property. However, these materials do not normally
be used until they have been in a vertical position for at
least 2 hours.
produce dangerous quantities of fumes or vapors.
Green identifies oxidizing materials. These are all
OXYGEN AND CHLORINE.--Oxygen and
chlorine are oxidizing gases that strongly support
materials that readily furnish oxygen for combustion
combustion. Chlorine is also poisonous. Oxygen and
and react explosively when they come in contact with
chlorine cylinders must be stowed on the weather deck,
hot material.
or in a separate watertight storeroom, which has at least
Gray identifies physically dangerous materials.
one compartment between it and any space that is used
These are materials, safe in themselves, that are
for the stowage of combustibles such as flammable
asphyxiating in confined areas. These also are
liquids or gases, ammunition, paint, gasoline, and oil.
materials handled in a dangerous physical state of
NONFLAMMABLE GASES.--Helium,
pressure or temperature.
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon are nonflammable
Red identifies fire protection materials.
gases. Because of their inert characteristics, they may
be stowed with flammable or oxidizing gases. Since
Black identifies a combination of oxygen and
these non-flammable gases will not support expiration
other gases.
(a sufficient concentration in a closed space will cause
Buff (tan) identifies industrial gases.
asphyxiation), they must be stowed on the weather
Orange identifies refrigerants.
deck or in other well-ventilated spaces.
In addition to its basic colors, each cylinder
AEROSOL PRODUCTS.--Aerosol products are
marking may include a combination of colored stripes
liquids, solutions, or powders contained in pressurized
to identify a particular compressed gas. Refer to
dispensers. The dispensers have release valves to control
chapter 2 of NAVSUP P-485 or to P-567 for a listing of
the discharge amount of the product. Aerosol containers
the different types of gases and the color markings used
are commonly used for the disposal of paints, enamels,
lacquers, insecticides, silicones, and rust preventives.
on compressed gas cylinders.
The aerosol propellant may be low-boiling, halogenated
AC E T Y L E N E . -- A c e t y l e n e i s i n h e r e n t l y
hydrocarbons or other hydrocarbons such as liquid
unstable, and may explode when subjected to heat or
propane or isobutane. Aerosol cylinders will burst if
shock or upon contact with chlorine or certain metals
exposed to heat sources more than 120F. Aerosol cans
such as copper, silver, and mercury. Therefore,
are prone to leakage when dented or hit against hard
acetylene must be stowed separately from oxygen or
objects. Aerosol propellants are extremely flammable
any other materials with which it forms an explosive
and, in enough concentration, can be anesthetic or
compound. The gas must never be allowed to escape
asphyxiating. Therefore, aerosol products should be
into an enclosed area. The cylinders must be protected
stowed in the flammable liquids storeroom or in cabinets
from flames, sparks, lightning, and static electricity.
away from oxidizing materials. The space should have
Testing for suspected leaks should be done with soapy
mechanical ventilation, when necessary, to remove
water.
accumulated vapors.
Toxicity.--In moderate concentrations, acetylene
TOXIC SUBSTANCES.--A toxic (poisonous)
may act as an intoxicant. In higher concentrations, it
substance may cause discomfort, asphyxiation and/or
will cause unconsciousness and ultimately
death if ingested or inhaled, or if absorbed through the
asphyxiation. Some grades of acetylene also contain
skin. Therefore, adequate precautions must be taken to
many impurities. Therefore, breathing of acetylene in
prevent such dangers when stowing or issuing toxic
any concentration for any length of time must be
material. Toxic substances will be stowed in a cool,
avoided.
well-ventilated area, separate from acids. It will be
protected from fire hazards or impacts, which may
Upright Stowage Required.--Acetylene in
break seals or damage containers. Each case, carton,
cylinders is dissolved in acetone that has a tendency to
and individual container of toxic material must be
flow into the valve if the cylinders are stowed
labeled with a warning such as the following:
horizontally. For this reason, acetylene must be stowed
and used only in an upright position with the valve end
"POISON! IF TAKEN INTERNALLY, WILL
up. When it is known or suspected that acetylene
CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, AND POSSIBLE
cylinders have been stowed on their sides, they will not
DEATH!"
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