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.
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