Markings of Stock The   bulk   storeroom   custodian   is   largely responsible  for  the  condition  of  stock  in  his  or her  custody.  The  custodian  must  make  sure  stocks are rotated (first in, first out) so that older stocks do  not  become  shelf-worn  or  deteriorated  while newer  stocks  are  broken  out  to  the  ship’s  store activities.  The  bulk  storeroom  custodian  can prevent  this  from  happening  by  placing  ROM- generated  labels  on  each  case  and  marking  the receipt  date  or  manufacture  date  on  each  case before  it  is  stowed.  The  labels  generated  by  the ROM   system   contain   information   about   each stock  item.  These  labels,  when  used,  should  be placed  on  a  predetermined  spot  on  each  stock  item by  the  responsible  custodian. The manufacture date is a coded date shown by some manufacturers on each case. These codes are   currently   contained   in   NAVRESSOINST 4067.4,  issued  by  NAVRESSO.  For  items  that may  be  highly  perishable  or  deteriorate  easily,  you should  use  the  manufacture  date  and  not  the receipt date. When you use the receipt date instead of the manufacture date you are not considering the  time  the  item  has  been  in  the  supplier’s warehouse.  If,  for  example,  the  shelf  life  of  the item  is  5  months  and  the  manufacture  date  is November 89, the product may begin to spoil or deteriorate  around  April  90.  If  you  receive  the item in February 90 and use the date of receipt, you are not considering the 3-month lapse between manufacture  and  receipt. NAVRESSOINST 4067.4 contains codes used by various manufacturers to indicate the date of manufacture for products such as candy, cookies, crackers,  tobacco  products,  canned  drinks,  and film.  A  copy  of  this  instruction  should  be maintained in the bulk storeroom for use by the bulk  storeroom  custodian. Accessibility of Stock Accessibility   of   stock   is   simply   allowing yourself the capability to reach and remove any stock  items  out  of  the  bulk  storeroom  with  the minimum of effort. Accessibility of stock is a very important  fundamental  of  good  stowage.  When you  receive  new  stock  you  must  keep  in  mind  that some day you will issue or inventory items in the storeroom. You do not want to stock 20 cases of an item on 1 case of a different item. More than likely you will use that 1 case before you use the 20  cases.  With  proper  arrangement  and  use  of  the storeroom  facilities  you  should  never  have  this problem. Arrangement  of  Stock Bulk  storerooms  should  be  neat  and  orderly and,  when  possible,  container  labels  should  be facing  out.  Containers  should  be  arranged  by item, brand name, and date of receipt or date of manufacture.  This  way  the  contents  of  the  item can be determined without handling each item and it will facilitate breakouts, inventory, and proper turnover of stock. Case lots should be stowed on deck gratings and not placed directly on the deck. A  few  things  to  keep  in  mind  when  you  are arranging  stock  are  discussed  below: Item  similarity—Items  that  are  similar  and have  similar  handling  requirements  should  be stowed  together  when  practical.  This  will  make your  job  of  issuing  and  controlling  these  stock items easier. Item  popularity—The  popularity  of  an  item must  also  be  considered  when  arranging  stock. Fast-moving stock should be stowed in areas that are  easily  accessible.  Slow-moving  stock  should be  stowed  away  from  easily  accessible  areas. Item size and weight—The size and weight of the  item  not  only  affect  the  amount  of  stowage space  needed,  but  also  affect  your  decision  on where you will stow it. For example, a large, heavy item  should  be  stowed  in  a  location  that  will provide  a  balance  between  accessibility  and required  handling.  In  other  words,  do  not  stow heavy laundry supplies in the forward portion of the  ship  while  the  laundry  is  located  aft. Item  quantity—The  quantity  of  the  items  to be stocked affects the amount of space required and will affect the arrangements of other stock. If you have a large number of one stock item, it is always better for you to increase the amount of space needed to stock all the items in one space than  splitting  the  items  up  into  two  or  more different  locations.  Keeping  the  item  in  one location will also help in accounting for the item especially  during  inventory. Breakable material—Fragile material should never be stowed in the same location with heavy material.   It   should   be   stowed   in   a   separate location  to  prevent  excessive  movement  while  the ship is underway. Empty cardboard cartons may 3 - 1 2