CLEANING CONCRETE-LINED CANALS
(Suggestion R2-61-81)

When removing silt from the canal prism of a concrete-lined canal,
it is wet and often submerged in water, making it sloppy and difficult

pala -p-31492

Fig. 1

17

to pick up. Layers of silt
are usually comparatively
thin, and the use of an ordi-
nary dragline bucket for this
operation is impractical, due
to the design and weight. A
light-weight bucket, with wide
opening, is advantageous.

Such a bucket was suggested
by Henry R. Read, equipment
operator, Fresno Operations
Field Branch, Central Valley
Project, California, and is
shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.

The bucket, being wide with
flat bottom and cutter bar,



PLOW

---E ROD - 36" LONG

TOOTH AND BEAM-> MATERIAL

FOR CLEANING EXPANSION JOINTS



Fig. 1



Fig. 3

slips under the material without disturbing the silt and water,
assuring a cleaner, greater volume with each pass. The bucket
is cast to the bottom of the canal, pulled across and up the side
to the pickup point. As the bucket is pulled up the canal slope, it
is designed for the liquid or semiliquid material to level with the
top rim (Figure 1). This is also true upon lifting the bucket. The
angle remains the same, retaining a full bucket with a minimum
amount of spill, Figure 2.

Figure 3 shows the bucket in the dumped position.

The bucket uses the trip sheave, clevice and socket from the

regular dragline bucket. A schematic design of this bucket is
available in the Delano Unit Office, if one should be required,

and can be obtained by writing the Regional Director, Bureau of
Reclamation, Post Office Box 2511, Sacramento 11, California.

RR Ok

18



Ventilation Control: Use moderate rate
Personnel Protection: Section 3*
Personal Hygiene: Section 3*
Storage and Handling: Section 7*
Shipping Regulations: Section 11*
I.C.C. Classification; Flammable liquid; red label
Coast Guard Classification: Inflammable liquid, red label.

*NOTE: References are to the article Dangerous Properties of

Industrial Materials," by N. Irving Sax, referred to in the first

paragraph. If additional information is requested concerning the

use and handling of the material contact the Regional Director,

Bureau of Reclamation, Post Office Box 427, Boulder City, Nevada.
2K OK oR ok

PLASTIC NAMEPLATES ATTACHED BY

PRESSURE-SENSITIVE TAPE
(Suggestion R7-61-25)

The use of double-faced, pressure-sensitive tape for adhering
plastic nameplates to the face of switchboard panels was a sugges-
tion of Mr. Roland R. Thessen of the South Platte River Projects
Office, Loveland, Colorado. The tape is used instead of the present
method of drilling the nameplates and the switchboard panels and
using sheet metal or machine screws to hold the plates in place.

The photographs below illustrate the use of the tape in securing the
nameplates to a steel panel.

Use of the tape will save a good deal of time, since it is not neces-
sary to drill each nameplate and the panel when installing new tags
or changing old ones. Defacement of the panelboard is eliminated,
and more information can be contained on the tag when there are no
screwheads protruding on the face of the tag. The nameplates can
also be cleaned more easily. The suggestion has been adopted by
the South Platte River Projects office where it is being used on
numerous switchboard panels.

WELTER POWER © CARRIER TEST SWITCH O

MN EATERS POWER © RECLOSER SWITCH =O

The above nameplates are
secured to panel with the
pressure-sensitive double -
faced tape.

The above nameplates are
now secured with tape but
were originally held by
screws.

20 GPO 853181



AUGER GUIDE AND SAFETY LOCK
(Suggestion R4-WB-59-4)

A mobile auger drill was used in the exploration of the borrow area
for Willard Dam on the Weber Basin Project in Utah. Standard
equipment on the truck-mounted rig included an auger guide. Diffi-
culty was encountered in keeping the guide in place, and if it was not
kept in place, the auger drifted out of alinement. Much time was con-
sumed in securing the guide when this occurred.

In addition, the standard guide furnished had no device for locking
the auger in place while removing it from the drilled hole. This
necessitated the use of a heavy awkward plate which was placed on
the ground and interlocked with the auger after it was raised to keep
it from falling down the drilled hole. Interlocking of this heavy
plate with the auger was difficult and created a safety hazard if the
operator accidentally rotated the auger while the plate was engaged.

Mr. J. W. Farrel, Construction Inspector of the Ogden Area Field
Branch of the Weber Basin Project, suggested some improvements
and was instrumental in construction of a new guide and safety lock
that resulted in considerable saving of man-hours of work; the elim-
ination of hazards which increased safety; and greater ease of oper-
ation. This was accomplished by the single piece of equipment shown
on the drawing on page 16.

The auger guide and safety lock devised by Mr. Farrel remains
securely locked at all times, thus assuring good alinement of the
auger. The handles are extended against the frame of the truck,
freeing the auger for rotary movement, while the 7-1/2-inch-
diameter cylinder acts as a guide for the bit and auger. Dogs on
the handles can quickly be swung into place to hold the auger when
it is in a raised position and keep it from falling down the drilled
hole. Two braces, with bolts extended, are used for mounting the
device on the framework of the truck. The small U-shape clamp
holds the handles in place, locking the bit and auger in an elevated
position when necessary.

*
*
*
%
*

15



HARDWOOD BLOCKS PROTECT PAINT ON RADIAL GATES

Maintenance painting is a problem on all projects, and anything that
can be done to protect the painted surfaces is worthwhile. The
photograph at left shows one of the
Frenchman Canal wasteway radial
gates on the Columbia Basin Project
which had just been repainted.

Pitting of the base plate, which
occurred where the wire rope had
rubbed on the face of the gate, shows
through the new paint that has been
applied. This is a rather common
occurrence where the wire ropes are
permitted to bear against the gate
face. The paint is scarred and
accelerated corrosion develops.

Irrigation Manager Joe Kirk of the
Columbia Basin Project suggested
the idea shown in the photograph.
Hardwood blocks are fastened to the
face of the gate for the wire rope to
bear against, thus preventing dam-
age to the base plate. The amount of
work involved in fastening the blocks
to the gate is small, and it appears
to be an idea worth adoption.

SAFETY MESSAGES
(Suggestion R1-61-29)

Safety on our irrigation projects is being given increased attention
by the operators of our irrigation systems. Mr. John Telisak of
the North Side Irrigation Field Division, Minidoka Project, Idaho,
suggested sending periodic safety messages to water users on
monthly water use statements to make the water users and their
families aware of hazards present in connection with irrigation
structures, channels, and facilities. A sample message suggested
by Mr. Telisak is:

“Swimming in canals and stilling pools is hazardous.
Small children, especially, should be made aware of
the danger present. Your cooperation in discouraging
such practices will be appreciated."

wok ee ok



trencher immedi-
ately behind the
digging chain.

"By using the form
the vertical sides
of the trench do not
slough off before
or during the con-
crete placement
and the slip form
being mounted
directly behind the
digging chain has
the added advan-
tage of serving as
a 'crumber' bar
for the excavation.

Fig. 6
"Conerete is sup-
plied from transit-mix trucks that straddle the complete core wall
and discharge directly into the hopper of the slip form, Figure 5.

"Vibrators also mounted on the trenching machine vibrate the con-
crete inthe form. Excavation and placement are completed in one
operation. About 100 feet of core wall can be placed per hour.

"Although no extensive ditch lining program is being undertaken in
this rehabilitation work, some sections of ditch are being lined with
concrete in areas of high seepage. On most of the reaches of lining,
a 3-foot bottom width ditch can be used by varying the depth of water
and slope. For this work the subgraded-guided slip form shown in
Figure 6 and on the cover of this issue of the bulletin, was purchased.
The depth of section can be adjusted to any dimension up to 4'-6"."'

PORTABLE FIELD LIGHT
(Suggestion R7-61-3Gp)

A portable field light, which can be attached to a pickup, was sug-
gested as a means of improving conditions for taking tests on Sherman
Dam at night during construction of the dam. The suggestion by

Mr. Ralph C. Rima and Mr. Walter A. Crossman, mechanics in the
Farwell Project Office, Nebraska, had been most helpful in earth-
work control testing. Although designed and used for a specific pur-
pose during construction of Sherman Dam, the field light may be useful


P23-0-31500

Fig. 4

core wall is excavated with a crawler-mounted, endless-chain type,
25 horsepower trencher, Figure 4, which excavates a trench 3 inches
wide and 6 feet deep. This trench is then filled with concrete to a
depth of 5 feet. To aid in the placement of the concrete, a special
slip form with a hopper was devised. The slip form mounts on the



yoo] Ajeyeg pue apiny szesny

MGIA LNOUS

pey20)
seipuoH - ~~ -|

4207 ALIIVS

ony

3aind 439NV

wos
yd.
nd
S3HONI_30_31VvOS put
8 % r) v 108 6 XS -iI fee

$a20s9->

MGIA 3a1S

soipuoH

161 XB

sobulnas saburH-!

16



670 8'C" CLAMPS AS NEEDED..

Let PLATE

-- PUMP SHAFT
£

LOOPS TO ATTACH
CABLES-\

BRONZE }
IMPELLER ~

PUMP IMPELLER PULLER

Pump Impeller Puller
R1-60-111



Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
RELEASE NO. 38

October, November and December 1961

CONTENTS

Metal Forms for Rehabilitation Work

Portable Field Light

Pulling Bronze Pump Impellers

Hardwood Blocks Protect Paint on Radial Gates
Safety Messages

Fuel Pann Safety

Walkplank Bracket for Weir Structures
Looking at the Next Accident Victim

Plow Facilitates Roof Repair

Oil Filter and Fan Belt Replacements
Polyethylene Rope Used on Life Preservers
Portable Platform for Motor Vehicle Repair

A Convenient Source of Electric Power

Auger Guide and Safety Lock

Cleaning Concrete-Lined Canals

Handle Acrolein Type Herbicides Carefully
Plastic Name Plates Attached by Pressure-Sensitive Tape

LAST COPY - DO NOT REMOVE


!
i
'
H
'
H
'
H
["F50. 3
1
|
i
'
f
f
'
i
i
H
'

WALKPLANK BRACKET

Fig. 3
Rok kK Oe

LOOKING AT THE NEXT ACCIDENT VICTIM
(Suggestion R7-61-39)

Two of the problems in safety education are (1) the need for the con-
stant stressing of accident prevention and (2) the natural tendency
for people to become immune to repeated safety warnings, thinking
that accidents always happen to someone else. The solution to these
problems is to have something that people see often and at a time
when they think of themselves in the light of accident prevention.



FUEL PUMP SAFETY
(Suggestion R1-CB-60-97)

Mr. Wesley A. Brandon of the Columbia Basin Project Office,
Washington, has suggested that all "self-service" gas pumps and
other fuel pumps handling explosive or inflammable fuels be equipped
with rubber or neoprene spouts on the fuel hoses to eliminate the pos-
sibility of sparks. Mr. Brandon also suggested that "No Smoking"
signs at the pumps be supplemented with "Stop Your Motor."

ok RRO

WALKPLANK BRACKET FOR WEIR STRUCTURES
(Suggestion R1-61-108)

A number of weir structures on the Minidoka Project, Idaho, were
designed without satisfactory means of measuring the discharge from
the weirs. It had been common practice by the ditchriders to obtain
the measurements by walking on the concrete headwall of the weir--
an unsafe and hazardous practice. A suggestion of Robert N. Weibel
of the North Side Irrigation Field Division, Minidoka Project, adopted
by Region 1, is the walkplank shown in Figure 1.

A bracket (Figure 2) was designed to hang on the concrete headwall.
As shown on the sketch (Figure 3), the bracket consisted of 3/8- by
2-inch, flat bars. Welding was used throughout in construction of the
bracket. After hooking the brackets over the concrete headwall,
2-inch-thick wooden planking, 12 inches in width, was laid across the
brackets, with notches being cut in the planking where it rested on
the bracket, to hold the plank in place.

As shown in Figure 1, a 2- by 4-inch stiffener was nailed to the lower
side of the walkplank, where the span between brackets is considerable.



in other areas, The
cost of the suggested
portable light is $5.50
compared to $20 fora
spotlight mounted on
the top of a pickup.

By mounting a $1.25
weatherproof recepta-
cle on the pickup box
of several vehicles,

the same lamp can be
used with other vehicles
and for other purposes.
Thus, it is not neces-
sary to have lamps for
each unit as is the case
when spotlights are mounted on vehicles and the second vehicle
must be available for servicing.

The lamp consists of a 6-inch floodlight (sealed beam) mounted on
a 3/4-inch rod, as shown in the photograph above. The rod is

36 inches long and pointed at one end. The device is equipped with
10 feet of extension cord. The cord may be plugged into a two-way,
weatherproof socket which is installed on the pickup box. Power

is obtained by connecting the socket to the taillight wires.

kK kK

PULLING BRONZE PUMP IMPELLERS
(Suggestion R1-60-111)

Pump impellers are usually made of bronze and are machined to a
tight fit on the impeller shaft. The impellers are difficult to remove.
Since they are bronze, they will not withstand much hammering, and
it is difficult to fasten any usual connector, such as a hook, to the
impellers. The problem has been largely solved on the Minidoka
Project, Idaho, utilizing a suggestion made by John D. Fredrickson.

Mr. Fredrickson suggested use of the plate shown on the sketch,
page 6. The plate is fastened to the impeller by means of "'C"
clamps, and by using six or eight of the clamps, the load can be more
equally distributed around the circumference of the impeller and not
concentrated in one place that could result in serious damage. The
plate is fastened to a coffin jack by means of two cables and loops,
which are welded to the steelplate. The coffin jack and the opposite
end of the pump bowls are fastened to anchors in the shop floor.
Pressure is applied with the coffin jack. By using the plate, the
impellers can be removed with a minimum of effort and without dam-

age. The device can be used on all impellers which are keyed to the
shaft.



HANDLE ACROLEIN TYPE HERBICIDES CAREFULLY

A proprietary herbicide using the chemical "acrolein" is being used
to kill aquatic weeds in some irrigation canals in the southwest. The
ingredients of the herbicide, as listed on the containers, are:

85 percent Acrolein and 15 percent inert ingredients. In referring
to "Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials," by N. Irving Sax,
we find that the material possesses properties which should be given
special attention in handling, storing, transporting, and during
application. The properties of the herbicide are listed below and
are being called to your attention, as it is felt special handling pro-
cedures of the material should be available to those who might use
it.

ACROLEIN (Acrylaldehyde)

Synonyms: Propenal; acrylic aldehyde; allyl aldehyde;
acraldehyde.
Description: Colorless or yellowish liquid; disagreeable
choking odor.
Formula: CH2CHCHO
Constants:
Mol. Wt. 56.06
M. P. -87.7°C
B. P. 52.5°C
Flash P. < 0°F
Density 0.841 at 20°/4°C
Autoign. Temp. Unstable (532°F)
Vap. D. 1.94
Toxic Hazard Rating:
Acute Local: Irritant 3; Allergen 1; Ingestion 3;
Inhalation 3
Acute Systemic: U
Chronic Local: Allergen 1
Chronic Systemic: 0
MAC: (ACGIH accepted); 0.5 parts per million in air;
11 milligrams per cubic meter of air.
Toxicology: Due to its extreme lachrymatory effect it serves
as its own warning agent. Industry records one
fatality ascribed to exposure to it formed by the
heat of welding in an enclosed space. It affects
particularly the membranes of the eyes and
respiratory tract. It is a weak sensitizer;
inhalation may cause asthmatic reaction (Section 9). *
Fire Hazard: Dangerous, when exposed to heat or flame.
Spontaneous Heating: No
To Fight Fire: Carbon dioxide or dry chemical (Section 6). *
Explosion Hazard: Unknown
Disaster Control: Dangerous, when heated to decomposition,
emits highly toxic fumes; can react vigorously
with oxidizing materials.

19



METAL FORMS FOR REHABILITATION WORK

Under the Rehabilitation and Betterment Program for the Texas
portion of the Rio Grande Project, well over 200 deteriorated lat-
eral check structures are scheduled for replacement or rehabili-
tation. Some of the other work under this program consists of
placing concrete core walls in canal and lateral banks and placing
concrete lining in laterals.

A report of the work being performed has been prepared by the
Project Manager at El Paso, Texas, and is being presented in this
issue of the bulletin, because of its applicability to similar rehabil-
itation work in other localities. The report follows:

"Under the Rehabilitation and Betterment Program for the Texas
portion of the Rio Grande Project, well over 200 deteriorated lat-
eral check structures are scheduled for replacement or rehabilita-
tion. Some of the other work under this program consists of placing
concrete core walls in canal and lateral banks and placing concrete
lining in laterals. For these types of work, steel forms have either
been purchased or fabricated in the project shops.

"Because of differences in capacities and depths of water in the lat-
erals, the size of check structures varies. Most of the structures,
however, fall in a certain range of height and width. Therefore,
two sets of "knock-down" reusable steel forms were designed and
purchased for the construction of these lateral checks. The forms
provide for a 4-, 5- or 6-foot bay width and water depths of 3, 4,
or 5 feet.

"The forms are used for the concrete overflow side weirs and con-
crete piers to support a concrete walkway. The pier and weir forms
are attached to and suspended from two 6-inch steel channels that
are the forms for the walkway. The forms are so designed that
12-inch panels can be added to the height to increase the height of
check.

"In using the check forms, the forms are assembled in the yard; the
steel is bent, tied and placed in the forms; and the forms with steel
in place are hauled as a unit to the jobsite, Figure 1.

"The entire form is suspended across the ditch section by the two
6-inch channels, Figure 2. Concrete for the entire structure, includ-
ing the cutoffs, lining, piers, weirs and walk, is placed in one pour.

"A completed structure is shown in Figure 3.
"Concrete core walls in the banks of canals and laterals are used to

reduce the hazard of ditch breaks, particularly in highly populated
areas, and to reduce seepage from the ditches. The trench for the



Fig. 3

kK RK

OIL FILTER AND FAN BELT REPLACEMENTS
(Suggestion R4-2C-61-12)

Each make, type, year, and model of vehicle, carries different oil
filter elements and fan belt sizes. Mr. Koerner Rombauer of the
Glen Canyon Unit, Colorado River Storage Project, felt there was a
need for some means of quickly determining which filter elements
and fan belts were required during replacement. He suggested that
the serial number and make, printed on the element containers as
received, be secured to the underside of the engine hood. By so
doing, it was quickly possible to obtain the proper filter element or
fan belt needed from warehouse stock.

It was originally suggested that the identifying information be taped
to the hood. However, as a modification, a plastic holder was used
by Mr. Rombauer to prevent the information from being destroyed
by water, oil, and heat.

HK oe ae ok

12



A CONVENIENT SOURCE OF ELECTRIC POWER
(Suggestion R2-61-49)

The pony motor used for starting the main diesel engine of a crane
had been started by manual cranking in a small cramped spot. This
condition created two hazards: (1) the possibility of broken bones
when the engine kicks, and (2) the possibility of the operator being
trapped in an inescapable spot if the motor should backfire during
cranking and ignite the fuel. An electric starter seemed the only
answer, but the cost of installing and maintaining a battery and gen-
erating system seemed excessive, especially on a rig left alone on
the canal during nonoperating days when the battery could be stolen.

At the suggestion of heavy-duty mechanic Gordon Q. Sewall of the
Fresno Operations Field Branch, Central Valley Project, California,
an electric starter was installed and equipped with a convenient elec-
tric socket. A similar socket was installed on the front fender of
the operator's pickup truck, as shown in the photograph below. A
heavy-duty electric cable, extending from the pickup to the electric
starter, supplied the necessary current and has simplified the start-
ing of the crane motor.

Another feature that will be added, when materials are received,
will be an adapter from the regular cable plug to alligator clips so
that the cable can be used to start any rig which has a low battery.
This would include tractors, trucks, sprayers, etc., which are
away from the project headquaters.

14


OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
Release No. 38

October, November and December 1961

INTRODUCTION

The article "Metal Forms for Rehabilitation Work'', beginning on
page 1 of this issue of the bulletin, describes work being accom-
plished on the Rio Grande Project, Texas. The article describing
the project activities was prepared for the bulletin by personnel of
Project Manager W. F. Resch's staff, El Paso, Texas.

Herbicides, in which the chemical "acrolein'' is a major constitu-
ent, are being used in the control of aquatic weeds on some projects
in the southwest. Region 3 of the Bureau of Reclamation warns that
care must be exercised in the use, handling, and storage of the
material. An article concerning the use of the herbicide appears
on page 19.

This bulletin, published quarterly, is circulated for the benefit of
irrigation project operation and maintenance people. Its principal
purpose is to serve as a medium of exchanging operation and main-
tenance information. It is hoped that the labor-saving devices or
less costly equipment developed by the resourceful water users will
be a step toward commercial development of equipment for use on
irrigation projects in a continued effort to reduce costs and increase
operating efficiency.

To assure proper recognition of those individuals whose suggestions
are published in the bulletins, the suggestion number as well as

the person's name is given. All Bureau offices are reminded to
notify their Suggestions Awards Committee when a suggestion is
adopted.

ORK RK

Division of Irrigation Operations
Office of Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer
Denver, Colorado



Cover Photo.
A subgrade guided slip form purchased for rehabilitation and
betterment of the Rio Grande Project facilities in Texas can
be used in the lining of canal and lateral sections which vary
in depth up to 4 feet 6 inches, provided bottom width remains
constant at 3 feet. Photo No. P23-D-31503


A mirror is seen by everyone several times a day, with only them-
selves in mind, and Mr. William C. Klostermeyer of the Grand
Island Development Office, Grand Island, Nebraska, suggests that
use be made of the mirror for its effectiveness. He suggests that

a decal, or a gummed sticker, be placed on the mirror, stressing
that the owner of the image in the mirror might be the next accident
victim.

A suggested decal that has been adopted in the Grand Island Develop-
ment Office and in its field stations, with the concurrence of the local
safety committee, is shown in the illustration below. The decal has
been attached to mirrors located above wash basins in all rest rooms.

ARE YoU LOOKING
AT THE
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR’S

NEXT ;
ACCIDENT VICTIM ?

PLOW FACILITATES ROOF REPAIR
(Suggestion R1-61-55)

When repairing the machine shop roof slab at the Hungry Horse
Powerplant, it was first necessary to remove the old filler from the
joint which was 400 feet long, about 4-1/2 inches deep, and varying
in width from 1/2 to 1-1/8 inches. Since one side of this joint was a
vertical wall, it was difficult to remove the filler with ordinary hand
tools. Mr. Ray D. Ellman and Wilber C. Schaeffer of the O&M Divi-
sion suggested building the "plow" shown in the sketch, page 11.

This plow, pulled by means of an air-powered winch, as shown in
Figures 2 and 3, pages 11 and 12, removed the joint filler quickly
and easily.

The operation required two men, one operating the winch and the
other guiding the ''plow''. Actually, because of the varying joint width,
three separate plows were used, having widths of 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch,
and 1 inch. The suggestion saved a great deal of time and manpower
in removing the old filler from the joint on this job, and it can also

be used on other similar future jobs here and on other projects.

10



POLYETHYLENE ROPE USED ON LIFE PRESERVERS
(Suggestion R3-BC-61-28)

A suggestion adopted on the Boulder Canyon Project in Nevada and
Arizona is that of Mr. Bruce A. Smith concerning the rope of the
life preservers. Mr. Smith suggested that the existing ropes be
replaced with nylon skiing rope, because it was stronger and would
not be so subject to deterioration by rotting as are the ropes now
used. Mr. Smith believed that the suggestion would be a saving to
the Government, since the ropes would not have to be replaced so
often.

In adopting Mr. Smith's suggestion, however, it was decided that
polyethylene rope might be superior to the nylon rope, because the
polyethylene material will float indefinitely and, unlike nylon rope,
will not lose its strength when wet.

PORTABLE PLATFORM FOR MOTOR
VEHICLE REPAIR
(Suggestion 60-161-R2)

Mr. Oscar A. Schwarz of the
Fresno Operations Field Branch,
Central Valley Project, California,
observed the need for a step to
allow easy and safe access to
truck motors. To meet this need,
he fabricated a 12- by 24-inch step
to hang over the top of truck tires.
The step, as shown in the photo-
graph at left, is constructed of
steel floor plate material, and the
hangers are of 1/4-inch-diameter

pipe.

The portable platform permits
easy access to truck motors in
particular, and prevents possible
straining or slipping from stand-
ing on tiptoes on smooth or oily
floors.

13