As we mentioned above, you must follow the prescribed safety precautions for the hazardous materials you use or handle in your workplace. These precautions are supported by requirements for

Figure 4-3.-Department of Transportation hazardous material shipping symbols.

personal protective equipment, spill response, and disposal of waste.

The following section briefly covers safety precautions for the materials commonly used or handled by Fire Controlmen: solvents, aerosol containers, polychlorinated biphenyls, batteries, and vacuum tubes.

SOLVENTS

Varnishes, lacquers, cleaning fluids, and some paints contain solvents that can ignite at relatively low temperatures. Obviously, such materials pose serious fire hazards. Some solvents emit toxic vapors; others can burn or irritate your skin and eyes.

Many solvents are used in the daily maintenance of electronic equipment. The safest solvents are those that dissolve in water (water-based). If water-based solvents are not effective, you may use trichloroethane or methyl alcohol, two of the most popular nonwater-based solvents. However, since trichloroethane and methyl alcohol are extremely flammable, use them only when you have adequate ventilation.

When you use hazardous paints or solvents, always follow these safety precautions:

Wipe up all spills immediately.

Place rags or other items you use to clean up spills in a separate, covered container.

Use protective clothing, goggles, gloves, or other appropriate safeguards to prevent paints or solvents from getting on your skin or in your eyes.

Have accessible fire-fighting equipment nearby.

Have adequate ventilation.

Dispose of paints and solvents properly when you no longer need them. If you are unsure of the disposal procedures, check with your safety officer.

Store flammable solvents only in approved flammable storage lockers. Be sure to store flammable and corrosive materials separately.

NEVER use carbon tetrachloride. Carbon tetrachloride is a highly toxic compound and is banned from use. Use trichloroethane instead.

NEVER smoke or use an open flame or allow anyone else to do so in areas where paint, varnishes, lacquers, or solvents are being used.

NEVER breathe the vapors of any cleaning solvent for prolonged periods. If you don't have proper ventilation, use proper PPE.

NEVER discard aerosol containers in wastebaskets that will be emptied into an incinerator.

NEVER spray cleaning solvents onto electrical windings or insulation.

NEVER apply cleaning solvents to heated equipment. Doing so could cause a fire. AEROSOL CONTAINERS

Aerosol containers are everywhere. When used properly, aerosol containers dispense their chemicals quickly and effectively. But if you misuse them, they can hurt you and cause damage to your surroundings. To prevent this, you must be aware of the dangers associated with aerosol containers and how to protect yourself from those dangers.

Before you use any aerosol container, read its label. The label usually has instructions on how to use, store, and dispose of the container safely. Do not ignore these instructions. If you do, you may become ill from the toxic effects of the chemicals in the container. Even worse, you may be seriously injured if the container explodes.

Here are some basic rules to follow when using aerosol containers:

Ventilation: Ensure that you have plenty of ventilation when you use aerosols that contain dangerous or toxic gases. If you must use such aerosols when ventilation is not adequate, wear the appropriate PPE.

Heat Sources: Keep all aerosol containers away from open flames, sunlight, heaters, and other possible sources of heat. Do not smoke in areas where aerosols are being used.

Disposition: NEVER discard aerosol containers in wastebaskets that will be emptied into an incinerator, as they could explode. Dispose of the containers according to the MSDS's instructions. Some aerosol containers are considered hazardous waste.

Paint: NEVER spray paint or other protective coatings onto warm or energized equipment, as you may cause a fire.

Skin: NEVER spray paints or solvents onto your skin. Some liquids in aerosol containers may burn you; others may cause a skin rash.

Dents/Punctures: NEVER dent or puncture aerosol containers. Since they are pressurized, they may explode if they become dented or punctured.

Temperature: NEVER store aerosol containers in heated areas where temperatures can exceed the recommended storage temperature on their labels. Aboard ship, all aerosols are considered flammables and must be stored in a flammable liquid storage compartment or cabinet.