SECTION 2 - SAFETY
A. General. Classical lenses were built during a period when little was known
about the effects of some of the materials used in their construction. Today,
we are knowledgeable of the hazards of these materials and must take
certain precautions.
1. Glass. The glass used in classical lenses is quite brittle. It is common to
find prisms chipped, broken or loose. Care must be exercised when
working around and cleaning the lens to prevent personnel from being cut
or scratched. Use of clean, brown "Jersey Gloves", latex gloves or
equivalent, and long sleeves are at the discretion of the Team Leader.
Gloves should be worn if the lens prisms must be touched to prevent skin
oils from etching the glass. Loose elements should be secured prior to
cleaning. To prevent further damage, personnel should remove metallic
watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces and belt buckles (belts may be spun
around to the side).
2. Litharge. Litharge, along with wood wedges, is historically the material
used to secure lens prisms in place. It is similar to glazing compound,
however it is comprised of calcium carbonate, white or red lead and boiled
linseed oil. If the litharge is flaking or missing and requires replacement,
or there is evidence of loose litharge at the bottom of the lens, the pieces
should be collected utilizing a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA
filter. The use of a HEPA respirator is required in all cases unless
exposure data (or exposure modeling) demonstrates airborne levels of
lead for this activity will not be hazardous. Contact your MLC Detached
Safety and Environmental Health Officer at your servicing Integrated
Support Command to request exposure modeling information or a
workplace assessment. Be sure to describe the material, its purpose and
the quantity involved. The debris collected must be labeled "lead
contaminated" and properly disposed.
3. Mercury. Floating the lens in a circular trough of mercury supported some
classical lenses. This was used to reduce the power requirements to
rotate large lenses. All active Coast Guard lights were converted to chariot
wheels, however mercury was serviced regularly at these lights, which
presumes that some may have spilled, contaminating the area. If records
show that a mercury float was installed, to ensure the safety of servicing
personnel, an air sample of the lantern room should be conducted by your
Integrated Support Command and noted in the aid log. Regardless,
efforts should be made to ventilate the lantern room (open doors, etc.)
when work is performed on the lens.
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