TM   55-8115-200-23&P CHAPTER 2 ORGANIZATIONAL  MAINTENANCE  INSTRUCTIONS Section I. SERVICE UPON RECEIPT OF MATERIAL 2-1. Inspecting and Servicing the Equipment. a. Prior  to  loading  (stuffing),  qualified  personnel should make a thorough inspection of each MILVAN as follows: (1) Inspect weather seals of doors for damage or distortion. (2) Check the doors for loose, worn, or damaged hinges, latches, levers, bolts, nuts, pin and document holders. (3) Check steel roof, sides, and doors for holes, tears rind punctures. (4) Inspect the general condition of the mechanical bracing  system.  Assure  that  the  assigned  number  of  load bracing beam assemblies are present (see list on door). Horizontal  rails  will  be  examined  for  attachment  to  side- wall  and  for  deformation  that  prevents  proper  attachment of beam assemblies. Beam assemblies will be examined for distortion  and  condition  of  end  fittings  that  prevent  proper engagement in the rails. (5) Inspect the condition of the corner posts, corner fittings, and structural rail members. Containers having comer posts or rails tom, distorted, and kinked, or broken/ cracked fittings, are unserviceable and will be rejected for use. Comer posts having a small vertical dent are accept- able if it does not exceed 3/4 inch in depth and 12 inches in length providing the post/comer fitting joint is not affected. If deformation of the container configuration is evident,  dimensions  must  be  checked.  The  over-all  dimen- sions  and  the  variation  of  diagonal  distances  between  oppo- site  comer  fittings  must  be  within  tolerances  as  indicated in  paragraph  1-8. (6) Corrosive  failure  of  any  structural  member such  as  when  the  structural  member  could  be  punctured  by striking  the  area  lightly  with  a  welder’s  hammer,  will  be cause to reject the container. Corrosion of a structural member other than surface rust should be checked by the inspector  to  insure  that  the  structural  integrity  of  the  mem- ber  is  not  adversely  affected. (7) Inspect painted surfaces for deterioration from damage  and  extreme  exposure.  Paint  will  be  applied  only for  protection  of  base  metal;  not  to  enhance  the  appearance of a dingy-looking container. Clean and treat metal sur- faces which require paint in accordance with Specification MIL-T-704. After cleaning and treating apply two coats of olive  drab,  rust-inhibiting,  semi-gloss  enamel  paint,  (item 2, App. D). Allow overnight drying between coats. (8) Inspect the interior plywood liners for puncture, splits, and proper fit and alignment. Inspect to see that cargo space is clean and in good condition to prevent damage to lading from exposed bolts, nuts, screws, nails, or other inwardly projecting parts. (9) Inspect floor to make sure it is tight and free of holes. Inspect the floorboards and threshold plate for warped, broken, or any damaged condition. (The threshold is  absent  on  containers  numbered  12000  and  higher.) b. An inspection of loaded containers will be made at each  trans-shipment  point.  The  exterior  of  the  MILVAN will  be  inspected  for  in-transit  damage  in  accordance  with steps (2), (3) and (5) above. 2-2. Cleaning and Decontamination. a. For general cleaning, wash the exterior of the con- tainer  with  any  suitable  detergent.  Thoroughly  rinse  with fresh water and allow to air dry. b. For  decontamination,  procedures  required  by  TM 743-200  shall  apply.  Each  deck-stored  container  must  be washed by using organization after each ocean voyage to retard  paint  and  metal  deterioration. c.  Special  attention  must  be  given  to  containers  stored for extended periods. Containers should be placed on blocks  to  permit  air  circulation  under  them.  The  lower  side rails should be a minimum of 3.5 inches off the ground.    These  containers  must  be  visually  inspected  periodically for deterioration from damage and extreme exposure and for  damage  or  deterioration  of  door  seals.  When  containers are stored for extended periods in a salty atmosphere, they must  be  cleaned  in  accordance  with  sub-paragraph  a  above prior  to  periodic  inspection. 2-3. Lubrication.  Lubricate  containers  numbered  less than 12000 prior to shipment as described in Section III, below. Change  5 2-1