read  and  understand  the  dangers  and  precautions described on the MSDS before they actually use the materials. STORING HM/HW Material  normally  thought  to  be  safe  may  be hazardous under certain conditions. Therefore, it must be stowed so incompatible chemicals are separated. Store all large quantities of flammable and combustible liquids with a flash point less than 200°F, and coolants, hydraulic fluids, lubricants, and aerosols in flammable liquid storerooms, ready service storerooms, or issue rooms. When flammable liquids are used frequently, store limited quantities in flammable liquid cabinets near the work space. Do not use these cabinets to store more than 30 gallons of flammable liquid per space. The HM/HW coordinator should keep a list of all stowage locations for HM/HW, the capacity of each, and the type of material for which each is designated. The XO,  safety  officer,  and  department  heads  should  review the  list  annually  to  find  ways  to  minimize  storage locations by consolidating compatible materials. The gas free engineer, damage control assistant, and MDR should get a copy of the list. If the ship does not have enough protected, ready service stowage for HM, the CO should request a SHIPALT to provide the space. Equip HM stowage locations other than cabinets and  lockers  with  supply  and  exhaust  ventilation.  The industrial hygiene officer will decide if ventilation is adequate.  Restrict  access  to  HM  stowage  locations  to personnel  authorized  by  the  responsible  division  officer. The  gas  free  engineer  must  approve  entry  to  confined locations. Hold  weekly  and  quarterly  inspections  of  all  HW storage   spaces.   Look   for   loosely   fitted   closures, corrosion, leakage, improper or inadequate labeling, and  expired  shelf  life.  Report  any  dangerous  situations to  the  responsible  division  officer  and  the  HM/HW coordinator. Post stowage cabinets with warning signs to show the type of HM stored. If lockers and cabinets contain flammable   and   combustible   liquids,   attach   a permanently mounted label with the following words: FLAMMABLE/COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS DURING  STRIP  SHIP  CONDITION,  THE CONTENTS OF THIS CABINET SHALL BE RELOCATED TO A FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS STOREROOM,  ISSUE  ROOM,  OR  READY SERVICE  STOREROOM. CONTROLLING  HM/HW When your ship receives HM through the supply system, check all containers to be sure they contain a manufacturer’s label; you may refuse the item if it has no label. If the ship receives containers of HM through open  purchase,  accept  them  only  if  they  contain  a manufacturer’s label and the ship has an MSDS for the material. When HM containers are accepted and brought aboard,  immediately  place  them  in  an  appropriate stowage  location  based  on  the  hazard  identification. Marking HM Containers Manufacturer’s  labels  for  shipboard  identification of HM containers must clearly identify the material name, the manufacturer’s name and address, and the nature of the hazard presented by the HM. When you dispense   hazardous   material   from   the   shipping container to an unmarked container, mark the receiving container  with  the  same  information. Issuing HM Issue  HM  from  the  flammable  liquids  storeroom  or other  issue  rooms  in  amounts  you  need  to  satisfy immediate  needs  during  a  work  shift.  Generally,  you should not keep more than a week’s supply of a routinely used item in or near the user compartment. Open Purchase of HM COs may authorize open market purchases of HM when the stock-numbered product is clearly inferior or when supply cannot meet an urgent need. Get an MSDS from  the  manufacturer  or  supplier  before  buying  the new product, and be sure the new product is NOT more hazardous than the stock item. When you believe the stock item is inferior, you must justify your position to the  supply  officer,  who  will  then  submit  a  COSAL feedback  form. Inventorying HM In  addition  to  an  up-to-date  running  inventory  of HM, your ship must hold an annual inventory of all HM aboard. The inventory will be compared with the ship’s hazardous material list (SHML) and presented to the supply officer, the responsible division officer, and the 10-12