Description
The wood pellets covered by this schedule are those not containing any
additives and/or binders. These wood pellets are light blond to dark brown in colour;
very hard and cannot be easily squashed; have a typical specific density between 1,100
to 1,700 kg/m3. The wood pellets are made of sawdust, planer shavings and
other wood waste such as bark coming out of the lumber manufacturing processes. The raw
material is fragmented, dried and extruded into pellet form. The raw material is
compressed to approximately one-third of its original volume. The finished wood pellets
typically have a moisture content of 4% to 8%. Wood pellets are used as a fuel in
district heating and electrical power generation as well as a fuel for small space
heaters such as stoves and fireplaces.
Wood pellets are also used as animal bedding due to the absorption
characteristics. Such wood pellets typically have a moisture content of 8% to 10%.
For wood pellets containing additives and/or binders see separate
schedule.
Characteristics
| Physical properties
|
| Size
|
Angle of repose
|
Bulk density
(kg/m3)
|
Stowage factor
(m3/t)
|
| Cylindrical with
Diameter: 3 mm to 12 mm
Length: 10 mm to 20 mm
|
Approximately
30°
|
600 to 750
|
1.33 to
1.67
|
| Hazard
classification
|
| Class
|
Subsidiary hazard(s)
|
MHB
|
Group
|
| Not
applicable
|
Not
applicable
|
OH
|
B
|
Hazard
Shipments are subject to oxidation leading to depletion of oxygen and
increase of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in cargo and communicating spaces (also
see "Weather precautions").
Swelling if exposed to moisture. Wood pellets may ferment over time if
moisture content is over 15%, leading to generation of asphyxiating and flammable gases
but gas concentrations do not reach flammable levels. This cargo has a low fire risk.
Handling of wood pellets may cause dust to develop. Risk of explosion at
high dust concentration.
Stowage and segregation
Segregate as for class 4.1 materials.
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.
There is a high risk of renewed oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide formation in
previously ventilated adjacent spaces after closure of the hatch covers.
Loading
Trim in accordance with the relevant provisions required under sections 4
and 5 of this Code.
Precautions
Entry of personnel into cargo and adjacent confined spaces shall not be
permitted until tests have been carried out and it has been established that the oxygen
content and carbon monoxide levels have been restored to the following levels: oxygen
21% and carbon monoxide < 100 ppm.footnote If these conditions are not met, additional ventilation
shall be applied to the cargo hold or adjacent confined spaces and re-measuring shall be
conducted after a suitable interval.
An oxygen and carbon monoxide meter shall be worn and activated by all crew
when entering cargo and adjacent enclosed spaces.
Ventilation
Ventilation of enclosed spaces adjacent to a cargo hold before entry may be
necessary even if these spaces are apparently sealed from the cargo hold.
Carriage
No special requirements.
Discharge
No special requirements.
Clean-up
No special requirements.
Emergency procedures
| Special emergency equipment to
be carried
|
| Self-contained breathing apparatus
and combined or individual oxygen and carbon monoxide meters should be
available.
|
| 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 fire.
Extinguish fire with carbon dioxide, foam or
water.
|
| Medical first aid
|
| Refer to the Medical First Aid
Guide (MFAG), as amended.
|