318-Cargo and Hazardous Materials / 748
Car
g
o and
H
a
z
ardous Materials
BOS-PRD-03.900601
Battery solution (electrolyte)
shall
not come into contact with the skin or eyes. If by accident any of the
solution is spilled onto the skin, a solution of baking soda and fresh water
should
be used to completely flush
the area; this
should
neutralise the electrolyte and clear it from the skin. If electrolyte is accidentally splashed
into the eye or eyes, abundant use of fresh water
shall
be used to flush the solution from them. Medical
advice and/or attention
shall
be sought as soon as possible.
To mix electrolyte, always pour the acid into the water and never the water into the acid.
Never allow smoking, naked flames or any other source of ignition near lead-acid batteries. When checking
the level of the electrolyte, an intrinsically safe (explosion proof) torch
shall
be used. Battery storage areas
shall
be marked with no-smoking notices/signs.
If lead-acid batteries are not provided with carrying handles, lift and carry them by placing both hands
underneath. Elbow length rubber gloves, rubber aprons and splash proof goggles are essential whenever
lifting, carrying or otherwise moving lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries are heavy; get assistance and do
not attempt to move them alone.
Keep batteries protected in well-ventilated and corrosion resistant storage facilities.
Metal objects and tools
shall
not be placed on top of batteries or in such a position that they could fall onto
them.
Lead-acid batteries are a source of electricity independent of other sources of generation. Keep lead-acid
batteries charged to maintain their full capacity.
Battery connections
shall
be maintained cleaned and kept tight.
Vent caps
shall
be kept on tight whenever charging the batteries.
4
.
5
.
6 P
aints
,
t
h
inners and
c
leanin
g
a
g
ents
Paints, thinners and cleaning agents are amongst the most common of hazardous materials found onboard
vessels.
Most paints, thinners and cleaning agents have certain chemical properties that can cause harm to
personnel and pollution to the environment if care is not taken.
Always read the labelling and note any precautions and warnings.
Always consult the applicable
MSDS
and never mix cleaning agents together as this can result in the
production of very harmful vapours.
Take note that some cleaning and painting products present inhalation hazards and personal protection
through the use of respirators is required.
Always use splash proof goggles, face masks and the correct gloves with full protection of any exposed skin
when mixing or using caustic cleaning materials.
If any caustic material makes contact with any exposed skin or is splashed into the eyes or onto the face,
wash it off immediately with plenty of fresh water. Flush thoroughly for 15 minutes, holding the eyes open if
any chemical has entered the eyes. Medical advice and/or attention
shall
be sought as soon as possible.
If any caustic material contaminates clothes, they
shall
be changed as soon as possible.
Never smoke, never use naked flames or bare light bulbs in or around the paint locker or when mixing,
spraying or otherwise using paints and thinners.
Never use electrical power tools or any other potential sources of electrical ignition in or around the paint
locker or when mixing, spraying or otherwise using paints and thinners.
Version 04. Original date: 19/06/2012. Version date: 31/12/2014. Valid version only on QMS site. Uncontrolled document when printed.
Procedure prepared by: BOS Deputy QHSE Manager. Approved by: BOS QHSES Manager. Validated by: BOS Quality Representative
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