Ingangsdatum:
15-11-1979
Geldig tot en met:
02-12-2004
(See also appendix
A)UN no.IMO
classMFAG table
no.Approximate stowage
factor(m3/t)EmS no.010MHB311,6160.79 to
1.53B14Properties and characteristics1 Coals may emit methane, a flammable gas. A
methane/air mixture containing between 5 % and 16 % methane constitutes an
explosive atmosphere which can be ignited by sparks or naked flame, e.g.
electrical or frictional sparks, a match or lighted cigarette. Methane is
lighter than air and may, therefore, accumulate in the upper region of the
cargo space or other enclosed spaces. If the cargo space boundaries are not
tight, methane can seep through into spaces adjacent to the cargo space.
2 Coals may be subject to oxidation
leading to depletion of oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide in the cargo
space (see also section 3 and appendix F).
3 Some coals may be liable to
self-heating that could lead to spontaneous combustion in the cargo space.
Flammable and toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, may be produced. Carbon
monoxide is an odourless gas, slightly lighter than air, and has flammable
limits in air of 12 % to 75 % by volume. It is toxic by inhalation with an
affinity for blood haemoglobin over 200 times that of oxygen.
4 Some coals may be liable to react
with water and produce acids which may cause corrosion. Flammable and toxic
gases; including hydrogen, may be produced. Hydrogen is an odourless gas, much
lighter than air, and has flammable limits in air of 4 % to 75 % by volume.
Segregation and stowage
requirements1 Boundaries of cargo spaces where materials are
carried should be resistant to fire and liquids.
2 Coals should be "separated from"
goods of classes 1 (division 1.4), 2, 3, 4, and 5 in packaged form (see IMDG
Code) and "separated from" solid bulk materials of classes 4 and 5.1.
3 Stowage of goods of class 5.1 in
packaged form or solid bulk materials of class 5.1 above or below a coal cargo
should be prohibited.
4 Coals should
be "separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold
from"*** goods of class 1 other than division 1.4.
General requirements for all coals1 Prior to loading, the shipper or his appointed
agent should provide in writing to the master the characteristics of the cargo
and the recommended safe handling procedures for loading and transport of the
cargo. As a minimum, the cargo's contract specifications for moisture content,
sulphur content and size should be stated, and especially whether the cargo may
be liable to emit methane or self-heat.
2 The master should be satisfied
that he has received such information prior to accepting the cargo. If the
shipper has advised that the cargo is liable to emit methane or self-heat, the
master should additionally refer to the "Special precautions".
3 Before and during loading, and
while the material remains on board, the master should observe the following:
.1 All cargo spaces and bilge wells should be
clean and dry. Any residue of waste material or previous cargo should be
removed, including removable cargo battens, before loading.
.2 All electrical cables and components
situated in cargo spaces and adjacent spaces should be free from defects. Such
cables and electrical components should be safe for use in an explosive
atmosphere or positively isolated.
.3 The ship
should carry on board appropriate instruments for measuring the following
without requiring entry into the cargo space:
.3.1 concentration of
methane in the atmosphere;
.3.2 concentration of oxygen in the
atmosphere;
.3.3 concentration of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere;
and
.3.4 pH value of cargo hold bilge samples. These instruments
should be regularly serviced and calibrated. Ship personnel should be trained
in the use of such instruments. Details of gas measurement procedures are given
in appendix G.
.4 It is recommended that means be
provided for measuring the temperature of the cargo in the range 0-100°C. Such
arrangements should enable the temperature of the coal to be measured while
being loaded and during the voyage without requiring entry into the cargo
space.
.5 The ship should carry on board the
self-contained breathing apparatus required by SOLAS regulation II- 2/17. The
self-contained breathing apparatus should be worn only by personnel trained in
its use (see also section 3 and appendix F).
.6
Smoking and the use of naked flames should not be permitted in the cargo areas
and adjacent spaces and appropriate warning notices should be posted in
conspicuous places. Burning, cutting, chipping, welding or other sources of
ignition should not be permitted in the vicinity of cargo spaces or in other
adjacent spaces, unless the space has been properly ventilated and the methane
gas measurements indicate it is safe to do so.
.7
The master should ensure that the coal cargo is not stowed adjacent to hot
areas.
.8 Prior to departure the master should be
satisfied that the surface of the material has been trimmed reasonably level to
the boundaries of the cargo space to avoid the formation of gas pockets and to
prevent air from permeating the body of the coal. Casings leading into the
cargo space should be adequately sealed, The shipper should ensure that the
master receives the necessary co-operation from the loading terminal (see also
section 5).
.9 The atmosphere in the space above
the cargo in each cargo space should be regularly monitored for the presence of
methane, oxygen and carbon monoxide. Details of gas monitoring procedures are
given in appendix G. Records of these readings should be maintained. The
frequency of the testing should depend upon the information provided by the
shipper and the information obtained through the analysis of the atmosphere in
the cargo space.
.10 Unless expressly directed
otherwise, all holds should be surface ventilated for the first 12 hours after
departure from the loading port. During this period, one measurement should be
taken from one sample point per hold. If after 24 hours the methane
concentrations are at an acceptably low level, the ventilators should be
closed. If not, they should remain open until acceptably low levels are
obtained. In either event measurements should be continued on a daily basis. If
significant concentrations of methane subsequently occur in unventilated holds
the appropriate special precautions as described in section 2.2.1 should apply.
.11 The master should ensure as far as
possible that any gases which may be emitted from the materials do not
accumulate in adjacent enclosed spaces.
.12 The
master should ensure that enclosed working spaces, e.g. storerooms, carpenter's
shop, passage ways, tunnels, etc., are regularly monitored for the presence of
methane, oxygen and carbon monoxide. Such spaces should be adequately
ventilated.
.13 Regular hold bilge testing should
be systematically carried out. If the pH monitoring indicates that a corrosion
risk exists, the master should ensure that all bilges are kept dry during the
voyage in order to avoid possible accumulation of acids on tank tops and in the
bilge system.
.14 If the behaviour of the cargo
during the voyage differs from that specified in the cargo declaration, the
master should report such differences to the shipper. Such reports will enable
the shipper to maintain records on the behaviour of the coal cargoes, so that
the information provided to the master can be reviewed in the light of
transport experience.
.15 The Administration may
approve alternative requirements to those recommended in this schedule.
Special precautions1 Coals emitting methane
If the
shipper has advised that the cargo is liable to emit methane or analysis of the
atmosphere in the cargo space indicates the presence of methane in excess of
20% of the lower explosive limit (LEL), the following additional precautions
should be taken:
.1 Adequate surface ventilation
should be maintained. On no account should air be directed into the body of the
coal as air could promote self-heating.
.2 Care
should be taken to vent any accumulated gases prior to removal of the hatch
covers or other openings for any reason, including unloading. Cargo hatches and
other openings should be opened carefully to avoid creating sparks. Smoking and
the use of naked flame should be prohibited.
.3
Personnel should not be permitted to enter the cargo space or enclosed adjacent
spaces unless the space has been ventilated and the atmosphere tested and found
to be gas-free and to have sufficient oxygen to support life. If this is not
possible, emergency entry into the space should be undertaken only by trained
personnel wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, under the supervision of
a responsible officer. In addition, special precautions to ensure that no
source of ignition is carried into the space should be observed (see also
section 3 and appendix F).
.4 The master should
ensure that enclosed working spaces, e.g. storerooms, carpenter's shops,
passage ways, tunnels, etc., are regularly monitored for the presence of
methane. Such spaces should be adequately ventilated and, in the case of
mechanical ventilation, only equipment safe for use in an explosive atmosphere
should be used. Testing is especially important prior to permitting personnel
to enter such spaces or energizing equipment within those spaces.
2 Self-heating coals
.1 If
the shipper has advised that the cargo is liable to self-heat, the master
should wish to seek confirmation that the precautions intended to be taken and
the procedures intended for monitoring the cargo during the voyage are
adequate.
.2 If the cargo is liable to self-heat
or analysis of the atmosphere in the cargo space indicates an increasing
concentration of carbon monoxide, then the following additional precautions
should be taken:
.2.1 The hatches should be
closed immediately after completion of loading in each cargo space. The hatch
covers can also be additionally sealed with a suitable sealing tape. Surface
ventilation should be limited to the absolute minimum time necessary to remove
methane which may have accumulated. Forced ventilation should not be used. On
no account should air be directed into the body of the coal as air could
promote self-heating.
.2.2 Personnel should not
be allowed to enter the cargo space, unless they are wearing self-contained
breathing apparatus and access is critical to the safety of the ship or safety
of life. The self-contained breathing apparatus should be worn only by
personnel trained in its use (see also section 3 and appendix F).
.2.3 When required by the competent authority,
the temperature of the cargo in each cargo space should be measured at regular
time intervals to detect self-heating.
.2.4 If at
the time of loading, when the hatches are open, the temperature of the coal
exceeds 55°C, expert advice should be obtained.
.2.5 If the carbon monoxide level is
increasing steadily, a potential self-heating may be developing. The cargo
space should be completely closed down and all ventilation ceased. The master
should seek expert advice immediately. Water should not be used for cooling the
material or fighting coal cargo fires at sea, but may be used for cooling the
boundaries of the cargo space.
.2.6 Information
to be passed to owners The most comprehensive record of measurements will
always be the log used to record daily results. The coal cargo monitoring log
for the voyage should be faxed, or the appropriate content should be telexed to
the vessel's owners. The following minimum information is essential if an
accurate assessment of the situation is to be achieved:
(a) identity
of the holds involved; monitoring results covering carbon monoxide, methane and
oxygen concentrations;
(b) if available, temperature of coal,
location and method used to obtain results;
(c) time gas samples
taken (monitoring routine);
(d) time ventilators opened/closed;
(e) quantity of coal in hold(s) involved;
(f) type of
coal as per shipper's declaration, and any special precautions indicated on
declaration;
(g) date loaded, and ETA at intended discharge port
(which should be specified);
(h) comments or observations from the
ship's Master.
* For comprehensive information on transport of any material, refer to
sections 1-10 of this Code.
** Refer to paragraph 6.1.1
(Asphyxia) of the MFAG.
***For the interpretation of the
segregation terms see paragraph 9.3.3