lubricants,  and  so  on)  are  to  be  located where  they  are  convenient  to  the  users, secured  safely  (locked  up),  and  at  a  safe distance to minimize injury in the event of a  mishap.  Warning  signs  pertaining  to hazardous  materials  are  required  to  be posted. The shop safety petty officer is to be  aware  of  all  of  the  locations  of  these materials  in  the  maintenance  shop.  All shop personnel have to be briefed and are to  understand  fully  countermeasures  to take in the event of an accident. Complete safety  instructions  for  hazardous  materials storage are listed in the U. S. Army Corps of   Engineers Safety   and   Health Requirements  Manual,   EM  385-1-1. STORAGE Fuels  may  be  stored  in  underground  tanks, fuel bladders, or properly equipped fuel tankers. The  method  of  disbursing  fuels  depends  on whether  the  site  is  temporary  or  not.  At  a temporary  site,  drummed  fuels  may  be  used. When   selecting   a   fueling   site,   consider   the accessibility  of  vehicles  requiring  fuel.  Tracklaying equipment  and  automotive  equipment  are  usually fueled  in  separate  areas  to  avoid  congestion. Paints and lubricants are inventoried by the supply  department.  However,  you  are  responsible for   storing   those   in   use   or   drawn   in   large quantities.  Storing lubricants properly includes taking steps to prevent fire or contamination by water. Paints should be stored away from flames. Provide  a  fire-resistant  area  for  paints  stored inside   a   building.   A   well-constructed   metal CONEX   box   is   generally   suitable   for   small quantities.  By  using  good  housekeeping  practices, you  can  help  avoid  accidents  or  fires. Gases   normally   used   by   Construction Mechanics include oxygen, acetylene, MAPP-gas, helium,  and  butane.  The  U.S.  Army  Corps  of Engineers  Safety  and  Health  Requirements Manual, EM 385-1-1 is the current reference for safe  handling  and  storage  of  compressed  gases. WARNING Oil and grease must NOT be allowed to come in contact with gases; if they do, they  may  explode  or  burn  out  of  control. Compressed gas containers will be segregated and  stored  in  the  manner  prescribed  at  specific distances  from  each  other  and  working  areas. Acid  or  electrolyte  used  in  the  battery  shop is to be stored in an upright position on a stable platform.  This  space  is  to  be  well  ventilated,  A facility  for  quick  drenching  of  the  eyes  is  to  be available in this area. SPILLS  AND  CLEANUP When spilled in the shop, fuels are hazardous. They  cause  fires  and  accidental  falls  and  they contaminate  air  and  water.  Small  spills  can  be cleaned with absorbents that must be disposed of properly.   Good   housekeeping   means   fewer accidents. Spills  at  fueling  stations  are  normally  smaller than bulk fuel spills. They may be absorbed with sand   or   oil   dry   types   of   absorbents.   These absorbents  must  be  properly  disposed  of  also. Fueling  spills  spell  fire!  Hosing  the  affected area with water will dilute the fuel to a degree, but it will also spread the fuel over a larger area. Fuels may contaminate water systems as well as sewer systems. Should a large quantity of volatile fuel  enter  a  sewer  system,  notify  proper authorities. Oil  drums  at  fueling  stations  used  by  the Equipment Operators must have a catch trough for  spillage.  Oil  caught  in  this  way  is  placed  in a container for waste oil. Waste oil from service stations, shops, and lubrication areas is disposed of  by  re-refining  when  possible. Using waste oil as a dust or weed control agent is prohibited, because this oil often washes into water  systems  during  heavy  rains.  Burning  of waste   oil   contributes   to   air   pollution   and   is prohibited.  Re-using  or  burning  waste  oils  is allowed in large power plants that can separate contaminates   or   blend   the   waste   with   fuel properly. Field   repair   personnel   are   responsible   for collecting  oils  and  fuels  drained  during  repair operations.  Spilled lubricants penetrate the soil and   could   reach   the   groundwater   table. Contaminating the groundwater table may harm local  drinking  water.  Immobilize  a  ground  spill by adding dry soil to soak up the spill. To prevent contamination  of  the  water  table,  collect  the  waste lubricants and return them to a collection point for   disposal.   You   must   develop   contingency plans  in  case  of  a  hazardous  material  spill. OPNAVINST  4110.2  (series),  Hazardous   Material Control   and   Management,   and  OPNAVINST 5090.1   (series),    Environment   and   Natural Resources  Protection  Manual   provide   detailed information. 2-25