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Carrying out the application of signature reduction coverings

URN: SEMME2109
Business Sectors (Suites): Marine Engineering Suite 2
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 2018

Overview

This standard identifies the competences you need to apply signature reduction coverings, such as acoustic tiles, radar absorbent sheet (RASH) and radar absorbent material (RAM), in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to obtain all necessary information in order to carry out the application of the signature reduction coverings. You will be required to check that all surfaces to which coverings are to be applied have been prepared, in accordance with the process specification and that any necessary exclusion, protection and ventilation requirements are implemented. You will be expected to select the appropriate and/or specified tools and equipment and to ensure that they are in a safe and usable condition.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the signature reduction covering activities undertaken and to report any problems with these activities that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work to instructions, alone or in conjunction with others, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.

Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a sound basis for your work and will provide an informed approach to the application of marine signature reduction coverings. You will have an understanding of the procedures and techniques used and their application. You will know about the substrates, their preparation requirements, signature reduction covering materials and their preparation requirements, in sufficient depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities and for ensuring that the signature reduction coverings are to the required standards.

You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the signature reduction covering operations. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and to others in the workplace.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
  2. ensure the material surfaces to be treated are suitably prepared for the finishing operations to be carried out
  3. check that the finishing equipment and coatings are set up and maintained at satisfactory operating conditions and levels
  4. carry out the application process in accordance with operating procedures and the component specification
  5. ensure that the treated workpiece achieves the required characteristics and meets the finishing specification
  6. deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
  7. dispose of waste and excess materials in line with agreed organisational procedures
  8. shut down the finishing equipment to a safe condition, and reinstate the work area on completion of the processing activities

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the safe working practices and procedures to be observed when working with marine signature reduction materials and adhesives (such as general workshop and site safety; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), protecting other workers from the effects of the work, safety in enclosed/confined spaces, atmospheric controls)
  2. statutory requirements, risk assessment procedures and relevant requirements of HASAWA and COSHH, (to include Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP), the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, the Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations, the Confined Space Regulations, the Special Waste Regulations)
  3. the hazards associated with the preparation, use and disposal of signature reduction materials and adhesives (including the information to be found in manufacturers' data sheets and in Chemical Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply (CHIPS) data sheets)
  4. the requirements for working in confined spaces and the importance of emergency procedures and safe systems of work (including permits to work, required air quantities (RAQs) and local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to maintain safe conditions; the provision of adequate and safe lighting and avoidance of sources of ignition)
  5. how the usage of particular materials (such as adhesives) can result in a compartment (such as a tented enclosure) becoming a confined space
  6. the personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn during the covering activity
  7. the characteristics of and applications for signature reduction coverings; the use of manufacturers' data sheets and requirements for the application of particular products in order to comply with the contractual specifications
  8. the preparation and use of the adhesives used to apply the coverings, and the importance of shelf life
  9. the need to ensure that the substrates have been correctly prepared for the coverings to be applied and the adhesives to be used
  10. the techniques required for applying particular signature reduction materials
  11. the requirement to grout acoustic tiles
  12. why tool/equipment control is critical and what to do if a tool or piece of equipment is unaccounted for on completion of the activities
  13. the importance of appropriate environmental conditions for the application of particular products and for the curing of the adhesives used
  14. the quality control requirements and techniques to be observed
  15. the identification of faults in application, their causes and their correction
  16. the safe and appropriate disposal of waste materials
  17. the extent of your own responsibility and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve

Scope/range

Scope Performance

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  1. Ensure that the appropriate measures are implemented before undertaking the application of the signature reduction coverings, to include carrying out all of the following:

    1. obtain and work to job instructions and other relevant documentation (such as contractual specifications and covering manufacturer's specifications)
    2. use appropriate health and safety documentation, including CHIPS data and risk assessments
    3. implement appropriate emergency arrangements for work in confined spaces
    4. wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times during the coating/covering operations
    5. ensure that appropriate exclusion zones are set up
    6. leave the work area in a safe and clean condition on completion of the activities

  2. Prepare for and carry out the application of the signature reduction coverings, to include carrying out all of the following:

    1. ensure that environmental requirements (such as surface temperature, air humidity), meet the requirements for the application of the covering system
    2. ensure that the surface to which the coverings are to be applied is correctly prepared and primed for the adhesive system specified
    3. cut the coverings to shape, as necessary
    4. prepare and apply the adhesive, as specified
    5. apply the signature reduction materials, using the specified method and procedure
    6. apply polymeric grouting, where specified
    7. provide any means specified to promote the adhesion of the coverings (such as vacuum bags for tiles)

  3. Apply one of the following marine signature reduction coverings:

    1. acoustic tiles
    2. radar absorbent material (RAM)
    3. radar absorbent sheet (RASH)

  4. Apply signature reduction coverings to marine structures, to include four of the following features:

    1. level surfaces                  
    2. inclined surfaces
    3. vertical flat surfaces               
    4. curved surfaces (including those with double curvature)
    5. horizontal flat surfaces      
    6. round parts
    7. corners

  5. Apply signature reduction coverings in two of the following situations:

    1. weatherwork                       
    2. submarine pressure hull
    3. weapons systems               
    4. submarine casing/fin
    5. superstructure                   
    6. submarine control surfaces
    7. weather deck features

  6. Apply signature reduction coverings to achieve all of the following:

    1. complete adhesion
    2. smooth surface, free from bubbles, wrinkles, ripples
    3. complete coverage of defined area

  7. Apply marine signature reduction coverings, in accordance with one of the following standards:

    1. BS,EN or ISO standards
    2. customer (contractual) standards and requirements
    3. company standards and procedures
    4. covering manufacturer's recommendations
    5. recognised compliance agency/body's standards
    6. other accepted international standards

  8. Reinstate the work area on completion of the activities, to include carrying out all of the following:

    1. clean and return all tools, equipment and excess materials
    2. remove protection and exclusion arrangements (if no longer required)
    3. leave the work area in a safe and clean condition
    4. contribute to the completion of all relevant documentation (such as for condition/pre-treatment of substrates, adhesive system used, confirmation of standard of finish)

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

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You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:

  • strong work ethic
  • positive attitude
  • team player
  • dependability
  • responsibility
  • honesty
  • integrity
  • motivation
  • commitment

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2021

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Semta

Original URN

SEMME2109

Relevant Occupations

Engineering, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies

SOC Code

5235

Keywords

Engineering; marine; application; signature reduction; coverings; acoustic tiles; RASH; RAM