TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

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 100°F, 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. 2-15