IRONER CONTROLS

Currently flatwork ironers used on Navy ships have either 60-inch or 85-inch cylinders. The flatwork ironer consists of a steam-heated cylinder against which the flatwork is pressed by means of three padded pressure rolls. The work is carried into the ironer on feed ribbons that lead the work over the cylinder. At the rear an apron or ribbon presses the work against the underside of the cylinder and returns it to the front. Steam to heat the cylinder is provided by the ship's steam line, and the motor is electrically driven. The ironer parts that you are mainly concerned with are shown in figure 5-30. The one part not shown that is very important is the emergency stop button located in the right-hand rear of the machine. We will briefly describe the main parts so you can get a broad understanding of the flatwork ironer.

1 The return ribbons hold flatwork in contact with the heated cylinder until discharge.
1 The delivery table catches all discharged material.
1 The finger guard prevents the hands of the operator from getting near the padded pressure rolls.
1 The padded rolls smooth and flatten fabric to the heated cylinder.
1 The feed ribbons feed flatwork.
1 The feed ribbon drive roll turns the feed ribbons.
1 The speed control lever controls the speed in which flatwork is passed through the ironer.
1 The foot pedal engages the compression roll.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before discussing operation of the flatwork ironer, we need to discuss safety precautions that apply to this equipment. Do not try to remove jammed linen or material while the machine is running. Serious injury to the operator or damage to the ironer can occur if you attempt to reposition or unjam linen or service the ironer while it is running. If something is jammed, shut the ironer off at the power source before trying to remove it. If the ironer has compression roll levers, learn how these levers work and always use them to

Figure 5-30.- Flatwork ironer basic parts.

fully raise padded rolls before you shut off the power, allow the ironer to cool, and try to remove jammed linen or service the ironer. Always avoid contact with heated parts. Never reach over, under, or behind the safety finger guard or into any area near the heated roll or moving parts without first shutting off the ironer at the power source. If you break this rule, you are taking the chance of getting caught in the rolls or ribbons and possibly incurring serious injury from the ironer's heat or pressure. This rule should be followed whether you are working at the front, side, or rear of the ironer. Check the operation of the safety finger guard at the beginning of every shift. Touching the safety finger guard should activate a switch that will stop the ironer. If this safety feature is not working properly, shut off the ironer at the power source and notify your laundry supervisor. Do not try to operate the ironer until the safety finger guard is repaired and working properly. Always make sure that all other safety guards and end panels are in place before operating the ironer. ALWAYS make sure that all ribbons and tapes are in place and working properly. They are designed to hold linen so it is properly ironed and to prevent jamming. Never relace or adjust tapes, ribbons, or padding while ironer is running.

Keeping the ironer well waxed also helps to prevent jams. DO NOT iron anything except flatwork because damage to the ironer or injury can result. The ironer is designed for processing flatwork only. DO NOT stand, sit, or kneel on any shelf at the front or rear of the ironer. These are not designed to support a person's weight. PROTECT yourself and your fellow workers by making sure that everyone follows these simple rules. Read and follow all safety labels. Learn which parts are hot and how the ironer works- including how to shut it off in an emergency. Do not get close to heated or moving parts or wear loose clothing or jewelry when near the ironer. If you see people breaking these rules, help them prevent serious injury to themselves or others by reminding them to follow the rules and shut the ironer off first. When in doubt contact the engineering department. Do not try to make mechanical repairs on this equipment. Only qualified personnel should service this equipment.