Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

All NOAA fleet ships operate in full compliance with NOAA's environmental compliance requirements. All hazardous materials/substances needed to carry out the objectives of the embarked science mission, including ancillary tasks, are the direct responsibility of the embarked designated Chief Scientist, whether or not that Chief Scientist is using them directly.

The ship's Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO) will work with the Chief Scientist to ensure that this management policy is properly executed, and that any problems are brought promptly to the attention of the Commanding Officer.

All hazardous materials require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Copies of all MSDS's shall be forwarded to the ship at least two weeks prior to sailing. The Chief Scientist shall have copies of each MSDS available when the hazardous materials are loaded aboard. Hazardous material for which the MSDS is not provided will not be loaded aboard.

The Chief Scientist will complete a local inventory form, provided by the Commanding Officer, indicating the amount of each material brought on board, and for which the Chief Scientist is responsible. This inventory shall be updated at departure, accounting for the amount of material being removed, as well as the amount consumed in science operations and the amount being removed in the form of waste.

The scientific party, under the supervision of the Chief Scientist, shall be prepared to respond fully to emergencies involving spills of any mission HAZMAT. This includes providing properly-trained personnel for response, as well as the necessary neutralizing chemicals and clean-up materials. Ship's personnel are not first responders and will act in a support role only, in the event of a spill.

The Chief Scientist is directly responsible for the proper handling, both administrative and physical, of all scientific party hazardous wastes. No liquid wastes shall be introduced into the ship's drainage system. No solid waste material shall be placed in the ship's garbage.

See the "Science Users Page" for specific detailed information on storage available for hazardous materials.