Photograph 2. Photo PX-D-67885

Photograph 3 below, shows a view of the East Main Canal bank before
rolling, and Photograph 4 on page 19, shows the same bank after roll-
ing. The rat and gopher holes have been caved in and compacted.

Photograph 3. Photo PX-D-67886

18


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Research Report No. 19 * A WATER RESOURCES TECHNICAL PUBLICATION

Investigations

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

The publication illustrated above is a summary of laboratory tests,
field investigations and field installations made by the Bureau of
Reclamation over a period of years. It can be purchased from the
Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Wash-
ington, D.C. 20402, or the Engineering and Research Center, Bureau of
Reclamation, Attention: Code-920, Denver Federal Center, Denver,
Colorado 80225. Price 50 cents. Bureau offices can obtain copies
by requisition to the E&R Center at the above address.

As stated in the introduction, buried flexible membrane linings of
Polyvinl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene plastics are being accepted
increasingly for lining applications because of their performance and
low cost. Many materials have been or are under test.

Either the PVC or polyethylene plastic of a minimum 10-mil thickness
can be used satisfactorily as canal lining. Although the Bureau's
greatest use of plastic membrane is for lining canal systems, these
membranes can also be used as liners for reservoirs storing potable
water, irrigation reservoirs and ponds, sewage and waste lagoons,
brine storage ponds and pits, dam and levee cores, and as cutoff
curtains in vertical trenches.

GPO 831-894

22


Nameplates for Panel Mounting

Background: 1/16- or 3/32-inch-thick laminated phenolic
resin, black or red.

Lettering: White, not less than 3/16-inch-high, except
for informational plates intended to be read at close
range.

Fastening: Self-tapping screws.

Nameplates Mounted on Concrete Walls

Background: 1/16- or 3/32-inch phenolic resin, black
or red.

Lettering: White, not less than 1/4-inch-high, except
close-range informational.

Fastening: Epoxy cement.

Nameplates for Out-of-doors Installations

Background: Laminated phenolic, black or red, 1/16- or
3/32-inch laminate as appropriate for curved mounting.

Lettering: White, not less than 1/4-inch-high, except
close-range informational.

Fastening: Epoxy cement.

Nameplates for Valves or Equipment in Well-lighted Areas

Background: Laminated phenolic, black or red, 1/16-inch
laminate for mounting on flat surface; 1/8-, 3/16-, or
1/4-inch laminate for mounting on curved surfaces.

Lettering: White, not less than 1/4-inch-high, except
close-range informational.

Fastening: Epoxy cement.
Stock signs may be available to meet many needs.

Complete identification of electrical controls at an installation
is shown in the photograph on next page. Terminal markers provide


Photograph 4. Photo PX-D-67887

The working speed of the tractor is approximately 5 miles per hour;
with higher speeds there was a tendency for the roller to ride over
the old holes and undermined sections of the bank. Photograph 5 below
is a view of the tractor roller making a first pass along the top of
the canal bank. Photograph 6 on page 20, is a view of tractor and
roller making a fourth pass.

Photograph 5. Photo PX-D-67888
19


HOUSEBOATS ON RESERVOIRS 1/

A 5-point program for control of houseboats on Bureau reservoirs was
announced by the Interior Secretary. The program provides that use
of houseboats not be permitted on reservoirs where on-shore sewage
disposal is not available, houseboats should have sufficient power
and other capabilities consistent with weather hazards, fixed mooring
sites should be regulated, and litter disposal regulations should be
established to prevent waste into reservoir waters.

As most of Reclamation's reservoirs in the west has been trans-
ferred to other Federal and non-Federal agencies, the cooperation
of those agencies is being requested in this effort to protect the
environment. However, the policies in regard to houseboats on res-
ervoirs which are under recreational management by the Bureau of
Reclamation are as follows:

1. Where facilities or provisions are not available for on-shore
sewage disposal, houseboat use should be prohibited. Sewage dis-
posal in reservoir water is unacceptable, and practices at each
reservoir should be reviewed in this regard.

2. There should be regulations pertaining to power and other capa-
bilities of houseboats to avoid damage resulting from weather haz-
ards. Because of the unusually large exposure above the water-
line, power needs for houseboats usually are larger than for other
types of boats to enable them to make headway against high winds.
The regulations should depend on local conditions.

3. There should be time limitations relative to the use of each
houseboat for individual trips and for the season. Care is needed
to prevent permanent residence by houseboat users. The usual prac-
tice of limiting single-trip use to a 14-day period is believed
appropriate in most instances.

4. There should be regulations to control mooring sites for house-
boats in order to eliminate undesirable interference with public
use for other purposes.

5. There should be strict regulations to prevent disposal of litter
from houseboats into reservoir waters, in addition to regulations
pertaining to sewage disposal, since houseboats usually include
living accommodations designed for continuous occupancy.

With appropriate controls and facilities, it is believed houseboat
use is entirely proper on Reclamation reservoirs.

1/ This article was extracted from a Department of the Interior News
Release dated Thursday, July 9, 1970.

21



FIGURE A

os

FIGURE B

2
FIGURE C

NOTES

Figure & is a drawing of the Safety Borrel Hook, two of which
‘re required. They are mode of 113" mild steel! and weigh about
‘one pound each

Figure B is 0 drawing of the Sheove Wheel which fits between the,
uprights welded on top of the hook and held in place with o 2!
mochine bolt.

Sketches | ond 2 depict the Safety Barrel Hook in place using
@ steel rope sling 70° between the ends of the loyback of the eyes
in the ends of the sling

SAFETY BARREL HOOK

16



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a. No piping should be painted red except fire pro-
tection piping and (C02) cylinders.

b. No piping should be painted yellow except piping for
chlorine gas (not chlorine solution), or other materials
designated dangerous.

2. All piping may be identified at approximate intervals such
as each unit bay with legends stenciled or self-sticking
vinyl cloth tapes (black letters on white background). In
addition, a color bank should be placed to the left of each
legend using 1-1/2-inch self-sticking vinyl cloth banding
tape in the following colors:

a. Green for all water pipe, except fire protection.
b. Black for all oil pipe.
c. Aluminum for air pipe.

Pressure-sensitive markers combine standardized colors and legends
for complete pipeline identification. Background colors designate
general nature of pipe contents. Legends identify exact contents.

It takes only seconds to apply both color and legend at the same time
for positive, quick, complete identification. A sketch showing leg-
end placement can be found below and a photograph of the standardized
pressure-sensitive markers can be found on page 5S.

(€) |_| GB] LEGEND j
@

LEGEND PLACEMENT



complete identification on the job. Matching terminal markers can be
used to save time on future tracing and hookups.

Photo PX-D-67878

A nameplate standard now in use by the Bureau of Reclamation is shown
on page 7

Identification for Equipment in Dimly Lighted Locations, or Requiring
Identification at Distances Greater Than 10 Feet

Background: Self-sticking vinyl cloth tape, white back-
ground, 2-1/4- or 1-1/8-inch widths.

Lettering: Black letters (stencil letters in the field),
use preprinted black arrows to show direction of flow.

Color Coding of Exposed Piping

The following suggestions are latest approved standards:

1. All piping may be painted continuously in accordance with
harmonizing color schemes. However:


ELIMINATE GOPHER AND RAT HOLES 1/

The Yuma County Water Users' Association maintains approximately

135 miles of unlined main canals and laterals. Recently four major
breaks on their West Main Canal occurred within a six month period
due to gophers and rats burrowing through the canal banks. Manager
Tommy Long and his employees decided filling the holes by conventional
means was slow, tedious, and costly. They decided to try something
else and they believed compaction of the inside banks of the canal
might be the answer.

The use of half of an old sheeps-foot roller to compact the inside
banks above the waterline was conceived by Mr. Long, but the credit
for building the structural attachment and adapting it to their
heavy-duty industrial wheel tractor was turned over to Shop Super-
intendent Mr. Nick Reese, and his welder Mr. Preston Bagby. Many
other shop personnel contributed their ideas. As Manager Long says
"it was a joint effort".

Photograph 1 below, and Photograph 2 on page 18, are views of the
sheeps-foot roller attachment on a tractor showing the hinge points.

Photograph 1. Photo PX-D-67884

1/ The article was prepared for this publication by Mr. Tommy Long,
Manager of the Yuma County Water Users' Association, Yuma, Arizona.

17


markers. Three-quarter-inch letters should be used for 1-1/8-inch
markers, or for 2-line legends on 2-1/4-inch markers. The height of
a 2-line legend of 3/4-inch machine-cut letters will be 1-7/8 inches.
Stencils can be ordered in standard oil board or mylar sheet. The

oil board will give sharper letters, is less expensive, and will serve
satisfactorily if properly cleaned and stored flat after each using.

The stencil ink should be black and should comply with Federal Speci-
fication TT-I-558 for waterproof ink. Ink can be applied by roller,
brush, or spray. For printing a few legends, a brush will probably
be most convenient, but for larger quantities rollers with integral
ink feeders will save time. Such rollers with ink may be purchased
for about $20.

Banding tape for safety color coding should be 1-1/2 inches. wide.
This tape comes in 30-yard rolls. The colors should be as specified
under "Color Coding of Exposed Piping" above.

te eae

ELECTRICAL FACILITIES

Continued attention to the condition of all electrical facilities is
very necessary for the safe and efficient operation of an irrigation
project. This should include those facilities essential to the power-
ing and lighting of project works, shops, warehouses, and residences.
Because of the age of some facilities, electrical features should be
reviewed periodically to determine if they are in a safe and service-
able condition and that they meet current national and state electrical
codes.

Electrical deficiencies that may exist on older projects include inad-
equate grounding facilities; broken or inadequately supported conduit;
inadequately supported overhead supply and service lines; the use of
nongrounding-type receptacles and nongrounding-type plugs on extension
and power supply cords; broken lighting fixtures and convenience out-
lets; lighting fixture and convenience outlet boxes that are not se-
curely anchored and without covers or with loose covers; poor connec-
tions in the main disconnecting switchboxes; splices in conductors
outside junction boxes; extension and power supply cords with deteri-
orated, broken, taped, and frayed insulation; circuit breakers and
disconnecting switches without nameplates or labels; lighting and
convenience outlet circuits fused with oversized fuses; and main dis-
connecting switchboxes without locks.

Periodic examination of electrical facilities should be encouraged.
The examinations should be made by personnel who are well qualified
to judge the sufficiency of the electrical installations and familiar
with national and state requirements.

ee eee



United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

~ IRRIGATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
t BULLETIN NO. 74

October, November, December 1970

LAST COPY - DO NOT REMOVE

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In This Issue:
Nameplates and Identification of Piping and Controls
Electrical Facilities
Water Safety
National Safety Council Data Sheets
Filter Material for Pipe Drains
Safety Barrel Hooks
Eliminate Gopher and Rat Holes
Houseboats on Reservoirs

Investigations of Plastic Films for Canal Linings


3. When vacationing at a private cottage or lake, know
where there is someone who could give assistance in
emergency.

4. Private swimming pools and areas should have safety
equipment available, such as ring buoys, heaving lines
and poles.

5. A person should never wade or dive into water where he
is unfamiliar with the depth or contour of the bottom.

6. Jumping into cold water should be avoided when one is
overheated.

7. People should learn rules of safety for such sports as
skindiving, water skiing and other aquatic sports before
they try the activity.

8. People should never swim during an electrical storm.

9. Children should not be permitted to swim in canals.

10. Wait at least an hour after eating before swimming.

teehee

NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL DATA SHEETS
The National Safety Council has recently published new or revised
technical data sheets on the subjects listed below. Copies of these
data sheets (by the numbers shown in parentheses) may be obtained
from the National Safety Council, 425 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago,
Illinois 60611.

Barricades and Warning Devices for Highway Construction
Work (239 Revision A)

Picric Acid (351 Revision A)
Carbon Monoxide (415 Revision A)

Automatic Tire Curing Press Operations (625)

a a ed

10


WATER SAFETY

The following water safety rules were printed in the "Procedings of
the Third Regional Water Safety Conference," April 16, 1970, sponsored
by the Bureau of Reclamation, Sacramento, California.

General Safety Rules

1. Water is your friend if you relax in it. If you fight it,
it becomes your enemy.

2. People should not play near the water if they cannot
swim,

3. A child under 10 years of age, when near water, should
always be attended by a person who has the ability to
render assistance if necessary.

4. All people should know how to swim.

5. Everyone should learn some of the simple lifesaving
methods so that he can assist people who might be in
trouble.

6. No one should go to the aid of anyone in trouble unless
he is capable of rendering assistance.

7. Everyone should learn an acceptable technique of admin-
istering artificial respiration in an emergency.

8. People should not go swimming when they have been
drinking alcoholic beverages.

9. The colder the water, the more susceptible one is to
shock. In extremely cold water (32-409) even a good
swimmer can survive for only a few minutes.

10. Respect water and what it might do to a person without
notice. It does not take very much to cause a person
to drown. A sudden wind squall can make the calmest
lake a raging sea.

Personal Safety Rules for Swimming

1. A person should never swim alone, no matter how well
he can swim.

2. Swim in a patrolled area.


Photo PX-D-67879

Purchasing Information for Self-sticking Tapes and Stencils

Laminated resin identification markers, self-sticking tapes and other
supplies may be purchased from various suppliers such as mechanical,
hardware, and electrical supply houses. Catalogs are available from
these same sources. Warehouse life of the adhesive is usually stated
to be 2 years, so orders should be based upon turning the stock in
that period of time.

It is advantageous to purchase preprinted directional arrows and labels
but many times the preprinted legends are not suitable, therefore, con-
sideration should be given to purchasing blank white markers and sten-
ciling the legends on them in the field. Markers come in various
widths but generally the use of 1-1/8-inch markers and directional
arrows on pipes 3 inches and smaller, and 2-1/4-inch markers and
arrows for pipes 6 inches and larger is suggested.

Machine-cut stencils for use in printing legends on blank white markers
may be purchased for approximately 50 cents per line. Maximum length
of a line is about 16 inches, which will permit 21 letters and spaces
for 3/4-inch letters, or 15 letters and spaces for 1-inch letters.
One-inch letters may be used for single-line legends on 2-1/4-inch


Photograph 6. Photo PX-D-67889

The Association personnel believe that covering their system once each
year will reduce the possibility of future breaks immeasurably. The
next time they repeat the operation they believe that compacting the
banks in two passes will do the job.

A word of caution. It is estimated the sheeps-foot roller weighs
approximately 2,400 pounds. Extended on the end of the boom and when
raised by the hydraulic ram to cross over structures places a terrific
weight load on the right rear axle and tire of the tractor. Small
tractors or tires will not carry this weight.

Many beneficial side effects have been gained by use of the sheeps-
foot roller. The undercut perpendicular banks have been compacted
and restored. This has reduced erosion from the water. Weeds were
pulverized eliminating the need for the first spring spraying. Gopher
trappers can now see the freshly worked holes and trap the gophers
without danger of caving banks or falling into canals.

a ed

It is a healthy idea, now and then, to hang a question mark on the
things you have long taken for granted.

20


NAMEPLATES AND IDENTIFICATION
OF
PIPING AND CONTROLS

Wherever operating equipment is located there is a need for identifi-
cation devices or markers which can readily be recognized. Standard-
ized labeling of controls, piping, instruments, and other equipment in
pumping plants, dams, gatehouses, switchyards, etc., contributes to
safety, efficiency, and lower cost maintenance through a savings in
time and reduction of error. Over the years criteria for the develop-
ment of standardization of piping identification and equipment name-
plates have been set up. The purpose of this article is to update cri-
teria and offer suggestions with emphasis on economy and practicality.

Programs to standardize the marking at a given installation may con-
ceivably be undertaken in stages, but obviously certain improvements
should receive the highest priority. A system of identifying all con-
trols critical to the operation of a facility should be a matter of
special concern to those responsible for operation and maintenance.

For example; there is a need for labeling the switches in the elec-
trical supply lines of motors powering sump pumps, high-pressure oil
pumps, ventilating fans, and similar equipment at dams, pumping plants,
headworks, etc. This is especially important where the equipment might
have to be operated occasionally in an emergency by less experienced
personnel. Where valves in hydraulic lines are used for control, they
also should be labeled. The following paragraphs offer labeling sug-
gestions for various types of locations.

Identification Markers--General

Types in order of preference are:
Laminated phenolic resin nameplates.
Self-sticking tape - preprinted stock signs.
Self-sticking tape - stenciled.
Embossed tape.
Suggested colors for controls are:
Red background for fire protection, warning inscriptions, and
emergency devices, such as penstock gate emergency closure
switches.

Black background for all other marking.

All lettering to be white.



SAFETY BARREL HOOKS
(Suggestion R7-70S-38)

The following idea for safety barrel hooks was submitted by Mr. Jack
Foster, Loveland Operation and Maintenance Branch, South Platte River
Projects, Loveland, Colorado. He has used some sound principles in
working out a device for lifting steel oil drums and it was reported
to be a big improvement over previous methods used.

The hooks were designed to replace other methods of moving 55-gallon
or smaller steel drums where a gantry hook is available, as in power-
plants and warehouses, and in storage yards where mobile cranes and
booms may be used. Also in gravel surfaced switchyards and substa-
tions when it is desired to move oil drums close to the oil circuit
breakers, the hooks would facilitate the work where a mobile boom
could be used.

Various methods have been
used in the past such as
cargo nets, barrel slides,
barrel hitches and rope or
steel slings around the
middle of the barrel for
moving oil drums. Most of
the methods have not been
too satisfactory. This
new method has proven both
safe and efficient.

It is an easy task for one
person to handle a pair of
these barrel hooks and they
can be fastened either to
the top of the drum or to
the side. Photograph 1 at
left, shows a view of the
safety hooks and sling in
place on top of the drum.
Also, one or more barrels
may be lifted in this man-
ner out of the midst of a
group of barrels without
moving the others. Photo-
graph 2 on the next page
shows a view of the bar-
rel hooks and sling in
Photograph 1. Photo PX-D-67880 place, lifting a barrel
horizontally.

13


As shown in Photographs 3 and 4, a barrel may be picked up from either
position and tipped to the other position easily with this device.

If it is desired to move a drum which is standing upright and place
it in a horizontal position to use its contents, a drain valve can

be installed in the drum. The drum is then lifted a few inches off
the floor and the workman may then tip the barrel as the sling will
run through the sheaves on the hooks.

With reference to the
sketch on page 16, the
safety barrel hooks were
made with 1/4- x 1-1/2 x
6-3/4-inch mild steel.
After the hook was forged
some was cut off the lip
to obtain the correct
depth for the hook. The
lip of the hook was then
ground to the proper shape,
and should have an 11-1/4-
inch radius on the 1-1/2-
inch face width, with an
approximate 30° slant on
the 1/4-inch face thick-
ness. The hooks weigh about
1 pound each.

The uprights, which hold
the sheaves were made of
the same material as the
hook and a triangular
piece welded behind it on
the hook end of the shank
as a fillet braced the up-
rights. However, the up-
rights could be made of
wider material and shaped
Photograph 4. Photo PX-D-67883 as shown in the sketch.

The sheave wheels that were used in the model set of hooks were
down-guy wheels which were found in the scrap pile. Although
other wheels may be used, these were of ideal dimension for the
purpose to which they were adapted.

15


eT oh 2

vi Wee G

IRRIGATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
BULLETIN NO. 74

October, November, December 1970
INTRODUCTION

Starting on page 1, an article entitled "Nameplates and Identification
of Piping and Controls," describes a general standardization of name-
plates and piping identification, including color coding being used by
the Bureau of Reclamation.

Condition of electrical facilities on irrigation projects is always
a point of concern and should be given periodic attention as empha-
sized in this short article on page 6.

A set of water safety rules prepared for the Third Regional Water
Safety Conference held at Sacramento, California, can be found on
page 9, and on page 10, the newly released National Safety Council
Data Sheets are listed.

A guide to be used for closed (pipe) drain construction entitled "Fil-
ter Material for Pipe Drains," found on page 11, was taken from recent
available specifications.

An idea for safety barrel hooks to facilitate handling loaded oil drums,
can be found on page 13, they virtually eliminate the dangers of slip-
page, sudden overbalancing and load shifting.

Gopher and rat holes that cause breaks are a big problem for the Yuma
County Water Users' Association along their 135 miles of unlined canals
and laterals in Arizona. An idea to strengthen banks to reduce the
possibility of breaks can be found on page 17.

Pollution control for houseboats on Bureau reservoirs is the subject of
a timely article on page 21.

On page 22, attention is called to a recent publication, "Investigation
of Plastic Films for Canal Linings." This may be of interest to those
using or contemplating the use of this type of material for water
barriers.



The Irrigation Operation and Maintenance bulletin is published quar-
terly, for the benefit of irrigation project people. Its principal
purpose is to serve as a medium of exchanging operation and maintenance
information. It is hoped that the reports herein concerning labor-
saving devices and less costly equipment and procedures, developed by
resourceful project people, will result in improved efficiency and
reduced costs of the systems for those operators adapting these ideas
to their needs.

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 Award Committee when a suggestion is adopted.

eee ee

Division of Water Operation
and Maintenance
Engineering and Research Center
Denver, Colorado 80225

COVER PHOTOGRAPH:
All controls on the control cabinet
at the Bureau Engineering and Research
Center, Denver, Colorado, are clearly
marked for identification. The impor-
tance of such marking is discussed
beginning on page 1, of this Bulletin.
Photo PX-D-58316

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR * BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
Ellis L. Armstrong
Commissioner


FILTER MATERIAL FOR PIPE DRAINS

One of the important parts of any closed (pipe) drain is the filter
material used for the envelope enclosing the pipe. The following
paragraphs or pertinent parts thereof were taken from the latest
Bureau specifications for pipe drain construction and can be used
as a guide:

"General--The handling, transporting, and placing of the graded
filter material shall be subject to approval and shall be such
as will result in a uniform mixture of the material being placed
without separation or segregation.

"Materials--The graded filter material for pipe drains shall be
obtained from approved sources, and shall consist of a uniform
mixture of sound, clean sand and gravel, free of vegetable matter,
clays and other deleterious substances, and shall be selected or
processed to meet the following gradation requirements:

APPROVED GRADED MATERIAL
Percent Passing by Weight

Screen size #30 #8 #4 3/4 1-1/2

Maximum 0 50 98 100

Minimum 0 4 6 75 100

"Placing--The graded filter material shall be placed to form an
even, firm bedding under the pipe, and the remainder of the fil-
ter material shall be carefully placed so as not to disturb the
pipe. No special compaction will be required, except as may be
required for insuring a firm and even bedding for the pipe."

A sieve analysis chart on page 12, illustrates the limits of grada-
tion for filter material listed above and a gradation analysis should
be made. Such an analysis is simple to perform and can be made in
most commercial, university, state or Government construction mate-
rial physical property laboratories at little cost.

ll



Photograph 2. Photo PX-D-67881

Photograph 3. Photo PX-D-67882

14