A Well Read Label...  

Knowing what's on the label is the first step to using common cleaning chemicals.

A simple task of treating aluminum deck plates in the engine room with an "Aluminum Brightener" type of product, is a frequent occurrence on a towboat.  Splash the liquid on, spread with a deck brush and the plates look great after a quick rinse.

 

Easy as it may seem, this action can have serious consequences if the cleaning product is improperly used.  Using any chemical product takes safety planning, proper PPE selection and an application follow through.

Step one is safety planning. 

Safety planning starts with understanding the product to be used.  The obvious first place to look is the product's label on the container.

 

OSHA regulations require that all chemical containers be labeled with the identity of their contents and specific information about health and physical hazards associated with the chemical. 

 

In the case of "Aluminum Brightener", health hazards fits the bill.

 

So what does the label tell us?

 

Corrosive

Being that these types of products are acid based, there should be a warning placard on the container.  The hazard class of a dangerous chemical is indicated by a "class number" found on the attached placard.  In the case of an acid, the class number is "8".  The placard will typically say "corrosive" with of a pictorial of a chemical burn.  This is the first visual indicator that caution should be taken.

 

There also may be a "Hazard Rating System" found on the label that indicates the health, flammability, reactivity characteristics and suggested PPE levels for the product inside the container.

 

In our case:

Health = "2"....Materials which on intense or continued exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury unless prompt medical treatment is given, including those requiring use of respiratory protective equipment with independent air supply.

 

Flammability = "0"....Not combustible.

 

Reactivity ="0"....Stable, not reactive when mixed with water.

 

Protection = "D"...used for nuisance contamination...Chemical resistant gloves and boot, coveralls, safety glasses or chemical splash goggles required.

 

Health, Flammability, Reactivity, Protection

The next step is to thoroughly read the entire label.  There you will find product descriptions, directions for use (mixing if applicable), warnings with first aid descriptions and safe disposal requirements.

 

Special emphasis should be placed on understanding PPE requirements and first aid basics.  All crew members should be familiar with the any chemical product you are about to use in case their response is needed.

 

If you are still unsure about safe handling requirements for the product, your next step is to go to the Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDS).  The MSDS provides workers and emergency personnel with procedures in detail for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner. It includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures.

 

Does your boat have an MSDS sheet for common chemical products used on your vessel?

 

Once the chemical container label has been read and understood, and an MSDS sheet is available, it becomes time to select your PPE.

 

No matter how small the task, when using these types of products, your PPE is a must.  A quick job of applying "Aluminum Brightener" to a small area, is usually where one gets in trouble.

 

In this case as described above, coveralls, goggles, chemical resistant gloves and boots are a must. 

Proper PPE

 

If your PPE is doing its' job, there may be product residue on your equipment.  "Decontamination" of your PPE msut be undertaken after completing the job especially if contact is made with your boots or gloves.  Taking off the contaminated gloves could expose your skin to direct contact with chemical residue. A good rinse before removing your PPE will solve that problem.

 

Application follow through involves using the specific instructions written on the label.  Be especially sensitive to any mixing instructions given.   Do not mix with any unauthorized chemicals since an unwanted chemical reaction could start-up.  If a pump sprayer is being used to apply the product, be especially sensitive to any respiratory hazards described on the label.

 

Don't forget the empty container.

 

The label should also have instructions on how to dispose of an empty chemical container.  Casual disposal is not acceptable when there is still product residue inside.  Carefully follow instructions. 

 

In most cases, as long as the directions are followed and common sense prevails, these products can be applied safely and efficiently.

TWIC Renewals  

Nav Zone

They say that experience is a great teacher.

Higman has partnered with Seamen's Church Institute to simulate recent incidents to review lessons learned. We recently completed the first simulation on the M/V Alliance - M/S Naticina collision in 2011. This simulation will be used to help mariners learn the best practices when crossing the ICWW/Houston Ship Channel intersection.

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....While underway and in sight of another vessel crossing less than .5 mile away, you put your engines full speed astern. Which statement concerning whistle signals is TRUE?

a. You must sound three short blasts on the whistle.
b. You must sound one blast if backing to starboard.
c. You must sound whistle signals only if the vessels are meeting.
d. You need not sound any whistle signals.

INLAND ONLY.... A vessel engaged in public safety activities may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light. This special light may be used by a vessel engaged in __________.

a. river bank protection
b. conducting submarine operations
c. firefighting
d. law enforcement

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....To determine if risk of collision exists, a vessel which is fitted with radar must use __________.

a. radar scanning
b. radar plotting
c. compass bearings
d. All of the above

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....You are the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation. You may hold your course and speed until __________.

a. the other vessel takes necessary action
b. the other vessel gets to within half a mile of your vessel
c. action by the give-way vessel alone will not prevent collision
d. the other vessel gets to within a quarter mile of your vessel

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.... You are on a power-driven vessel in fog. Your vessel is proceeding at a safe speed when you hear a fog signal ahead of you. The Rules require you to navigate with caution and, if danger of collision exists __________.

a. slow to less than 2 knots
b. reduce to bare steerageway
c. stop your engines
d. initiate a radar plot

Stern Shots

Capt. Bobby Espinosa and his wife Nesthy cheer on Capt. Jerry Casagrand during the chipping contest.

Jerry socializes with Jay's kids

Capt Sammy McWhorter and Tankerman Juan Rangel know how to pose on the M/S MISS CYNTHIA.

Nautical Trivia  

LST (Landing Ship, Tank) were built in Inland Shipyards during WW II. 

The Second World War put huge demands on shipping.  Every floating vessel was put to work, retired or old. The Gulf  Coast was turned into a huge industrial works.  Shipbuilding, steel making in Alabama, forestry, and landing craft building in the Plains towns.

LST launching in the river

The need for Landing Ship, Tank, or LSTs was urgent in the war, and the program enjoyed a high priority throughout the war. Since most shipbuilding activities were located in coastal yards and were largely used for construction of large, deep-draft ships, new construction facilities were established along inland waterways of the Mississippi.   

LST on the beach

In some instances, heavy-industry plants such as steel fabrication yards were converted for LST construction. This posed the problem of getting the completed ships from the inland building yards in the Plains to deep water.  The chief obstacles were bridges.  The US Navy successfully undertook the modification of bridges and, through a "Ferry Command" of Navy crews, transported the newly constructed ships to coastal ports for fitting out.  The success of these "cornfield" shipyards of the Middle West was a revelation to the long-established shipbuilders on the coasts.  Their contribution to the LST building program was enormous.

Of the 1,051 LSTs built during World War II, 670 were constructed by five major inland builders.  The most LSTs constructed during WWII were built in Evansville, Indiana, by Missouri Valley Bridge and the International Iron & Steel Co.