Just about everyone has been involved in cleaning,
preserving, and maintaining something. Painting the
family home or washing and waxing your car are good
examples. What you did was to protect a surface from
the effects of weather or exposure, to extend its lifetime,
and to improve its appearance.
The U.S. Navy has a far greater problem because all
Navy ships operate in a much harsher environment than
your home or car. Constant exposure to the sea and
saltwater corrosion can quickly turn the exterior of a
ship into a mass of rust. Interior spaces have their
problems as well. Constant changes in the weather and
in the surrounding water temperature cause moisture,
humidity, and chemical reactions that affect electrical
systems and machinery. To overcome these harsh
conditions, the Navy expends a great deal of time,
effort, and money applying surface preservatives. These
preservatives range from detergent and fresh water to
paint and lubricants. How well these preservatives work
depends on you.
: When you finish this chapter,
you will be able to-
*
Recognize the purpose of cleaning and
preserving.
*
Identify the cleaning bill.
*
Recall the purpose of compartment cleaning,
sweepers, cleaning process, field day, and zone
inspections.
Maintaining clean conditions aboard ship and
ashore is an important job. Cleaning involves practically
every member, from the compartment cleaner to the
inspecting officer. Navy life requires each of us to have a
personal interest in our living and working areas, not
only for the sake of appearance but for our health and
safety as well.
Each area of the ship is divided into various
departments for upkeep. The Cleaning, Preservation,
and Maintenance Bill describes these areas and outlines
the department that is responsible for them. This bill is
carefully planned to make sure all interior areas and
exterior areas of the ship's hull are assigned to personnel
for upkeep and that no areas overlap or are left out. Each
division within the department assigns its personnel to
the spaces it's responsible for. Division personnel carry
out the duties of cleaning, preserving, and maintaining.
The term
generally applies to
persons assigned to clean living or berthing
compartments or spaces, such as passageways and
heads. If you are assigned compartment cleaner duties,
you will be responsible for keeping your spaces clean,
preserved, and in good order. Newly assigned personnel
are closely supervised to make sure they understand
what to clean and how to clean it. Items, such as
electrical and mechanical devices, might be unfamiliar
to you. These types of items are located in almost every
space aboard ship. With this in mind, caution must be
observed at all times. Ask your supervisor to point out
any hazardous items located in your compartment and
observe all special cleaning instructions.
Cleaning gear is stocked in and issued from the first
lieutenant's storeroom. Each division is periodically
issued cleaning gear and is then responsible for its
proper stowage and care. Because cleaning compounds
and solvents are often flammable or toxic, or both, they
must
be left unattended or improperly stowed.
You should always read warning labels and follow their
directions carefully. Gear, such as brooms and swabs
(mops), must be cleaned after each use and placed in
their stowage racks. Gear adrift, such as rags, clothing,
or personal gear, must be "policed up" immediately. If
left adrift, these items are a tripping or fire hazard-or
18-1
.
-Mark Twain
worse, they might clog up dewatering equipment if the
space were flooded.
the end of the regular working day, and at other times as
scheduled. At these times, all persons assigned as
sweepers draw their gear and sweep and swab down
their assigned areas. All trash and dirt are picked up in a
dustpan and placed in a trash receptacle.
If dirt is swept over the side, the wind may blow
it back on board or the dirt may stick to the side
of the ship. In either case, additional work is
necessary to clean the ship.
At this time you should empty all butt kits (make
sure no butts are still burning) and trash receptacles as
instructed.
dump trash or garbage over the side of
the ship without first obtaining permission from the
officer of the deck. At times, all trash must be kept in a
safe area aboard the ship until it can be properly
removed.
Dirt, soil, and contamination all describe the same
thing-a foreign material on a surface where it is not
wanted. Soil includes grease, oil, tarnish, rust, food
residue, and stains. Most exposed surfaces that have
been soiled may be cleaned with the proper use of
cleaning agents.
Detergents are materials that have the ability to
remove contamination and soil. There are other ways of
cleaning besides using detergents or cleaning
compounds. These include purely mechanical
processes, such as removing rust from steel by sand-
blasting or cleaning decks by sweeping. For many
cleaning problems, chipping, sweeping, sanding, or
brushing may be needed. However, when detergent
compounds are coupled with the mechanical action, a
cleaner surface is usually produced with less time and
work.
The steps used in most detergent cleaning
operations are as follows:
1. Wetting-The soil and the surface of the object
being cleaned must be wetted. If the surface is not
wetted properly, cleaning results will be poor. Contrary
to popular belief, water has very poor wetting
properties. Its wetting ability, and therefore its cleaning
ability, is improved by adding other materials, such as
soap or synthetic detergents. Adding soap or synthetic
detergents cause the water to flow into tiny crevices and
around small particles of soil.
2. Scrubbing-Dirt is loosened by the mechanical
action of rubbing or scrubbing. For example, oil
droplets are emulsified; that is, they are coated with a
thin film of soap and prevented from recombining, and
then they rise to the surface. In a somewhat similar
manner, solid particles are suspended in solution.
3. Rinsing-Rinsing is very important. Rinsing
removes loosened dirt from the surface along with the
cleaning material.
Field day is cleaning day. Periodically, a field day is
held. All hands "turn to" and thoroughly clean the ship
inside and out, usually in preparation for an inspection.
Fixtures and areas that sometimes are neglected during
regular sweepdowns (overhead cables, piping, corners,
spaces behind and under equipment, and so on) are
cleaned. Bulkheads, decks, ladders, and all other
accessible areas are scrubbed. Knife edges and door
gaskets are checked; any paint, oil, or other substances
are removed; all brightwork is shined; and clean linen is
placed on each bunk. Field days improve the appearance
and sanitary condition of the ship, aid in the
preservation of the ship by extending paint life, and
reduce the dirt intake caused by operating equipment.
Because of weather conditions, there are many days
at sea when the ship's topside areas can't be cleaned. At
the first opportunity, all topside surfaces are cleaned
with freshwater and inspected for signs of rust and
corrosion. If such signs are discovered, you should tend
to the area immediately. A little work at that time will
save you a lot of work later.
18-2
Aboard ship, deck coverings get more wear than
any other material. Unless deck coverings are properly
cared for, costly replacement is required. There are
several materials used for covering decks, but only two
types are covered here. These are the resilient and the
nonslip (nonskid paint) types.
include vinyl tile, vinyl
asbestos tile, and linoleum. These deck coverings do not
need painting; however, daily sweeping and wiping
away spills as soon as possible are required. Resilient
deck covering is clamped down (cleaned with a damp
swab) frequently, allowed to dry, and then buffed with a
buffer. For more thorough cleaning when the deck is
unusually dirty, apply a solution of warm water and
detergent with a stiff bristle brush or buffer and rinse
with clean water to remove residual detergent. Stubborn
dirt and black marks left by shoes can be removed by
rubbing lightly with a scouring pad, fine steel wool, or a
rag moistened with mineral spirits.
After the deck covering is washed and dried, it can
be polished (with or without waxing) with a buffer, or it
may be given a coat of self-polishing wax and allowed
to dry without buffing. Deck coverings can be buffed
several times before rewaxing.
No wax should be applied to the deck when the ship
is going out to sea or when heavy weather is anticipated.
This is an added precaution against slipping, even
though the approved floor waxes are designed to be slip
resistant.
contain
pumice, which provides a better footing. To clean a
nonskid painted deck, use a cleaning solution of
detergent and dishwashing compound. To make the
solution, mix 1 pint of detergent and 5 tablespoons of
dishwashing compound. You can mix this compound
with freshwater to make 20 gallons of cleaning solution.
Apply the solution with a hand scrubber, let it soak for 5
minutes, and then rinse with freshwater.
wax or
paint nonskid deck coverings. Waxing or painting
reduces their nonskid properties.
If it becomes necessary to spruce up the
appearance of a nonskid deck cover, brush it
with deck paint diluted with mineral spirits.
The diluted paint should be as thin as possible
so that the nonskid properties are not affected.
Frequent inspections are held to make sure that all
spaces, machinery, and equipment are in a satisfactory
state of operation, preservation, and cleanliness. One
type of inspection, the zone inspection, divides the ship
or station into various sections. Each zone is then
assigned to an inspection party or team. Usually the CO
will head one team, while an officer or chief petty
officer will head each of the remaining teams. If you are
assigned to present a compartment, you present the
space to the inspecting officer by saluting and greeting
the inspector in the following manner: "Good morning
(afternoon), sir/ma'am; Seaman Apprentice Frost (your
rank and name) standing by compartment (name or
number), for your inspection, sir/ma'am." You will then
stay with the inspecting officer during the inspection of
your spaces to answer questions and provide assistance.
Such things as stowage cabinets, lockers, and drawers
should be unlocked before the inspection for easy
access. Usually the inspecting officer will give an
overall grade to the space; for example, a grade of
outstanding would indicate that no new discrepancies
were noted and all previous discrepancies have been
corrected. You can be proud of an outstanding grade.
Q1. The responsibility for cleaning and maintaining
certain spaces in the ship is listed in what
publication?
Q2. What person is generally assigned to clean living
or berthing spaces?
18-3
Q3. You should pick up and put away gear that has
been left adrift for what reason?
Q4. True or False. When sweeping exterior decks,
you can sweep dirt over the side.
Q5. List the three steps used in most detergent
cleaning.
a.
b.
c.
Q6. List two types of deck covers.
a.
b.
Learning Objectives: When you finish this chapter, you
will be able to-
*
Identify types of cleaning solvents.
*
Recall the precautions to be followed when
working with cleaning solvents.
No matter what the job, from paint removal to
swabbing the decks, take precautions against
carelessly using cleaning solvents. Look at the
following example:
Seaman Joe Frost didn't read the labels on the
chlorine-based cleaning material he was using
to clean the commode. He decided to clean the
drains at the same time and added a granulated
drain cleaner to the chlorine-based cleaner.
Then he left the head. A few minutes later he
heard a loud explosion. The reaction between
the chlorine-based cleaner and granulated
cleaner caused the explosion. Luckily, no one
was hurt, but the head was a mess.
Solvents used in paints, adhesives, rubber and
plastic materials, and degreasing solutions are
hazardous to your health. Most solvents are toxic and,
with a few exceptions, are flammable. Take the
appropriate measures to reduce their toxic and
flammable effects. In addition, solvents that come in
contact with your skin can cause serious skin problems.
When using solvents, always observe the following
precautions:
*
sure the space in which you are working
has adequate ventilation.
*
protective clothing, goggles, respirators,
gloves, and other appropriate equipment.
*
sure accessible fire-fighting equipment is
nearby.
*
every precaution to prevent excessive
vapors from contaminating the air.
*
the labels on all containers of liquids.
*
up spilled solvents immediately.
*
contact with your eyes, skin, or clothing.
*
swallow solvents.
*
breathing the vapors.
*
solvent containers tightly closed when you
are not using them.
*
containers for leakage.
*
solvents from a defective/leaking
container to a new container.
*
sure containers are empty before you
discard them. You must observe the approved
practices for disposal of solvents, cleaners, and
their containers.
*
all containers used to store solvents.
18-4
*
and comply with all instructions and
precautions on the label.
Always follow safety precautions when working
with solvents.
use solvents in an unventilated
space under any circumstances. Special clothing
requirements also must be observed when using some
solvents.
Carelessness on anyone's part could cause a mishap,
resulting in injuries or even deaths. By observing safety
precautions, you will reduce mishaps and save lives.
When you think of ventilation, you usually think of
air conditioning and cooling. However, when working
with solvents, the term
means providing
fresh air and exhaust to the area in which you are
working. Make sure the work area is properly
ventilated. That includes topside areas of a ship because
some topside areas are enclosed on three sides and will
not allow proper ventilation.
When applying flammable coatings or using
solvents, you
provide adequate ventilation, which
will help prevent accidental ignition. You may have to
use extra fans or local exhaust to ventilate a space,
especially in spaces where pockets can develop. A
is the buildup of vapors and poisonous air in an
area, causing an explosion.
When in doubt,
contact your supervisor for additional guidance.
Any type of solvent will give off some type of vapor.
These vapors may be toxic or flammable. Always use
proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of vapors. As you
have learned, some vapors can linger in pockets of
spaces; therefore, make sure the complete work area is
fully ventilated. Before starting a job, ask a gas free
engineer to examine the area for toxic gases and ask for
the proper ventilation plan for the space. Be sure to have
the space checked frequently for excessive vapors. If
vapors are found to be excessive, stop all work
immediately and have all personnel clear the area until it
is safe to return.
When working with solvents, you always face the
risk of their contacting your skin through splatters or
spills. Some caustic solvents will actually eat the skin
off your body. Make sure that you have all the protective
clothing needed for the job.
When working with solvents, you
wear
adequate protective clothing and gloves to prevent skin
contact with the solvents and cleaning materials.
wear jewelry or clothing with cuffs, loose pockets, rips,
or loose ties. Observe the following safety precautions
when working with solvents:
*
Wear chemical splash goggles at all times.
*
Wear acid-resistant aprons, face shield with
goggles, gloves, and boots when handling acid or
caustic cleaners.
*
Wear nonskid rubber-soled shoes when working
in enclosed spaces or when flammable vapors
may be present (spark prevention).
*
Never work in an enclosed space without using
the buddy system.
*
Respiratory protection, with either an organic
vapor cartridge or supplied air, should be worn
when dispensing, handling, or cleaning using
solvents.
Using solvents for cleaning saves time; but, make
sure you read all the labels before using the solvent.
Many solvents are corrosive and can irritate or cause
serious injuries to your eyes, skin, and lungs.
Nothing ruins a CO's day faster than receiving word
that the ship is burning. A fire can cause injury and loss
of life
take a ship off the line for a long time. When
working with solvents, you have no room for error. If
you're on a work detail that requires the use of solvents
18-5
or solvent-based paint, make sure the proper
fire-fighting equipment is located close to the work
area. One little spark can set the vapors of some solvents
into a roaring fire that can take life and destroy a ship.
Proper equipment may include fire extinguishers,
charged fire hoses, or foam. You always need to be
prepared. An ounce of prevention goes a long way. Ask
your supervisor to check the type of fire-fighting
equipment you are going to use to see if more equipment
or some other type is needed for the job at hand.
While working with people using solvents or
solvent-based paint, make sure you know the location of
the nearest fire alarm. Also, make sure all the people
working know the nearest fire escape route. Always
notify damage control central (DCC) when you are
using flammable materials.
When using solvents, be careful not to spill them on
the deck or get them on anything except what you are
cleaning. Solvents may cause paint to bubble and peel
off surfaces. The corrosive nature of some solvents can
damage equipment. When mixed with some tile
compositions, solvents can form toxic vapors that can
irritate your lungs and make you sick. If you spill
solvent, clean it up as soon as possible. If you think the
spill has caused some type of damage, contact your
supervisor for guidance.
When a spill involves more than 5 gallons of solvent
or presents a threat to the ship or the health of the crew,
report it immediately to your supervisor, DCC, or the
OOD. Each ship has a hazardous material response kit
to handle such emergencies. Spilled material and
contaminated clothing or rags become hazardous waste
and must be treated as hazardous material (HAZMAT).
Your supervisor will tell you the proper disposal
procedures for your command.
Working with solvents is dangerous. Avoid inhaling
vapors. Personnel with a history of chronic skin disease,
allergies, or asthma should not be permitted to work
with paint, solvents, and thinners.
When you handle a solvent, don't let it contact your
skin. If a solvent does contact your skin, flush it with
clear water as soon as possible. If solvent contacts your
skin or eyes, report to the nearest medical facility as
soon as possible for treatment.
When working with solvents, wear an approved
respirator and protective clothing at all times. If you
think that your respirator isn't working properly,
request an air line mask. The safety department of your
ship usually provides these items.
If you breathe some of the vapors given off by
solvents, get to a doctor as soon as possible.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health/Mine Safety and Health Administration
(NIOSH/MSHA) must approve all respirators and
pumps. Users must be medically qualified and fit-tested
before wearing a respirator. The following text
describes the air-purifying respirators and air-supplied
or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) approved
for use by the Navy:
*
Air-purifying respirators use a filter, a chemical
cartridge, or a combination of the two to remove air
contamination. Filters capture particles of dust or metal
fumes. The cartridges may contain a chemical or carbon
to absorb vapors or gases. A combination of filter and
cartridge is used for a combination of hazards, such as
spray painting. The filter captures the spray mist and the
cartridge absorbs the paint vapors, protecting the
wearer.
*
Air-supplied or self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) provides fresh air when the vapor or
gas concentration is too high or the area lacks oxygen.
Air-supplied or SCBA is required for all internal
shipboard spray painting operations. Air for supplied air
masks is provided by certified breathing air
compressors or breathing air pumps.
The use of proper equipment may save your life and
the lives of your shipmates. If you are in doubt about the
type of equipment to use, be sure to check with your
supervisor.
18-6
Most fires in paint and solvent storage areas are
caused by a buildup of vapors. Usually, vapors escape
from containers that are not closed tightly. It only takes a
small spark to ignite these vapors. Since vapors can
quickly displace the oxygen in a storage space, there
may not be enough oxygen left to sustain life.
All containers
be tightly closed when not in
use. Besides the danger of vapors accumulating, air can
cause a chemical breakdown of some solvents. After a
short time, the solvent may evaporate or decay to the
point that it can't be used.
The Navy uses many types of corrosive materials
that can eat through a container. You must make sure
this doesn't happen. How can you do that?
If you are
inspecting the containers, check all the seams carefully
for leaks or cracks. Check the sides of the containers for
dents. If a container is dented, that means the side of the
container may have been weakened and will eventually
leak. Don't sign for material in damaged containers. If
you are unsure of the condition of a container, ask your
supervisor to inspect it.
If you discover a leaking container while inspecting
your storage areas, find the name of the material or
solvent on the label of the container. Then immediately
inform your supervisor of the problem. The material or
solvent in the container may be caustic and highly
flammable. You and your supervisor should inspect the
damaged container and the surrounding area. Then the
material or solvent should be transferred to another
container using a standard Navy transfer pump. This
container must be equal to or surpass the storage
requirements of the damaged container.
One of the most dangerous practices is to discard
(throw away) a container partially filled with a solvent
or some type of caustic or flammable substance. For
example, several years ago a container of highly
flammable liquid was discarded into a dumpster in