CHAPTER 3
ELECTRONICS SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
Electronics safety is essential for the well-being of
every Fire Controlman. If you, as a technician, are not
thoroughly familiar with electronics safety, you may
become the next casualty.
To be an effective Fire Controlman, you must be
thoroughly familiar with all aspects of electronic
safety. Statistics show that a high percentage of
accidents and casualties could have been prevented if
some specific precautionary measures had been taken.
Common sense, good indoctrination, and training are
required of all personnel maintaining and operating
electronic equipment.
When working with electronic equipment, you
should remember this rule: SAFETY FIRST.
Dangerous voltages energize much of the equipment
you work with.
Use the safety precautions outlined in this chapter
to complement information given in your electronic
equipment instructions. These instructions
(applicable directives and equipment technical
manuals) provide specific safety instructions. Before
you perform maintenance on any equipment, be sure to
observe all required safety precautions.
This topic discusses electric shock, voltage
measurement, electromagnetic radiation hazards,
tagout bills, and protective equipment.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Electric shock is the sensation and muscular spasm
caused when electric current passes through the body.
The word current is underlined in the last sentence to
emphasize that it is the current and NOT the voltage
that causes electric shock. No matter how much
voltage is present, you will be shocked only if you
provide a ground path for the electric current.
The following excerpt from a mishap report shows
just one result of not following proper safety
procedures:
“While trying to adjust the alignment between
coarse and fine synchros in the gun drive drawer, a
Fire Controlman received a shock from a 115-volt
source.
While performing preventive
maintenance, he discovered that the alignment did
not meet the performance specifications required
by the maintenance requirement card (MRC).
After trying to align the synchros, he discovered
that the fine synchro was faulty. To get into the
synchro control box, he removed the insulation
cover. While adjusting the synchro, the technician
touched the exposed wiring on the synchro with his
thumb, allowing 115 volts of alternating current to
enter his thumb and forearm. He went to medical,
after which the corpsman sent him to the naval
hospital for evaluation and observation. He was
released the next day, slightly damaged, but very
much aware of the value of following safety
procedures.”
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completing this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. Describe electric shock and its effects on the human body.
2. Describe the procedures to follow for measuring voltages.
3. Describe electromagnetic radiation hazards.
4. Describe the tag-out bill and its responsibilities and procedures.
