Naval Ships Technical Manual 670: Overview and Significance

NSTM 670 details stowage, handling, and disposal of hazardous consumables afloat, crucial for naval safety and environmental compliance. It’s a vital resource.

Purpose and Scope of NSTM 670

NSTM 670 serves as the definitive guide for managing hazardous materials aboard naval vessels, encompassing their lifecycle from procurement to disposal. Its primary purpose is to establish standardized procedures ensuring personnel safety, environmental protection, and operational readiness. The manual’s scope covers a broad spectrum of general-use consumables classified as hazardous, including cleaning solvents, paints, and various maintenance supplies.

It details proper stowage, handling techniques, and compliant waste disposal methods. NSTM 670 aims to minimize risks associated with these materials, preventing incidents and adhering to stringent regulatory requirements. The manual’s comprehensive approach supports efficient shipboard operations while safeguarding both the crew and the marine environment.

Target Audience for the Manual

NSTM 670 is specifically designed for a diverse range of naval personnel directly involved with hazardous material management. This includes shipboard maintenance teams, responsible for handling and applying consumables, as well as supply officers overseeing procurement and inventory control. Safety officers rely on the manual to enforce compliance and conduct inspections.

Additionally, it’s a crucial resource for damage control personnel responding to spills or incidents. Supervisors and those overseeing ship operations also require familiarity with NSTM 670’s guidelines. Ultimately, anyone handling, storing, or disposing of hazardous materials afloat is considered a key member of the target audience, ensuring a safe and compliant environment.

Hazardous Material Control Afloat

NSTM 670 establishes the Afloat Hazardous Material Control System (AHMCS), vital for managing risks associated with general-use consumables on naval vessels.

Afloat Hazardous Material Control System (AHMCS)

The Afloat Hazardous Material Control System (AHMCS), as detailed within NSTM 670, represents a comprehensive program designed to meticulously manage hazardous materials throughout their lifecycle aboard naval vessels. This system encompasses procedures for acquisition, receipt, storage, issue, use, and ultimate disposal of these consumables. AHMCS aims to minimize risks to personnel, prevent environmental pollution, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Central to AHMCS is a robust inventory control system, coupled with rigorous training for all personnel involved in handling hazardous materials. Proper labeling, segregation based on compatibility groups, and adherence to strict handling protocols are paramount. The system also emphasizes proactive hazard identification and risk assessment to mitigate potential incidents effectively. Ultimately, AHMCS, guided by NSTM 670, safeguards both the crew and the marine environment.

Responsibilities for Hazardous Material Management

NSTM 670 clearly delineates responsibilities for hazardous material management across all levels of shipboard personnel. The Commanding Officer holds ultimate accountability, ensuring the AHMCS is effectively implemented and maintained. Department Heads are responsible for overseeing compliance within their respective areas, including proper training and inventory control.

Specific duties are assigned to Hazardous Material Petty Officers (HMPOs), who serve as the primary points of contact for all related issues. All personnel handling hazardous materials are responsible for understanding and adhering to established procedures, utilizing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and reporting any spills or incidents promptly. Consistent oversight and adherence to NSTM 670’s guidelines are crucial for maintaining a safe and compliant environment.

Stowage Requirements for Hazardous Consumables

NSTM 670 mandates careful compatibility grouping and segregation during stowage, preventing dangerous reactions and ensuring safe handling of naval consumables.

Compatibility Grouping and Segregation

NSTM 670 emphasizes a rigorous system of compatibility grouping and segregation for hazardous materials. This crucial aspect of afloat hazardous material control prevents unintended reactions, fires, or the release of harmful substances. Materials are categorized based on their chemical properties and potential hazards, dictating how they must be stored relative to one another.

Incompatible materials – those that could react dangerously if mixed – require strict separation, often involving dedicated stowage locations and physical barriers. The manual details specific groupings, such as acids and bases, oxidizers and flammables, and provides guidance on appropriate distances and containment methods. Proper segregation minimizes risks to personnel, the ship, and the environment, upholding operational readiness and safety standards throughout the fleet.

Specific Stowage Considerations for Different Classes of Materials

NSTM 670 provides detailed stowage requirements tailored to distinct classes of hazardous materials. Flammable liquids necessitate storage in approved, grounded containers within well-ventilated spaces, away from ignition sources. Corrosives demand acid-resistant shelving and secondary containment to prevent spills and material degradation.

Oxidizers require separation from combustibles, while toxic substances need secure, labeled storage with restricted access. The manual addresses unique considerations for gases, paints, and cleaning solvents, emphasizing proper ventilation and temperature control. Adherence to these specific guidelines, alongside compatibility grouping, is paramount for preventing incidents and maintaining a safe, compliant environment aboard naval vessels.

Handling Procedures for Hazardous Materials

NSTM 670 emphasizes safe transfer techniques and strict adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements when handling hazardous materials aboard naval ships.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

NSTM 670 meticulously outlines the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for personnel handling hazardous materials. Selection depends on the specific substance and task. Mandatory PPE often includes chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection (safety glasses or goggles), and appropriate respiratory protection when ventilation is insufficient.

Furthermore, the manual details requirements for protective clothing, such as aprons or coveralls, to prevent skin contact. Proper training on donning, doffing, and maintaining PPE is paramount. Regular inspection of PPE for damage or degradation is also crucial to ensure its effectiveness. Ignoring these requirements can lead to serious health consequences and compromise mission readiness. Adherence to NSTM 670’s PPE guidelines is non-negotiable for safe hazardous material handling.

Safe Transfer and Transport Techniques

NSTM 670 emphasizes secure transfer and transport of hazardous materials to prevent spills and exposures. Containers must be properly labeled, sealed, and compatible with the substance. Dedicated, well-ventilated transport routes are essential, minimizing personnel exposure.

Manual handling should be minimized; utilize appropriate mechanical aids like carts or forklifts. Secure containers during transport to prevent shifting or damage. Personnel involved must be trained in proper lifting techniques and spill response procedures. Strict adherence to quantity limits and segregation rules, as defined in NSTM 670, is critical. Careful planning and execution are vital for safe and compliant hazardous material movement aboard naval vessels.

Disposal Methods for Hazardous Waste

NSTM 670 outlines procedures for minimizing waste and complying with environmental regulations regarding hazardous material disposal from naval ships effectively.

Waste Minimization Strategies

NSTM 670 emphasizes proactive waste reduction techniques to lessen the environmental impact of naval operations. Implementing careful inventory management prevents overstocking and subsequent disposal needs. Prioritizing the use of less hazardous alternatives whenever feasible significantly reduces waste volume and toxicity.

Proper training for personnel on correct handling and application minimizes spills and unusable material. Employing closed-loop systems for solvent usage, where possible, allows for reclamation and reuse, drastically cutting down on disposal requirements. Regularly reviewing and optimizing consumable usage patterns identifies areas for improvement and promotes a culture of waste consciousness throughout the ship’s company. These strategies collectively contribute to responsible environmental stewardship.

Compliance with Environmental Regulations

NSTM 670 mandates strict adherence to all applicable environmental regulations governing hazardous waste management at sea and in port. This includes compliance with international maritime conventions, as well as national and local laws pertaining to pollution prevention and waste disposal.

Accurate record-keeping of all hazardous material transactions is essential for demonstrating regulatory compliance during inspections. Proper labeling and manifesting of waste shipments are critical to ensure safe and legal transport to designated disposal facilities. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines and operational restrictions, highlighting the importance of diligent adherence to NSTM 670’s guidelines.

NSTM 670 and Related Naval Publications

NSTM 670 cross-references NSTM Chapter 300 (Electrical) and links to other safety manuals, ensuring comprehensive guidance for naval personnel.

Cross-References to NSTM Chapter 300 (Electrical)

NSTM Chapter 670 frequently references NSTM Chapter 300, focusing on electrical plan general information, particularly when hazardous materials interact with electrical systems. This cross-referencing is vital for safe handling procedures near energized equipment. It addresses potential ignition sources from flammable solvents or reactive chemicals. Personnel must understand both chapters to prevent electrical hazards during consumable use and disposal. Chapter 300 provides essential grounding and bonding guidelines relevant to solvent transfer, minimizing static electricity buildup. Proper electrical safety protocols, detailed in Chapter 300, are paramount when working with hazardous materials outlined in NSTM 670, ensuring a secure operational environment aboard naval vessels.

Relationship to Other Safety and Environmental Manuals

NSTM 670 integrates with broader naval safety and environmental protection policies. It complements NAVSEA S9806-WK-STM-010, reinforcing comprehensive hazardous material control. Adherence to NSTM 670 supports compliance with environmental regulations regarding waste disposal, minimizing pollution. It aligns with shipboard safety manuals, emphasizing PPE requirements and emergency response procedures. The manual’s guidance on solvent management connects to pollution prevention protocols. Proper implementation of NSTM 670 demonstrates a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and crew safety, ensuring naval operations adhere to stringent standards and legal obligations.

Cleaning Solvents and Their Management

NSTM 670 directs users to NSTM Chapter 631 for detailed solvent information, emphasizing proper ventilation and safe handling practices for all materials.

Referencing NSTM Chapter 631 for Solvent Information

Naval Ships Technical Manual (NSTM) Chapter 631 serves as a comprehensive resource for detailed information regarding cleaning solvents utilized aboard naval vessels. This chapter provides crucial data on solvent properties, including flammability, toxicity, and reactivity, enabling personnel to make informed decisions regarding their safe application. It outlines specific guidance on solvent selection based on the task at hand, ensuring optimal cleaning performance while minimizing potential hazards. NSTM 631 also details proper storage procedures, emphasizing compatibility considerations to prevent dangerous chemical reactions. Furthermore, it covers essential aspects of solvent disposal, aligning with stringent environmental regulations and waste minimization strategies. By consistently referencing NSTM Chapter 631, naval personnel can effectively manage cleaning solvents, safeguarding both the crew and the marine environment.

Proper Ventilation and Handling of Solvents

NSTM 670 emphasizes the critical importance of adequate ventilation when working with solvents, minimizing exposure to harmful vapors. Confined spaces require forced-air ventilation to maintain safe atmospheric conditions. Personnel must utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators, gloves, and eye protection, as dictated by the solvent’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Careful handling procedures are paramount; avoid open flames and sources of ignition. Solvents should be dispensed using grounded containers to prevent static discharge. Spills must be contained immediately using absorbent materials, following established spill response protocols. Proper training on solvent hazards and safe handling techniques is essential for all personnel.

Emergency Procedures and Spill Response

NSTM 670 outlines protocols for swift spill containment, cleanup, and reporting of hazardous material incidents, ensuring crew safety and environmental protection.

Spill Containment and Cleanup Protocols

NSTM 670 emphasizes rapid response to hazardous material spills, prioritizing containment to prevent further spread and environmental damage. Initial actions involve identifying the spilled substance and its hazards, then securing the area and eliminating ignition sources. Personnel must utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as dictated by the material safety data sheet (MSDS).

Containment strategies include diking, absorption with inert materials, and covering drains. Cleanup procedures vary based on the spilled material, ranging from simple wiping to specialized decontamination processes. All cleanup materials become hazardous waste and require proper disposal according to established regulations. Thorough documentation of the spill, containment efforts, and cleanup procedures is essential for reporting and future preventative measures.

Reporting Requirements for Hazardous Material Incidents

NSTM 670 mandates comprehensive reporting of all hazardous material incidents, encompassing spills, leaks, exposures, and near misses. Immediate notification is required to the chain of command and designated environmental authorities, ensuring swift assessment and corrective actions. Reports must detail the incident’s specifics: material involved, quantity released, location, personnel affected, and initial response measures.

Accurate documentation is paramount, utilizing standardized reporting forms and maintaining detailed records. These reports contribute to trend analysis, identifying recurring hazards and improving preventative strategies. Failure to report incidents promptly can result in significant penalties and compromise safety protocols. Compliance with reporting requirements is a critical aspect of responsible hazardous material management.