METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES (see also Mineral concentrates schedule)
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - IMSBC Code – International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code – Resolution MSC.268(85) - Appendix 1 – Individual Schedules of Solid Bulk Cargoes - METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES (see also Mineral concentrates schedule)

METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES (see also Mineral concentrates schedule)

Description

Mineral concentrates are refined ores in which the valuable components have been enriched by eliminating the bulk of waste materials. Generally the particle size is small although agglomerates sometimes exist in concentrates which have not been freshly produced.

The most common concentrates in this category are: zinc concentrates, lead concentrates, copper concentrates and low-grade middling concentrates.

Characteristics

Physical properties
Size Angle of repose Bulk density (kg/m3) Stowage factor (m3/t)
Various Not applicable 1,790 to 3,230 0.31 to 0.56
Hazard classification
Class Subsidiary hazard(s) MHB Group
Not applicable Not applicable SH and/or TX and/or CR A and B

Hazard

Some metal sulphide concentrates may have acute and long-term health effects.

This cargo may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of its transportable moisture limit (TML). See sections 7 and 8 of this Code.

Some sulphide concentrates are liable to oxidation and may have a tendency to self-heat, with associated oxygen depletion and emission of toxic fumes. Some materials may present corrosion problems.

Stowage and segregation

Unless determined by the competent authority, segregation as required for class 4.2 materials. "Separated from" foodstuffs and all class 8 materials.

Hold cleanliness

Clean and dry as relevant to the hazards of the cargo.

Weather precautions

When a cargo is carried in a ship other than a ship complying with the requirements in 7.3.2 of this Code, the following provisions shall be complied with:

  • .1 the moisture content of the cargo shall be kept less than its TML during loading operations and the voyage;

  • .2 unless expressly provided otherwise in this individual schedule, the cargo shall not be handled during precipitation;

  • .3 unless expressly provided otherwise in this individual schedule, during handling of the cargo, all non-working hatches of the cargo spaces into which the cargo is loaded, or to be loaded, shall be closed;

  • .4 the cargo may be handled during precipitation under the conditions stated in the procedures required in 4.3.3 of this Code; and

  • .5 the cargo in a cargo space may be discharged during precipitation provided that the total amount of the cargo in the cargo space is to be discharged in the port.

Loading

This cargo shall be trimmed to ensure that the height difference between peaks and troughs does not exceed 5% of the ship's breadth and that the cargo slopes uniformly from the hatch boundaries to the bulkheads to avoid steep surfaces of cargo that could collapse during voyage.

As the density of the cargo is extremely high, the tank top may be overstressed unless the cargo is evenly spread across the tank top to equalize the weight distribution. Due consideration shall be given to ensure that the tank top is not overstressed during the voyage and during loading by a pile of the cargo.

Precautions

Entry into the cargo space for this cargo shall not be permitted until the cargo space has been ventilated and the atmosphere tested for concentration of oxygen.footnote Appropriate precautions shall be taken to protect machinery and accommodation spaces from the dust of the cargo. Bilge wells of the cargo spaces shall be protected from ingress of the cargo. Due consideration shall be given to protect equipment from the dust of the cargo. Persons who may be exposed to the dust of the cargo shall wear goggles or other equivalent dust eye-protection and dust filter masks. Those persons shall wear protective clothing, as necessary.

When a Metal Sulphide Concentrate is considered as presenting a low fire risk, the carriage of such cargo on a ship not fitted with a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system shall be subject to the Administration's authorization as provided by SOLAS regulation II-2/10.7.1.4.

Ventilation

The cargo spaces carrying this cargo shall not be ventilated during voyage.

Carriage

The appearance of the surface of this cargo shall be checked regularly during the voyage. If free water above the cargo or fluid state of the cargo is observed during the voyage, the master shall take appropriate actions to prevent cargo shifting and potential capsize of the ship, and give consideration to seeking emergency entry into a place of refuge. For quantitative measurements of oxygen and toxic fumes liable to be evolved by the cargo, suitable detectors for each gas and fume or combination of these shall be on board while this cargo is carried. The detectors shall be suitable for use in an atmosphere without oxygen. The concentrations of these gases in the cargo spaces carrying this cargo shall be measured regularly, during the voyage, and the results of the measurements shall be recorded and kept on board.

Discharge

No special requirements.

Clean-up

No special requirements.

Emergency procedures

Special emergency equipment to be carried
Self-contained breathing apparatus.
Emergency procedures
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Emergency action in the event of fire
Batten down; use ship's fixed fire-fighting installation.

Exclusion of air may be sufficient to control the fire. Do not use water.
Medical first aid
Refer to the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG), as amended.

Remarks

Fire may be indicated by the smell of sulphur dioxide.

Parent topic: Appendix 1 – Individual Schedules of Solid Bulk Cargoes
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