3.4 Cargo transport units loaded without ventilation after fumigation (fumigation in transit)
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1361 – Revised Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships Applicable to the Fumigation of Cargo Transport Units – (27 May 2010) - Annex – Revised Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships Applicable to the Fumigation of Cargo Transport Units - 3 Provisions for Fumigated Cargo Transport Units - 3.4 Cargo transport units loaded without ventilation after fumigation (fumigation in transit)

3.4 Cargo transport units loaded without ventilation after fumigation (fumigation in transit)

  3.4.1 When a cargo transport unit under fumigation is taken on board ship without preliminary ventilation, it shall be transported as FUMIGATED CARGO TRANSPORT UNIT, UN 3359, Class 9 in accordance with the provisions of the IMDG Code. The following special precautions apply to ship-side operations:

  • .1 A fumigated cargo transport unit shall not be allowed on board until a sufficient period has elapsed to attain a reasonable uniform gas concentration throughout the cargo in it. Because of variations due to types and amounts of fumigants and commodities and temperature levels, the period between fumigant application and loading of the fumigated unit on board the ship shall be determined by the competent authority. Twenty-four hours is normally sufficient for this purpose. Before loading the cargo transport unit should be checked for leaks and any leakage sealed.

  • .2 The master shall be informed prior to loading of fumigated cargo transport units under fumigation. It shall be identified with the warning mark, incorporating the fumigant name and the date and time of fumigation.

  • .3 The special list/manifest/stowage plan shall identify the fumigated cargo transport units and indicate their stowage location on board. The transport document for fumigated cargo transport units shall indicate the date of fumigation and the type and amount of fumigant used.

  • .4 Stowage category B has been assigned to UN 3359, however, on deck stowage is preferred. In addition it shall be stowed clear of living quarters and should be 6 m away from vent intakes.

  • .5 If stowed under deck, the cargo space should be equipped with mechanical ventilation sufficient to prevent the build-up of fumigant concentrations above the toxicity levels (threshold limits) set out by competent Authorities. The threshold limit for occupational exposure to the fumigant can be found on the Safety Data Sheet if available. The ventilation rate of the mechanical ventilation system should be at least two air changes per hour, based on the empty cargo space.

  • .6 If stowed under deck, equipment suitable for detecting the fumigant gas or gases used shall be carried on the ship, with instructions for its use.

  3.4.2 Before a fumigated cargo transport unit is loaded to a ship under deck, special precautions are necessary. This should include the following:

  • .1 at least an officer and one other are to receive appropriate training and will be designated as the trained representatives of the master. The master, through his representative, is responsible for ensuring safe conditions in the occupied spaces of the ship; and

  • .2 the trained representatives should brief the crew before the fumigated cargo transport unit is loaded.

  3.4.3 Most fumigant gases are heavier than air so care should be taken in the holds particularly when working on the tank tops.

  3.4.4 The trained representatives of the master should be provided, and be familiar, with:

  • .1 the information in the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS), if available; and

  • .2 the recommendations of the fumigant manufacturer concerning methods of detection of the fumigant in air, its behaviour and hazards properties, symptoms of poisoning, relevant first aid and special medical treatment and emergency procedures.

  3.4.5 The ship should carry:

  • .1 appropriate gas-detection equipment for the fumigant concerned, together with instructions for its use when the fumigated cargo transport unit is stowed under deck;

  • .2 instructions on disposal of residual fumigant material; and

  • .3 emergency response information regarding UN 3359 such as a copy of the latest version of the Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG).

 In addition, the ship should carry at least four sets of appropriate respiratory protective equipment; and when the fumigated cargo transport unit is stowed on deck, appropriate gas-detection equipment for the fumigant concerned, together with instructions for its use.

  3.4.6 Prior to the arrival of the ship, generally not less than 24 h in advance, the master should inform the appropriate authorities of the country of destination and ports of call that fumigation in transit is being carried out. The information should include the type of fumigant used, the date of fumigation and cargo spaces carrying fumigated cargo transport units.

Parent topic: 3 Provisions for Fumigated Cargo Transport Units
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