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