3.1 General
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.585 – Standards for Vapour Emission Control Systems – (Adopted on 16 April 1992) - Annex - Standards for Vapour Emission Control Systems - 3 Shoreside Terminals - 3.1 General

3.1 General

  3.1.1 A vapour emission control system design and installation should eliminate potential tanker overfill hazards, tanker overpressure and vacuum hazards, and sources of ignition to the maximum practical extent, in accordance with good design and engineering practice. Each remaining hazard source which is not eliminated should be specifically addressed in the protection system design and operational requirements.

  3.1.2 A hazards analysis should be conducted on the design and operation which demonstrates the following:

  • .1 the vapour emission control system is designed to permit the system to continuously operate safely when receiving cargo vapour from tankers over the full range of transfer rates expected at the terminal;

  • .2 the vapour emission control system is provided with the proper alarms and automatic control systems to prevent unsafe operation;

  • .3 the vapour emission control system is equipped with sufficient safety systems to minimize damage to personnel, property, and the environment if an accident were to occur; and

  • .4 the operating procedures minimize the potential for improper or unsafe operation by personnel.

  3.1.3 Vapour collection system piping, fittings and equipment should be suitable for the intended service. Material generally should be of steel or equivalent.

  3.1.4 Electrical installations in hazardous locations should be to the satisfaction of the national authority for the intended service.

  3.1.5 Due consideration should be given to the effect of external sources of heat generated as a result of fire or proximity of other equipment on the components of vapour emission control systems.

  3.1.6 Where cargoes are handled which, because of their properties may introduce additional ignition hazards, such hazards should be included in the hazard analysis referred to in paragraph 3.1.2. In particular, if the terminal handles inerted vapour of cargoes containing sulphur, the hazard of heating from pyrophoric iron sulfide deposits in the vapour collection line should be considered, and appropriate precautions taken.

  3.1.7 If a terminal simultaneously processes vapour from cargoes which react in a hazardous manner with other cargoes it should be designed to keep these incompatible vapours separate throughout the entire process.

Parent topic: 3 Shoreside Terminals
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