Nonsparking tools are common hand tools and special tools made from nonferrous metals (metal not containing iron). These tools are used by the Gunner's Mate when working on or around explosives. These tools are generally made from a copper alloy (bronze). However, they may be made from other nonsparking materials. Since these tools are made from a relatively soft material, care must be exercised when using them to prevent breakage or distortion of the tool. Nonsparking tools should be stowed in separate toolboxes and should not be used as common hand tools.

RULES APPLICABLE TO REPAIR TOOLS BEFORE A JOB

Before a job is started, all work procedures should be planned and the proper tools selected to complete the job. Tools not actually needed for a job should be properly stowed in toolboxes or tool lockers.

The quality and type of all tools must conform with Navy standards.

All tools inactive use must be properly maintained. Defective tools should not be used.

Portable electric and pneumatic tools must be kept in the best condition possible. These tools should be checked frequently by the tool keepers for defective switches, electric cords, control valves, and hose connections.

Extensions to the tool handles should never be used to increase leverage.

PRESSURE GAUGES

Pressure gauges are used frequently in conjunction with ordnance equipment. Accurate pressures are necessary to obtain proper operation of hydraulic,

pneumatic, and nitrogen accumulator systems used in ordnance equipment. Pressure gauges are also used with hydraulic test kits and magazine sprinkler systems. These gauges are the means of accurately measuring pressures in pounds per square inch (psi). Pressure gauges are used in weapon systems to measure hydraulic fluid pressures (oil gauge), magazine sprinkler system pressure (water gauge), counterrecoil system pressure (air gauge), and accumulator systems pressure (nitrogen gauge).

NOTE: Gauges used on weapons equipment are considered critical and require annual testing and calibration.

The two most common types of gauges used with ordnance equipment are the Bourdon and Schroeder pressure gauges. The theory of operation of these gauges is explained in Fluid Power, NAVEDTRA 12964.

The following are some precautions to be observed when using pressure gauges. . Do not allow pressure to remain on gauges that are permanently installed in hydraulic systems.

CAUTION

Never use a hydraulic fluid gauge for testing air pressure, nor an air gauge for testing fluid pressure. A diesel action may occur! Diesel action is the ignition of hydraulic fluid by air that causes combustion.

Never use a gauge on any system in which the maximum pressure exceeds the maximum designated range of the gauge.

SOURCES OF MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Discuss the sources of ordnance data and maintenance information.

It would be impractical to try to squeeze into this chapter the many details you must know to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, disassembly, and reassembly to ordnance equipment assigned to you. Since there are many different marks and mods of equipment performing the same function "but having different working parts, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEASYSCOM) prints a publication requirement list for every active-duty ship now in service. This list is based on the major units installed and lists all the Ops, Ods, FMs, and TMs needed for repair, maintenance, test, and operation of these equipments. Copies of all the publications listed in this list are furnished to the vessel as part of the original commissioning allowance. If additional copies are required, they can be ordered through the appropriate supply point.

OP 0 is the index of the NAVSEASYSCOM ordnance publications. It lists by number and subject the ordnance publications (Ops) and ordnance data (Ods) used in the Navy. OP 0 also lists all current revisions, changes, and supplements to OPs and ODs. In addition, it includes current Army field manuals (FMs) and Army technical manuals (TMs) used by Navy activities. Your OP 0 may or may not be on microfiche.

ORDNANCE PUBLICATIONS

OPs are used by the operating forces and contain descriptions of ordnance equipment and their component parts and instructions on how to operate, maintain, disassemble, reassemble, test, and adjust the equipment. All OPs have a section on safety instructions for operating the equipment and general and specific safety orders when troubleshooting. The OPs are published by NAVSEASYSCOM, each under its own OP number. Newer OPs are issued using the new Technical Manual Identification Numbering System (TMINS). As older OPs are updated, they are often converted to the new numbering system. They maybe prepared by some other naval activity, by the manufacturer, or by the command itself. Any changes to OPs are issued by NAVSEASYSCOM. Changes issued to the fleet are numbered and a record of all changes is listed on a change record sheet posted in the front of every OP. The information on these sheets includes the change number, the date the change was made, the title or brief description of the change, and the signature of the person making the change.

ORDNANCE DATA

ODs are a kind of catchall. They are used for publishing advance information or instructions on ordnance equipment installation and alignment data, parallax data, and other miscellaneous information, such as tables of weights and dimensions. ODs are numbered consecutively by the issuing agency. ODs, like OPs, are listed in OP 0.

One OD that is required reading for you and for all other Gunner's Mates is OD 3000, Lubrication of Ordnance Equipment. It is the one OD that your ship's library of ordnance publications must not be without. Other ODs maybe useful to you, depending on the type of ship you are aboard and its armament. For this information you should consult OP 0. If the ODs are not already in your ship's library, they can be ordered.

Revisions

Revisions are made to OPs and ODs when the original publication becomes obsolete due to many design changes to the equipment. Revisions are numbered and the latest revision supersedes the previous one. When revisions of OPs are made available, be sure you check the new OP for the purpose of the revision. In some cases, a revision may completely replace other OPs or ODs and their supplements. A statement in the front of each revised OP or OD identifies those publications that are made obsolete by the revision.

Changes

Changes may consist of pen-and-ink changes, complete page changes, or changes to drawings and sketches. Changes are made to OPs and ODs after Ordnance Alterations (ORDALTs) have been completed or when errors and inaccuracies are found in a publication.

Supplements

A supplement is an addition to an OP or OD that reflects changes to equipment or its operation made since the OP or OD was published. The original publications are still used; the supplements describe only the differences between the major assemblies or the differences between the marks and mods of gun mounts, missile launchers, and rocket launchers.