INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
E
IMO
SUB-COMMITTEE ON DANGEROUS
GOODS, SOLID CARGOES AND
CONTAINERS
13th session
Agenda item 4
DSC 13/4/3
2 July 2008
Original: ENGLISH
AMENDMENTS TO THE IMSBC CODE, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF
PROPERTIES OF SOLID BULK CARGOES
Transport of wood pellets and other wood products
Submitted by Sweden
SUMMARY
Executive summary:
This document proposes to specify in the schedules the minimum
oxygen content for wood chips, and carbon monoxide level for wood
pellets, in the IMSBC Code. The document also includes a proposal
to include pulp wood as a new schedule and to add some
recommendations on ventilation and preventative procedures before
entering enclosed spaces.
Strategic direction:
5.2
High-level action:
5.2.3
Planned output:
5.2.3.1
Action to be taken:
Paragraph 10
Related documents:
DSC 13/INF.6 and DSC 13/INF.7
Introduction
1
Since 2005 seven people have lost their lives and several have been injured on
Swedish-flagged vessels or on other flagged vessels in Swedish ports during the handling of
wood products. The risks associated with the transportation of seemingly harmless cargo such as
wood pellets and other wood products are neither well-known nor understood and have been
presented in DSC 13/INF.6 and DSC 13/INF.7.
2
The study mentioned in DSC 13/INF.7 on wood pellets was expanded in 2007 to cover
other wood products such as pulp wood and wood chips. The conclusion is that measuring both
carbon monoxide and oxygen is essential prior to entry into cargo hold and adjacent spaces with
air communication with a cargo of wood pellets. However, the study shows that if the minimum
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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oxygen level is specified for cargoes of wood chips and pulp wood, a sufficient level of safety is
reached.
Proposal
3
Sweden therefore proposes to amend the IMSBC Code as set out in annex 1 to inform
crew members and others concerned about the hazards connected with transport of wood pellets
and wood chips.
4
Furthermore, one of the accidents mentioned in DSC 13/INF.6 includes timber logs that
are not listed in the IMSBC Code but are liable to cause oxygen depletion and increasing of
carbon dioxide. Sweden therefore proposes to include a new schedule in the IMSBC Code as
presented in annex 2.
5
Though that information on ventilation procedures is in each schedule, it should also be
reflected in the general text. Sweden proposes to add a new item .5 to section 3.5.2 in
the IMSBC Code as set out in annex 3 to reflect this matter.
6
Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships, Appendix 7, should also
reflect that “cargo space stairways” are included in the definition in section 2 as set out in
annex 3.
7
Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships in Appendix 7 focus very
much in detail how to proceed when entering an enclosed space aboard ships but does not reflect
any preventive procedures. Sweden therefore proposes to add a new text before section 5.1 as set
out in annex 3.
8
Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships, Appendix 7, should also be
amended in section 9.4, to include “wood pellets” as set out in annex 3.
9
Though the study in DSC 13/INF.7 has only included wood pellets, wood chips and pulp
wood, there is a suspicion that other wood products, such as sawdust and wood pulp pellets,
likely have the same or similar properties. The IMSBC Code also indicates in the following
schedules that the cargo may lead to oxygen depletion and should therefore be further
investigated if they have the same or similar properties: brown coal briquettes, charcoal, coal,
copra, direct reduced iron (B), ferrosilicon UN 1408 (only stating that no entry if oxygen level is
below 18%), ferrous metal borings (shavings, turnings or cuttings UN 2793), fish (in bulk), fish
meal (fishscrap), iron oxide (iron sponge), metal sulphide concentrates, mineral concentrates,
silicomanganese and tapioca peat moss, seed cake.
Action requested of the Sub-Committee
10
The Sub-Committee is invited to consider the above and to take action as appropriate.
***
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ANNEX 1
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO APPENDIX 1, INDIVIDUAL SCHEDULES OF SOLID
BULK CARGOES IN THE IMSBC CODE
WOOD PELLETS
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 such
closure.
Precautions
Entry of personnel into cargo and adjacent confined spaces should 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 20.9% and carbon monoxide
< 100 ppm. If these conditions are not met, additional ventilation should 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 deck crew when
entering confined spaces and cargo holds.
Ventilation
The cargo spaces carrying this cargo shall not be ventilated during voyage. Ventilation of
adjacent cargo spaces before entry may be necessary even if apparently sealed to cargo hold.
Special emergency equipment to be carried
Self-contained breathing apparatus and combined oxygen/carbon monoxide meter when entering
confined spaces, which has not been properly ventilated.
WOOD CHIPS
Hazard
Add following text to the existing:
A condition with complete depletion of oxygen may present in less than 48 hours.
Precautions
Entry of personnel into cargo and adjacent confined spaces should not be permitted until tests
have been carried out and it has been established that the oxygen level is 20.9%. If this condition
is not met, additional ventilation should be applied to the cargo hold or adjacent confined spaces
and re-measuring shall be conducted after a suitable interval.
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ANNEX 1
Page 2
An oxygen meter shall be worn and activated by all deck crew when entering confined spaces
and cargo holds.
In dry weather, dust which settles on deck will dry out quickly and is easily ignited. Suitable
measures should be taken to prevent fire.
Ventilation
Ventilation of adjacent cargo spaces before entry may be necessary even if apparently sealed to
cargo hold.
Special emergency equipment to be carried
Self-contained breathing apparatus and an oxygen meter when entering confined spaces which
have not been properly ventilated.
***
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ANNEX 2
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO APPENDIX 1, INDIVIDUAL SCHEDULES OF SOLID
BULK CARGOES IN THE IMSBC CODE
PULP WOOD
TIMBER (round wood)
Description
Pulp wood and timber carried in bulk for further arrangement
Characeristics
ANGLE OF REPOSE
Not applicable
BULK DENSITY (kg/m3 )
Not applicable
STOWAGE FACTOR (m3/t)
Not applicable
SIZE
Not applicable
CLASS
Not applicable
GROUP
C
Hazard
This cargo possesses a chemical hazard. Liable to cause oxygen depletion and increasing of
carbon dioxide in cargo space and adjacent confined spaces.
Stowage and segregation
No special requirements
Hold cleanliness
No special requirements
Weather protection
No special requirements
Loading
See Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes, resolution A.715(17).
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 has been restored to 20.9 %.
If these conditions are not met, additional ventilation should be applied to the cargo hold and
adjacent confined spaces and re-measuring shall be conducted after a suitable interval.
An oxygen meter shall be worn and activated by all deck crew when entering confined spaces
and cargo holds.
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ANNEX 2
Page 2
Ventilation
Ventilation not required. Ventilation of adjacent cargo spaces before entry may be necessary
even if apparently sealed to 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 an oxygen meter when entering confined spaces
which have not been properly ventilated.
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.
Medical First Aid
Refer to Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG), as amended.
***
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ANNEX 3
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 3 AND APPENDIX 7 OF THE
IMSBC CODE
Section 3
3.5.2
Recommendations on ventilation
.5
The ventilation procedures, before the safe entry into adjacent enclosed spaces
with air communication with the cargo hold, such as stairways, may be different
from the instructions for ventilation of the cargo hold during voyage.
Appendix 7
Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships, in the
IMSBC Code
Section 2
Definitions
The last item in section 2.1 should include “cargo space stairways” and be as follows:
and includes, but is not limited to, cargo spaces, cargo space stairways, double bottoms,
fuel tanks, ballast tanks, pump-rooms, compressor rooms, cofferdams, void spaces, duct
keels, inter-barrier spaces, engine crankcases and sewage tanks.
Section 5
General precautions
Entry doors leading to enclosed spaces where an oxygen deficient or toxic atmosphere may exist
should at all times be locked when entry is not required. The release of the key to such locks
should only be made by the responsible person and be part of the safe entry permit.
Doors shall be labelled with appropriate warning signs in such a way that they are legible both
when the door is in the closed and open position.
A door which is opened to provide natural ventilation of an enclosed space may be an invitation
to enter by an uninformed person before the enclosed space is secured. The provision of a
mechanical barrier, i.e. a rope or chain with an attached warning sign positioned in the door
opening, could prevent such accidental entry.
The use of enclosed spaces for the purpose of storing tools or supplies should not be allowed,
since this may be a reason for an accidental entry.
Section 9.4
Oxygen-depleting cargoes and materials
“Wood pellets” should be included in 9.4.2.4 and be as follows:
9.4.2.4 wood in such forms as packaged timber, roundwood, logs, pulpwood, props (pit
props and other propwood), woodchips, woodshavings, wood pellets, woodpulp
pellets and sawdust;
___________
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