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7. Enter the contaminated area cautiously at alltimes. If you
smell the contaminant, return to fresh air immediately and look
for a leak.

8. Attach a fresh canister to the mask before entering a contam-
inated area, especially an extremely hazardous atmosphere or one
containing gas that has little odor.

9. Do not remove the facepiece or attach a fresh canister until
you're certain you're in clean air.

10. After leaving the contaminated area, replace the bottom seal
on the canister to prevent the contents from deteriorating. This is
particularly important with a carbon monoxide gas mask canister.
If you don't know how long the canister has been used, install a
new canister.

Chemical Cartridge Respirators

These respirators, (nonemergency gas respirators) consist of a half-
mask facepiece with elastic headbands, check valves that force air
out through an exhalation valve and one or two cartridges filled with
granules that absorb gases or vapors. The cartridges, which can be
easily removed and replaced, are usually designed to protect against
single gases or vapors, or against single classes of these.

The chemical cartridge respirator is limited to use in low concentra-
tions of certain gases and vapors (e.g., a maximum of 0.1 per cent)
where there is no immediate danger to life and where the atmosphere
is not deficient in oxygen. It should not be used for protection against
odorless gases or vapors; those that are highly toxic in low concen-
tration, such as phosgene and arsine; or those that greatly irritate
the eyes.

Make sure the right chemical cartridge is used for the intended pur-
pose; for instance, an organic vapor cartridge will not afford res-
piratory protection against ammonia. Knitted cotton covers for the
face-contacting surface of the facepiece should not be used because
they are not gas-tight. When using such respirators, take these
precautions:

1. See that the respirator is in good operating condition, with
gaskets in place and the right chemical cartridges securely
mounted.

2. Adjust it for a gas-tight fit on the face. You can test for this
by using the same methods used with gas masks. If you choose
the inhalation method, close off inlets in the facepiece with card-
board discs or stoppers usually furnished by the manufacturer.

11



of the outlet pipe to provide a trap for silt and sand. It is very
important that the manholes be kept clean, and particularly im-
portant during the initial operation of the system. Check them once
a week when the lines are first laid. Failure to clean the manholes
has caused many well constructed drainage systems to become
plugged. Pumps are available which can be used to remove the sand
from the manholes. Any erosion or settlement around the outside of
the manholes should be repaired as soon as it is reported or observed.
Farmers should not be allowed to use manholes as surface waste dis-
posal outlets. Heads should not be built up in the manholes more
than about 2 feet above the top of the inlet pipe.

When using the mechanical cleaning rods in manholes, care should
be taken that the whipping of the cleaning cable does not break the
ends of the inlet and outlet pipes. Silt and sand trap in the manhole
should be cleaned following any pipe cleaning upstream.

Manhole covers should be fastened down securely at all times, ex-
cept during cleaning operations or inspection. This is to keep people
from throwing trash into the manhole and to prevent small children
and animals from falling into the manhole.

(c) General Maintenance of Tile Drains: A record should be estab-
lished immediately after a drain is completed of the flow at each
manhole and at the outlet. This can be done by measuring the depth
of water in the pipes that discharges into the manholes and by actually
measuring discharge at the drain outlet. If the discharge at any of
the measuring points drops suddenly, additional investigations should
be made because there is a good possibility a segment of the drain is
plugged or partially plugged. The area along the tile lines should be
inspected for sink holes, wet spots or tree growth, as these are indi-
cators of potential trouble.

If a small sink hole is discovered, it should be backfilled and checked
later for additional settlement. If a large sink hole is found, a good-
sized hole should be dug down to the tile. Quite often, holes like these
develop over broken tile or joints that have separated. If the tile is
broken, it should be replaced immediately. Joints that have pulled
apart can be repaired satisfactorily by placing tile butts (broken pieces
of tile) over the joint and backfilling around the joint with coarse gravel.

Wet spots that suddenly appear over tile lines are good indicators that
the line may be plugged or partially plugged. If the drain is only
partially plugged, the plug may be removed by placing a ball somewhat
smaller than pipe in the pipe upstream from the wet spot. Balls have
been used very successfully to remove sand and silt from tile lines.
Sewer rods can also be used to probe and clear the pipe.

21



raised, the force is increased, making the tendency to tip over
backwards greater. If the hitch is shortened on the load attached
to the axle, the force may not reduce rapidly enough as the front
wheels rise, resulting in the possibility of tipping over backwards.

When on level ground, poor soil conditions, holes, ruts, rocks, and
other obstacles result in less stability and possible loss of control of
the tractor. On slopes, in ditch sections, and on irregular surfaces
tractor control becomes more critical.

The possibility of overturning, especially when operating on slopes,
or on unstable or uneven ground, is increased by:

mmoanep

Short turns.

Traveling too fast for conditions.

Lack of familiarity with area of operation.

Hidden obstacles.

Poor operator judgment.

High hitch points.

Lack of operator training. Machinery does exactly what the
operator directs it to do through its controls. Thus, the oper-
ator must understand the tractor controls and how they direct
the tractor. The operator must also know how environmental
factors affect him and his tractor.

Lack of familiarity with a particular type or size of tractor.
Lack of retraining at appropriate intervals.

Operator impairment (vision, cold, distraction, etc.)

Protective Device.

The protective tractor
anti-roll bar, is now be-
ing used by many govern-
mental units, as well as
private groups and indi-
viduals. It guards against
personal injury in tractor
rollover or rear tipover
accidents. A typical anti-
roll bar device is shown in
Figure-1.

The anti-roll bar is essen-
tially a frame installed on
a tractor to prevent the
machine from turning past
90 degrees in case of an
upset. The bar (frame) is
sometimes made from steel


HANDY GAGE FOR ESTIMATING CRACK WIDTHS

Occasionally it may be desired to obtain a general idea as to the
widths of cracks in concrete, say, the widths of random cracks in

concrete canal linings.

CRACK WIDTH GAGE

° lo
9
o fs

| |
oO r
IN N

lo
C)

2

130

152

192

.243

004

-006

-010

O13

018

.020

024

030

.038

2248

.057

COATINGS SEALERS AND PLASTICS SEC.
U.S.B.R. DENVER,COLO.

Figure

1

18

The gage shown in
Figure 1 below, is

made of photographic
film having a range of
line widths from 0. 004

to 0.243 inches. The
visual matching of the
closest line width and

the crack as shown in
Figure 2, on next page,
will provide a measure-
ment which is accurate
enough for many pur-
poses. The gage is more
convenient to carry and
handle than, for instance,
a variety of drill bits.

These crack width gages
may be obtained from the
Office of Chief Engineer,
U.S. Bureau of Recla-
mation, Denver Federal
Center, Denver, Colo-
rado 80225.


Inlet structures, which have been constructed to bring surface waste-
water from the fields into the ponds, should be kept in good repair.
The settling basin or silt trap ahead of the inlet pipes should be kept
clean. This will minimize the need for cleaning the ponds.

To control vegetative growth and maintain permeability, the bottom of
the pond should be treated as required with a soil sterilant.

Drainage Observation Wells

Observation wells, properly installed, require minimum maintenance.
However, any sudden change in the water table depth or a constant
water table depth over a 3- or 4-month period usually indicates a
plugged well. The amount of work involved in cleaning the well could
vary from pumping out the silt and sand from the well to pulling the
pipe and installing it in a new hole. The most common need for main-
tenance results from the pipe in the well being bent over or pulled

out by farm or highway equipment. In order to keep a reliable, com-
plete record of the water table, these wells should be reinstalled and
protected by a 4"' x 4" painted post. All automatic recorders installed
on observation wells require constant maintenance to keep the clock
and recorder operating properly.

OR ROR

24

GPO 839-044


OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS FOR
IRRIGATION PROJECT DRAINAGE SYSTEMS1/

Efficient drainage systems must ultimately be provided on all irri-
gation projects when natural conditions are inadequate to remove
water surplus to crop needs. Surplus water may include waste from
the irrigated farms, surface runoff from snow and rainfall, seepage
and leakage from project canals and distribution systems, artesian
water, and percolation from farm irrigation. Timely performance
of preventive and regular maintenance of project drainage systems is
absolutely necessary if the systems are to perform the functions for
which they are designed and built. Project drainage systems should be
thoroughly examined periodically to determine if they are functioning
properly and if maintenance is required.

Occasionally, Operation and Maintenance Forces are required to de-

sign and construct open and pipe drains. These drains must be designed

and constructed under the same criteria used when the work is done by
the Bureau of Reclamation.

Buried Pipe Drainage Systems

Pipe drainage systems, properly installed, generally need very little
care to keep them operating satisfactorily. Newly constructed systems
require close vigilance during early years of operation. Proper care
of the system during this period will increase the effectiveness of the

drains, and many times eliminate the need for expensive repairs. Drain-

age system failures or partial failures usually are associated with un-
stable soil conditions which cause shifts in pipe alignment and grade,
pulled joints, plugged outlets and pipes and plugged manholes.

(a) Pipe Drain Outlets: All pipe outlets should be inspected in the
spring and after heavy rain storms to see that the pipe still has free
fall into the open drain and that there has been no erosion on the side
slopes which could cause the outlet pipe to be displaced.

Flap gates, when required on the pipe outlet to keep flood water in
the open drain from backing up into the pipe, should be inspected at
least once a month. Rodent screens should be checked periodically
to determine that they have not been pushed out of place. Where ro-
dent screens have not been installed, the corrugated metal pipe out-
let should be inspected periodically during the summer for nests.
All pipe outlets should be fenced if cattle and sheep are allowed in
the area.

(b) Manholes or Sand Traps: Manholes are usually constructed at
bends in the tile lines, and at a horizontal grade change. The bot-
toms of the manholes are set 1 foot to 18 inches below the invert

T 7Prepared as a guide by Mr. Owen A. Dolven, Irrigation Operations
Branch, Region 7, Denver, Colorado, dated September 6, 1967.

20



9. Air-cleaner Method. This has been tried over millions of
miles of highways by the American driving public. You simply
don't bother to change the air cleaner when it becomes clogged
and dirty. This starves your engine and creates intermittent
failure. Or you remove the air cleaner and never replace it!

Hoke ok

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS FOR REPAIRING CRANES

Before starting a repair job, move the machine to a dry, level spot.
If it is complete overhaul, put the machine in a building where
weather will not delay the job or damage the parts removed.

Loosely reassemble parts whenever possible to prevent small ones
from being mislaid. Keep subassembly parts together, but be care-
ful not to get right and left-hand parts mixed up.

It is a good idea to recondition the whole assembly rather than make
piece-meal repairs as trouble comes up.

Because most gears are heat-treated and flame-hardened, it is not
good practice to remove one by heating unless absolutely necessary.
If a gear has to be heated, great care must be taken not to get it too
hot or the heat treatment may be destroyed. Use a gear puller when-
ever possible.

When removing cranks or other parts with split hubs, loosen the clamp
bolt and expand the hub by driving in a small wedge.

When keyed parts are to be replaced, keyways should be in perfect
alignment before insertion of the keys.

Parts that require a press fit are more easily assembled if the shaft
is coated with white lead.

When bevel gears are replaced, care must be exercised in aligning the
teeth. They should be adjusted for proper tooth contact and backlash
by means of shims.

All bolts that are defective in any way should be replaced. This
applies particularly to pillow block bolts.

When any one of the shaft assemblies has been reconditioned, great
care must be used when replacing it in the machine. After it is in-
stalled, check the alignment and relationship with adjoining assemblies
before the machine is started. Check the shaft assembly again after
operating the machine for a few hours.

KOK Kk

15



~ SS 4" Plates welded to
pipe frame and
Varies with bolted to axle

tractor housing

Drawing No. 1
NOTE: All welded construction

164.
1 Std. pipe
er" 2%' Double extra
TT strong pipe
2" Extra strong
32" |:
Vg'x 3"x 4 Yo!

naan 5"
Yo'x 3x13 Plote—__ +7

1%" Drill
ly, drill, 2 holes

SIDE VIEW
Drawing No. 2

METHODS OF ATTACHING ANTI-ROLL BARS

Yo"'x 3"x4" Boxed angle



h. Not limit usefulness of equipment.
i. Be of sufficient strength to prevent the tractor from crushing
the operator in the event of a rollover or a backward tipover.

Drawing No. 1, page 7, shows 2-1/2-inch steel tubing and 1/4-inch
plates welded to a pipe frame and bolted to an axle housing, this affords
maximum protection for the operator and tractor. Note the frame on
the backside slopes to the rear give added tip-over protection.

Drawing No. 2, shows the construction for the canopy that is shown in
Figure-2, on page 3.

Since there are many different models, types, and sizes of tractors,

and types of towed equipment, the anti-roll bar should be designed by
the agency or department responsible for equipment maintenance and
operation. The ingenuity of the mechanic can help to produce the par-
ticular design best suited to the equipment involved. Figure-4 below,

is one typical design presently in use, and shows a Bulldozer outfitted
with a heavy-duty protective canopy. Another design is shown in
Figure-5, page 5. This shows the four-sided protection a tubular safety
frame can give when extended over edge of the tires, since large tires
may increase the roll in some cases.

iy

alt

H
i
i)



tubing. Angle iron and I-beam materials also can be used, Figure-2,
and Figure-3.

The use of a seat belt, in addition to the anti-roll bar, provides the
added protection of keeping the operator in his seat, within the confines
of the anti-roll bar, in the event the tractor tips over. In addition, it
provides a more stable seat for the operator on rough terrain.

One state highway depart-
ment reported eight roll-
overs of tractors during
1963. In six of these cases
the tractors were equipped
with anti-roll bars and seat
belts. These rollovers were
limited to 90 degrees. None
of the six operators were
injured, nor were the trac-
tors damaged. In the other
two rollovers, both oper-
ators were killed. Their
tractors were not equipped
with anti-roll bars or seat
belts.

The design of the anti-roll
bar should:

a. Limit side roll or rear
tipover to 90 degrees.

b. Extend sufficiently to the
rear to prevent the oper-
ator from coming in con-
tact with towed or mounted
attachments, in the event
of a rear tipover.

c. Permit optimum visibility.

d. Not interfere with oper-
ator's movements in con-
trolling the equipment.

e. Permit easy attachment
and removal when main-
tenance repairs are to be
performed.

f. Be simple and inexpensive
to construct. (Costs re-
ported vary from $35 to
$250.)

g. Permit operator's easy
escape if tractor turns
over.



REMOTE SERVICING AND OPERATING IDEAS
(Suggestion No. R7-66S-56 & No. SPRP-66-7)

Two suggestions by Mr. Oscar D. Spenard of the Granby Branch of

the Operation and Maintenance Division of the Colorado-Big Thompson >
Project, were made to save time, provide safety and reduce the cost .
of maintenance and repair. Although the suggestions were made spe-

cifically for the operation and servicing of a ring follower gate anda

hollow jet valve at Granby Dam, similar arrangements could be made

to service and operate other valves and equipment.

Operating the Blow-off Valve

With reference to the drawing on the following page, it is required
that blow-off valve G, located in the outlet works tunnel, be open for

5 minutes once each month of operation to remove any accumulation of
silt from the lower bonnet of the 30" Ring Follower Gate.

Originally the decking above the valve had to be removed, and a man
with a wrench stepped down through the opening on to the body of the
30" hollow jet valve, then down a stepladder to the bottom of the tun-
nel, and before opening the valve, put the stepladder up and across
the 30" hollow jet valve to be out of the line of flow from the blow off
valve. Due to limited standing room, it was necessary to put ones
back toward the bulkhead and straddle the valve, stand sideways on
the curve of the tunnel while opening the valve or get wet. Footing
was very poor and the greatest danger was in slipping and falling into
the line of flow from the valve.

The extension of the valve stem by use of ''U'"' joints make it possible
to operate the valve from the control stand set on the decking.

Greasing the Hollow-jet Valve

The second suggestion also shown on the same drawing concerns a
means of greasing the hollow jet valve without necessarily closing the
valve.

Pipe nipples were provided to grease the valve bevel pinions and con- .
trol screw respectively. Grease fittings 'J'' and ''K'"' were removed and

pipe nipples were installed in their place. Pipelines were extended up-

ward to the control stand where the grease fittings were reinstalled. -
The piping was not affected by the flow of water, since there is a 4"

splitter behind the bevel pinion drive shaft and the grease piping extends

up through this space.

This piping arrangement permits greasing periodically without going
into the tunnel, whether the valve is in service or not.

16


e. Avoid holes and obstacles such as a stone or stump.

f. Slow down when vision is limited or when operating on rough
ground.

g. When stuck, try to back out. Gunning the engine or fasten-
ing a post to the rear wheels greatly increases the chances of tip-
ping over backward. Get help to be pulled out, if you can't back
out.

h. When on highways, abide by the accepted rules for auto drivers.
Use proper hand signals, avoid travel during heavy traffic periods,
and check brakes for equal application when locked together for
highway use.

i. When driving on highways use the lighting and markings re-
quired by your state vehicle code. Consider using a slow-moving
vehicle emblem mounted on the back of your vehicle.

j. Do not mow grass with a tractor on slopes greater than 3 to 1
slope.

k. When using a sickle-bar mower, never cut with sickle-bar
blades downhill, but always on the up-side of the slope, so that
the pull of gravity will not cause the tractor to turn over.

1, Shut off the engine before dismounting from the tractor.

m. Shut off the engine before making adjustments to either the
tractor or towed equipment.

n. Do not allow riders on tractor, on the draw bar, or on towed
equipment, unless a seat is provided for them.

o. Fenders are guards for your protection, keep them in place at
all times.

p. Plan the job well ahead of time and watch for hazards, including
those overhead.

q. Leave tractor on incline only after the engine has been turned
off, gear shift placed in park position, and wheels braked and blocked.

r. Keep power takeoff shield in place.

s. Dismount or mount a tractor only when it is stopped. Keep steps
and platform clean.



If these measures fail, the plug will have to be located by uncover-
ing and opening up a section of the tile line.

Broken pipe, pulled joints or plugged pipe should be repaired at the
earliest date possible so the drain system will function as intended.
Plugs in older pipe drains are usually caused by tree or plant roots.
Copper sulfate injected into the system will usually kill the roots and
then by using a power cleaning rod and cable operated from the down-
stream side, the dead roots can be broken off and washed out to the
nearest manhole and removed. When manholes are not available, a
hole should be excavated to the drain downstream from the plug and
one or more pipe joints removed so the power cleaning rod can be
inserted into the pipe. A screen should always be placed over the
pipe opening on the downstream side so water can flow on down the
drain, but no roots or material falling into the hole will get into the
drain.

Periodic checks should be made along the lines to see that trees
and willows have not started to grow over or near the drains. New
growths should be sprayed with 2, 4-D. If there are trees and
willows growing near the drains that cannot be removed, the drain
should be treated with copper sulfate. The first treatment should
be made in April or early May. If the tree and shrub roots are a
serious problem, a second treatment should be made in August.
The copper sulfate will not kill or harm the trees and shrubs so the
treatment will have to be made annually. State water quality stand-
ards must be followed closely when drains are treated with copper
sulfate.

Open Drainage System

Open drains require regular maintenance to keep them functioning as
designed. The frequency and degree of cleaning depends upon the cli-
mate, amount of rainfall, and the depth the ground water table must
be kept below the ground surface. Shallow surface drains in stable
material generally require only spot cleaning each year and a com-
plete cleaning about every 5 years. In unstable soils, yearly cleaning
by clamshell or similar equipment might be required in the bottom of
the drains to maintain depth, particularly if pipe drains outlet into the
open channel. In the more stable, deep, open drains, chemicals used
periodically will prevent the growth of weeds, willows, and tules.
Burn the weeds and tules after they have been killed by chemicals, so
the drain section is kept clean. All open drains will require some de-
gree of maintenance after each large storm. Tumbleweeds are a
special problem in open drains and can cause serious erosion problems
around structures and in the flatter reaches of the drains.

All spoil banks should be planted to grass if not done during construction
and should be releveled and replanted after cleaning, mainly to stabilize

22


_—~ United States
is g Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

SAIRRIGATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
— BULLETIN NO. 62

— October, November, December 1967
=

—

[|

Sees

(<=

oe

(a

| casiond

2

=

IN THIS ISSUE:

. Tractor Operation and Anti-roll Bars
Synthetic Resin Primer for Coal-Tar Enamel
- Six Steps to Better Problem Solving
How to Select and Use Respirators
Lubricating Automotive Door Latches
Nine Ways to Ruin a Perfectly Good Pump
Miscellaneous Tips for Repairing Cranes
Remote Servicing and Operating Ideas
Handy Gage for Estimating Crack Widths

Operation and Maintenance Standards for Irrigation
Project Drainage Systems


HOW TO SELECT AND USE RESPIRATORS1/

In many industrial situations a gas mask or respirator can save a
man's life. But you can't select them on a hit-or-miss basis because
what is right for one hazard may be completely wrong for another.

If you work in areas requiring these protective devices, you should
know the advantages and limitations of gas masks, chemical cartridge
respirators, filter respirators and self-rescue respirators.

Air-purifying respirators remove gases and particles from air you
breathe. They are divided into three general classes:

(a) Chemical filters
(b) Mechanical filter
(c) Combinations of the two.

A mechanical single filter respirator is shown in use in the photo-
graph below.

Chemical Filter Respirators

Chemical filter respirators include gas masks, chemical cartridge
respirators (nonemergency gas respirators) and self-rescue res-
pirators. They remove toxic gases and vapors from inhaled air and
channel exhaled breath to the surrounding atmosphere.

I/Reprinted by permissi
Safety Maintenance (Vol.
Management, May 1967.

of the editor from an article appearing in
No. 3) 1967, as condensed in Supervisory



SYNTHETIC RESIN PRIMER FOR COAL-TAR ENAMEL

A water resources technical publication Research Report No. 8 re-
leased by the Chemical Engineering Branch, Division of Research,
Office of Chief Engineer, describes laboratory research and field
experience which was initially directed toward evaluating the bonding
qualities of coal-tar primer. This work, which also included synthetic
resin primed coatings, concludes that synthetic resin primers were
remarkably superior as effective and foolproof bonding agents for coal-
tar enamel.

This publication is for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or the Chief
Engineer, Bureau of Reclamation, Attention 841, Denver Federal
Center, Denver, Colorado 80225. Price 25 cents a copy.

SIX STEPS TO BETTER PROBLEM SOLVING

When you have a seemingly insoluble problem, try finding the answer
creatively--through brainstorming. To do this, you must get rid of
mental blocks that stifle creative thinking and concentrate on the cause,
rather than the effects, of the problem. Here is the way to do it:

1. State the problem. Why is it a problem? How is it a problem?
To whom is it a problem ?

2. Define the problem. Write down all factors pertaining to the
problem. From these, select a handle--the real crux.
3. Brainstorm. Seek as many ideas as your imagination can pro-

duce. With a little practice, says one supervisor, you will be able
to think up and write down as many as ten ideas per minute.

4. Evaluate your ideas. Establish a yardstick to measure your
ideas, depending on the time and the situation.

5. Let your ideas incubate. This can take from several minutes
to several months. During this time write down any unrelated
ideas you may think of--perhaps you can use them on another
problem.

6. Plan the action. How do you get the message to the boss?
Be prepared with several solutions--and enough material to back
up your position if he questions it.

Plant Administration & Engineering


A seat belt prevents the operator from falling under the tractor in an
upset or during rough operations, when operating a tractor with an
anti-roll bar installed. It will also provide the operator with a more
stable seat when operating over rough terrain

Operating Safety Precautions

The anti-roll bar and seat belt are devices to protect the operator
when an accident occurs. These, however, are not a substitute for
is therefore helpful to observe the following

ting an acci

"Rules for Tractor Safety;

actors will overturn
speed.

a. Slow down when making sharp turns. Most
sideways whenever a short turn is made at hig

b. Add front-end weights when operating on hilly ground and pro-
ceed with caution. Use lower gears when going downhill

c. When pulling a load, hitch only to the draw bar. Keep the draw
bar hitch at least 13 inches, but le than 17 inck off the ground
The gher a loadis ched, the easier i yr tractor to over-
turn backwards.

d. Front-end loaders or fo lifts raised high make a tractor top-
When moving a front load, keep it low and the rear wheels
as level as possible



Figure-2

19


TRACTOR OPERATION AND ANTI-ROLL BARS

More than 1, 000 persons are killed each year in tractor accidents,

of which more than 500 are caused by tractors overturning. 1/ These
accidents have occurred on private property, farms, estates and pub-
lic property, including roadsides and parks. Incorrect use of the
vehicle and lack of ''Anti-roll bars or seat belts, '' directly attributed
to most of the fatal accidents. Tractor accidents are especially seri-
ous in that the operator is usually working alone and in many instances
in isolated areas.

The seriousness of this problem and the toll from overturned farm
tractors previously emphasized in Bulletin No. 43, issued in
March 1963, "Anti-roll Bars on tractors save lives." The continu-
ing toll has resulted in the Bureau of Reclamation, through the Of-
fice of Chief Engineer, recently requesting all Regional Directors
to initiate appropriate steps to provide for the installation of anti-
roll bars on all farm-type tractors in their regions.

Misuse of the features that make the tractor such a useful and versa-
tile piece of equipment can result in accidents, producing injuries

or death. A review of factors contributing to these accidents is the
purpose of this article.

Hazards.

Several conditions contribute to the accidents with tractors. Power
applied to the rear wheels which tends to lift the front end may, under
the following conditions tip the tractor over backwards:

a. Driving over soft ground causes the drive wheels to slip or
become lodged. If the wheels are slipping and the operator blocks
or chains the wheels to prevent them from slipping, and then shifts
to low gear, applies full power and engages the clutch too quickly,
the tractor may tip over backwards.

b. Going up an incline, such as climbing out of a ditch. If the
clutch is engaged too quickly, while applying full power, the tractor
may become overbalanced and tip over backwards.

c. Pulling a load, attached to the axle or to the drawbar, that has
been raised too high, or has too short a hitch. The moments of
force which cause a tractor to tip over backward are a product of
the load and the height of the hitch from the ground. With the
hitch the proper length, if the tractor starts to tip over backwards
the hitch will lower rapidly, reducing this force. If the hitch is

I/National Safety Council Data Sheet No. 587.



3. Enter the contaminated area cautiously; if you notice any
leakage of the contaminant, replace the cartridges.

Self-rescue Respirators

The self-rescue respirators are designed to provide the greatest
possible respiratory protection in an emergency. This device con-
sists basically of a small filter element, a mouthpiece, a nose clip
and a means of carrying it conveniently or storing it near the work
location. Most filter elements are similar to chemical cartridges
made for protection against specific gases or vapors, but particulate
filters are also available.

Use a self-rescue respirator only as an emergency device in escaping
to a safe atmosphere or to the appropriate protective equipment.

Mechanical Filter Respirators

Mechanical filter respirators keep dust, fume or mist out of inhaled
air by means of a filter, usually a fibrous pad. The facepiece may
be a full or a half mask with elastic headbands and one or two filters
for inhaled air. Most of them contain check valves that force exhaled
breath out through an exhalation valve.

These respirators protect against a specific dust, fume or mist; a
single class, such as toxic dust; or a combination of several classes.
They do not protect against gases and vapors or against an atmos-
phere deficient in oxygen.

Some filters are re-usable, some not. Re-usable filters must be
cleaned mechanically according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Never wash or treat them with solvents.

If the filter must be changed several times an hour, select a longer
lasting protective device. Do not use mechanical filter respirators
where heavy concentrations of particulate matter build up or abrasive
particles rebound rapidly. For such conditions use an abrasive blast-
ing respirator.

Be sure to check these respirators for good operating condition and
secure fit of appropriate filters. Check too for facepiece fit, fol-
lowing the same procedure given for gas masks. Always replace
filters when they become too clogged for easy breathing. Where the
atmosphere contains irritating matter such as lime, or where exces-
sive perspiration may occur, you can use a knitted cotton cloth fur-
nished by the manufacturer to prevent contact between your face and
the rubber part of the facepiece. Never use these, though, on fume
respirators.

12


NINE WAYS TO RUIN A PERFECTLY GOOD PUMP1/

The general parts and service manager working for a leading manu-
facturer in the United States, recently wrote an article titled ''How to
Ruin a Construction Business Without Even Trying." It included a
list of the most effective ways to shorten pump life," a digest of
which follows:

1. The Oil Economy Method. This method creates havoc with en-
gine bearings, pistons, and valves and is sure to stop the pump.
You simply decide to become exceptionally thrifty, even stingy, to
the point of being known as ''cheap.'' Don't change the oil. Or you
can get all the discarded oil from your own as well as other people's
trucks and cars and use it in your pump.

2. Breaking Pump Tank. This is simple--just leave liquids in
the pump during freezing weather.

3. Eliminate Strainers. Here's a sure-fire method of pump
destruction: remove the strainer, bury the hose deeply in the
mud--and watch the fun. Your pump will pick up anything!

4. Cavitation. Another method of destroying a pump is to run it
with a smaller suction hose than that specified by the manufacturer.
This starves the pump of liquid and creates a condition that will
ruin the impeller and diffuser.

5. Off-level Scientific Method. You can fool the best pump au-
thorities and mechanics with this one. Since pump manufacturers
specify that, for maximum performance and to prevent engine fail-
ure, pumps should be level, make sure yours is not parallel with
the surface of the ground. Being off level will cause eventual en-
gine failure as well as make the pump ineffective.

6. Engine Power Failure. There are two ways of accomplishing
this: lack of lubrication and lack of coolant. Let the radiator run
dry, don't refill with coolant--and watch the engine burn up.

7. Ruining Seals. Two of the most effective ways to ruin seals
are to run pumps for a long time with no liquid circulating through
them, or with the suction hose buried in mud, which prevents the
flow of liquid.

8. Hose Deficiencies. Pump failure can be caused by using a hose
over which you first run your truck, damaging the inner liner. An-
other just as effective method is using a hose with twisted or damaged
washers. A third is to neglect to use washers at all and leave hose
connections loose.

I/This article and one on the next page are reprinted from Contractors
and Engineers magazine, October 1966 issue, by permission of the editor.

14


IRRIGATION OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Bulletin No. 62

October, November, December 1967

INTRODUCTION

The protective anti-roll bars, described in the first article begin-
ning on page 1, are constructed to give maximum protection to the
operator. The article also points out the hazards of tractor oper-
ation and gives some rules to follow for tractor safety.

An article on page 8, entitled ''Synthetic Resin Primer for Coal-
Tar Enamel," calls attention to a research report on the superior
qualities of synthetic primers for coal-tar enamels. Also on this
page are six suggestions for solving everyday problems.

Starting on page 9, an article about protective masks and respirators,
points out that it is important to know the advantages and limitations
of the various types of devices before using them.

Here on page 13 is a suggestion by Mr. D. L. Johnson, of the Grand
Teton National Park Service, for lubricating automotive door latches.

No one wants to ruin a perfectly good pump. However, it can be
done as this article starting on page 14 indicates.

On page 15, there is a very interesting short article entitled, "Mis-
cellaneous Tips for Repairing Cranes."

Two suggestions on the operation and servicing of a ring-follower
gate and a hollow-jet valve at Granby Dam, can be found on page 16.
These suggestions may have application elsewhere.

A gage for estimating the widths of cracks in concrete shown on
page 18, may prove to be a useful tool in many instances for meas-
uring random cracks in concrete and other material.

When natural conditions are inadequate to remove water surplus to
crop needs, a drainage system must be built. The Operation and
Maintenance standards for the constructed system is discussed in
an article beginning on page 20.



the excavated material so it will not blow or wash back into the drain
and to provide a roadway for maintenance and control of weeds. The
sides of the channels, particularly above the water surface, should also
be planted to grass and fertilized every 2 years. Maintenance roads
require spot repair in the spring and after every large storm.

Openings through open drain banks for surface water should be by well
maintained pipe inlets or lined channel. Properly installed, these
inlets usually require inspections only after large storms and when

the open drain is being cleaned. Under no condition should an unlined
cut be allowed through the drain bank. When pipe smaller than 18-inch-
diameter is used for surface inlets, they should be inspected frequently
during the spring to see if weeds have plugged the pipe. All grade con-
trol structures should be inspected periodically to see that there is no
undercutting or settlement and the trash racks and baffles are not
plugged with weeds.

Drain should be covered with rock riprap or paved with concrete and
fenced to all livestock watering accesses. All fences across the drain
section should be inspected and cleaned of weeds and trash each spring
and after a large storm.

Wide-bottomed, shallow floodway channels should be grassed on the
bottom and sides as soon as practical if this has not been done in the
construction stage. The grass should be clipped to a 4- or 5-inch
height about June 1. When practical, the banks and sides should be
fertilized in the spring every 2 years with about 40 pounds of nitrogen
per acre. Grazing should be controlled, particularly in early spring.

Natural waterways used as drains should be left in their natural con-
dition as much as possible. Spot filling of eroded sections with rock
or gravel should keep the channel stable. Smaller sections that erode
under perennial flows should be rock-lined along the bottom. All in-
lets for surplus irrigation or rainfall runoff should be by pipe inlets
with riprap at the bottom.

Wastewater Disposal Ponds

Wastewater disposal ponds are effective only in areas where the ponds
can be bottomed in permeable sands and gravel with an adequate natural
outlet. The ponds will operate as planned, provided the silt which ac-
cumulates in the bottom is removed periodically. A record should be
kept of the discharge of ponds. Staff gages can be installed and read-
ings taken at regular intervals to determine how fast the water seeps
out of the depressions. When the rate of discharge decreases con-
siderably, it is time to clean the ponds.

A good grass cover should be maintained on the dikes around the pond
by periodic fertilization and watering if required.

23



The Irrigation Operation and Maintenance Bulletin is published quar-
terly, for the benefit of irrigation project people. Its principal pur-
pose is to serve as a medium of exchanging operation and mainte-
nance information. It is hoped that the reports herein concerning
labor saving devices and less costly equipment and procedures, de-
veloped by resourceful project people, will result in improved effi-
ciency 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.

* x

Division of Irrigation Operations
Office of Chief Engineer
Denver, Colorado

COVER PHOTOGRAPH:

Anti-roll bars and seat belts shown

in this picture were fabricated and
installed by Bureau field personnel

on this front-end loader and backhoe
at our Folsom Field Division, Folsom,
California. PX-D-58448NA



Gas Mask Respirators

Gas masks consist of a canister containing the appropriate granular
fill, a full facepiece and a body harness to hold the canister securely
in place. Inhaled air is drawn through the canister and enters the
facepiece without accumulating moisture on the eyepieces. A check
valve keeps exhaled breath from entering the canister and forces it out
through an exhalation valve. The facepiece is held securely to the
wearer's face by an elastic head harness.

Gas masks are designed to provide respiratory protection against a
specific gas, such as chlorine; a class of gases or vapors, such as
organic vapors; a combination of two or more classes of gases or va-
pors, such as acid gases and organic vapors; or all gases and vapors.

Canisters are generally manufactured in the regular or industrial size,
and the large or super size. The large canister provides longer serv-
ice than the regular size does, and in most cases a canister designed
for a single gas or a single class of gases and vapors will provide
better--and longer--protection than a canister designed for protection
against a variety of gases and vapors.

Here are some precautions to take when you use gas masks:

1. Make sure the atmosphere contains at least 16 per cent of oxy-
gen and no more than 2 per cent of most toxic gases (3 per cent of
ammonia).

2. Select the appropriate canister for the contaminant involved.
A canister that protects against carbon monoxide or another odor-
less gas should have an indicator to show when to replace it.

3. Check to see that the gas mask is in good operating condition.

4, Adjust the canister harness on the body to allow some slack in
the breathing tube connected to the facepiece.

5. Adjust the facepiece to a gastight fit on the face. There are

two tests for a good fit: (a) Close off the exhalation valve and ex-
hale gently into the facepiece. If a slight positive pressure builds
up on the facepiece without outward leakage, it is adjusted properly.
(b) Close off the breathing tube, inhale so the facepiece starts to
collapse and hold the breath for about ten seconds. If the facepiece
stays partially collapsed and there is no inward leakage, it is ad-
justed properly.

6. Test the complete gas mask for gastightness by closing off the
air intake at the bottom of the canister, either with the palm of the
hand or with the bottom canister seal, and inhale as outlined in

5 above.

10



To check the effectiveness of a mechanical filter respirator, look in
a mirror when you remove the facepiece, and see if there are any
dust streaks where your face was covered by the facepiece.

Combination Respirators

Combination chemical and mechanical filter respirators remove toxic
gases and vapors, as well as particulate matter, from inspired air.
Several forms are available, and their limitations are generally those
that apply individually to chemical filter respirators and mechanical
filter respirators.

LUBRICATING AUTOMOTIVE DOOR LATCHES

(Reprinted by permission of GRIST, January/February, 1967 issue,
a publication by the National Conference on State Parks, Washington,
D.C.)

Door latch assemblies of new cars and trucks usually are lubricated
with a spray-on or brush-on light grease. After about 5000 miles

this light grease channels away from the friction points and wear be-
gins. The latch may fail to operate properly, causing a safety hazard.
External lubrication does not properly reach the inaccessible portions
of the assembly. Removing the door panel was the only way of getting
to the parts needing lubrication--that is until Donald L. Johnson,
Automotive mechanic at Grand Teton National Park made the following
suggestion.

By removing the upper latch retaining screw, and using a squirt-type
oil can, he lubricates the inner assembly through the opening. This
not only saves the time of removal and replacement of the door panel,
but a lubricated lock is less likely to become a safety hazard.

Mr. Johnson also suggests that this door latch lubrication become a
part of routine vehicle maintenance with a check scheduled for every
2000 or 4000 miles.

He who every morning plans the transactions of the day and follows
out that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through the maze
of the most busy life. But where no plan is laid, where the disposal
of time is surrendered merely to the chance of incidence, chaos will
soon reign.

Victor Hugo

13