NEVER remove a radioactive tube from its
shipping container until you are ready to install
it.
NEVER touch any radioactive fragments. If you
do, wash yourself thoroughly with soap and
water and get medical attention.
Cathode-Ray Tubes
Cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) are everywhere: in
televisions, desktop computers, radars, and electronic
warfare systems. As a Fire Controlman, you will
probably maintain electronic systems that use CRTs.
Therefore, you must know about their hazards,
handling, and disposition.
CRT HAZARDS. Working with CRTs can be
extremely hazardous. A CRT consists of a large glass
envelope that maintains a high internal vacuum. It also
has a toxic phosphor coating on its face. CRTs are
under great pressure; for example, a 10-inch CRT is
subject to nearly 2,000 pounds of force. Of that, 1,000
pounds is impressed on the face of the tube alone.
Therefore, breaking the glass envelope will cause a
violent implosion. During the implosion, all the glass
fragments, metal parts, and toxic phosphor will be
expelled violently. Because a CRT carries a very high
voltage and emits x-rays, it can also be hazardous when
it’s energized.
CRT HANDLING. To protect yourself from
serious injury when you handle CRTs, follow these
precautions:
F o l l ow t h e m a n u f a c t u r e r ’s h a n d l i n g
instructions.
Keep a new CRT in its shipping carton
until you are ready to use it.
Place a defective CRT in its shipping
carton immediately after you remove it
from the equipment.
Wear gloves and goggles.
NEVER remove a CRT until you have
discharged its high-voltage anode.
NEVER strike or scratch the surface of a
CRT’s glass envelope.
NEVER stand in front of a CRT when
you install it. If the CRT should
implode, the electron gun in its neck
could be propelled at a very high
velocity through the face of the tube and
into your body.
NEVER carry a CRT by its neck.
NEVER touch a CRT’s phosphor
coating; it is extremely toxic. If you
break a CRT, clean up the glass
fragments very carefully. If you touch
the phosphor, seek medical attention
immediately.
CRT DISPOSAL. CRTs are disposed of either by
shipping them back to the manufacturer or by
discarding them locally. If you ship a CRT back to the
manufacturer, put it in the shipping container intact. If
you dispose of a CRT locally, follow the procedure
prescribed by your safety officer.
Q3.
What are PCBs normally used for on board a
ship?
Q4.
What are two hazards associated with an
energized CRT?
GENERAL STOWAGE
REQUIREMENTS OF HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS
Proper stowage of hazardous materials is essential
to ship and personnel safety. Supply department and
individual work-center personnel are responsible for
the proper stowage of hazardous materials in areas
under their control. For answers to your questions
concerning hazardous material stowage, consult your
supervisor, supply officer, or hazardous material/
hazardous waste coordinator.
Hazardous materials aboard ship are typically
packaged in cases or allotments of individual
containers. Do not store hazardous materials in
heat-producing areas or near heat-producing items.
Shield hazardous materials stored on a weather deck or
in exposed areas from direct sunlight.
Temporary storage of hazardous material in
workspaces is limited to the amount necessary for the
operation and maintenance of assigned equipment. If a
HAZMINCEN is in operation, no more than a 7-day
supply of common-use HM may be kept in workcenter
spaces.
Study the Naval Ships’ Technical Manual, Chapter
670, Stowage, Handling, and Disposal of General Use
Consumables, NAVSEA S9086-WK-STM-010, and
become familiar with its contents. You can find
additional information in the NAVOSH Program
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