Keep Solvent Containers Tightly Closed Most fires in paint and solvent storage areas are caused by a buildup of vapors. Usually, vapors escape from containers that are not closed tightly. It only takes a small spark to ignite these vapors. Since vapors can quickly displace the oxygen in a storage space, there may not be enough oxygen left to sustain life. All containers  must  be tightly closed when not in use. Besides the danger of vapors accumulating, air can cause a chemical breakdown of some solvents. After a short time, the solvent may evaporate or decay to the point that it can’t be used. Check Containers for Leakage The Navy uses many types of corrosive materials that can eat through a container. You must make sure this doesn’t happen. How can you do that? Don’t accept containers  until  they  are  inspected!    If  you  are inspecting the containers, check all the seams carefully for leaks or cracks. Check the sides of the containers for dents. If a container is dented, that means the side of the container may have been weakened and will eventually leak. Don’t sign for material in damaged containers. If you are unsure of the condition of a container, ask your supervisor to inspect it. If you discover a leaking container while inspecting your storage areas, find the name of the material or solvent on the label of the container. Then immediately inform your supervisor of the problem. The material or solvent  in  the  container  may  be  caustic  and  highly flammable. You and your supervisor should inspect the damaged container and the surrounding area. Then the material or solvent should be transferred to another container using a standard Navy transfer pump. This container  must  be  equal  to  or  surpass  the  storage requirements of the damaged container. Ensure Containers Are Empty Before Discarding One of the most dangerous practices is to discard (throw away) a container partially filled with a solvent or some type of caustic or flammable substance. For example,  several  years  ago  a  container  of  highly flammable  liquid  was  discarded  into  a  dumpster  in Charleston, South Carolina. The dumpster was taken to the trash disposal area where the driver, thinking that the dumpster only contained burnable trash, dumped the contents  of  the  dumpster  into  a  small  fire.  As  the flammable liquid drained from the container, it ran into the fire and created an explosion that was heard for miles  around.  The  dumpster  and  the  truck  were destroyed, and the driver was killed instantly. Solvent containers are considered hazardous waste, so you must dispose of them according to local hazmat regulations.  When  at  sea,    never    throw  solvent containers over the side; they contaminate the seas. Stow containers in a disposal storage area until you reach your next port of call and then have them disposed of in the proper manner. Label All Containers On board naval ships, paints and solvents are stored in a storeroom designated for flammable liquids. The storeroom should be neat, clean, cool, and dry. Make sure a label appears on the door of the space to show the space  contains  flammable  liquids.  Store  paints  or solvents in tightly sealed cans or containers. Mark the container  with  the  name,  formula  number,  solvent composition,  Navy  hazard  identification  label  or Department  of  Transportation  hazard  identification label, and manufacture date of the paint or solvent it contains. Inspect  the  contents  of  any  paint  or  solvent container more than 2 years old. If the container is unfit, properly dispose of it. If you’re not sure whether the paint or solvent is usable (particularly large quantities), send samples to the nearest laboratory for testing. Working in Closed compartments Tests  are  performed  with  a  combustible  gas indicator (explosimeter), toxic gas detectors, and an oxygen  indicator.  Personnel  who  test  a  space  are required to wear an oxygen-breathing apparatus (OBA) or air-line mask. If the atmosphere is found unsafe, the space  is  thoroughly  ventilated  and  provided  with adequate forced fresh air circulation. Only after the space has been retested and pronounced safe to enter can personnel without an OBA or air-line mask enter it. After  personnel  (other  than  testing  personnel)  have 18-7 Student Notes: