or  solvent-based  paint,  make  sure  the  proper fire-fighting equipment is located close to the work area. One little spark can set the vapors of some solvents into a roaring fire that can take life and destroy a ship. Proper equipment may include fire extinguishers, charged fire hoses, or foam. You always need to be prepared. An ounce  of  prevention  goes  a  long  way.  Ask  your supervisor to check the type of fire-fighting equipment you are going to use to see if more equipment or some other type is needed for the job at hand. While  working  with  people  using  solvents  or solvent-based paint, make sure you know the location of the nearest fire alarm. Also, make sure all the people working know the nearest fire escape route. Always notify damage control central (DCC) when you are using flammable materials. Wiping Up Solvent Spills When using solvents, be careful not to spill them on the deck or get them on anything except what you are cleaning. Solvents may cause paint to bubble and peel off surfaces. The corrosive nature of some solvents can damage  equipment.  When  mixed  with  some  tile compositions, solvents can form toxic vapors that can irritate  your  lungs  and  make  you  sick.  If  you  spill solvent, clean it up as soon as possible. If you think the spill has caused some type of damage, contact your supervisor for guidance. When a spill involves more than 5 gallons of solvent or presents a threat to the ship or the health of the crew, report it immediately to your supervisor, DCC, or the OOD. Each ship has a hazardous material response kit to  handle  such  emergencies.  Spilled  material  and contaminated clothing or rags become hazardous waste and must be treated as hazardous material (HAZMAT). Your  supervisor  will  tell  you  the  proper  disposal procedures for your command. Dangers Working with solvents is dangerous. Avoid inhaling vapors. Personnel with a history of chronic skin disease, allergies, or asthma should not be permitted to work with paint, solvents, and thinners. When you handle a solvent, don’t let it contact your skin. If a solvent does contact your skin, flush it with clear water as soon as possible. If solvent contacts your skin or eyes, report to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible for treatment. When working with solvents, wear an approved respirator and protective clothing at all times. If you think  that  your  respirator  isn’t  working  properly, request an air line mask. The safety department of your ship usually provides these items. If you breathe some of the vapors given off by solvents, get to a doctor as soon as possible. Respirators The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/Mine  Safety  and  Health  Administration (NIOSH/MSHA)  must  approve  all  respirators  and pumps. Users must be medically qualified and fit-tested before  wearing  a  respirator.  The  following  text describes the air-purifying respirators and air-supplied or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) approved for use by the Navy: Air-purifying respirators use a filter, a chemical cartridge, or a combination of the two to remove air contamination. Filters capture particles of dust or metal fumes. The cartridges may contain a chemical or carbon to absorb vapors or gases. A combination of filter and cartridge is used for a combination of hazards, such as spray painting. The filter captures the spray mist and the cartridge  absorbs  the  paint  vapors,  protecting  the wearer. Air-supplied  or  self-contained  breathing apparatus (SCBA) provides fresh air when the vapor or gas concentration is too high or the area lacks oxygen. Air-supplied  or  SCBA  is  required  for  all  internal shipboard spray painting operations. Air for supplied air masks  is  provided  by  certified  breathing  air compressors or breathing air pumps. The use of proper equipment may save your life and the lives of your shipmates. If you are in doubt about the type of equipment to use, be sure to check with your supervisor. 18-6 Student Notes: