Calcium Hypochlorite Calcium hypochlorite itself is noncombustible; however, it is a strong oxidizing agent that generates heat, liberates chlorine, and causes fire when stowed in contact with paints, oils, greases, detergents, acids, alkalies, antifreeze, fabrics, and other organic and combustible materials. Calcium hypochlorite must be stowed in bins or lockers labeled HAZARDOUS MATERIAL-CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE in red letters on a white background. The bins or lockers should be located at least 5 feet away from any heat source or surface that may exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The bins and lockers should not be subject to condensation or water accumulation. The are a must not be adjacent to a magazine and must not be used for storing combustible organic materials. An individual locker or bin must contain no more than 48 six-ounce bottles. Compressed Gases Compressed gases must be stowed on the weather deck unless the ship has below-deck stowage spaces specifically designed for such material. Compressed gas cylinders must be stowed vertically and securely with valve protection caps in place, away from other flammable materials, especially grease and oil. When compressed gases are stowed on the weather deck, the cylinders must be located as far as possible from navigation, fire control, or gun stations, and must be protected from the direct rays of the sun or accumulation of snow and ice. When compressed gases are stowed below decks, precautions must be taken to prevent leaking gases from entering ventilation air intakes leading to working or living spaces. Usually, empty cylinders still have some gas remaining in the cylinders; therefore, empty cylinders must be stowed and handled with the same precautions as full cylinders, and labeled “MT.” Compressed gases, particularly the flammable and explosive gases, must be handled with extreme care, Some general rules for handling compressed gas cylinders are as follows: Take every precaution to prevent cylinders from being dropped or forcefully struck against hard surfaces (including other cylinders). Do not tamper with the safety devices in cylinder discharge values, When cylinders are not in use, make sure that the valve protection caps are securely attached. Prevent cylinders from contact with fire, sparks, or electrical circuits. l l l Do not drag or slide cylinders. They should be secured and moved by hand trucks, or tilt the cylinders and roll them on the bottom edge. Secure cylinders in a cradle, pallet, or rack when they are loaded or off-loaded with a crane or derrick. Never hoist cylinders with electromagnets or with hooks or line attached to the valve protection cap. Do not alter or deface the numbers or other markings on cylinders; do not add markings without approval of the engineer officer; and do not issue cylinders if the contents cannot be identified. Detailed information relative to the stowage, handling, and use of various types of compressed gases is contained in the Naval Ships’ Technical Manual, chapter 550. For specific markings and color codes that apply to cylinders of compressed gases, refer to Military Standard, Color Code for Pipelines and Compressed Gas Cylinders, MIL-STD-101B. The hazardous gases commonly used by ships include acetylene, oxygen, propane, and various refrigerants. Acetylene is inherently unstable and may explode when subjected to heat or shock, or upon contact with chlorine or certain metals such as copper, silver, and mercury. Therefore, acetylene must be stowed separately from oxygen or any other materials with which it forms an explosive compound; the gas must never be allowed to escape into an enclosed area; and the cylinders must be protected from flames, sparks, lighting, and static electricity. Test for suspected leaks with soapy water. In moderate concentrations, acetylene may act as an intoxicant. In higher concentrations, it will cause unconsciousness, and ultimately, asphyxiation. Some grades of acetylene also contain many impurities. Therefore, breathing of acetylene in any concentration for any length of time must be avoided. Acetylene in cylinders is dissolved in acetone, which has a tendency to flow into the valve if the cylinders are stowed horizontally. For this reason, acetylene must be stowed and used only in an upright position, valve end up. When it is known or suspected that acetylene cylinders have been stowed on their sides, they must not be used until they have been in a vertical position for at least 2 hours. 2-16