1 Introduction
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1358 – Recommendations on the safe Use of Pesticides in Ships – (30 June 2010) - Annex – Revised Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships - 1 Introduction

1 Introduction

  1.1 These Recommendations have been compiled by the Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers under the direction of the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

  1.2 Insects and rodents on ships are objectionable for various reasons. In addition to aesthetic and nuisance aspects, pests may damage equipment and spread disease and infection, contaminate food in galleys and food stores and cause damage to cargoes that will result in commercial or other losses. Very few pesticides are suitable for use against all kinds of pests that may occur aboard or in different parts of ships. It is therefore necessary to consider the main categories of pesticides individually.

  1.2.1 Insects in cargo spaces and cargoes

  1.2.1.1 Insect and mite pests of plant and animal products may be carried into the cargo spaces with goods (introduced infestation): they may move from one kind of product to another (cross infestation) and may remain to attack subsequent cargoes (residual infestation). Their control may be required to comply with phytosanitary requirements to prevent spread of pests and for commercial reasons to prevent infestation and contamination of, or damage to cargoes of human and animal food.footnote In severe cases of infestation of bulk cargoes such as cereals, excessive heating may occur.

  1.2.2 Rodents

  1.2.2.1 Rodents should be controlled not only because of the damage they may do to cargo or the ship's equipment, but also, as required by the international health regulations, to prevent the spread of disease.

  1.3 The following sections provide guidance to shipmasters in the use of pesticidesfootnote with a view to safety of personnel and to avoidance of excessive residues of toxic agents in human and animal food. They cover pesticides used for control of insectfootnote and rodent pests in empty and loaded cargo spaces, in crew and passenger accommodation and in food stores. Account has been taken of existing recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in regard to pesticide residues and occupational safety.

Parent topic: Annex – Revised Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships
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