of this manual to describe teaching methods, a few words on your approach to safety and safety training at the crew level are appropriate. Getting your crew to work safely, like most other crew leader functions, is basically a matter of leadership. Therefore, do not overlook the power of personal example in leading and teaching your crew members. Soon you will discover that they are quick to detect differences between what you say and what you do. It is unreasonable to expect them to maintain a high standard of safe conduct if you do not. As a crew leader you must be visible at all times and show your sincere concern for the safety of your crew. Although it is not the only technique you can use, leadership by example has proven to be the most effective of those available to you.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL

Various materials are used in shops and jobsites throughout the NCF, some of which can be hazardous. The key to the NAVOSH program is to inform the workers about these hazards and the measures necessary to control hazardous materials. To track all hazardous materials, the Department of Defense (DoD) has established the Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS), OPNAVINST 5100.23 (series), which is designed to obtain, store, and distribute data on hazardous materials procured for use. This information is readily available through every supply department.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), OSHA Form 174 or an equivalent form (fig. 1-8), shall be completed for each hazardous item procured and shall be submitted to the procuring activity by the contractor/manufacturer/vendor.

Upon drawing any hazardous material, MLO provides the crew leader with an MSDS. The MSDS identifies all hazards associated with exposure to that specific material. It also will identify any personnel protective equipment or other safety precautions required as well as first-aid/medical treatment required for exposure. The crew leader is required by federal law to inform crew members of the risks and all safety precautions associated with any hazardous material present in the shop or on the jobsite. This can be done during each daily safety lecture as the material is drawn and delivered to the jobsite/shop. All hands must be informed before the material can be used; therefore, it is a good practice to have a sign-off sheet on the actual MSDS. Additionally, the MSDS must be posted conspicuously, and all hands are aware of its location-at the jobsite, shop spaces, and any other approved hazardous material storage area.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL CONTROL PROGRAM

The Hazardous Material Control Program is a Navy-wide program to administer the correct storage, handling, usage, and disposition of hazardous material. Steel workers are tasked with monitoring and complying with this program. Hazardous waste disposal has become a serious concern for the Naval Construction Force today. Cleaners, acids, fluxes, mastics, sealers, and even paints are just a few of the hazardous materials that can be present in your shop/jobsite. As a crew leader, you are responsible for the safety and protection of your crew. You are equally responsible for the protection of the environment. There are stiff fines and penalties that apply to NCF work as well as civilian work for not protecting the environment ! You are not expected to be an expert in this area. You should, however, immediately contact the environmental representative or the safety office in case of any environmental problem (spill, permits, planning, and such).

HAZARDOUS WARNING MARKINGS AND LABELS

Specific hazards can be determined at a glance by referring to warning markings and labels that identify hazardous materials. Hazardous warning markings and labels are necessary to show clearly the hazardous nature of the contents of packages or containers at all stages of storage, handling, use, and disposal. When unit packages (marked packages that are part of a larger container) are removed from shipping containers, the continuity of the specific hazard warning must be preserved. This is normally done by applying the appropriate identifying hazardous label to the hazardous material container or package.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) labeling system shown in figure 1-9 is a diamond-shaped symbol segmented into four parts. The upper three parts reflect hazards relative to health, fire, and reactivity. The lower part reflects the specific hazard that is peculiar to the material.