INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
E
IMO
SUB-COMMITTEE ON DANGEROUS
GOODS, SOLID CARGOES AND
CONTAINERS
8th session
Agenda item 6
DSC 8/INF.3
4 April 2003
ENGLISH ONLY
CASUALTY AND INCIDENT REPORTS AND ANALYSIS
Submitted by Germany
SUMMARY
Executive summary:
Specific checks of import containers loaded with UN 1057
LIGHTERS or LIGHTER REFILLS carried out in German ports in
the form of gas measurements have shown that in an increasing
number of containers there are explosive gas concentrations caused by
leaking lighters or leaking lighter refills
Action to be taken:
Paragraph 5
Related documents:
None
Reason
1
During the checks carried out at the beginning of 2002 following press reports about
exploding containers loaded with gas lighters, explosive gas concentrations were detected in
several containers in German ports, too. The explosive gas concentrations were caused by
leaking gas lighters.
2
Further specific checks of import containers carried out in the course of 2002 have shown
that this is a general safety problem which has to be addressed. Therefore, the authorities
competent for transport safety and health and safety at work published warning notices regarding
this matter (see annex 1). The important incidents of the year 2002 are set out in annex 2.
Statistics have been prepared separately.
3
The containers were marked in accordance with the IMDG Code and the packaging
complied with the conditions of carriage (P205 ADR/RID; SP201 IMDG Code). The gas
concentrations detected in the containers ranged between 20 and 100% of the lower explosion
limit (LEL). Safety measures are taken if the measured gas concentrations exceed 20% LEL.
Some of the venting devices of the containers were covered from the inside. This measure leads
to the conclusion that the consignor knew that the lighters were leaking and that he therefore took
the problem into account when loading the container.
In general, the following deficiencies were detected when the containers were opened and the
cargo checked:
For reasons of economy, this document is printed in a limited number. Delegates are
kindly asked to bring their copies to meetings and not to request additional copies.
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DSC 8/INF.3
-2-
.1
The individual lighters were not secured (by means of adhesive tape) or designed
in a way that leakage of contents could be ruled out completely (see the
requirements in SP201 IMDG Code, P205 no. 6 ADR/RID).
.2
Some packages (and therefore the lighters, too) were stowed upside down which
led to additional strain, open valves and leakage.
.3
Random checks carried out by experts showed that in some cases the lighters were
not safe for use and therefore had to be destroyed. The lighters had been imported
from China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Singapore and Thailand.
4
In most cases, permission was granted to forward the containers to the consignee after
they had been degassed and a new measurement of the gas concentration had been carried out by
an expert (example in annex 3). Due to the risk of further gas generation during transport, the
consignees were informed in order to be able to have the containers degassed prior to unloading
(example in annex 4).
Action requested of the Sub-Committee
5
The Sub-Committee is requested to consider the above and decide as appropriate.
***
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DSC 8/INF.3
ANNEX 1
WARNING NOTICE CONCERNING GAS LIGHTERS IN TRANSPORT CONTAINERS
Situation
Recently two incidents occurred in the Port of Hamburg involving the formation of an explosive
gas atmosphere within transport containers loaded with gas lighters from which gas was leaking
under circumstances that have yet to be fully explained.
It has been ascertained so far that the lighters which have obviously been imported from China
were of minor quality in at least one case.
In both cases the transport containers were marked in accordance with the provisions for the
transport of dangerous goods (class 2.1, UN no. 1057) and apparently the packaging was in
accordance with the provisions.
The Water Guard has been informed about the fact that at least one container loaded with gas
lighters already exploded in China.
In addition to this, there is evidence that in China some containers are indeed shipped without the
marking and labelling prescribed for dangerous goods and that the lighters are, for example,
specified as toy lighters (unfilled) or as other harmless plastics objects in the transport
documents.
Risk assessment
Disposable lighters are as a rule filled with an ignitable butane gas mixture. The flashpoint of the
mixture is at approximately -60°C and the mixture is explosive when it contains between
approximately 1.5 and 10% butane gas by volume.
At least in the first incident in the Port of Hamburg the container contained an explosive mixture;
a spark of sufficient energy would have been enough to ignite the mixture and cause an
explosion.
Information on personal safety and general safety measures
For checks of containers or in the case of damage to such containers we would like to draw your
attention to the following measures required to ensure personal safety and avoid other risks:
!
Do not smoke.
!
Avoid all sources of ignition (stop your engine, do not use any devices that are not
explosion-proof such as for example radio sets, flashlights or mobile phones).
!
Leave the danger area and seal it off.
!
Call the police and the fire service.
In all other cases, please consult guide LF 371 (in particular sections 7.1 and 8.3.3) and police
service regulation PDV 100. In the event of major damage in accordance with the civil
protection regulations, measures have to be taken on the basis of Alka T III (alert measures
book).
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DSC 8/INF.3
ANNEX 1
Page 2
Hamburg Office for Health and Safety at Work
Disposable Lighters Safety Information for Transhipment and Storage Businesses
In the Port of Hamburg spot-check measurements have been carried out in various containers
loaded with gas lighters. Particularly in the containers imported from China explosive gas-air
mixtures were detected. Some of the venting measures taken on the port terminals were only
temporarily effective.
Up to now, the question whether the high gas concentrations were caused by “normal” leakage in
accordance with the permissible leak rates or by the transport conditions (jolting, insolation,
insufficient venting, buckled packagings) has not been completely resolved.
The maximum permissible leak rate of disposable lighters in accordance with the DIN ISO 9994
“Lighters” standard is 15 mg/min which means that the lighters may permanently release gas in
accordance with this standard. The liquid gases contained in lighters as a rule consist of a
mixture between butane and propane which is highly flammable even at indoor temperature and
normal pressure. Consequently, if a large number of such lighters are kept in an enclosed space
(approximately 1,000 pieces per package unit, approximately 1m lighters per container),
explosive gas concentrations may form within that space. The fibreboard of the packaging may
be softened by air humidity; some valves may have released gas because of jolting and stacking
forces acting on them.
As long as the reasons for this have yet to be explained there is a residual risk even if the load is
approved for onward shipment following an expert assessment of the gas concentration in the
room air.
Recommended safety measures
•
Vent the container for at least 30 min in the open air prior to unloading (open the doors on
the windward side) and avoid all sources of ignition within a radius of 2 metres. There
may be no sinks or other inlets on the ground within a radius of 5 metres.
•
Check the load for damage or other irregularities (e.g. unusual smell). If there is
suspicion that a consignment contains defective lighters or lighters that are excessively
releasing gas, unloading and handling may begin only after an expert (e.g. a consultant
chemist) has decided on how to proceed.
•
Ensure sufficient venting of the store room (natural or mechanical venting).
•
Lay down particular fire protection measures and co-ordinate them with the fire service, if
necessary. The Hamburg Office for Health and Safety at Work and the Hamburg Fire
Service are using the Technical Regulations for Pressurized Gases TRG 300 “Aerosol
Dispensers” as a basis for laying down adequate measures. In accordance with TRG 300
not more than 60% of the surface of store rooms may be used for the storage of goods of
any kind. In the rooms smoking, open fire or open light, waste disposal (e.g. packaging
waste, cleaning rags) are prohibited.
•
Staff instruction.
•
Safety information boards on all entrances to the storage area.
***
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DSC 8/INF.3
ANNEX 2
Copy
Information by Hansestadt Bremisches Hafenamt (Port Authority of the Hanseatic City of
Bremen)
Harbour Master about Leaking Lighters in Containers from China
15 February 2002
GATU 034 923 - 9 ex LT UTILE
Content: 1,000 cartons weighing 15.60 tonnes
On 18 February 2002, the Bremerhaven Fire Service measured a gas concentration equal to
144% of the lower explosion limit (LEL) in the container. Upon request of the company having
the right of disposition, the shipping house Evergreen, the container was inspected by a licensed
expert. The expert confirmed that it takes only a short time until an explosive gas-air mixture
forms again in the interior of the container if its doors are shut after venting. Since the container
could not be transported, the shipping company was asked to take the necessary steps for
removal. In the meantime, the lighters have been disposed of in the Bremerhaven refuse
incineration plant upon the request of Evergreen. The fire service carried 100 cartons daily to the
incineration plant.
25 February 2002
GATU 051 186 - 4 ex LT UNITED
Content: 750 cartons weighing 16.50 tonnes
On 28 February 2002, the Chemico-Technical Laboratory Dr Wolfgang Melzer measured various
gas concentrations ranging from 40 to 70% LEL in the front area and at the bottom of the
container after it had been vented for 7 hours and locked overnight. The middle and rear areas of
the container were inaccessible. Higher gas concentrations in these areas could not be ruled out.
In his report Dr Melzer classified the goods as damaged dangerous goods. In his opinion there
were no practicable measures by which the goods could be saved. He recommended that the
goods be destroyed. In the meantime they have been destroyed.
9 March 2002
TRIU 190 032 - 9 ex LT URBAN
Content: 779 cartons weighing 15,00 tonnes
The fire service measured a gas concentration equal to 45% LEL. Measures have yet to be taken.
The container was secured in a safe storage area and the company having the right of disposition
informed.
All containers were loaded in “NINGBO” in China.
During a telephone call the signatory was told by a representative of the Evergreen shipping
company that Evergreen will agree to shipments for which a measurement has been carried out in
“NINGBO” with the exception of shipments to German ports.
Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that lighters manufactured in China will be imported by road or
rail from other ports in the future.
It is recommended that IMO and other ports within the EU be informed thereof.
***
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DSC 8/INF.3
ANNEX 3
SCHMITT UND FINTELMANN (INLABCO) GMBH:
Additional Instructions on the Handling of the Containers:
!
The containers contain an explosive gas-air mixture!
!
If the containers are shut, a safe distance of at least 2 metres has to be kept!
!
If the containers are open, the safe distance has to be increased to 5 metres!
!
All sources of ignition must be avoided within the sealed-off safety area!
!
The containers cannot be expected to be gas-free after natural venting (carried out
by opening the container doors)!
Recommendation:
!
Unload the containers individually and store the cartons separately in a sealed-off
safety area by taking increased safety measures (continuous gas measurements)!
Schmitt und Fintelmann (INLABCO) GmbH
***
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DSC 8/INF.3
ANNEX 4
Cropp, Hans-Gerhard
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Boels, Detlef[SMTP:[email protected]]
Friday, 15 February 2002, 14:30
‘[email protected]’
_WSPS22
Gas Lighters
State Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
41061 Mönchengladbach
Lighter Consignment
Approximately 27 containers loaded with lighters from China were confiscated in the Port of
Hamburg after selective checks carried out by the Water Guard revealed gas concentrations
above the LEL. At present, the containers are stored temporarily on different terminals where
increased safety measures have been taken. Part of the load is being destroyed. Subject to
certain conditions the Water Guard grants permission for onward transport of individual cargo
units to domestic consignees.
In accordance with the DIN ISO 9994 “Lighters” standard, the carriage of gas lighters with a
maximum permissible leak rate of 15 mg/min each is permitted. Lighters are “products”. The
provisions of the Safety of Equipment Act are not applicable.
The haulage company “Wendland-Spedition” plans to carry a consignment of lighters from the
Port of Hamburg to the consignee to Viersen by lorry as of 18 February 2002 after co-ordination
with the competent agency of the Water Guard, WSPF 22. Transhipment of the lighters from the
containers to lorries will be carried out under expert supervision. Individual packages showing
an elevated gas concentration will be sorted out and destroyed as a precaution.
It is the following consignment:
1/20’ Cont. GSTU 361606-3 containing 836 cartons of refillable pocket lighters, 18629 kg
The consignee is: BAK GmbH, Heiligenstr. 75, D-41727 Viersen …..
The consignee was informed by the haulage company on 15 February with the following text:
Hello Mr Baback,
With reference to the various phone calls we had concerning the consignment mentioned above
and the problem of gas leakages/gas concentrations in the container and the individual cartons we
would like to draw your attention again to the fact that there may be gas in the cartons/overpacks.
For this reason, it should be ensured that the store rooms are vented sufficiently and that the
individual cartons are checked for defective lighters prior to shipment in order to avoid potential
risks presented by residual amounts of gas.
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DSC 8/INF.3
ANNEX 4
Page 2
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to call me.
Yours sincerely,
K. P. Boldt
Wendland Spedition GmbH - International -, Hamburg
In our view, the storage of bigger units in places that are insufficiently vented still involves
higher risks even if the individual lighters are in accordance with the admissible leak rates
mentioned above. For this reason, your department will be notified thereof as a precaution.
Detlef Boels, qualified physicist
_____________
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