Document ZnYrV41vOe0JLD1n8zwDOB697

PHOSPHATE ester base hydraulic fluid, used aboard ship in weapons handling and elevator systems, can present material problems and health hazards. Material problems come about because it destroys and/or deteriorates most seal compounds and causes leaks, removes paint, and softens tile. Health hazards result from its toxicity. And troubles at sea arc usually inherited by a repair activity. In view of recent reports concerning aircraft carriers with phosphate ester hydraulic fluid problems, the Naval Safety Center has recommended to COMNAVSH1PSVSCOM that l)a search for a suitable substitute for phosphate ester base hydraulic fluids be undertaken on a priority basis; 2) the NAVS1HPS Tech Manual article on the svibject be modified to stress positively the health hazards associated with phosphate ester base fluids; and 3) hydraulic weapons handling and elevator systems in other types of ships be investigated for similar problems. With regard to 1) above, NAVSH1PS lias indicated in its message 031513Z Apr 73 that it has commenced a comprehensive study of hydraulic fluids for use in shipboard systems. Physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics involving toxicity, fire resistance, corrosiveness, lubricity, etc., will bc-'compared. The study will consider available service experience in NAVSHIPS, NAVA1K. ami industry. The phosphate eSter base hydraulic fluid Cellulubc (trade name) was brought into service originally to replace pciroleum-tvpc hydraulic oil to reduce the fire hazard. The MILSPEC (MIL-H-19457A [Ships] 30 Aug 1901) leaves the door open, so to speak, to other manufacturers. It calls for the material to he dyed green, hut the organic phosphate composition can be varied within the confines of the MILSPEC. Regarding the toxicity of this material, the principal chemical (liquid) used in phosphate "safety-type" hydraulic fluid is generally referred to as tri aryl phosphates. The aryl phosphates evidently have a wide range of "degree of toxicity." Some are noted to produce pain and paralysis and some not. One of the more toxic tri aryl phosphates (not necessarily in the MILSPEC material) is tri(ortho) cresyl phosphate (TOCP) - a definite neurotoxin, a substance which is poisonous or destructive to nerve tissue. Absorption of TOCP can be by ingestion, bv inhalation of mists or vapors, or through the skin. Excess absorption can lead to paralysis, especially of the feet and legs. A concrete example of the hazard potential of TOCP is a report indicating that in I960 almost 10.000 persons in Morocco became ill following ingestion of cooking oil which had been adulterated with an oil containing 3 percent TOCP. More than 6000 of them suffered paresis (slight or partial paralysis) of the legs. Important in this discussion is that the MILSPEC material may contain some of the more hazardous aryl phosphates since the permissible toxicity is based on a relationship to TOCP. The MILSPEC states that the fluid shall not have a toxicity equivalent greater than 25 percent of TOCP. The MILSPEC calls for a warning label "on each shipping container, each container packed therein, and eacli container requiring no overpacking." The warning is to read: WARNING: TOXIC. CONTAINS TRI ARYL PHOSPHATE. AVOID INHALING, SWALLOWING, OR CONTACT WITH SKIN. IN CASE OF CONTACT, REMOVE SOILED CLOTHING AN1) THOROUGHLY WASH EXPOSED SKIN. Inhalation of phosphate ester base hydraulic fluid -- breathing mist from any spray from pipe leaks, reclaiming processes, etc., or breathing vapors from hot oil -- is hazardous. The vapor pressure is low at normal temperatures and with normal ventilation vapor exposure is not considered a significant problem. The TLV (threshold limit value) for TOCP is .1 mg/m^ air, and for Iriphenyl phosphate it is 3 mg/nid. For other tri aryl phosphates, which may be in the MILSPEC, material data are lacking. If mist or vapor situations occur, exhaust ventilation over the source or respiratory protection is needed. There is not a great deal of data on human skin exposures, but it seents wise to assume that toxic 0067 LIFELINE [ ' s TOWOLDMONOQ56784 reactions through skin absorption arc possible and wiser still to avoid skin exposure. Dermatitis from organic phosphate materials is uncommon. However, the material in question contains additives, and if it has been used it lias seen heal and pressure which could generate a small amount of breakdown produet which may be irritating. In the past, the Navy has reclaimed this type of fluid which is another possible source of introduction of foreign material. In a message to one aircraft carrier querying BuMed on possild' injuries due to Cellulubc, BuMed stated: "Subject hydraulic fluids contain tri aryl phosphate. Orlhoisomer of these substances is a neurotoxin. Absorption can be (by) gastrointestinal, pulmonary, or percutaneous routes. Can lead to irreversible motor paralysis, especially of muscles of foot and lower leg. Hand may be affected. Clinical cases have been extremely rare. There is no evidence from your message that affected personnel exhibit .neurological signs. No previous reports of dermatological problems arc known. "Suggest review of working habits and hygiene of affected personnel. Treat dermatitis symptomatically. Remove from exposure. Observe for neurological signs. "Personnel exposed to Celhdubc hydraulic fluid should be provided with skin protection: barrier creams, gloves, aprons, and/or splash shields as necessary. Cellulubc should be washed off skin when contact occurs. Soiled clothing should be changed." Men working with organic phosphates should be aware of the potential hazards. Patty's classic, Industrial Hygiene, and Toxicology, emphasizes the necessity for prompt medical care at the onset of symptoms which may be related to overexposure. "The onset of symptoms is rapid and maximum effects may develop within a few hours," it stales. "It is thus important that medical care be obtained without delay. Since the early symptoms of headache, malaise, etc. arc easily confused with other diseases, it is important that workers exposed to the organic phosphates be instructed to report any such indications." O ! Stowage and H amdling Criirieai : i ., ! (The following article from LPML-2's newsletter, Stowed containers of calcium hypochlorite are lightly "Healthscopc," was written for shipboard readers. sealed and that the exteriors of the cans are free from Generally speaking, it also applies to naval shipyards.) corrosion. All defective containers must he removed ' CALCIUM hypochlorite, if not properly stored and iliandled, is a dangerous toxic chemical and lias the `potential to produce a fire or an explosion. Improper Etowagc and handling can turn this potential into a 'critical reality. , I NAVSIlll'S Tech Manual, Chap. 9300.1*0, sets forth procedures for proper stowage of tins material. This chapter slates that stowage shall be in a clean, cool, dry compartment or storeroom which is not adjacent to a magazine and is at a safe distance from any heal source. Jt must be located so that there will be no exposure to from the stowage area and either used immediately or disposed of. ' Remember, calcium hypochlorite is intended for use will) water only. Never permit the licpiid or granular form to come in contact with acid, grease, oil, fuels, detergents, or certain other chemicals (including paint). A fire and/or an explosion can result. Avoid skin contact with the powder or its solution. EPMCi-2 recommends the 6 oz. jar of calcium hypochlorite (FSN 0010-225-0471) because of convenient usage and storage. moisture. (LIFELINE comment: The CHIL [Consolidated This material is to be isolated from any flammable Hazardous Hem List, NAVSUPPUB -1500 I July 72], material or any material that will support combustion. It which gives storage codes for shore and stowage codes is not to be slowed in the same compartment or for ships, lists for calcium hypochlorite the hazard Etoreroom with acids or any other chemicals. classification symbol 202, OAT. By CHII. definition (his The containers may be stowed in a storeroom or moans degree of health hazard -- 2 on a degree scale of Other suitable space above the waterline provided the 4; flammability -- 0; ami reactivity -- 2 on a degree scale foregoing provisions are met. Weather deck stowage in of 4. OXY means the chemical is an oxidizing agent. The watertight lockers is also considered satisfactory storage code for calcium hypochlorite is X, meaning provided that the above conditions are met and provided "separate storage [fire producers, not elsewhere the location is sheltered and protected from the direct classified]." The caution stipulated is "Keep away from rays of the sun. acid, combustible, organic, and readily oxidizuhle Periodic inspection must be made to ensure that all material." ^ July-August 1973 1 0066866 TOWOLDMONOQ56785