concentration of isotopes in each. It also depends upon the unit and the number of units stowed together. Any area  used  for  stowage  of  radioactive  material  (or  each bin  if  there  is  no  designated  area)  will  be  conspicuously posted with the standard radiation symbol and the words “CAUTION   RADIOACTIVE   MATERIAL.”   As   a minimum,  radioactive  material  will  be  monitored  when initial or replenishment stocks of radioactive items are stowed To prevent absorption of dangerous radioactive particles through skin abrasions, rubber gloves and extreme   caution   will   be   used   in   handling damaged/broken   radioactive   instruments,   electron tubes,  etc.  Any  suspected  radiation  hazard  will  be promptly reported to the radiological safety officer and a  representative  of  the  medical  department. Toxic Substances A   toxic   (poisonous)   substance   may   cause discomfort, asphyxiation and/or 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 will be stowed in a cool, well-ventilated area, separate from acids. It will be protected from fire hazards  or  impacts  which  may  break  seals  or  damage containers. Each case, carton, and individual container of toxic material must be labeled with a warning such as  the  following: “POISON!   IF   TAKEN   INTERNALLY, WILL CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, AND POSSIBLE DEATH!” It is particularly important to make sure that containers of  poisonous  liquids  such  as  industrial  alcohol  are clearly identified and labeled (ie., to prevent human consumption  which  can  be  fatal). Stowage   and   handling   of   miscellaneous nonhazardous  material  is  covered  in  the  NAVSUP P-485. SHELF-LIFE  MATERIAL Shelf-life material is material that is subject to deterioration. These   items   are   assigned   a “SHELF-LIFE CODE which is listed in the ML-N and in  the  List  of  Items  Requiring  Special  Handling (LIRSH).  The  code  denotes  the  shelf-life  span  of material from date of manufacture to the date when it should be either disposed of, or tested in accordance with  the  inventory  manager’s  instructions  in  order  to extend the shelf life. Type I codes (alpha) apply to items for  which  shelf  life  cannot  be  extended.  Type  II  codes (numeric) apply to items for which shelf life can be extended STOREROOM  MAINTENANCE When you are in charge of a storeroom, you are also responsible  for  maintaining  the  space.  Before  you secure each night, sweep the storeroom and remove all trash.  Clean  bins,  shelves,  ventilation  ducts,  and  fans periodically. If you practice good housekeeping, your spaces   will   always   present   a   neat   and   efficient appearance. The material condition of your space is also your responsibility.  Rust  is  an  ever-present  enemy  and requires constant vigilance to keep it under control. Rust spots should be chipped, wirem brushed or sanded, primed,  and  spot  painted.  Loose  bolts  should  be tightened  promptly  to  prevent  possible  damage  to  the storeroom  or  its  contents.  Pipes,  valves,  electrical system, watertight fittings, and firefighting equipment must be examined daily and any defects reported to the Supply Officer. Daily  security  reports  are  required  by  the  supply officer  or  duty  supply  officer.  The  method  and  time  of these  reports  are  established  in  each  ship’s  routine. Before   getting   underway   into   open   seas, storerooms  must  be  thoroughly  inspected  and  secured to  prevent  stores  from  shifting  due  to  the  ship’s  motion. Bulk stores must be braced or lashed to bulkheads, stanchions, or battens, and the fronts of open bins and shelves secured to prevent stores from falling out on deck. Unless approval is obtained from the commanding officer, personal gear must not be stowed in supply storerooms. SECURITY  PROCEDURES The  following  general  security  rules  apply  to supply  department  spaces; 1. 2. 3. Materials in store are always kept under lock and key except when the bulk of such material makes stowage under lock and key impractical. Supply   spaces   are   kept   locked   when   not attended  by  authorized  personnel. Responsibility for the security of spaces rests with the person in charge of each space. 6-13