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strong oxidizer, will be stored in the acid locker.
Oxygen, chlorine gases, and calcium hypochlorite
will be stored as per the following paragraphs on
calcium hypochlorite and compressed gases. All
other oxidizers will be stored in a dry compart-
ment, away from combustible materials.
Calcium Hypochlorite
Calcium hypochlorite itself is noncombustible;
however, it is a strong oxidizing agent that can
generate heat, liberate chlorine, and cause fire
when stored in contact with paints, oils, greases,
detergents, acids, alkalies, antifreeze, fabrics, and
other organic and combustible materials. Calcium
hypochlorite will be stored in bins or lockers la-
beled HAZARDOUS MATERIAL—CALCIUM
HYPOCHLORITE in red letters on a white
background. The bins or lockers will not be
located in an area that is used for storage of com-
bustible organic materials, or is adjacent to a
magazine, or is subject to condensation or water
accumulation.
Each bin or locker must be at least 5 feet away
from any heat source or surface that may exceed
140°F and will contain no more than 48 6-ounce
bottles (for potable water purification) or
36 3 3/4-pound bottles (for sewage waste treat-
ment). The total quantity stored should not exceed
the ship’s average endurance level. On CLF ships,
calcium hypochlorite carried as cargo should be
stored in a separate enclosure constructed of steel
or expanded metal with a secured door.
If calcium hypochlorite becomes contam-
inated, you can dispose of it in water or flush it
into the drain or the bilge. Calcium hypochlorite
is not a fire hazard when dissolved even in an
oily bilge.
Drummed Products
Whether drummed products on board are
flammable liquids or nonflammable material, the
drum will be stored on end with the bung end up.
An adequate identification of the contents must
be legibly indicated on the side of each drum. If
stored on the weather deck, they should be
covered with a tarpaulin (when possible).
Drummed products will be inspected at least
weekly to make sure the bungs are tight and there
are no leaks or corrosion.
Compressed Gases
Compressed gases must be stored on the
weather deck unless the ship has below-deck
storage spaces specifically designed for such
material. Compressed gas cylinders will be stored
vertically and securely (with valve protection caps
in place), away from other flammable materials
(especially grease and oil). When compressed gases
are stored on the weather deck, the cylinders will
be located as far as possible from navigation, fire
control, or gun stations and will be protected from
direct rays of the sun, or accumulation of snow
and ice. When compressed gases are stored below
decks, any leaking fumes must be prevented from
entering ventilation air intakes leading to work-
ing or living spaces. Since there usually is some
gas remaining in most cylinders considered to be
empty, “empty” cylinders will be stored and
handled with the same precautions as full
cylinders. Compressed gases, particularly the
flammable and explosive gases, must be handled
with extreme care. Some general rules for han-
dling 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 valves and, when cylinders are not in
use, be sure the valve protection caps always are
securely attached. (If the valve of a compressed
gas cylinder should be snapped off, the released
energy would cause the cylinder to behave as a
missile. For example, a cylinder that is pressurized
to 2,200 pounds per square inch [psi] can travel
2,600 feet in free flight and, in a confined space,
it could be disastrous.)
l Prevent cylinders from contact with fire,
sparks, or electrical circuits. (An exploded steel
cylinder would have the same destructive effect
as an exploded bomb.)
. Do not drag or slide cylinders required to
be moved. Secure and move them in hand trucks
that meet the criteria prescribed in the Naval
Ships’ Technical Manual, chapter 9230. If suitable
hand trucks are not available, 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 elec-
tromagnets or with hooks or line attached to the
valve protection cap.
. Do not alter or deface the numbers or
other markings on the cylinders; do not add mark-
ings without approval of the engineer officer; and
do not issue cylinders if their contents cannot be
identified.
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