Navy hazardous materials and what you should know
Compressed gases and materials that pose a fire threat or are otherwise hazardous are included in the category of hazardous material. Paintings and oil paintings make up the majority of the items in this category. Automatic temperature-sensitive devices within the storerooms can trigger an alarm and CO2 smothering systems while manual controls outside the storerooms smother flammable liquids and paints stored there. Whenever possible, these storerooms are positioned below the vessel’s full-load water line, at either end, but they are not next to a magazine. They have doors that are completely waterproof.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules provide forth employee rights to information about job hazards, such as toxic substances. We want to make the workplace a safer place by reducing the risk of accidents or sickness due to hazardous substances.
What does the OSHA and the Hazard Communication Standard do?
OSHA created The Hazard Communication Standard to help achieve this objective, which necessitates the exchange of information and communication. This requirement serves to safeguard the right of the Corpsman to work in a healthy and safe workplace. It necessitates that the HM be well-versed about hazardous chemicals in the workplace, as well as educated in how to handle them properly. A documented hazard communication protocol must be developed, implemented, and maintained by each Medical and Dental Treatment Facility in accordance with BUMED guidelines. Labeling, MSDS, and staff training all fall within this category.
What is Labeling and MSDS in the Navy
Labeling and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Products that are deemed hazardous should be labeled by the manufacturer to identify the chemicals and include a warning about the potential hazards. Safety data sheets (MSDSs) tell you about the dangers of a product’s ingredients and how to use them properly.
MSDSs are required by OSHA rules for every hazardous chemical used by all workplaces, including health care institutions. Chemical suppliers, producers, and distributors are all required by law to include MSDSs with their initial shipments of hazardous chemicals.
All employees must have access to an up-to-date file of these papers.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and contact database in the Navy
These are kept in the warehouse’s working area. Employees need to know where the MSDS can be found and what each part contains since it contains important information.
Services for hazardous technical information The Materiel Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) database is housed in the Defense Supply Center in Richmond, where HTIS is situated. The hotline is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at 1-800-848-4847 or DSN 695-5168.
The general precautions for handling materials and what to avoid in the Navy
The HM may easily avoid dangerous circumstances or mishaps by being aware of the general precautions and following the manufacturer’s recommendations when handling goods. Do not use anything other than the recommended cleaning techniques. All hazardous chemicals must be disposed of by HMs in accordance with the MSDS and any other local, state, or federal requirements that may apply.
Avoid personal contact with chemicals and reduce the amount of chemical vapor in the air as much as possible for your own safety. Protect yourself from harm by using gloves, a mask, and safety glasses.
Bottles of chemicals should never be left open over long periods of time. Leaving open bottles makes it easy for vapors to escape into the air and for chemicals to be spilled. Keep a flame at least three feet away from flammable liquids. In places where chemicals are utilized, it is forbidden to eat, smoke, or drink.
When people eat or smoke, they are ingesting substances that might ignite or explode if they aren’t careful. Most gases and chemicals have dangers that can be eliminated with proper ventilation. Storage spaces need to be well-equipped and well-cared-for.
