disposal   procedures,   check   with   your   safety officer.    Store   flammable   solvents   only   in   approved flammable   storage   lockers.   Be   sure   to   store flammable and corrosive materials separately.    NEVER   use   carbon   tetrachloride.   Carbon tetrachloride is a highly toxic compound and is banned from use. Use trichloroethane instead.    NEVER  smoke  or  use  an  open  flame  or  allow anyone   else   to   do   so   in   areas   where   paint, varnishes, lacquers, or solvents are being used.    NEVER   breathe   the   vapors   of   any   cleaning solvent for prolonged periods. If you don’t have proper ventilation, use proper PPE.    N E V E R    d i s c a r d    a e r o s o l    c o n t a i n e r s    i n wastebaskets   that   will   be   emptied   into   an incinerator.    NEVER spray cleaning solvents onto electrical windings or insulation.    NEVER   apply   cleaning   solvents   to   heated equipment. Doing so could cause a fire. AEROSOL CONTAINERS Aerosol  containers  are  everywhere.  When  used properly, aerosol containers dispense their chemicals quickly and effectively. But if you misuse them, they can hurt you and cause damage to your surroundings. To  prevent  this,  you  must  be  aware  of  the  dangers associated with aerosol containers and how to protect yourself from those dangers. Before   you   use   any   aerosol   container,   read   its label. The label usually has instructions on how to use, store,   and   dispose   of   the   container   safely.   Do   not ignore these instructions. If you do, you may become ill   from   the   toxic   effects   of   the   chemicals   in   the container. Even worse, you may be seriously injured if the container explodes. Here  are  some  basic  rules  to  follow  when  using aerosol containers: Ventilation:   Ensure   that   you   have   plenty   of ventilation   when   you   use   aerosols   that   contain dangerous or toxic gases. If you must use such aerosols when ventilation is not adequate, wear the appropriate PPE. Heat  Sources:  Keep  all  aerosol  containers  away from open flames, sunlight, heaters, and other possible sources of heat. Do not smoke in areas where aerosols are being used. Disposition:  NEVER  discard  aerosol  containers in   wastebaskets   that   will   be   emptied   into   an incinerator,   as   they   could   explode.   Dispose   of   the containers   according   to   the   MSDS’s   instructions. Some   aerosol   containers   are   considered   hazardous waste. Paint:   NEVER   spray   paint   or   other   protective coatings  onto  warm  or  energized  equipment,  as  you may cause a fire. Skin: NEVER spray paints or solvents onto your skin. Some liquids in aerosol containers may burn you; others may cause a skin rash. Dents/Punctures:   NEVER   dent   or   puncture aerosol  containers.  Since  they  are  pressurized,  they may explode if they become dented or punctured. Temperature: NEVER store aerosol containers in heated   areas   where   temperatures   can   exceed   the recommended   storage   temperature   on   their   labels. Aboard  ship,  all  aerosols  are  considered  flammables and   must   be   stored   in   a   flammable   liquid   storage compartment or cabinet. POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS Polychlorinated   biphenyls   (PCBs)   are   toxic chemicals of the chlorinated hydrocarbon group. They range  in  form  and  appearance  from  oily  liquids,  to crystalline  solids,  to  hard  transparent  resins.  These chemicals   exhibit   many   favorable   physical   and chemical   properties,   including   high   heat   capacity, chemical   stability,   noncorrosivity   to   metals,   low flammability,  low  vapor  pressure,  and  low  electrical conductivity.  Therefore,  they  are  used  extensively  as insulators and coolants in electrical equipment. PCBs   in   use   aboard   ship   typically   function   as insulating  fluids  or  coolants  in  electrical  equipment. (The chemicals might occasionally be found in totally enclosed hydraulic and heat transfer systems.) Remember, these chemicals are toxic. That means they can be harmful to your health (perhaps deadly.) Their  adverse  effects  can  result  from  either  brief  or repeated exposure. The effects from short-term contact with  high  concentrations  of  PCB  vapors  or  liquids include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; and the skin rash chloracne. Repeated exposure can result in severe skin irritation, respiratory irritation, digestive tract damage, and liver damage. Systemic intoxication 4-5