transported. It does not refer to cylinders that have
-- Metal strap clamps provided for retaining the
been removed from stores or from cargo and
tops of the cylinders in place. Chains are not to be used
transferred to the shops or other locations for use.
as retainers since they normally are a little slack; the
cylinders can shift and cause an accident.
The term ready service refers to cylinders or other
articles that have been transferred from stores and are
Stowage of Compressed Gases
actually located in a shop or near a place where they
are to be used. It is not necessary that the articles be
In general, weather-deck stowage will be provided
in actual use, but they must be ready for use.
for flammable and explosive gases. However, in
specific cases, below-deck stowage is approved;
Handling Cylinders
depending on the particular type, mission, and
arrangement of the ship. In such cases, these approved
Cylinders that contain flammable and/or
locations are shown on the ship's plans.
explosive gases must be handled with extreme care.
Every effort should be made to avoid dropping them
Compressed gases aboard all ships, except cargo
ships, should be stowed only in compartments
or allowing them to strike too hard against each other
designated by NAVSEA, as shown in applicable plans
or any other object. Take every precaution to prevent
for the ship. In such cases, the following precautions
bumping or striking the discharge valves.
must be observed:
When cylinders are being handled, the cylinder
valve outlet cap and the cylinder valve protecting cap
Take necessary steps to keep the maximum
must be in place. Unless ready-service cylinders are
temperature of the stowage compartment be-
secured in special portable racks, regulators must be
low 130F.
removed and caps replaced before the cylinders are
moved to a new location. Even then, it is best to
When provisions are made for mechanical
remove the regulators and replace the caps for safety.
ventilation, operate this ventilation according
to the damage control classification assigned.
Be very careful when loading or transferring
The classification for closures of this system
cylinders, especially when using a crane or derrick.
are either "Z, " "W," or "W."
The cylinders must be secured in a cradle, suitable
platform, rack, or special container such as a sandbag.
Do not install portable electric wiring and
Electromagnets must never be used. A cylinder moved
equipment in compartments designated for
by hand should be tilted slightly and rolled on its
the stowage of flammable or explosive gases.
bottom edge, without dragging or sliding. Hooks or
Keep flammable materials, especially grease
lines through the valve protection cap must not be used
and oil, out of the stowage space.
for hoisting cylinders. Cylinders frozen to the deck, or
otherwise fixed, must not be pried loose with crowbars
Securely fasten each cylinder individually, in
or similar tools.
the vertical position (valve end up), by metal
When gas cylinders are transported on a hand
collars. Other arrangements are approved for
cargo ships fitted especially for cylinder trans-
truck, they must be held securely in position. The truck
port.
should be fastened to a bulkhead or stanchion as soon
as the destination is reached. The truck should be
Stow oxygen and chlorine in compartments
constructed as follows:
separate from flammable gases. Inert or non-
flammable gases may be stowed in any com-
-- Frame sufficiently rigid to permit handling
partment designated for compressed gas
with tackle.
stowage.
-- Grips or handles ending in a vertical line with
Ventilate compartments containing com-
the aft side of the wheels. (This facilitates fastening to
pressed gases for 15 minutes before entry in
a bulkhead.)
the event that ventilation has been closed
-- Platform fitted with sides to prevent the cylin-
down. A suitable sign to this effect should be
ders from sliding off.
posted on the outside of the access door.
5-45