1 The Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid
Cargoes and Containers (DSC), at its ninth session (27 September to
1 October 2004), considered the casualty report of the explosion in
a cargo hold of a ship which occurred on 2 December 2002, resulting
in injuries to crew members and the subsequent loss of the ship.
2 At the time of the accident, the ship was carrying
an aluminium oxide cargo originating from the processing of recycled
aluminium (brand-named "Serox" or "Oxiton") which is used for cement
production. This cargo had been carried as non-dangerous goods since
its introduction as "Serox" or "Oxiton".
3 The accident was reported to have been caused
by the fact that the cargo came into contact with water resulting
in generation of flammable gas at a speed which resulted in the formation
of an explosive air/gas mixture in a closed and poorly ventilated
hold. Through the investigation of the casualty, this cargo was classified
as a class 4.3 product under UN. 3170 "ALUMINIUM SMELTING BY-PRODUCTS",
but it was not documented as such by the shipper.
4 Similar accidents have occurred in the past
and to prevent such accidents when carrying these cargoes, all requirements
for the carriage of dangerous goods should be strictly observed, in
particular:
-
.1 requirements of documentation for cargo as
required by regulation VII/7-2 of
the SOLAS Convention;
-
.2 the general requirements of the BC Code; and
-
.3 requirements of the entry for ALUMINIUM SMELTING
BY-PRODUCTS UN 3170 in the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes
(BC Code), including continuous mechanical
ventilation.
5 The "Hazard" section of the BC
Code schedule for UN 3170 indicates possible formation of gas
such as Hydrogen, Ammonia and Acetylene. It should be noted that in
this incident and others of a similar nature that the smell of Ammonia,
a gas, was noticed during cargo operations. The presence of Ammonia
would generally indicate the presence of additional gases which may
be flammable. It is therefore advisable that if Ammonia is found present,
suitable preventive measures are taken as further outlined.
6 Member Governments are invited to bring the
above information to the attention of shipowners, ship operators,
companies, shipmasters, shippers and all other parties concerned,
requesting that appropriate action be taken when transporting such
cargoes.