Even though GMLSs are complex machines, they can be operated and maintained in a relatively safe manner. Safety precautions DO work if the proper equipment and procedures are used. All applicable satiety warnings must be strictly followed. Always use your common sense and do not skylark.

All equipment operations should be performed carefully, methodically, and without hurrying. Greater individual and team effectiveness will be developed by increased familiarity with the proper and safe methods of accomplishing a task. Should a malfunction occur or an incorrect indication appear on a control panel, STOP the operation immediately. Then determine whether it is safe to proceed. Consider the effect of your decision on both equipment and personnel. Do NOT be afraid to ask for help.

Cleanliness and good housekeeping practices in all work areas are important. They are major factors in effective accident prevention. Keep tools in good working order, and always return them to a proper storage place.

Changes, modifications, or alterations to any ordnance equipments should not be made unless explicit authority from NAVSEA or another cognizant authority is obtained. Safety devices found on GMLS equipment were installed for the protection of personnel and equipment. These devices should never be removed, disabled, or bypassed. Specific authorization from the commanding officer or a designated representative is required if a safety device must be altered. Adequate notices should be posted to warn (and remind) personnel of the potential hazard.

This chapter only scratches the surface of safety. You will see more about safety throughout the rest of this manual. You will be involved with it everyday of your career. Become familiar with ALL the ordnance safety publications, and set the example in following them.

SUMMARY

In this chapter, we discussed the secondary and auxiliary functions of the major GMLSs. This discussion was primarily directed toward the procedures used in jettisoning and strikedown operations. We covered various fire suppression systems, including the CO2, water injection, dry-type, and Mk 41 deluge systems. Environmental control systems-anti-icing and A/C-were also covered. The operational and safety requirements for the different types of sprinkler systems were also discussed.

We concluded the chapter with a safety summary on the GMLSs and a section on general safety precautions. It would probably serve you well to reread this section on safety.

In the next chapter, we will discuss the common electrical and electronic components and their schematic symbols, used in the current GMLSs.