AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER (non-hazardous)^footnote

 Ammonium nitrate based fertilizers transported in conditions mentioned in this schedule are uniform mixtures containing ammonium nitrate as the main ingredient within the following composition limits:

• .1 not more than 70% ammonium nitrate with other inorganic materials;

• .2 not more than 80% ammonium nitrate mixed with calcium carbonate and/or dolomite and/or mineral calcium sulphate and not more than 0.4% total combustible organic material calculated as carbon;

• .3 nitrogen type ammonium nitrate based fertilizers containing mixtures of ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate with not more than 45% ammonium nitrate and not more than 0.4% total combustible organic material calculated as carbon; and

• .4 uniform ammonium nitrate based fertilizer mixtures of nitrogen, phosphate or potash, containing not more than 70% ammonium nitrate and not more than 0.4% total combustible organic material calculated as carbon or with not more than 45% ammonium nitrate and unrestricted combustible material. Fertilizers within these composition limits are not subject to the provisions of this schedule when shown by a trough test (see UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, part III, section 39)^footnote that they are liable to self-sustaining decomposition or if they contain an excess of nitrate greater than 10% by mass.

Description

Crystals, granules or prills non-cohesive when dry. Wholly or partly soluble in water.

Notes:

1. All nitrate ions for which there is present in the mixture a molecular equivalent of ammonium ions should be calculated as ammonium nitrate.

2. The transport of ammonium nitrate materials which are liable to self-heating sufficient to initiate decomposition is prohibited.

3. The NPK proportions for a fertilizer should not be used as a guide to its ability to undergo self-sustaining decomposition as this depends on the chemical species present .

4. This schedule may only be used for substances that do not exhibit explosive properties of class 1 when tested in accordance with Test Series 1 and 2 of class 1 (see UN Manual of Tests and Criteria).

5. This schedule may only be used if the chemical or physical properties of an ammonium nitrate based fertilizer are such that, when tested, it does not meet the established defining criteria of any class.

Characteristics

Hazard

Even though this cargo is classified as non-hazardous, some of the properties of the ammonium nitrate based fertilizer classified in class 9 under UN 2071 are exhibited when heated strongly. When this cargo is heated strongly, it will decompose and give off toxic gases with the risk of toxic fumes in the cargo space, adjacent spaces and on deck. Monitoring of the cargo temperature may give an early indication of decomposition. Fertilizer dust might be irritating to skin and mucous membranes. It is hygroscopic cargo and will cake if wet. This cargo is non-combustible or has a low fire risk.

Stowage and segregation

The compatibility of non-hazardous ammonium nitrate based fertilizers with other materials which may be stowed in the same cargo space shall be considered before loading. "Separated from" sources of heat or ignition (see also Loading). Not to be stowed immediately adjacent to any tank, double bottom or pipe containing heated fuel oil unless there are means to monitor and control the temperature so that it does not exceed 50°C.

Fertilizers of this type shall be stowed out of direct contact with a metal engine-room boundary. This may be done, for example, by using flame-retardant bags containing inert materials or by any equivalent arrangement approved by the competent authority. This requirement need not apply if the bulkhead is class "A-60" or to short international voyages.

Hold cleanliness

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

Weather precautions

This cargo shall be kept as dry as practicable. This cargo shall not be handled during precipitation. During handling of this cargo, all non-working hatches of the cargo spaces into which this cargo is loaded, or to be loaded, shall be closed.

Loading

Trim in accordance with the relevant provisions required under sections 4 and 5 of this Code.

Prior to loading, the following provisions shall be complied with:

• .1 All electrical equipment, other than that of approved intrinsically safe type, in the cargo spaces to be used for this cargo shall be electrically disconnected from the power source, by appropriate means other than a fuse, at a point external to the space. This situation shall be maintained while the cargo is on board.

• .2 Due consideration shall be given to the possible need to open hatches in case of fire to provide maximum ventilation and to apply water in an emergency and the consequent risk to the stability of the ship through fluidization of the cargo.

• .3 In addition, if decomposition occurs, the residue left after decomposition may have only half the mass of the original cargo. Due consideration shall be given to the effect of the loss of mass on the stability of the ship.

During loading, the following provisions shall be complied with:

• .4 Bunkering of fuel oil shall not be allowed. Pumping of fuel oil in spaces adjacent to the cargo spaces for this cargo, other than the engine-room, shall not be allowed.

Precautions

No welding, burning, cutting or other operations involving the use of fire, open flame, spark- or arc-producing equipment shall be carried out in the vicinity of the cargo spaces containing this cargo except in an emergency. The master and officers are to note that the ship's fixed gas fire-fighting installation will be ineffective on fires involving this cargo and that applying copious amounts of water may be necessary. Smoking shall not be allowed on deck and in the cargo spaces and "NO SMOKING" signs shall be displayed on deck whenever this cargo is on board. The hatches of the cargo spaces, whenever this material is on board, shall be kept free to be capable of being opened in case of an emergency.

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.

Ventilation

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

Carriage

Hatches of the cargo spaces carrying this cargo shall be weathertight to prevent the ingress of water.

Discharge

Bunkering of fuel oil shall not be allowed. Pumping of fuel oil in spaces adjacent to the cargo spaces for this cargo, other than the engine-room, shall not be allowed. Ammonium nitrate based fertilizers are hygroscopic and may cake in overhangs, impairing safety during discharge. If this cargo has hardened, it shall be trimmed to avoid the formation of overhangs, as necessary.

Clean-up

After discharge of this cargo, the bilge wells and the scuppers of the cargo spaces shall be checked and any blockage in the bilge wells and the scuppers shall be removed.

Emergency procedures