FERROSILICON with at least 25% but less than 30% silicon, or 90% or more silicon (see appendix to this 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 - FERROSILICON with at least 25% but less than 30% silicon, or 90% or more silicon (see appendix to this schedule)

FERROSILICON with at least 25% but less than 30% silicon, or 90% or more silicon (see appendix to this schedule)

Description

Ferrosilicon is an extremely heavy cargo.

Characteristics

Physical properties
Size Angle of repose Bulk density (kg/m3) Stowage factor (m3/t)
Up to 300 mm briquettes Not applicable 1,389 to 2,083 (1,111 to 1,538 for briquettes) 0.48 to 0.72 (0.65 to 0.90 for briquettes)
Hazard classification
Class Subsidiary hazard(s) MHB Group
Not applicable Not applicable WF and/or WT B

Hazard

In contact with moisture or water it may evolve hydrogen, a flammable gas which may form explosive mixtures with air and may, under similar circumstances, produce phosphine and arsine, which are highly toxic gases.

This cargo is non-combustible or has a low fire risk.

Stowage and segregation

Segregation as required for class 4.3 materials. "Separated from" foodstuffs and all class 8 liquids.

Hold cleanliness

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

Weather precautions

This cargo shall be kept as dry as practicable before loading, during loading and during voyage. This cargo shall not be loaded during precipitation. During loading of this cargo, all non-working hatches of the cargo spaces to 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. When the stowage factor of this cargo is equal to or less than 0.56 m3/t, 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. Refer to the appendix to this schedule.

Precautions

The manufacturer or the shipper shall provide the master with a certificate stating that, after manufacture, the cargo was stored under cover, but exposed to open air for not less than three days prior to shipment.

Ventilation

Continuous mechanical ventilation shall be conducted during the voyage for the cargo spaces carrying this cargo. If maintaining ventilation endangers the ship or the cargo, it may be interrupted unless there is a risk of explosion or other danger due to interruption of the ventilation. In any case, mechanical ventilation shall be maintained for a reasonable period prior to discharge. Refer to the appendix to this schedule.

Carriage

For quantitative measurements of hydrogen, phosphine and arsine, suitable detectors for each gas or combination of gases shall be on board while this cargo is carried. The detectors shall be of certified safe type for use in explosive atmosphere. 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

Refer to the appendix to this schedule.

Clean-up

After discharge of this cargo, the cargo spaces shall be swept clean twice.

Water shall not be used for cleaning of the cargo space which has contained this cargo, because of danger of gas.

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 and use CO2, if available. Do not use water.
Medical first aid
Refer to the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG), as amended.

 APPENDIX - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CARRIAGE OF FERROSILICON

1 Two sets of self-contained breathing apparatus shall be carried in the ship in addition to normal fire-fighter's outfit.

2 Gas concentrations shall be measured, during the voyage, at least once during every eight hours at each outlet ventilator and in any other accessible space adjacent to the cargo space carrying this cargo and the results shall be recorded in the logbook. Facilities shall be provided to make accurate determinations of the gas concentrations at each outlet ventilator without danger to the operator.

3 Ventilation fans shall be in operation at all times from commencement of loading until the cargo space is free of ferrosilicon.

4 The bilge wells shall be in a clean, dry condition before loading. The bilge timbers shall be in good condition and covered with double burlap.

5 The bilge wells shall be opened up and the cargo space cleaned up after discharging. A gas check shall be made before commencement of cleaning up.

DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

Prior to loading, the bulkheads to the engine-room shall be inspected and approved by the Administration as gastight. Satisfaction with the safety of the bilge pumping arrangements shall be approved by the Administration. Inadvertent pumping through machinery spaces shall be avoided.

  • (i) Where the bilge suction valve of the cargo space is located in the machinery space, the valve shall be checked and the valve lid and seat lapped to a fine finish, as necessary. After re-assembly, the valve shall be locked shut and a notice shall be placed adjacent to the valve warning against opening without the master's permission.

  • (ii) All pipes passing through the cargo space shall be in good order and condition. Hold atmosphere sampling units shall be effectively blanked off.

  • (iii) Electrical circuits for equipment in cargo spaces which is unsuitable for use in an explosive atmosphere shall be isolated by removal of links in the system other than fuses.

  • (iv) The cargo spaces shall be ventilated by at least two separate fans which shall be explosion-proof and arranged so that the escaping gas flow is separated from electrical cables and components. The total ventilation shall be at least 6 air changes per hour, based on an empty cargo space.

  • (v) Ventilator trunkings shall be in sound condition and so arranged to preclude interconnection of the atmosphere in the cargo space with other cargo spaces, accommodation or work areas.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • (i) Smoking and naked flame shall be prohibited on deck in the vicinity of the cargo space or in the cargo space itself during loading or discharging.

  • (ii) Any portable lighting shall be safe for use in an explosive atmosphere.

  • (iii) The cargo shall be kept dry and during wet weather conditions, cargo handling shall be suspended and the cargo space shall be closed.

  • (iv) Sets of self-contained breathing apparatus shall be located and stored for immediate use together with a lifeline and a gas detector.

  • (v) Prior to commencement of discharging, the atmosphere in the cargo space shall be tested for the presence of toxic and flammable gases.

  • (vi) Checks for contaminant gases shall be carried out at 30-min intervals while persons are in the cargo space.

  • (vii) Entry into the cargo space shall be prohibited when gas concentrations exceed the Threshold Limit Values for phosphine (0.3 ppm) or for arsine (0.05 ppm) or where the oxygen level is below 18%.footnote

GASES RELEASED FROM FERROSILICON IMPURITIES WHEN WATER IS ADDED

(i) Arsine

Arsine is a toxic, colourless gas with a garlic-like odour.

Toxicity

Arsine is a nerve and blood poison. There is generally a delay before the onset of symptoms (sometimes a day or so). These are at first indefinite.

Symptoms

1 Feeling of malaise, difficulty in breathing, severe headache, giddiness, fainting fits, nausea, vomiting and gastric disturbances.

2 In severe cases, vomiting may be pronounced, the mucous membranes may have a bluish discolouration and urine is dark and bloodstained. After a day or so there is severe anaemia and jaundice.

Concentration

A concentration of 500 ppm is lethal to humans after exposure of a few minutes, while concentrations of 250 ppm are dangerous to life after 30 min exposure. Concentrations of 6.25 to 15.5 ppm are dangerous after exposure of 30 to 60 min. A concentration of 0.05 ppm is the threshold long limit to which a person may be exposed.

(ii) Phosphine

Phosphine is colourless, flammable and highly toxic and has the odour of rotting fish.

Toxicity

Phosphine acts on the central nervous system and the blood.

Symptoms

The symptoms exhibited by phosphine poisoning are an oppressed feeling in the chest, headache, vertigo, general debility, loss of appetite and great thirst. Concentrations of 2,000 ppm for a few minutes and 400 to 600 ppm are dangerous to life. 0.3 ppm is the maximum concentration tolerable for several hours without symptoms.

No long-term exposures to this gas shall be permitted.

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