It is imperative that the Science Officer receives notification, well ahead of your cruise,
for the planned use of chemicals, gasoline, compressed gases, cryogenic gases, radioactive
materials and explosives. This notification should come in the form of a list which includes
the chemical name, common name, type of compound, and its classification.
The list will be provided to the ship's captain as well as the Science Officer. Some materials
are restricted as to where they may be used or stored on the vessel and advance warning of
impending arrival will simplify cruise loading.
The use of radioisotopes aboard ENDEAVOR and/or at GSO requires prior
authorization through the URI/GSO Radiation Safety Office.
While radioisotopes may certainly be considered hazardous materials they are dealt with
separately due to the considerable effort required to obtain permission for their use.
Please see ENDEAVOR Radioisotopes Guidelines.
Responsibilities
The Principle Investigator is responsible to assure the following is provided
for each hazardous material brought aboard.
Properly labeled containers suitable for the quantity of material
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Proper safety equipment for working with the material
Materials, equipment and plans for clean up of spills
Materials, equipment and plans for disposal of waste
Plans for removal of leftovers. Leftovers cannot be left aboard!
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each hazardous material brought on board shall be made available to the
master for copying and inclusion in the ship's emergency files.
The Principle Investigator is responsible for insuring the proper packing, shipping,
and disposal of all hazardous materials, waste materials, and empty containers associated
with their project. Transportation and disposal must be carried out in accordance with
federal, state, and local regulations. In no case will the responsibility be passed to
the ship's crew, Marine Technicians, or URI/GSO unless specifically arranged in advance.
Federal Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) rules require chemical manufacturers, importers,
and distributors to label containers of hazardous chemicals. Persons bringing hazardous materials
on aboard are required to keep these labels intact on the containers, and see that MSDS's are
available and accessible in the laboratory. In addition, laboratory supervisors must brief all
persons on board who work with, or who could be exposed to the materials as follows:
Applicable laboratory rules
The general physical and health hazards involved
Appropriate personal protective equipment
How to handle spills, accidents and injuries
The location of, and how to use MSDS's
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Gas cylinders must always be secured and when not in use stowed in an upright
position with the valve protection cap in place.
Bulk Storage
A hazardous material locker (about 2.5'w x 2'd x 4'h) is permanently mounted
next to the trawl winch to store large amounts of material.
Explosives
Use or transportation of explosives aboard ENDEAVOR must be authorized in
advance by the Marine Superintendent.
UNOLS Research Vessel Safety Standardsfor explosives will be followed at a minimum.
Procedures set forth in NAVORD OP 3696 "Explosives Safety Precautions for Research Vessels"
and Coast Guard publications shall be followed in conducting explosive operations.
Coast Guard approval is required for loading plans.
Marine Technical Services Group
Graduate School of Oceanography
University of Rhode Island