Chemical Tankers / Day 5 / Day 5 Topic 3 Vapour Detection Toxic Gases & Passivation

Chemical Training

Vapour Detection for Toxic Cargoes & Passivation

Handling of Toxic cargoes as per IBC/BCH codes

The IBC Code specifies ways to limit exposure of personnel to toxic vapors while cargo is being handled, or during carriage at sea by:

• minimizing toxic vapor emission by controlling how cargo vapors are to be vented or returned to the shore and how tank content are to be gauged;

Handling of Toxic cargoes as per IBC/BCH codes

•It specifies ventilation of working spaces such as pump rooms;

•Requires the ship to carry equipment to detect vapors;

•Requires the provision of personal protective equipment;

•To ensure that toxic vapors are diluted to safe concentrations before they can reach accommodation areas requires that tank vent system outlets are located at a safe distance and etc;

Handling of Toxic cargoes as per IBC/BCH codes

Ships carrying toxic products shall be equipped with at least two

instruments designed and calibrated to test for the specific

vapours.

Vapour detection instruments may be portable or fixed. If a fixed

system is installed, at least one portable instrument shall be provided.

Handling of Toxic cargoes as per IBC/BCH codes

The primary source of available information for the product to be carried and its specific requirements are contained within the table of IBC Code chapter 17 table. If the vapour detection (column k) is indicates the letter “T”, then the product has a toxic vapors and means for detection should be available.

Format of Chapter 17 table and toxic cargo indications:

Handling of Toxic cargoes as per IBC/BCH codes

When toxic vapour detection equipment is not available for some products (Biodiesel, PMDI,etc.) which require detection, as indicated in column k in the table of chapter 17, the Administration may exempt the ship from the requirement, provided an appropriate entry is made on the Fitness Certificate.

Handling of Toxic cargoes as per IBC/BCH codes

Handling of Toxic cargoes as per IBC/BCH codes

When granting such an exemption, the Administration shall recognize the necessity for additional breathing-air supply and an entry shall be made on the Fitness Certificate drawing attention to the provisions of 14.2.4 and 16.4.2.2 of the IBC Code.