a. Avoid handling incompatible materials at the same time.
b. Select the proper piece of equipment to move specific items.
c. Safely operate MHE.
d. Report spills of any size when they occur.
e. Identify items as hazardous materials prior to moving them.
f. Properly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (refer to Chapter 8).
2. Storage Location Accuracy. Stock location systems must pinpoint an exact storage location
in a simple, easily understood manner. Suitable location markings must be clearly displayed.
Procedures must be established to ensure positive control of all additions, deletions, and changes
to the Stock Locator File. Stock locator systems will be validated at least annually or more often
if warranted to ensure accuracy.
3. Care of Supplies In Storage (COSIS) Program. The use of quality control techniques will
enable a COSIS program to be accomplished at minimum cost with maximum efficiency.
Quality control and deterioration data will be generated and used to improve storage
serviceability standards. COSIS program actions include performing scheduled inspections of
material in storage; properly identifying items; determining the adequacy of the storage
environment, preservation, packing, and marking; and arresting all forms of deterioration that
will adversely affect the end use of the item. Periodic inspections of hazardous materials in
storage are an important step in quality surveillance of such material. While the material is in
storage, until it is shipped to the user, it must be systematically inspected to detect degradation,
deterioration, corrosion damage, and other deficiencies caused by improper storage methods,
expiring shelf-life, or the material's inherent deterioration characteristics. The focus should be on
detecting minor deficiencies before they become significant, thus providing time for corrective
actions before the material becomes unserviceable or unusable and requires disposal as
hazardous waste.
4. Shelf-Life Management. Storage personnel are responsible for executing the control
programs directed by their component and installation. Effective shelf-life control at the
warehouse level requires vigilance by all personnel, careful supervision, and understanding of the
intent and purpose of the control procedures prescribed by DoD 4140.27-M, Shelf-Life
Management Manual. Issues shall be directed against the oldest stocks (those with the least
remaining shelf life). Under normal circumstances, this policy prescribes a strict application of
first-in first-out (FIFO) issue control techniques unless exceptions are authorized in accordance
with chapter IV, DoD 4140.27-M.
5. Hazardous Waste Storage Practices. If an installation elects to store hazardous waste in
containers (defined in Title 40 CFR, section 260.10, as any portable device in which material is
stored, transported, treated, disposed of, or otherwise handled), the following requirements are
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