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. 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 120°F 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 100°F or below. Combustible liquids, greases, and pastes have a flash point of 200°F or below. Items that are flammable and/or  combustible  include  the  following: l c l Gasoline, oils, kerosene, and other petroleum products Chemicals Stencil paints, marking inks, and printer’s ink l l l Solvents,   thinners,   primers,   compounds, varnishes,  and  lacquers Alcohol, acetone, ether, and naphtha 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 2-17