of this manual to describe teaching methods, a few words on your approach to safety and safety training at the crew level are appropriate. Getting your crew to work safely, like most other crew leader functions, is basically  a  matter  of  leadership.  Therefore,  do  not overlook  the  power  of  personal  example  in  leading and  teaching  your  crew  members.  Soon  you  will discover  that  they  are  quick  to  detect  differences between  what  you  say  and  what  you  do.  It  is unreasonable  to  expect  them  to  maintain  a  high standard of safe conduct if you do not. As a crew leader you must be visible at all times and show your sincere concern for the safety of your crew. Although it is not the only technique you can use, leadership by example has proven to be the most effective of those available to you. HAZARDOUS  MATERIAL Various materials are used in shops and jobsites throughout the NCF, some of which can be hazardous. The  key  to  the  NAVOSH  program  is  to  inform  the workers   about   these   hazards   and   the   measures necessary  to  control  hazardous  materials.  To  track  all hazardous  materials,  the  Department  of  Defense (DoD)  has  established  the  Hazardous  Material Information  System  (HMIS),  OPNAVINST  5100.23 (series),   which   is   designed   to   obtain,   store,   and distribute data on hazardous materials procured for use.  This  information  is  readily  available  through every  supply  department. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET A  Material  Safety  Data  Sheet  (MSDS),  OSHA Form  174  or  an  equivalent  form  (fig.  1-8),  shall  be completed  for  each  hazardous  item  procured  and  shall be   submitted   to   the   procuring   activity   by   the contractor/manufacturer/vendor. Upon  drawing  any  hazardous  material,  MLO provides the crew leader with an MSDS. The MSDS identifies  all  hazards  associated  with  exposure  to  that specific material. It also will identify any personnel protective  equipment  or  other  safety  precautions required   as   well   as   first-aid/medical   treatment required for exposure. The crew leader is required by federal law to inform crew members of the risks and all safety precautions associated with any hazardous material present in the shop or on the jobsite. This can be done during each daily safety lecture as the material is drawn and delivered to the jobsite/shop. All hands must  be  informed  before  the  material  can  be  used; therefore, it is a good practice to have a sign-off sheet on the actual MSDS. Additionally, the MSDS must be posted conspicuously, and all hands are aware of its location-at  the  jobsite,  shop  spaces,  and  any  other approved  hazardous  material  storage  area. HAZARDOUS  MATERIAL  CONTROL PROGRAM The  Hazardous  Material  Control  Program  is  a Navy-wide  program  to  administer  the  correct  storage, handling,   usage,   and   disposition   of   hazardous material.  Steel  workers  are  tasked  with  monitoring  and complying  with  this  program.  Hazardous  waste disposal has become a serious concern for the Naval Construction  Force  today.  Cleaners,  acids,  fluxes, mastics,  sealers,  and  even paints are just a few of the hazardous  materials  that  can  be  present  in  your shop/jobsite.  As  a  crew  leader,  you  are  responsible  for the safety and protection of your crew. You are equally responsible  for  the  protection  of  the  environment. There are stiff fines and penalties that apply to NCF work as well as civilian work for not protecting the environment ! You are not expected to be an expert in this area. You should, however, immediately contact the  environmental  representative  or  the  safety  office in case of any environmental problem (spill, permits, planning,  and  such). HAZARDOUS  WARNING  MARKINGS AND  LABELS Specific hazards can be determined at a glance by  referring  to  warning  markings  and  labels  that identify  hazardous  materials.  Hazardous  warning markings  and  labels  are  necessary  to  show  clearly the hazardous nature of the contents of packages or containers  at  all  stages  of  storage,  handling,  use,  and disposal.   When   unit   packages   (marked   packages that are part of a larger container) are removed from shipping  containers,  the  continuity  of  the  specific hazard warning must be preserved. This is normally done  by  applying  the  appropriate  identifying hazardous label to the hazardous material container or  package. The Department of Transportation (DOT) labeling system  shown  in  figure  1-9  is  a  diamond-shaped symbol segmented into four parts. The upper three parts  reflect  hazards  relative  to  health,  fire,  and reactivity. The lower part reflects the specific hazard that is peculiar to the material. 1-13