Section III. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

TM 5-6640-214-14

Section III. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

2-6. GENERAL.

Brief general instructions for operating and maintaining the base laboratory apparatus and equipment are given in this

section. For detailed instructions concerning the setting up of testing apparatus and maintenance of laboratory

equipment, refer to appropriate ASTM procedures or Federal Test Method Standard and manufacturer's instructions

furnished with equipment. Responsibility for the performance of organizational maintenance service rests with the

commanding officer of the base laboratory.

2-7. Test References. The primary references used at the base laboratory in the sampling and testing of petroleum

products are as follows:

a. Federal Test Method Standard No. 791A, Lubricants, Liquid Fuels, and Related Products; Methods of

Inspection, Sampling and Testing. Federal Test Method Standard No. 791A is the primary military standard for

petroleum testing procedures. It contains detailed instructions for standard test procedures and specifications for the

equipment to be used in these procedures.

b. ASTM Standards on Petroleum Products and Lubricants (With Related Information). The ASTM Standards on

Petroleum Products and Lubricants is the primary nonmilitary standard for petroleum testing procedures. In most tests

these procedures are almost identical with those contained in Federal Test Method Standard (FTMS) No. 791A. The

ASTM and FTMS 791A are listed in the specification and the ASTM method can be performed.

c. ASTM Methods for Measurement and Sampling Method U-1085 on measurement and ASTM Method D-270 on

sampling of petroleum and petroleum products are the primary standard for the measurement and sampling of petroleum

and petroleum products. Copies of individual ASTM test methods can be requisitioned on a DD Form 1425 from the

Naval Forms and Publications Supply Center in Philadelphia, PA.

2-8. Safety Precautions. Efficient petroleum laboratory operations depend upon observance of well established safety

practices and a thorough knowledge of testing procedures, which often involves using equipment and materials that are

potentially hazardous. Injury to personnel and damage to equipment caused by fire, chemicals, dangerous pressures or

vacuums, toxic fumes or vapors and misuse of equipment can be avoided by alert laboratory technicians and responsible

officers.

a. Observing General Safety Rules. During routine laboratory operations always observe the following rules:

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