Additional Equipment 



In addition to the equipment listed for both the larger and smaller operations, 

 spare parts consisting principally of hose connections, needles and tips for spray 

 guns, and a diaphragm for the air regulator should be available. As explained 

 later under the heading Safety, it will be noted that exhaust fans will be needed 

 where interior work is done with a minimum of air space and ventilation. These 

 fans can be of a small portable type having blades not less than 16 inches and they 

 should be arranged so as to disturb any accumulation of saturated air. 



Most tobacco-storage warehouses are supplied with some type of fire-prevention 

 equipment. When plastic is applied, it is desirable that an extinguisher of a type 

 suitable for use with this material be available. When plastic is stored in quan- 

 tity and leakage might occur, or when filling or mixing operations are performed, 

 it is desirable to have available either a 20-pound Ansul dry-powder type or a 

 20-pound C0 2 hand extinguisher. This type of extinguisher should also be placed 

 near actual operations so that it will be handy in the event of accidental spilling of 

 the material or breakage of the hose. 



LABOR 



Experience Not Required 



The application of plastic coating is somewhat different from that of paint and 

 other sprayable materials. Experience in spray painting or lacquer work is prob- 

 ably a handicap to anyone engaged in plastic spraying because of the wide differ- 

 ences in processes. Plastic does not require the blending or uniform application 

 expected in other fields. Streaks or laps do not appear in this material and it can 

 be applied very easily, the only necessary consideration being to build up the 

 proper thickness and continuity of film. 



In conducting the experimental work on plastic sealing, the Department re- 

 ceived the cooperation of the Flue-Cured Tobacco Cooperative Stabilization Corp. 

 Sealing was performed by the employees of this organization, none of whom had 

 previous experience in this type of work. In figure 9 these men are shown per- 

 forming rather difficult operations on the exterior of a storage warehouse. The 

 movable platform on which they are working was prepared by them and designed 

 for this work. It can be seen that adaptability and physical activity are the quali- 

 fications that are required of such employees. 



Training 



The employees of the Stabilization Corporation received a course of intensive 

 instruction for 1 week under an experienced operator who trained them in the 

 use of the equipment and the preparation and application of the material. Dur- 

 ing this course of training, problems which arose with respect to applying plastic 

 compounds were worked out and the most effective means developed. After 

 the completion of their training, these men studied the various new problems 

 which confronted them and developed short cuts in their procedure. 



In its training program, the Navy found that almost any applicant with normal 

 mechanical aptitude could operate this type of spray unit and satisfactorily apply 

 plastic materials. The Navy training period was slightly longer than that of the 

 Stabilization Corporation employee, and the instruction covered very thoroughly 

 the repairing and maintenance of the equipment. 



While a degree of mechanical ability is obviously desirable, it is believed that 

 practically any active man with normal intelligence can be trained in a short 

 period to apply plastic coating efficiently. 



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