TM 10-6640-238-13 1-3 1-6. REPORTING EQUIPMENT IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS (EIRS). If your Petroleum Laboratory needs improvement, let us know.  Send us an EIR.  You, the user, are the only one who can tell us what you don’t like about your equipment.  Let us know why you don’t like the design or performance.  Put it on an SF 368 (Product Quality Deficiency Report).  Mail it to us at Commander, U.S. Army Tank-automotive & Armaments Command, 6501 E. 11 Mile Road, ATTN: AMSTA-LC-CJA, Bldg. 210 - MS #111, Warren, MI 48397-5000. We will send you a reply. 1-7. SAFETY, CARE, AND HANDLING. Safe and efficient Petroleum Laboratory operations depend on the observance of well established safety practices and a thorough knowledge of testing procedures.  The testing procedures often involve using equipment and materials that are potentially hazardous.  Injury to personnel and damage to equipment by fire, chemicals, dangerous pressures and vacuums, or misuse of equipment can be avoided by alert and responsible laboratory technicians.  Strict observance of established safety, care, and handling procedures will allow laboratory personnel to perform their duties in a safe and hazard-free environment. a. General Precautions.  The following general safety precautions shall be observed by all operators of the Petroleum Laboratory.     Always be mindful of tests in progress.  Never allow horseplay or loud talking that would divert the attention of laboratory technicians.  If it is necessary to leave the laboratory or to leave a test in progress, make certain no safety hazard will result from your absence.     Do not attempt to perform tests simultaneously unless each test can be given the required attention.     Whenever in doubt concerning any operation, consult qualified authority for advice.     Do not attempt unauthorized shortcuts to save time, as they generally are not in accordance with safe laboratory procedures.     Be prepared for any emergencies which may arise, and be familiar with the proper action to take in event of emergencies.     When ending daily operations, make a thorough and orderly check of laboratory, equipment and facilities to ensure that no hazards may develop during the time the laboratory is unattended. b. Preventing Fires.  The following fire prevention rules shall be observed in all laboratory procedures:     Do not smoke in the Petroleum Laboratory.     Never leave open flames or heating elements unattended.     Never pour hot liquids into drains.  Set aside hot liquids to cool thoroughly in covered containers before discarding.     Chemicals which may react to produce dangerous fumes, fires, or explosion shall be stored in their proper places.     Volatile liquids and flammable products shall be kept away from heat sources, open flames, direct sunlight, and electrical switches.     No open flame or exposed heating element shall be nearby when pouring highly volatile liquids.     Clean up chemical and liquid spills immediately.     Always pour acid into water; never pour water into acid.     Keep oily rags in a metal, airtight, closed container.  Do not store oily rags in cabinets or drawers.