation system.

you will recognize the potential hazards involved. 

Establish Communications 

Apply these precautions during all phases of operation and maintenance. The following precautions are a small sampling of warnings that pertain to all the safety observer and the launcher captain. Do not activate the launching system until communications have been established between the GMLSs. 

High-Voltage Hazard

Be careful when working in lethal voltage areas. Do not work on live circuits unless absolutely necessary. Under some conditions, dangerous voltage potentials may exist in electronic circuits after the power is shut off. When such potentials are suspected, discharge the appropriate components before touching them. Do not perform work in a lethal voltage area under any circumstances without the presence of at least one person able to give first aid in the event of electric shock.

Resuscitation

Do not work with or near high voltages unless you are familiar with the methods of artificial respiration. Obtain resuscitation information from the appropriate authority.

Hydraulic Pressure Hazard

Always bleed the hydraulic systems of pressure before attempting to remove or disassemble any hydraulic component. Make sure system pressure is zero by observing installed gauges.

Hydraulic Fluid Hazard

If clothing becomes drenched with hydraulic fluid, immediately change into dry clothing. Hydraulic fluid is injurious to health when in prolonged contact with skin. It is also a fire hazard. Immediately wipe up spilled hydraulic fluid.

High-Pressure Water Hazard

Do not perform any maintenance procedures on the water injection system until all pressure in the lines has been dissipated. Do not work directly over water injection nozzles. Do not tamper or drop anything on water injection nozzles.

High-Pressure Air Hazard

Do not point a jet of high-pressure air at any part of a human body. The jet may be fatal.

High-Pressure Nitrogen Hazard

Use only approved nitrogen to charge accumulators. Never use oxygen or compressed air. A mixture of hydraulic fluid and oxygen is explosive. When charging accumulators, do not disconnect the

charging line until it has been bled. High-pressure nitrogen is present in the charging line.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Hazard

Suffocation hazard exists. Before entering the magazine area, unlock and close shutoff valve(s) for CO2 system(s).

Live Missile Hazard

Return any live missile to the magazine before troubleshooting components in the launcher area.