When compressed gas is stowed on the weather
Stow cylinders attached to NAVSEA-ap-
deck, the following additional precautions must be
proved damage control equipment below
observed:
decks in repair lockers. Spare cylinders used
for this purpose may be stowed in the same
Do not stow oxygen and chlorine cylinders
locations.
close to the fuel-gas cylinders. Normal prac-
tice is to stow gas cylinders on one side of the
Remove welding units from the designated
ship and to stow oxygen and chlorine cylin-
stowage location to perform work at some
ders on the other side.
remote location in the ship. Return these units
to the designated stowage location immedi-
Stow cylinders containing compressed gases
ately after you complete your work. Attend to
for the greatest possible protection. During the
the equipment at all times while it is away
winter, protect cylinder valves against the ac-
from its regular stowage.
cumulation of snow and ice. Use warm water
(not boiling) to thaw ice accumulations in
Post a card showing the following warning at
cylinder valve caps and outlets. Boiling water
the designated stowage location of each unit:
may melt the fusible plugs. During the sum-
mer, screen cylinders from the direct rays of
WARNING: UNIT IS NOT SECURE WHILE
the sun.
PRESSURE SHOWS ON GAUGES, OR WHEN
CYLINDERS ARE NOT FIRMLY FASTENED TO
Make every effort to prevent corrosion of
RACK OR TO BULKHEAD, OR WHEN RACK IS
threaded connections of cylinders that are
NOT FIRMLY FASTENED TO BULKHEAD. IF
stowed for extended periods of time. The use
REMOVED FROM THIS LOCATION, THIS UNIT IS
TO BE CONSTANTLY ATTENDED UNTIL
inhibitors on oxygen cylinders is NOT permit-
RETURNED AND SECURED.
ted. Oil or grease in the presence of oxygen
under pressure will ignite violently.
Attach a card showing the following statement
to each unit:
The stowage area should be as far away as
practical from navigation stations, fire control
RETURN TO (DESIGNATED LOCATION)
stations, and gun mounts.
IMMEDIATELY ON COMPLETION OF WORK.
UNIT SHALL NOT BE LEFT UNATTENDED
Ready-Service Storage Rules
WHILE AWAY FROM ABOVE LOCATION. UNIT
IS NOT SECURE WHILE PRESSURE SHOWS ON
Cylinders in actual use, and those attached to
GAUGES, OR WHEN CYLINDERS ARE NOT
welding, fire fighting, medical, refrigeration, or
FIRMLY FASTENED TO RACK OR BULKHEAD,
similar apparatus, ready for use, are permitted below
OR WHEN RACK IS NOTFIRMLY FASTENED TO
decks outside of the stowage compartment.
BULKHEAD OR STANCHION.
The following special precautions must be taken
See NSTM, chapters 550 and 074, volume 3, for
with oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders for welding:
detailed precautions.
The number of cylinders of gas needed to
DISPOSITION OF EMPTY
equip each authorized gas cutting and welding
CYLINDERS
position may be installed in shops. The num-
ber of authorized positions will be determined
Empty cylinders should be delivered to the nearest
from either a NAVSEA-approved plan or the
naval supply depot. Valves should be closed and under
machinery specifications for the shop con-
some positive pressure, except where the design of the
cerned.
valve does not permit closing, as is the case with fire
extinguishers. The pressure is necessary to prevent
Securely fasten cylinders in a rack. The rack
must be securely fastened to the bulkhead, and
walls. In the case of acetylene cylinders, the pressure
must not allow any vertical movement of cyl-
prevents loss of the solvent (acetone) and/or entry of
inders.
5-46