Description
Surface mined from mires, bogs, fens, muskeg and swamps. Types include moss
peat, sedge peat and grass peat. Physical properties depend on organic matter, water and
air content, botanical decomposition and degree of decomposition.
May range from a highly fibrous cohesive mass of plant remains which, when
squeezed in its natural state, exudes clear to slightly coloured water, to a well
decomposed, largely amorphous material with little or no separation of liquid from
solids when squeezed.
Typically air-dried peat has low density, high compressibility and high
water content; in its natural state it can hold 90 percent or more of water by weight
when saturated.
Characteristics
| Physical properties
|
| Size
|
Angle of
repose
|
Bulk density
(kg/m3)
|
Stowage factor
(m3/t)
|
| Fine
powder
|
Not
applicable
|
80 to
500
|
2.00
to 12.50
|
| Hazard classification
|
| Class
|
Subsidiary
hazard(s)
|
MHB
|
Group
|
| Not
applicable
|
Not
applicable
|
CR
|
A and
B
|
Hazard
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.
Oxygen depletion and an increase in carbon dioxide in cargo and adjacent
spaces.
Risk of dust explosion when loading. Caution should be exercised when
walking or landing heavy machinery on the surface of uncompressed peat moss.
Dust may cause eye, nose and respiratory irritation.
This cargo is non-combustible or has a low fire risk.
Stowage and segregation
No special requirements.
Hold cleanliness
Clean and dry as relevant to the hazards of the cargo.
Weather precautions
Prior to loading, this cargo shall be stockpiled under cover to effect
drainage for reduction of moisture content. 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. Peat moss having a moisture content of more than 80% by weight shall
only be carried on a ship complying with the requirements in 7.3.2 of this Code.
Precautions
Bilge wells shall be clean, dry and covered as appropriate, to prevent
ingress of the cargo. 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.
All personnel of the ship carrying this cargo and all personnel involved in
handling of this cargo shall be cautioned that washing hands before eating or smoking
and prompt treatment of cuts and scrapes are necessary in case of contact with this
cargo or its dust. Entry of personnel into cargo spaces shall not be permitted until
tests have been carried out and it has been established that the oxygen content has been
restored to a normal level.footnote
Ventilation
Surface ventilation only, either natural or mechanical, shall be conducted,
as necessary, during the voyage for this cargo.
Carriage
No special requirements.
Discharge
No special requirements.
Clean-up
No special requirements.
Emergency procedures
| Special emergency equipment to
be carried
|
| Nil
|
| Emergency
procedures
|
| Nil
|
| Emergency action in the event
of fire
|
| Batten down; use ship's fixed
fire-fighting installation, if fitted.
Exclusion of air may
be sufficient to control the fire.
|
| Medical first aid
|
| Refer to the Medical First Aid
Guide (MFAG), as amended.
|