AEROSOLS

Aerosol products are liquids, solutions, or powders suspended in a gas propellant and contained in dispensers equipped with release valves. Containers of aerosol are used for the disposal of paints, enamels, lacquers, insecticides, silicones, rust preventives, and so forth. The aerosol propellants may be low-boiling halogenated hydrocarbons or other hydrocarbons such as liquified propane or isobutane. Aerosol cylinders will burst if exposed to heat sources in excess of 120F and are prone to leakage if subjected to impact. Aerosol propellants are extremely flammable and, insufficient concentration, can be anesthetic or asphyxiating. All aerosol products, therefore, should be stowed in the flammable liquids storeroom or in cabinets away from oxidizing materials. A mechanical ventilation must be used, when necessary, to remove accumulated vapors in storage spaces.

Flammable or Combustible Material

Flammable liquids have a flash point of 100F or below. Combustible liquids, greases, and pastes have a flash point of 200F or below. Items that are flammable and/or combustible include the following:

l Gasoline, oils, kerosene, and other petroleum products

c Chemicals

l Stencil paints, marking inks, and printer's ink

l Solvents, thinners, primers, compounds, varnishes, and lacquers

l Alcohol, acetone, ether, and naphtha

l Greases and pastes

Except for drummed petroleum products that may be stowed in racks on the weather deck, flammable liquids, and other flammable or combustible material must be stowed in the flammable liquids storeroom.

Radioactive Material

Radioactive items are listed and identified by SMCC as R (or X, if radioactive and magnetic) and an HCC of "A." Radioactive instruments, electron tubes, and certain other items are labeled with the conventional United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) radiation symbol, which must not be removed or obliterated. The radiation levels of radioactive material depend upon the type and concentration of isotopes in each unit and the number of units stowed together. Any area used for stowage of radioactive material must be conspicuously posted with the standard radiation symbol and the words CAUTION- RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL and, as a minimum, must be monitored when initial or replenishment stocks of radioactive items are being stowed. Rubber gloves must be worn, and extreme caution must be used in handling damaged or broken radioactive material to avoid being absorbed through skin abrasion.

WARNING

Any suspected radiation hazard must be promptly reported to the radiological safety officer and a representative of the medical department.

Toxic Substances

Poisonous substances can cause discomfort, asphyxiation, or even death if ingested or inhaled, or if absorbed through the skin. Therefore, adequate precautions must be taken to prevent such dangers when stowing or issuing toxic material. Toxic substances, which do not fit any other category of stowage such as flammable liquid or acid, must be stowed in a cool, well-ventilated area, separate from acids, and must be protected from fire hazards or impacts that may break seals or damage the containers. Each case, carton, and individual container of toxic material must contain a warning label with the words POISON! IF TAKEN

AND POSSIBLE DEATH! It is particularly important to make sure that containers of poisonous liquids, such as industrial alcohol, are clearly identified and labeled to prevent human assumption, which can be fatal. The most commonly used toxic substances on board ships are pesticides.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES

When using MHE or moving quantities of hazardous materials between receiving, storage, and issue, the possibility exists for spills and mishaps. Some hazardous materials can cause severe health hazards, burns to the skin and eyes, or give off toxic gases. Spilled material can endanger the facility, the ship, personnel, and the environment. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provide emergency spill procedures, and every base or ship has spill contingency plans and a spill response team in place should a mishap occur. Supply personnel should be trained on emergency procedures should shipping containers fall or break open, if material contacts personnel, or if a fire occurs in a hazardous material area. Supply personnel should also be trained in the use of safety equipment, such as extinguishing systems, ventilation units, personal protective equipment, and alarms.

MEASUREMENT OF STORAGE SPACE

Measurement of a storage space is an important part of planning the space layout for storage or office areas. You will also use the standard measurements of bins, pallet racks, pallets, and other storage items. Shore activities are required to prepare and submit the Storage Unit Report, NAVSUP Form 605. The Supply Ashore, NAVSUP Publication 1, Volume 2, describes the procedures for preparing the report. Although every AK may not be involved in the actual preparation of the report, you may be asked to provide some of the information. The following information will help you learn some of the terms and computations used in storage operations.