heavy lifts; high explosives; stepped-up electrical
voltages; and the unpredictable forces of wind and
waves.
Underway refueling, multiship exercises, storms,
and other situations require personnel at sea to be
constantly alert. A mishap (there’s that word again) at
sea can involve all hands in a matter of seconds.
Therefore, you must be continually alert to hazardous
conditions. If you observe unsafe practices or
conditions, report them to your supervisors.
REVIEW 1 QUESTIONS
Q1. List some of the safety precautions that could
save you and your shipmate’s life.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Q2. What are some shipboard environments that are
dangerous?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
HAZARDS TO SAFETY
Learning Objectives: When you finish this chapter,
you will be able to—
Recall the purpose and use of Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS).
Recognize safety precautions when you are
embarked in a small boat.
Recognize the purpose of safety precautions
when working around various equipment and
working in spaces to include the following:
steam; lifelines, ladders, and scaffolding; heavy
weight and moving equipment; personnel aloft
or over the side; antennas; flammable liquids,
paints, and solvents; weapons, ammunition, and
explosives; electrical and electronic equipment;
compressed gases; fiber glass and asbestos;
power tools; cutting and welding operations;
liquids under pressure; rotating machinery;
marine sanitation systems; high noise levels;
lifting objects; shipyards and docks; aircraft and
flight deck operations; when involved in sporting
and recreational events; and operating motor
vehicles.
The safety precautions and hazards discussed are of
a general nature only. Following them will help you to
avoid injury to yourself and others and to prevent loss of
or damage to equipment.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are technical
bulletins that contain information about hazardous
material (figs. 19-1 and 19-2). Manufacturers create
MSDSs based on their testing and research of their
products. By law, manufacturers must provide the
data to hazardous material users. They tell users how
to use, store, and dispose of hazardous material.
According to OPNAVINST 5100.19, all hands are
required to follow these guidelines. MSDSs must be in
English and contain at least the following information
about the material:
Identity
19-2
Student Notes:
