SHIPBOARD HAZARDOUS MATERIAL STOWAGE

Shipboard stowage facilities commonly used for hazardous items are discussed in the following paragraphs.

NOTE: FOR THE HAZARD CHAR-ACTERISTIC CODES (HCC'S) OR SMCC'S FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, SEE OPNAVINST 5100.19, APPENDIX B3-E.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS STOREROOMS

The flammable liquids storeroom is normally located at either end of the ship, below the full-load waterline, not adjacent to a magazine, and is equipped with an automatic fire alarm and fire extinguishing system. This type of storeroom should also be equipped with incandescent and explosion-proof overhead lights (protected by lamp guards), with the switch located outside the compartment, and nonsparking vent fans with the controllers located outside the compartment. Flammable items requiring stowage in the flammable liquids storeroom are assigned Hazard Characteristic Codes (HCCs) or special material content codes (SMCCs) in the HMIS as follows

Liquids: Codes F, J1, G, P (when applicable to wood alcohol)

Pastes, greases, and other semisolids: Code G

Solids: Code J2

ACID LOCKER

An acid locker is a leak-proof lead-linedbox, chest, or locker especially designed for stowing bottles or carboys of acid. A label bearing the inscription ACID BOTTLE STOWAGE in 3/8-inch letters must be securely attached to the lid of each acid locker. Acid lockers for flammable acids are kept in the flammable liquids storeroom. However, acid lockers that contain only medical acids may be kept in a medical storeroom under the custody of the medical department

representative. Items that must be kept in the acid locker are assigned Special Material Content Code (SMCC) "C" in the HMIS. Nitric acid, which is coded Cl, must be kept in the acid locker.

ALCOHOL LOCKER

An alcohol locker is a chest or locker used for security stowage of grain alcohols that are highly susceptible to pilferage (that is, ethanol or ethyl alcohol). Alcohol lockers are located in the flammable liquids storeroom. However, lockers that contain only medicinal alcohol (100 proof or less) maybe located in any secure space designated by the commanding officer, as described in chapter 1, paragraph 1118-4c of NAVSUP P485.

TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Some materials have inherent properties that make them hazardous to personnel, to the ship, or to both. These materials can be stowed safely when the proper care and precautions are taken.

Acid

Stow liquid inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric, an phosphoric, bottled in glass or plastic in such a manner that they are cushioned against shock. They should be kept in their original shipping carton

inside suitable acid-resistant lockers, cabinets, or chests, located in storerooms below the full-load waterline.

Except where stowed in chests or lockers, the lower part of the bulkhead where acids are stowed must be covered with a watertight rubber lining. A label inscribed ACID BOTTLE STOWAGE in 3/8-inch letters must be attached securely to the outside of the storeroom door. Acids should be stowed separately from oxidizing or flammable materials. Corrosive acids (or vapors) must not be allowed to come in contact with the skin ore yes. Storeroom custodians who stow or issue these acids should wear rubber gloves, rubber aprons, and goggles to protect themselves and their clothing from acid burns.

Alkalies

Alkaline materials are also classified as corrosives, but have different chemical properties from acids. Alkalies, such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lye, phosphates, laundry products, and oven cleaners must be stowed in designated lockers, cabinets, or chests, separated from acids, oxidizers, and other incompatible materials. Ensure the stowage area is dry.

Alcohol

Since most commonly used alcohols have a flash point below 100F, all alcohol will be stowed in the flammable liquids storeroom. Not all alcohol is readily identifiable by name. For example, many lacquer

thinners have methanol (wood alcohol), which is extremely poisonous, as the principal ingredient. The HMIS identifies these items by name and NSN. As stated before, grain alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) must be stowed in an alcohol locker.

Oxidizing Material

Many shipboard fires with resultant fatalities have been attributed to improper stowage or handling of oxidizing materials, particularly calcium hypochlorite. Oxidizing materials listed in the HMIS are identified by HCC "D" SMCC "J." Nitric acid, a strong oxidizer, must be stowed in the acid locker. Oxygen, gas, and calcium hypochlorite must be stowed according to the following paragraphs on calcium hypochlorite and compressed gases. All other oxidizers are stowed in a dry compartment, away from combustible materials.

Calcium Hypochlorite

Calcium hypochlorite itself is noncombustible; however, it is a strong oxidizing agent that generates heat, liberates chlorine, and causes fire when stowed in contact with paints, oils, greases, detergents, acids, alkalies, antifreeze, fabrics, and other organic and combustible materials. Calcium hypochlorite must be stowed in bins or lockers labeled HAZARDOUS MATERIAL-CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE in red letters on a white background. The bins or lockers should be located at least 5 feet away from any heat source or surface that may exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The bins and lockers should not be subject to condensation or water accumulation. The are a must not be adjacent to a magazine and must not be used for storing combustible organic materials. An individual locker or bin must contain no more than 48 six-ounce bottles.

Compressed Gases

Compressed gases must be stowed on the weather deck unless the ship has below-deck stowage spaces specifically designed for such material. Compressed gas cylinders must be stowed vertically and securely with valve protection caps in place, away from other flammable materials, especially grease and oil. When compressed gases are stowed on the weather deck, the cylinders must be located as far as possible from navigation, fire control, or gun stations, and must be protected from the direct rays of the sun or accumulation of snow and ice. When compressed gases are stowed below decks, precautions must be taken to prevent leaking gases from entering ventilation air intakes leading to working or living spaces. Usually, empty cylinders still have some gas remaining in the cylinders; therefore, empty cylinders must be stowed and handled with the same precautions as full cylinders, and labeled "MT." Compressed gases, particularly the flammable and explosive gases, must be handled with extreme care, Some general rules for handling compressed gas cylinders are as follows:

Take every precaution to prevent cylinders from being dropped or forcefully struck against hard surfaces (including other cylinders). Do not tamper with the safety devices in cylinder discharge values, When cylinders are not in use, make sure that the valve protection caps are securely attached.

Prevent cylinders from contact with fire, sparks, or electrical circuits.

l Do not drag or slide cylinders. They should be secured and moved by hand trucks, or tilt the cylinders and roll them on the bottom edge.

l Secure cylinders in a cradle, pallet, or rack when they are loaded or off-loaded with a crane or _derrick. Never hoist cylinders with electromagnets or with hooks or line attached to the valve protection cap.

l Do not alter or deface the numbers or other markings on cylinders; do not add markings without approval of the engineer officer; and do not issue cylinders if the contents cannot be identified.

Detailed information relative to the stowage, handling, and use of various types of compressed gases is contained in the Naval Ships' Technical Manual, chapter 550. For specific markings and color codes that apply to cylinders of compressed gases, refer to Military Standard, Color Code for Pipelines and Compressed Gas Cylinders, MIL-STD-101B. The hazardous gases commonly used by ships include acetylene, oxygen, propane, and various refrigerants.

Acetylene is inherently unstable and may explode when subjected to heat or shock, or upon contact with chlorine or certain metals such as copper, silver, and mercury. Therefore, acetylene must be stowed separately from oxygen or any other materials with which it forms an explosive compound; the gas must never be allowed to escape into an enclosed area; and the cylinders must be protected from flames, sparks, lighting, and static electricity. Test for suspected leaks with soapy water.

In moderate concentrations, acetylene may act as an intoxicant. In higher concentrations, it will cause unconsciousness, and ultimately, asphyxiation. Some grades of acetylene also contain many impurities. Therefore, breathing of acetylene in any concentration for any length of time must be avoided.

Acetylene in cylinders is dissolved in acetone, which has a tendency to flow into the valve if the cylinders are stowed horizontally. For this reason, acetylene must be stowed and used only in an upright position, valve end up. When it is known or suspected that acetylene cylinders have been stowed on their sides, they must not be used until they have been in a vertical position for at least 2 hours.

NOTE: CHLORINE GAS IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR SHIPBOARD USE.

Oxygen and chlorine are oxidizing gases that because they can bum without air, strongly support combustion. Oxygen and chlorine cylinders must be stowed on the weather deck or in a separate watertight storeroom that has at least one compartment between it and any space that is used for the stowage of combustibles such as flammable liquids or gases, ammunition, paint, gasoline, and oil.

Nonflammable gases include helium, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon. Because of their inert characteristics, they may be stowed with flammable or oxidizing gases. However, since these nonflammable gases will not support respiration (a sufficient concentration in a closed space will cause asphyxiation), they must be stowed on the weather deck or in other well-ventilated spaces.